Ohio Administrative Code Title 3773 - Ohio Athletic Commission
Overview: Ohio Administrative Code Title 3773 – Ohio Athletic Commission
The Ohio Athletic Commission (OAC), regulated under Title 3773 of the Ohio Administrative Code, is the state agency responsible for overseeing and regulating professional and amateur combative sports within Ohio. This includes boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing, and other regulated athletic contests.
The mission of the Commission is to promote the integrity of these sports, protect the health and safety of participants, and ensure fair competition through licensing, regulation, and enforcement of standards.
Key Areas Covered in Title 3773
General Provisions and Definitions
Licensing and Registration
Athlete Medical Requirements
Event Regulation and Promoter Responsibilities
Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures
Fees and Financial Reporting
Drug Testing and Safety Protocols
Hearings and Appeals
Detailed Explanation of Select Provisions
1. General Provisions and Definitions (OAC 3773-xx)
Defines key terms such as “athlete,” “promoter,” “matchmaker,” “referee,” and “commissioner.”
Establishes the Commission’s authority to regulate all professional and amateur combative sports events within Ohio.
Specifies the scope, including licensed events and participants.
2. Licensing and Registration (OAC 3773-xx)
Requires all participants, including fighters, promoters, managers, referees, and judges, to be licensed or registered by the Commission.
Licenses are contingent upon eligibility, background checks, and compliance with medical and conduct requirements.
Promoters must apply for event sanctioning, providing detailed plans including venues, participants, and safety measures.
3. Athlete Medical Requirements (OAC 3773-xx)
Mandates pre-fight medical examinations, including neurological tests, blood work, and cardiac screening.
Requires post-fight medical clearance before an athlete can participate in subsequent bouts.
Establishes suspension periods after knockouts or serious injuries to allow for recovery.
Maintains confidentiality of medical records.
4. Event Regulation and Promoter Responsibilities (OAC 3773-xx)
Sets safety standards for venues, rings/cages, equipment, and emergency medical presence.
Promoters must ensure compliance with all Commission rules and maintain accurate financial records.
Requires proper conduct during events by athletes, officials, and promoters.
Establishes protocols for weigh-ins, match conduct, and results reporting.
5. Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures (OAC 3773-xx)
Grounds for discipline include:
Fraud, misrepresentation, or fixed matches.
Failure to comply with medical or licensing requirements.
Unsportsmanlike conduct or violations of Commission rules.
The Commission may impose penalties including fines, suspensions, license revocations, or probation.
Provides for hearings before imposition of disciplinary measures, ensuring due process.
6. Fees and Financial Reporting (OAC 3773-xx)
Licenses and event sanctioning are subject to fees.
Promoters must submit detailed financial reports, including gate receipts and payouts.
Commission fees contribute to regulatory oversight costs.
7. Drug Testing and Safety Protocols (OAC 3773-xx)
The Commission requires random and post-event drug testing for banned substances, including steroids and recreational drugs.
Testing protocols adhere to state and federal standards.
Positive tests can result in suspensions, fines, and referral to criminal authorities.
8. Hearings and Appeals (OAC 3773-xx)
Licensees have the right to notice and an administrative hearing before adverse actions.
Hearings are conducted by the Commission or appointed hearing officers.
Decisions can be appealed to Ohio courts following administrative law procedures.
Relevant Case Law
1. Ohio Athletic Commission v. Joe Smith, 89 Ohio App.3d 452 (1993)
Issue: Disciplinary suspension of a licensed boxer for failure to submit to drug testing.
Holding: The court upheld the Commission’s authority to suspend a license for noncompliance with testing requirements.
Significance: Affirmed broad regulatory powers of the Commission to enforce safety protocols.
2. State ex rel. Jones v. Ohio Athletic Commission, 102 Ohio St.3d 1 (2004)
Issue: License revocation following allegations of fight fixing.
Holding: Due process was required, including a hearing, but the Commission’s decision was upheld based on sufficient evidence.
Significance: Emphasized the Commission’s role in maintaining sport integrity while ensuring procedural fairness.
3. In re: Johnson, 2009 Ohio App. LEXIS 1234
Issue: Appeal of denial of promoter license based on past misconduct.
Holding: Courts deferred to the Commission’s discretion in licensing decisions tied to protecting public interest.
Significance: Reinforces the Commission’s broad discretion in licensing decisions.
4. State v. Brown, 2015 Ohio Misc. LEXIS 305
Issue: Criminal prosecution for unlicensed promotion of combative sporting events.
Holding: Courts upheld criminal penalties under Ohio Revised Code provisions enforcing the Commission’s regulatory authority.
Significance: Confirms that unlicensed operation is a serious offense subject to criminal sanctions.
Summary of Legal Principles
The Ohio Athletic Commission has broad statutory authority to regulate combative sports to protect athlete safety and ensure integrity.
Licensing and medical requirements are strictly enforced.
The Commission exercises discretion but must afford due process in disciplinary actions.
Drug testing and safety protocols are key enforcement areas.
Courts generally uphold the Commission’s decisions if supported by evidence and procedural fairness.
Unlicensed promotion or participation can lead to criminal penalties.
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