Chapter 3773-2 | Boxing Matches and Exhibitions

Rule 3773-2-01 | Weigh-in and weights and classes.

• Effective: August 1, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing classes of boxers, which classes shall be based upon weights. All contests or exhibitions shall take place only between boxers who are within the same weight class as defined by the commission, unless otherwise approved by the commission.

The allowable weight differences shall be between weight classes. Example a contestant one hundred fourteen pounds, super flyweight may compete against an opponent one hundred seventeen pounds, bantamweight. There is no more than a three pound difference between weight classes.

Weight Class	Weights	Allowed Weight differences	Glove Size
Mini Flyweight	up to 105 lbs	not more than 3 lbs	8 oz
Light Flyweight	106 to 108 lbs	not more than 3 lbs	8 oz
Flyweight	108 to 112 lbs	not more than 3 lbs	8 oz
Super Flyweight	113 to 115 lbs	not more than 3 lbs	8 oz
Bantamweight	116 to 118 lbs	not more than 3 lbs	8 oz
Super Bantamweight	119 to 122 lbs	not more than 4 lbs	8 oz
Featherweight	123 to 126 lbs	not more than 4 lbs	8 oz
Super Featherweight	127 to 130 lbs	not more than 4 lbs	8 oz
Lightweight	131 to 135 lbs	not more than 5 lbs	8 oz
Super Lightweight	136 to 140 lbs	not more than 5 lbs	8 oz
Welterweight	141 to 147 lbs	not more than 7 lbs	8 oz
Super Welterweight	148 to 154 lbs	not more than 7 lbs	10 oz
Middleweight	155 to 160 lbs	not more than 7 lbs	10 oz
Super Middleweight	161 to 168 lbs	not more than 7 lbs	10 oz
Light Heavyweight	169 to 175 lbs	not more than 7 lbs	10 oz
Cruiserweight	176 to 200 lbs	not more than 12 lbs	10 oz
Heavyweight	Over 201 lbs	no limit	10 oz

(B) The contestant shall not exceed the weight specified on the contestant/promoter contract. If a contestant exceeds the weight specified in the contestant/promoter contract, the commission shall cancel the contest unless the contestant:

(1) Loses the weight exceeded in the contestant/promoter contract. A contestant weighing one hundred forty-seven pounds or less may not lose more than two pounds and a contestant over one hundred forty-seven pounds may not lose more than three pounds of their weight and this weight loss must occur within a one hour period. There are no restrictions to the number of times a contestant may attempt to re-weigh within the prescribed time period. This does not apply to next day weigh-in. There may be no losing weight after weighing in.

(2) Renegotiates the contestant/promoter contract, provided both contestants are within the same weight class or within the permitted weight differences between weight classes.

(C) Contestants who weigh-in the day prior to the scheduled event may be required to re-weigh the day of the event. Contestants weighing one hundred forty-seven pounds and lower shall not exceed the weight of the previous day weigh-in by more than eight pounds. A contestant weighing more than one hundred forty-seven pounds shall not exceed the weight of the previous day weigh-in by more than ten pounds.

(D) The scale used for the weigh-ins shall be provided by the athletic commission. When authorized by the executive director or the commission the scale may be provided by the promoter.. If more than one scale is used, each contestant shall be weighed on the same scale as their opponent.

(E) Penalties for a fighter being overweight:

(1) Up to a sixty day suspension and/or a fine.

(2) Overweight by one ounce to two pounds shall be fined by paying opponent two hundred dollars or twenty per cent of purse whichever is higher.

(3) Overweight by more than two pounds but not over four pounds shall pay the opponent four hundred dollars or twenty-five per cent of purse whichever is higher.

(4) Overweight by greater than four pounds and if within the regulations for the bout to continue, shall be fined by paying the opponent five hundred dollars or thirty per cent of purse whichever is higher.

(5) If the contestant is to receive ten thousand dollars or more the opponent will receive fifty per cent and the state of Ohio will receive fifty per cent.

(6) If bout goes on no suspension will be issued for not making weight.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 8/19/1984

Rule 3773-2-02 | Ohio will adopt the "Association of Boxing Commission" uniform championship rules. male boxers.

• Effective: August 1, 2019
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) No boxing contest shall be scheduled for more than twelve rounds, of three minutes duration, and one minute rest period

(B) Referee is the sole arbitrator of a bout and is the only individual authorized to stop a contest. The referee shall be approved by the commission and will not score the contest.

(C) All bouts will be evaluated and scored by three judges approved by the commission.

(D) "Ten Points Must System" will be standard system of scoring a bout. Judges are to score each round using the following criteria:

(1) Clean punching

(2) Effective aggressiveness

(3) Ring generalship

(4) Defense

(E) At the conclusion of each round, the judges shall score that round and submit their scorecard to the referee who will then submit the cards to the inspector or commission representative. For title bouts the judges will fill out two scorecards for each boxer per round, one card for the sanctioning body and the other for the state commission.

(1) Judges may only deduct points when instructed by the referee.

(2) In the event that the bout is stopped prior to the round ending, the judges shall score "all" incomplete and partial rounds as if they were completed rounds

(F) All boxers are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece is dislodged during competition, the referee will call time and have the mouthpiece replaced at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action. The referee may deduct points if it is judged the mouthpiece is being purposely spit out.

(G) There is "no" standing eight count.

(H) A mandatory eight count after knockdowns will be standard procedure in all bouts.

(I) There is "no" three knockdown rule.

(J) Determination a of a knockdown

It shall be rules a knockdown when as a result of a legal blow or series of legal blows, a contestant:

(1) Touches the canvass with any part of the body other than their feet

(2) Is being held up by the ropes

(3) Is hanging on, through, or over the ropes without the ability to protect themselves and cannot fall to the floor.

(4) Turns their back to their opponent and walks away without protecting themself

(K) When a boxer has been knocked down; the referee must immediately order the other boxer to a neutral corner and shall thereafter pick up the count from the timekeeper. The downed boxer will be allowed a ten count in which to rise unassisted. Should the boxer arise before the ten count is reached and go back down immediately without being struck by the opponent, the referee shall resume the count from where they left off. If a contestant is unable to continue at the count of ten, the referee shall declare the opponent the winner by a knockout. A referee may terminate the count and the bout if they decide the safety of the downed opponent is at risk.

(L) A boxer shall receive a twenty second count, to re-enter the ring, if the boxer is knocked out of the ring and onto the floor. Failure to re-enter the ring in the prescribed time will cause the boxer to lose the bout. The boxer is to be unassisted by any of their seconds. If assisted by any of their seconds, boxer shall be disqualified by the referee.

(M) A boxer who has been knocked down cannot be saved by the bell in any round.

(N) If a boxer sustains an injury from a fair blow and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout, the injured boxer will lose by TKO.

(O) Intentional fouls:

(1) If an intentional foul causes an injury, and the injury is severe enough to terminate the bout immediately, the boxer causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.

(2) If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee will notify the judges to deduct two points from the boxer who caused the foul. Point deductions for intentional fouls are mandatory.

(3) If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue and the injury results in the bout being stopped in a latter round, the injured boxer will win by a technical decision if they are ahead on the scorecards and if they are behind or even on the scorecards the bout will result in a technical draw. Partial or incomplete rounds will be scored. If no action has occurred, the round should be scored as an even round.

(4) If the boxer injures themselves while attempting to intentionally foul the opponent, the referee will take no action in their favor and this injury will be considered the same as if caused by a legal blow.

(5) If the referee feels that a boxer has conducted themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner they may stop the bout and disqualify them.

(P) Accidental fouls

(1) If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout will result in a "No Decision" if stopped before three completed rounds in bouts scheduled for four rounds. If three rounds have been completed in a bout scheduled for four rounds, a technical decision will be awarded to the boxer who is ahead on the scorecards at the time the bout was stopped. Partial or incomplete rounds will be scored. If no action has occurred, the round should be scored as an even round.

(2) If a bout is scheduled for more than four rounds and an accidental foul occurs causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately, the bout will result in a "No Decision" if stopped before four completed rounds. If four rounds have been completed in a bout scheduled for more than four rounds, a technical decision will be awarded to the boxer who is ahead on the scorecards at the time the bout was stopped. Partial or incomplete rounds will be scored. If no action has occurred, the round should be scored as an even round.

(3) Rounds are complete when the bell rings signifying the end of that round.

(4) A boxer who is hit with an accidental low blow must continue after a reasonable amount of time but no more than five minutes or they will lose the fight.

(Q) Fouls

A foul is an action by a boxer, identified by the referee that does not meet the standard of a fair blow or the conduct of a responsible professional fighter. Fouls may include, but are not limited to, the following type of contact or acts:

(1) Hitting an opponent below the navel or behind the ear

(2) Hitting an opponent who is knocked down

(3) Holding an opponent with one hand and hitting with the other

(4) Holding or deliberately maintaining a clinch

(5) Wrestling, kicking or roughing tactics

(6) Pushing an opponent about the ring or into the ropes

(7) Hitting with the head, shoulder, elbow, or knee

(8) Hitting with an open glove, the butt or inside of the hand, or back of the glove

(9) Purposely falling to the canvas of the ring without being hit or for the purpose of avoiding a blow

(10) Striking deliberately at the part of the body over the kidneys

(11) Rabbit punches (punches thrown to the back of the head and neck areas).

(12) Jabbing the eyes with the thumb of the glove

(13) Unsportsmanlike conduct causing injury to an opponent that does not meet the standard of a fair blow.se

(14) Use of abusive language

(15) Hitting on the break

(16) Intentionally spitting out the mouthpiece

(17) Hitting on or out of the ropes

(18) Holding ropes and hitting

(19) Biting or spitting

(20) Not following referee's instructions

(21) Crouching below opponents belt

(22) Stepping on an opponent

(23) Leaving the neutral corner

(24) Shouting from a second from the corner

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 8/19/1984, 2/8/1991

Rule 3773-2-03 | Female boxing rules.

• Effective: November 30, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Female boxing rules will follow all male rules, including all weight classes and glove sizes, with the following exceptions:

(1) All bouts shall be scheduled for no more than ten rounds with each round lasting two or three minutes, that will be approved by executive director or athletic commission. One minute rest between rounds.

(2) Female competitors shall use no facial cosmetics and have their hair secured with soft and non-abrasive materials.

(3) ) Female competitors must wear a short-sleeved (above the elbow) or sleeveless form-fitting rash guard and/or sports bra and a mouthpiece that are properly fitted. No loose-fitting tops are allowed. Female competitors will follow the same requirements for bottom coverings as the male competitors, minus the requirement for groin protection. These will be approved by the inspector.

(4) For each contest or exhibition in which she competes, consisting of a body shirt and shorts.

(5) A negative pregnancy test shall be provided prior to each bout.

(B) Upon the discretion of the commission, any of the rules in this chapter may be modified or amended.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 11/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 2/8/1991

Rule 3773-2-04 | Availability of medical personnel.

• Effective: January 1, 2012
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

No competition may occur that involves the sports of boxing, mixed martial arts, kick boxing, karate, tough man or tough person contests, or any other form of boxing or martial arts unless there is:

(A) At least one physician at ringside at all times. The physician must be a licensed medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine, and must be legally authorized to practice medicine in the state.

(B) A minimum of two physicians assigned to an event when there are more than twelve scheduled bouts or the event is being televised.

(C) A properly equipped ambulance or medical transport vehicle with trained medical personnel on premises.

(D) A comprehensive evacuation plan for the removal of any seriously injured person(s) to hospital facilities.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 10/19/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 4/18/2009

Rule 3773-2-05 | Starting time for events.

• Effective: September 20, 2005
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Matches shall start at the time designated on the permit, or to coincide with any television timetable.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022

Rule 3773-2-06 | Length of scheduled events and matches.

• Effective: January 1, 2012
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) There shall be no less than five bouts and twenty-four rounds of boxing on any program. There will be no waiver of rounds unless otherwise approved by the commission or executive director.

(B) There shall be no less than three bouts and twelve rounds of professional boxing, for "Pro/Am" events. There must a minimum of five amateur bouts and confirmation from the amateur sanctioning organization prior to approving the event. There will be no waiver of rounds unless otherwise approved by the executive director or commission.

(C) Male contestants: boxing matches can only be scheduled for four, six, eight, ten, or twelve rounds unless otherwise approved by the commission.

(D) Female contestants: matches can only be scheduled for four, six, eight, or ten rounds unless otherwise approved by the commission.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34, 3773.45
Five Year Review Date: 10/19/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 11/29/1986, 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-07 | Round limitations for professional boxers.

• Effective: April 18, 2009
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Any boxer making their professional debut or who is thirty-five or older and has not been active in any event for eighteen months or more may not participate in more than four scheduled rounds. This may be waived by the commission.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34, 3773.45
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 8/19/1984, 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-08 | Change or substitution involving main event; Notice by promoter; refund price of ticket; approval of substitution.

• Effective: November 30, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The promoter of any public or private competition that involves the sports of boxing, mixed martial arts, kick boxing, karate, tough man contests or tough person contests, or any other form of boxing or martial arts, shall if possible:

(1) Notify the commission or executive director and the news media of any change or substitution involving a contest that was announced or advertised as the main event of the program.

(2) Shall provide such notice at least twenty-four hours before the start of the first contest or exhibition of the event.

(B) The promoter shall also conspicuously post the change or substitution at the box office of the premises where the program is to be held and cause the change or substitution to be announced from the ring before the start of the first contest of the program.

(C) If a change or substitution occurs and any patron desires to have the price of the ticket refunded, the promoter must refund the patron's money if the patron presents a ticket or a ticket stub at the box office prior to the start of the first contest begins. The box office must remain open a reasonable length of time to redeem such tickets.

(D) A contestant may not substitute for another contestant that is scheduled for the main event unless:

(1) The promoter notifies the commission or executive director within forty-eight hours of the weigh-in of the scheduled contest or exhibition.

(2) The commission or executive director must approve the substitution. The substitute replacing the opponent must have an equal or better record of the opponent being replaced.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 11/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 11/16/1983 (Emer.)

Rule 3773-2-09 | Clean buckets and water.

• Effective: September 20, 2005
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

There shall be a clean bucket and a clean bottle of water in each boxer's corner which shall be provided by the promoter.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 8/19/1984

Rule 3773-2-10 | Bell and other ringside requirments for timekeepeer.

• Effective: November 28, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The bell, used to signal the beginning and conclusion of each round, shall be loud enough to be heard by both boxers above the noise of the crowd and must be on a level with the ring platform.

(B) There should be a distinctively different sounding device, other than a bell, whistle or buzzer to signal the final ten seconds of the round.

(C) There shall be a whistle or buzzer to signal the ten second warning signal prior to the starting of any round.

(D) Timekeepers must supply the bell and other distinctive sounding devices, whistle, and stopwatch.

(E) A air horn device shall be used by the time keeper of any mixed martial arts events to signify the end of any round.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.43
Five Year Review Date: 11/17/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 11/16/1983 (Emer.)

Rule 3773-2-11 | Ring and ringside specifications.

• Effective: September 20, 2005
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The ring must be not less than eighteen feet square and not more than twenty-four feet square within the ropes. The ring floor must extend at least eighteen inches beyond the ropes and corner posts must not be closer than eighteen inches to the ring ropes. The ring floor must be padded with matting of thickness, softness and resiliency approved by the commission or its representative. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges will not be approved.

(B) The ring platform must not be more than five feet above the floor of the building, and must be provided with steps for use by contestants. Corner posts must be of metal and not more than three inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a height of fifty-eight inches above the ring floor, and properly padded.

(C) There must be four ring ropes not less than one inch in diameter and wrapped in a soft material. The lower rope must be eighteen inches above the ring floor.

(D) Ring apron seating on all four sides of the ring shall be exclusively controlled by the commission and no person shall be permitted to be seated or have access without the approval of the commission, executive director or inspector. The commission's control of the apron is for the purpose of providing for appropriate control of the event including participant, staff, and audience safety, ensuring that only those officials assigned by the commission are seated at the apron and ensuring that adequate seating for working officials is available. Apron seating not designated by the commission, executive director, or inspector may be utilized as desired by the promoter.

(E) The following shall be provided at ringside for all matches:

(1) Three stool for judges, in such a location and at a height that will allow them a clear and unobstructed view of the ring.

(2) Two seats next to each other for the timer and knockdown timekeeper in a neutral position and in such location and height that they have full visual contact with the referee and have unobstructed access to the bell.

(3) Seat(s) for the physician(s) should be in such location and height that they have full visual contact with the referee and be positioned nearest to the corner where the steps are located for immediate access into the ring.

(4) A seat for the second referee for the event

(5) A disposable container shall be placed in each contestant's corner, to discard rubber gloves, bandages and swabs or any other possible contaminating materials.

(F) No match shall begin or continue unless three judges, the timekeeper, knockdown timekeeper, and at least one physician are located in their designated seats and the referee is in the ring.

(G) Promoters must have the ringside area roped-off separating the first row of seats from the ringside tables and provide a walkway behind the ringside tables and the ropes. The promoter must provide security in this area to assure no unauthorized persons are inside the roped-off area. There must be at least one commissioned uniformed police officer present during the event

(H) A separate area other than at ringside should be designated for the press

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/12/1986

Rule 3773-2-12 | Referee's instructions.

• Effective: September 20, 2005
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Before the start of each match, the referee shall call the contestants together for final instructions at which time each contestant shall be accompanied by their chief second only, except in the case of a contestant who also requires the services of an interpreter in which case an interpreter may accompany them. After receiving the referee's instructions, the contestants shall shake hands and retire to their corners to await the bell for the first round.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022

Rule 3773-2-13 | Persons who cannot coach any contestant.

• Effective: April 18, 2009
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The promoter or the employees of any licensed promoter and the matchmaker shall at no time coach any contestant during the progress of a match, that involves the sports of boxing, mixed martial arts, kick boxing, karate, tough man contests or tough person contests, or any other form of boxing or martial arts.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-14 | Dressing rooms.

• Effective: September 20, 2005
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

No unauthorized persons are allowed in the dressing rooms other than contestants scheduled for the event and the contestant's manager, trainer, second, and the promoter or the promoter's representative. The promoter shall provide separate dressing rooms for male and female contestants, the referees and for each corner as well as the main event contestants and shall provide security in the dressing room areas.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/12/1986, 7/31/1999

Rule 3773-2-15 | Payment for , physiciansand officials.

• Effective: March 20, 2007
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Contracts for all contestants must be given to the inspector or executive director prior to or at the weigh-in. This included all amateur contestants who participate in matches regulated by the Ohio athletic commission.

(B) Prior to start of event the promoter must give the inspector full payment and all required fees for physician(s) and officials, to include mileage and lodging according to state specifications, when applicable and approved by the commission.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-16 | Dispensers for food and drinks; ashtrays.

• Effective: April 18, 2009
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The promoter shall ensure that all beverages are dispensed in paper cups, plastic cups, or plastic containers. That all ashtrays and plates provided for patrons must be made of lightweight, non-flammable and nontoxic materials. Only plastic eating utensils may be used. Violation of this rule may result in disciplinary action taken against the promoter.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-18 | When paperwork and scorecards become public record.

• Effective: March 20, 2007
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

All paperwork and scorecards will not become public record until they are completed and approved by the commission or executive director or filed in the commission office.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 37733.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/12/1986

Rule 3773-2-19 | Rules for Ohio all state championship contests.

• Effective: March 14, 2013
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) A championship may only be won in a contest for which a promoter has obtained an Ohio license to promote as prescribed in the Administrative Code. The promoter of an Ohio state championship contest shall be responsible for the purchase of the championship belt to be presented to the winner of the contest. The belt shall clearly show the weight division for which it was won and must also show it is for a championship for the state of Ohio. A sketch or photo of the belt shall be submitted with the application for permit and approved by the commission before a permit is issued. A contestant who holds a belt for winning the championship shall present the belt to the commission representative before defending the title. If the champion wins they shall retain the championship belt. If the champion loses the title the promoter will supply a new championship belt to the new champion.

(B) A promoter shall not advertise a state championship contest without obtaining approval from the commission or executive director beforehand.

(C) The champion of the state must defend the championship title within six months of winning the title and every six months thereafter, for the purpose of defending the title, against a challenger-contender in their own weight class. If the champion does not defend the title or cannot defend the title for physical reasons that are permanent, the commission shall forfeit the championship and declare the title vacant. In the case of a champion not defending the title within six months due to illness or injury other than permanent, they shall submit to the commission, a physician's report stating the illness or injury and an estimated time as to when they will be able to defend their title. It will be at the discretion of the commission after considering the physician's report as to the length of time the extension will be permitted.

(D) If a state champion of any weight division achieves the status of champion with any world organization, the state champion shall relinquish the title they are retaining in Ohio and that title will become vacant.

(E) If a state championship contest is declared a draw, the championship shall be retained by the defending present champion. In the case of a vacant title where there is no champion and the contest is declared a draw. .

(F) For each defense of a championship title, the champion and challenger shall be at the weight required for the division in which the title is being defended or fought. Once a state championship contest has been approved by the executive director and sanctioned by the Ohio athletic commission, both contestants shall make the weight required for the weight class in which they are competing.

(G) In order to be eligible to participate in an Ohio championship contest, a contestant shall be a current resident of Ohio or a resident of any of the states which border the state of Ohio, those being Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan. .

(H) In a state championship contest, there must be no less than eight scheduled rounds for a professional boxing event.

(I) New gloves not previously worn must be supplied for both contestants for all state title bouts. Gloves must be approved by executive director or inspector.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 3/22/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 8/19/1984, 9/20/2005, 3/20/2007

Rule 3773-2-20 | First aid equipment used in contestants corners.

• Effective: January 1, 2012
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) No spirits of ammonia may be used in the ring.

(B) Only discretionary use of petroleum jelly may be used on the face, arms, or any other part of a contestant's body.

(C) In case of cuts, only the following are allowed all other solutions are prohibited:

(1) A sealed solution of adrenaline 1/1000 at ringside

(2) Aventine

(3) Thrombin

(D) All first-aid equipment used by a second, trainer, or manager shall in all cases and at all times be subject to inspection by the assigned physician or upon the commission representative's request, and the decision as to the use shall be final.

(E) No prescribed inhalers or any other type of aerosol inhaler may be used in the corner of any fighter. A prescribed inhaler may be given to the ringside physician prior to the start of the bout.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 10/19/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-21 | Wearing of rubber gloves.

• Effective: March 14, 2013
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

All referees, managers or seconds working the corner, of a boxing match, mixed martial arts, kick boxing, karate, tough person contests, or any other form of boxing or martial arts, or any form of unarmed combat sports not including professional wrestling. shall wear rubber gloves that are supplied by the commission. Only the corner person entering the cage in a mixed martial arts event needs to be wearing the rubber gloves.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 3/22/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/2005, 1/1/2012

Rule 3773-2-22 | Appearance and approved ring attire.

• Effective: November 30, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Contestants shall wear boxing shorts, abdominal guard, foul proof cup, shoes and a individually fitted mouthpiece.

(B) All contestants must:

(1) Trim and secure their hair in a manner so as to not interfere with the vision or safety of contestants. Any devise meant to hold the hair in place must be made of soft and non-abrasive materials.

(2) Have facial hair trimmed or secured in a manner so as to not interfere with their vision or safety of the contestants.

(C) All contestants must not:

(1) Wear any jewelery in the ring;

(2) Wear any cosmetics in the ring;

(3) Wear corrective lenses in the ring;

(4) Wear footwear with spikes, cleats, hard soles or heels into the ring;

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34; 3773.31
Five Year Review Date: 11/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 11/29/1986, 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-23 | Ring occupants.

• Effective: November 30, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) No person other than the contestants and referee shall enter the ring during a bout.

(B) For non title bouts there may not be more than three seconds. Between rounds, one second may be inside the ring and the other two on the ring apron.

(C) For championship bouts there may not be more than four seconds. Between rounds, one second may be inside the ring, and two seconds on the ring apron, with the fourth second remaining off the apron on the floor.

(D) No second shall:

(1) Shout loudly, beat on the ring floor with his fists, or pull on the ropes distracting the boxers in the ring;

(2) Throw water on any contestant between rounds that will endanger the footing of any contestant while in the ring;

(3) Throw anything into the ring as a token of defeat. They may stop the bout by standing on the apron of the ring and signifying to the referee to stop the bout; or

(4) Apply excessive amounts of petroleum jelly, Monsel's solution or any of its derivatives on the contestant's body.

(E) The physician may enter the ring or cage if asked by the referee, executive director or the inspector(s) assigned to the event, or if they feel it's necessary to examine an injury to a contestant.

(F) No contestant shall leave the ring during the one- minute rest period between rounds.

(G) The referee may, in their discretion, stop a contest if an unauthorized person enters the ring during a round.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 11/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 4/28/2006

Rule 3773-2-24 | Bandaging for hands for boxing.

• Effective: April 18, 2009
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Bandages on the hand of a contestant may not exceed one winding of surgeon's adhesive tape, not over one and one-half inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the hand twice, but may not extend within three-fourths of an inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist.

(B) Each contestant shall use soft surgical bandages not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon's adhesive tape for each hand. Up to one fifteen yard roll and not more than one twenty yard roll may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of adhesive tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandages.

(C) The use of water, or any other liquid or material, on the tape is strictly prohibited

(D) Bandages must be adjusted in the dressing room in the presence of a representative from the commission, who must inspect and initial each legally wrapped hand. Either contestant or their representative may witness the bandaging of their opponents hands or they may waive this privilege, by informing the inspector or commission representative.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-25 | Gloves: requirements and replacements during a contest.

• Effective: January 1, 2012
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Gloves must have the distal portion of the thumb attached to the body of the glove so as to minimize the possibility of injury to the opponents eye.

(B) A contestant weighing one hundred forty-seven pounds or less shall wear eight ounce gloves. A contestant weighing more than one hundred forty-seven pounds shall wear ten ounce gloves. Any contestant making their professional debut shall be required to wear ten ounce gloves.

(C) Gloves must be examined by the inspector, commission representative or referee. If padding in any of the gloves is found to be misplaced or lumpy or if any glove is found to be imperfect, the glove must be changed before the start of the contest. No breaking, roughing, or twisting of gloves is permitted.

(D) The gloves for every contest that is designated as a main event must be new and furnished by the promoter and made to fit the hands of the contestants.

(E) If gloves used in the preliminary contests have been used before, they must be whole, clean and in sanitary condition. The gloves are subject to inspection by the referee, inspector or other commission representative, if a glove is found unfit it must be replaced with a glove that meets the requirements of this rule.

(F) Each promoter must have an extra set of gloves of the appropriate weight and style available to be used in case a glove is broken or otherwise damaged during the course of the contest.

(G) Both contestants shall use the same weight, brand and model of gloves for their contest unless specified in their bout contract.

(H) New gloves never previously worn must be supplied for both contestants for all title bouts including state title bouts. Gloves must be approved by executive director or inspector.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.45
Five Year Review Date: 10/19/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 9/20/2005

Rule 3773-2-26 | Sports drinks at ringside or cage side during matches.

• Effective: January 16, 2010
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The Ohio athletic commission shall allow electrolyte-replacement drinks, regardless of color, such as "Gatorade, Powerade, Propel, and Smart Water," during events regulated by the commission.

(B) These drinks must be brought to ringside or cage side un-opened and sealed and only in a plastic containers. Unsealed drinks are not acceptable.

(C) The inspector, executive director or a representative of the commission must approve and sign off on the drink.

(D) No stimulant drinks or drinks with caffeine, such as "Red Bull and Rock Star," are allowed. The commission reserves the right to inspect, test, or remove any drink from ringside or cage side. The commission may also test any contestant that they may believe is in violation.

(E) Any drink that is tested and found to have been adulterated in any manner will result in a suspension of the contestant and all corner persons for a period of not less than six months and not more than one year. The suspensions may be appealed to the athletic commission in writing within thirty days after notification of suspensions.

(F) Any contestant that is tested and the test reveals that there is an excessive amount of caffeine or any other enhancements will result in a suspension for a period of not less than six months and not more than one year. The suspension may be appealed to the athletic commission in writing within thirty days after notification of suspension.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022
Prior Effective Dates: 3/20/2007

Rule 3773-2-27 | Conduct when contestants enter the ring.

• Effective: November 7, 2007
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) No contestant or promoter may display any type of entrance theme that includes music, video, or any type of physical display that contains any profanity or any derogatory ethnic remarks. Anyone violating this rule may be suspended for up to six months.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3773.34
Amplifies: 3773.34
Five Year Review Date: 8/18/2022