ARC 8392C

ARC 8392C

Proposing rulemaking related to elimination tournaments
and providing an opportunity for public comment

A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on October 2, 2024. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

●October 24, 2024

Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Division and advise of specific needs.

ITEM 1.Rescind 875—Chapter 174 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 174

ELIMINATION TOURNAMENTS

875—174.1(90A) Purpose and scope. These rules apply to elimination tournaments, which are boxing matches where contestants box one another, two at a time, with one contestant eliminated from the tournament. The elimination continues with winners from the various bouts competing until only one contestant remains undefeated in the weight division. Elimination tournaments are governed by the rules in 875—Chapter 173 and this chapter. Any conflicts between 875—Chapter 173 and this chapter will be resolved in favor of this chapter.

875—174.2(90A) Bouts, rounds and rest periods.

174.2(1) Each bout consists of no more than three rounds. Each round is two minutes in length. A rest period of 90 seconds shall be provided between rounds. No contestant shall be permitted to compete in more than three bouts in any 20-hour period.

174.2(2) In national elimination tournaments, when the ability and conditioning of the contestants are assured, the athletics commissioner may authorize two contestants to participate in a fourth bout that determines the championship, provided all bouts are comprised of three 90-second rounds. Under no circumstances will any participant be permitted to compete more minutes in any one 20-hour period than is authorized under the rule allowing three bouts consisting of three two-minute rounds as set forth in this rule.

875—174.3(90A) Required protective equipment.

174.3(1) Hand protection. Practice wraps (training hand wraps) may be used in lieu of compliance with 875—Chapter 173. Gloves weighing 16 ounces shall be worn by both contestants.

174.3(2) Body protection. All male contestants shall wear a foul proof protective cup. All female contestants shall wear foul proof pelvic area protection and breast protection.

174.3(3) Head protection. The promoter shall provide and the contestants shall wear protective headgear unless the contestant signs a waiver from it.

174.3(4) Mouth protection. A mouthpiece shall be worn by all contestants throughout the bout. If the mouthpiece is knocked from a contestant’s mouth, it shall be replaced with no penalty. Any contestant who deliberately spits out a mouthpiece shall be cautioned the first time, the referee shall deduct one point from each judge’s scorecard the second time and the contestant will be disqualified the third time. Before being replaced, the mouthpiece will be washed.

174.3(5) Hair protection. Where necessary, hair will be secured in a manner that it will not interfere with the vision or safety of either contestant.

875—174.4(90A) Weight restrictions. Permission must be received from the commissioner before any contestant will be permitted to box an opponent with a weight differential greater than the following:

875—174.5(90A) Down. In determining a technical knockout (TKO) under 875—Chapter 173, a down includes a standing eight count where a contestant is still standing but is in a semiconscious state and cannot, in the opinion of the referee, continue the bout.

875—174.6(90A) Suspension. A contestant who suffers a knockout or where the referee stops a fight on a technical knockout (TKO) shall not be permitted to box in the state for a period of 30 days. Before being permitted to fight again, the contestant shall be examined by a physician or physician assistant approved by the commissioner.

875—174.7(90A) Training requirements. Each contestant will have been involved in conditioning for at least 30 days prior to competing in any elimination tournament. Conditioning means a combination of roadwork or jogging and usual training center conditioning exercises. The promoter shall obtain from each contestant prior to the physical examination a written declaration from the contestant, witnessed by at least one other person, that the contestant has met these training requirements.

875—174.8(90A) Judges. Three judges, each located on different sides of the ring, will separately score bouts. The referee will not be permitted to act as a judge in scoring a bout.

875—174.9(90A) Impartiality of timekeeper. The use of lights on each ring post to indicate the final seconds of a round shall not be considered as signals to interested parties. Corner lights may be used only if consistently activated throughout the elimination tournament and all contestants and officials are informed prior to the start of the tournament about the information conveyed by the round lights.

875—174.10(90A) Ringside. No person may sit or stand at ringside unless authorized by the commissioner.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 90A.2 and 90A.5.