The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise.

Bout - A boxing contest, match, or exhibition.

Boxer - A boxer or kickboxer, unless otherwise specified, is a person who competes in a boxing contest, exhibition, or match held within the state of Texas that is not exempt from Texas Civil Statutes, Article 8501-1, Section 7.

Chief second - The second designated by the contestant as the primary advisor or assistant to the contestant.

Commission - The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.

Contest - A boxing bout, match, or exhibition.

Deadwood - The numerical difference between tickets printed and tickets used.

Event - An organized series of individual boxing contests or bouts.

He - Gender neutral pronoun shall be used to mean he or she.

Individual - A natural person as distinguished from a partnership, corporation, or association.

License - A document issued by the Commissioner permitting a person to perform at a boxing event.

Manager - A person to be licensed by the Commissioner who, under contract, agreement, or other arrangement with any boxer undertakes to directly or indirectly, control, or administer the boxing affairs of boxers.

Matchmaker - A person to be licensed by the Commissioner who is not a promoter who brings together professional boxers or procures matches for professional boxers.

Physician - An individual licensed to practice medicine by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

Second - A person to be licensed by the Commissioner who is present at any boxing event to provide assistance or advice to a boxer during the contest.

Special Added Attraction - The appearance of any person or persons in any capacity at any boxing event whose reputation or ability is calculated to increase attendance.

Timekeeper - A person to be licensed by the Commissioner who is the official timer of the length of rounds and the intervals between same.

Working Pass - An entry permit issued by a promoter to individuals employed for the event.

(a) Before a person acts as a boxing promoter, he must be licensed by the Commissioner. A licensed promoter may not act as, and cannot be licensed as, a second, boxer, referee, timekeeper, or judge. If he is so licensed, he must submit any other licenses for cancellation. A promoter may be licensed as a manager.

(b) Each promoter applicant shall submit:

(a) Before an individual performs as a referee, he shall be licensed by the Commissioner. A licensed referee shall keep the license in his possession.

(b) Each referee applicant shall submit:

(1) a completed application form;

(2) two recent passport-sized photographs;

(3) results of an annual physical an ophthalmological examination;

(4) a current C.P.R. card;

(5) license fee; and

(6) on initial application, evidence of at least three years active participation in the sport of boxing.

(c) An individual may not act as a referee for a boxing event if the referee has a direct or indirect financial interest in any boxer.

(a) Before an individual performs as a matchmaker, he shall be licensed by the Commissioner. A licensed matchmaker shall keep the license in his possession.

(b) Each matchmaker applicant shall submit:

(1) a completed application form;

(2) two recent passport-sized photographs; and

(3) license fee.

(c) No matchmaker shall hold any other type boxing-related license or manage a boxer, either directly or indirectly.

(a) Before an individual performs as a judge, he shall be licensed by the Commissioner. A licensed judge shall keep his license in his possession at all times.

(b) Each judge applicant shall submit:

(1) a completed application form;

(2) two recent passport-sized photographs;

(3) license fee; and

(4) proof of at least three years of active participation in the sport of boxing.

(c) An individual may not act as a judge for a boxing event if the judge has a direct or indirect financial interest in any boxer.

(a) Before an individual performs at a contest as a timekeeper, he shall be licensed by the Commissioner. A licensed timekeeper shall keep the license in his possession.

(b) Each timekeeper applicant shall submit:

(1) a completed application form;

(2) two recent passport-sized photographs; and

(3) license fee.

(c) No one licensed as a timekeeper shall have a financial interest in a boxer.

(a) Before an individual performs as a manager, he shall be licensed by the Commissioner. A licensed manager may act as a second without a second's license. A licensed manager shall keep the license in his possession. A manager may be licensed as a promoter.

(b) Each manager applicant shall submit:

(1) a completed application form;

(2) two recent passport-sized photographs; and

(3) license fee.

(a) Before an individual performs as a second, he shall be licensed by the Commissioner. A licensed second shall keep the license in his possession. A licensed manager may act as a second without a second's license.

(b) Each second applicant shall submit:

(1) a completed application form;

(2) two recent passport-sized photographs; and

(3) license fee.

(a) Before an individual performs as a boxer, he shall be licensed by the Commissioner. A licensed boxer shall keep the license in his possession.

(b) Each boxer applicant shall submit:

(a) Financial responsibility may be shown by submitting a financial statement, prepared by a certified public accountant, showing liquid working capital of $10,000 or more, or a $10,000 performance bond guaranteeing payment of all obligations relating to the promotional activity is required.

(b) A $5,000 surety bond, written by a bonding company authorized to do business in the State of Texas, which shall remain in effect for four years after the effective cancellation date;

A promoter shall submit the tax report and the 3% gross receipts tax payment for a show within 72 hours after holding the show.

If a boxer is disqualified during a pre-fight physical examination, the physician shall notify the Department and promoter immediately.

(a) If a boxer's physical exam shows him unfit for competition because of any weakness or disability, the boxer shall not participate in a contest. An immediate report of the facts shall be made to the promoter and the Department by the manager or boxer.

(b) If a boxer becomes ill or injured and cannot take part in a contest for which he is under contract, he or his manager shall contact the promoter and the Department immediately.

(a) Boxer applicants shall submit all required medical reports, and any other reports required by the Department, to the Department's office in Austin, Texas. A boxer's manager shall also be responsible for the boxer's medical and boxing records.

(b) If a boxer becomes ill or injured and cannot take part in a contest for which he is under contract, he or his manager shall contact the promoter and the Department immediately.

The Department shall assign two timekeepers for each show, one to keep time and one to count for the knockdowns.

(a) The Department shall have three consulting physicians at all times. The Commissioner shall seek the advice of the Texas Board of Medical Examiners for a list of medical doctors licensed by the Board and qualified to act as Department medical consultants. From this list the Commissioner shall select one physician with neurological training and one ophthalmologist. All three physicians should have a sports medicine background. The Commissioner may appoint additional personnel as necessary. All medical consultants serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner.

(b) The medical consultants shall be paid actual traveling and per diem expenses incurred while performing official duties.

(a) No promoter, manager, matchmaker, second or boxer shall officiate at any contest.

(b) The referee or Commissioner may disqualify a boxer and give the contest to the opposing boxer for the use or profanity, including gestures, by a boxer, his manager, or his second, if used after a warning by the referee or Department representative.

In all events, including championship contests, the referee and judges will be assigned by the Commissioner of the department from the department's list of licensed officials. For every event, including championship contests, the referee and at least one judge shall be residents of Texas.

(a) A licensed promoter for an approved boxing event shall be responsible for all promotion responsibilities as required by rule and shall bear all financial responsibility for such boxing event.

(b) Written Department approval of any boxing event shall be obtained before beginning ticket sales, or advertising any show, show date, contest or match.

(c) The Department must receive written notice from the promoter of all proposed boxing event dates, ticket prices, and participants of main event, at least 21 days before the proposed event date.

(d) Requests for boxing card approval shall be received in writing from the promoter by the Department at least 10 working days before the event date. The request shall contain the full legal name and address, date of birth, social security number, ringname, Texas boxer license number, weight, previous record, name of the manager or the manager agent of each contestant, and number of rounds to be fought for each contestant. In addition, the Department may require submission of a certified birth certificate. If the boxer does not have a current Texas boxer's license, the request for card approval must have attached a fully completed application and fee for the license. In the event that the department staff believes there is a matching of fighters on the card which raises a concern as to safety because of unreasonable differences in experience, the promoter will be contacted by staff. If the promoter and staff cannot agree on a particular matching of fighters, the department's decision as to whether to allow a particular match to proceed will prevail.

(e) Notice of any change in the card shall be received by the Department before the scheduled weigh-in. Only department-approved substitutes shall be permitted. Notices announcing changes or substitutions in the card must also be conspicuously posted at the box office and announced from the ring before the opening contest.

(f) All departmental approval must be in writing.

(g) Notice of any change in announced or advertised locations or times or cancellations, shall be submitted to the department before the scheduled weigh-in. Notices announcing changes or substitutions shall also be conspicuously posted at the box office and announced from the ring before the opening contest.

(h) The promoter shall provide and compensate two department-approved ringside physicians for each event. At least one ringside physician shall conduct the pre-fight physical.

(i) No promoter, matchmaker or any other person shall arrange, match or advertise any boxing contest between persons of the opposite sex.

(j) No promoter shall conduct an event where concessionaires dispense beverages in containers other than plastic or paper cups.

(k) Only a licensed promoter or licensed matchmaker shall arrange matches.

(1) promoters shall file the following information with the Department relating to his matchmakers:

(A) the matchmaker's name, address, telephone number and license number; and

(B) notice of any change in his arrangement with any matchmaker.

(2) if a matchmaker is employed by a promoter, the matchmaker and the promoter shall be jointly responsible to the department for matches made and for the timely submission of contracts, license applications, and license fees to the Department.

(l) Immediately after the event, the promoter shall compensate the ringside physicians and the department-assigned timekeepers, judges and referees, including travel expenses and overnight lodging if required.

(m) The promoter should provide a private dressing room for officials.

(1) The promoter shall provide no less than two private dressing rooms of adequate size for the boxers and their managers, trainers and seconds.

(2) The promoter shall provide female boxers with adequate separate dressing rooms.

(3) The only people allowed in the boxer's dressing room shall be the promoter, the promoter's matchmaker, boxer, manager, second, press, ringside physician, ring officials, and Department representatives.

(4) no alcoholic beverages, drugs or other illegal substances shall be allowed in the dressing rooms.

(n) The weigh-in shall take place at a specific time set by the promotor and approved by the department between the hours of 2 p.m. the day before the contest and 2 p.m. the day of the contest. The promoter shall provide a private area for the ringside physician to perform weigh-in examinations. The Department shall present the Rules at the weigh-in.

(o) It shall be the promoter's responsibility to ensure the safety of the boxers, officials, and spectators.

Responsibilities of medical consultants are as follows:

(1) act as medical consultants to the department;

(2) attend and participate in department-approved boxing seminars;

(3) recruit and train ringside physicians;

(4) recommend safety policies;

(5) attend hearings if needed;

(6) develop safety bulletins for the department; and

(7) obtain specialty consultation for the Department when needed.

The responsibilities of ringside physicians are as follows:

(1) perform comprehensive medical examinations;

(2) participate in the solutions to boxing-related medical problems;

(3) attend periodic training that may be offered by the Department;

(4) remain at ringside at all times during the scheduled bouts; and

(5) immediately examine a boxer who suffers a knockout, concussion, or other head injury and report to the Department on the severity.

(a) The referee shall conduct a rules meeting before the first bout of the event. All boxers, managers, seconds, and referees must attend the rules meeting.

(b) The referee or the Commissioner may reject any second who violates Department rules and disqualify the second's contestant.

(c) The Department shall assign referees to officiate at boxing contests. If three judgesare not available, the referee may act as a judge. The referee is the chief contest official and has general supervision over the contest.

(d) If an assigned referee is unable to officiate, he shall notify the Department at least five hours before the contest unless it is a true emergency.

(e) The referee may stop any contest where there is any reason to believe that continuing it might result in serious injury to either boxer. Should the ringside physician believe that the bout should be stopped he shall mount the apron and signal the referee. The referee shall call time and confer with the ringside physician before making his decision.

(a) The Department shall assign judges to officiate at boxing contests. If three judges are not available, the referee may act as a judge. A majority vote of the judging officials shall decide the outcome of the contest.

(b) If an assigned judge is unable to officiate, he shall notify the Department at least five hours before the contest unless it is a true emergency.

(a) No one licensed as a matchmaker shall have a financial interest in a boxer.

(b) Only a licensed promoter or licensed matchmaker shall arrange matches.

(a) Managers shall be responsible for their boxers' conduct and shall ensure they comply with all applicable laws and rules.

(b) A boxer's manager shall be responsible for the boxer's medical and boxing records.

(a) Each boxer must have two seconds unless the Department permits otherwise. Each contestant shall have one chief second. The seconds shall dress neatly.

(b) The referee, or the Department may eject any second who violates Department rules and disqualify the seconds' contestant. A second shall:

(1) remain seated in the chairs provided during the rounds;

(2) not excessively coach a boxer during a round and shall remain silent when instructed to do so by a Department representative or the referee;

(3) not throw water on his contestant or help him in any way other than during rest periods. Excessive use of water in a corner on a contestant shall result in one warning by the referee or Department. The corners shall be kept clean, dry, and free from objects by the seconds;

(4) not toss a towel or any other object into the ring in token surrender of his boxer. He may not get on the ring apron as a sign of surrender;

(5) not use any unapproved solution during the contest; and

(6) not swing a towel instead of a fan during rest periods between rounds.

(a) A boxer shall not perform under any name that does not appear in departmental records.

(b) Boxers shall box in proper ring attire including protection cup, which shall be firmly adjusted before entering the ring. The trunks' waistband shall extend above the waistline and the hem may not extend below the knee. A fitted mouthpiece shall be worn at the beginning of each round. If a mouthpiece is knocked out, the referee shall call time during a break in the action, the boxer's second will clean and reinsert the mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece is spit out the same procedure will be followed and the referee can charge the boxer with a foul. Shoes shall be of soft material and shall not be fitted with spikes, cleats, or hard heels. Kickboxers shall not wear shoes of any type, except for protective padded foot gear.

(c) All contestants shall be in the dressing room at least 45 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin, unless excused by the Department. The contestants shall be ready to enter the ring immediately after the preceding contest is finished.

(a) A negative pregnancy test shall be obtained the day before or the day of the fight. Results shall be submitted to the Department before the weigh-in.

(b) Evidence of fibrocystic disease, nipple discharge, or other evidence of breast disease may result in disqualification. Mammography may be requested by the examining physician.

(c)The examining physician may request a buccal smear if there is any doubt regarding the contestant's sex.

(d) A pelvic exam shall be required, and any evidence of ovarian disease will result in disqualification.

(e) If the female boxers are a main event, or billed as such, they shall be examined seven days before the fight because of higher risk for disqualification.

(f) Contestants shall wear a mouthpiece, breast protection and 10-ounce gloves.

(a) The promoter's license fee shall be $1,000.

(b) Each license application shall be accompanied by the annual license fees as follows:

(1) boxer - $30;

(2) manager - $150;

(3) second - $20;

(4) matchmaker - $150;

(5) referee - $50;

(6) judge - $30;

(7) timekeeper - $20.

Pursuant to Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6252-13c, the commissioner, after a hearing, may suspend or revoke an existing license, or disqualify a person from receiving a license, because that person has a felony or misdemeanor conviction that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities involved in the area in which the applicant will be licensed. The commissioner may also, after hearing, suspend, revoke or deny a license because of a person's felony probation revocation, parole revocation, or revocation of mandatory supervision.

A complete neurological exam, stress test, EEG, EKG, comprehensive annual medical physical, ophthalmologic exam and administrative hearing shall be required before lifting any indefinite suspension.

(a) Licensed promoters shall schedule no less than 25 rounds of boxing for each event. All boxing contests shall have no more than three-minute rounds with one-minute rest periods between rounds. No boxing event shall exceed 10 rounds, except a championship contest, which shall not exceed 12 rounds. A sparring or exhibition event shall not exceed three rounds.

(b) Purses shall be paid to the boxer by the promoter immediately after each event. Payment of percentage contracts shall be made when the amount can be determined. Payments shall be made in the presence of an authorized Department representative.

(c) The announcer shall announce the decision after the fight. A draw shall be called if each official votes differently or any two vote a draw. In all contests, the total points the referee and judges give each contestant may be announced.

(a) The ring shall be a square with sides not less than 16 feet nor more than 24 feet inside the ropes. The ring floor shall extend at least 24 inches beyond the ropes on all sides. The ring floor shall be of at least 3/4-inch material, shall be adequately supported, and shall be padded with ensolite or similar closed-cell foam that is at least 1-inch thick. The padding shall extend over the edge of the ring platform and have a top covering of canvas, duck, or similar material approved by the Department. The covering shall be clean and be tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform and may not have tears, holes or overlapping seams. The ring platform shall have at least three sets of steps into the ring during a contest: one set for each boxer's corner; and one set in the neutral corner on the Department side. These steps shall be used for the ringside physician and the Department. The ring corners shall be protected inside the ring with a urethane pad at least six inches wide. It shall be covered with material similar to the ring floor covering, and the covering must be long enough to cover all the rope joints. Ring posts shall be made of a strong material, preferably steel, and shall be at least three inches in diameter. The posts shall be secured under the ring to prevent spreading.

(b) There shall be four ring ropes at least one inch in diameter that are evenly spaced, one foot apart. The lower rope shall be 18 inches above the ring floor. The ropesshall be attached to the ring posts with turnbuckles and shall be stretched taut during all contests. The bottom rope shall be padded with at least 1/2 inch of soft material.

(c) The promoter shall ensure the presence of a Department approved bell which makes a sound loud enough to be heard by the contestants, referee, and other officials.

(d) The promoter shall furnish an appropriate receptacle for spitting for each boxer's corner. Such receptacles may include the use of a funnel attached to a hose and bucket or a bucket may be used. The second or manager shall ensure that the contestants use these receptacles when washing out their mouths. The promoter shall provide enough water buckets for the contestants to use. Each bucket shall be clean before being used. Promoters shall also provide stools and other articles required to conduct the contests. The ring shall be set up at least two hours before fight time. The promoter shall provide three chairs in each contestant's corner. These chairs shall be labeled "seconds" and shall be used only by the contestant's official seconds.

(e) The promoter shall furnish physicians's scales to be used for weighing in Boxers. The Department may require that the scales be certified. Bathroom type scales are not permitted and will not be approved.

(f) Contestants may use six inches of one-inch wide, medical diachylon tape across the back of each hand before bandaging the hands. This tape shall not touch the contestant's knuckles. On each hand, contestants shall use soft surgical bandage not more than 15 yards long two inches wide, that is held in place by not more than two yards of one-inch medical diachylon tape. These bandages shall be applied in the dressing room, under the examination of a Department representative, no sooner than 45 minutes before fight time. Hands shall be wrapped dry, and no liquid may be applied to any bandage or tape. If any other material or substance is used on the boxer's hands other than mentioned in this paragraph, the boxer and manager shall face disciplinary action by the Department.

(g) Gloves for all main events shall be new and made to fit the hands of any contestant whose hands may be an unusual size. If gloves used in preliminary contests have been used before, they shall be whole, clean, in sanitary condition, and subject to inspection by the referee or Department representative. Any gloves found unfit shall be discarded immediately and replaced with acceptable gloves. There shall be an extra set of eight-ounce and an extra set of ten-ounce gloves on hand to be used in case gloves are broken or in any way damaged during a contest. Contestants in all weight categories up to, and including welterweights shall use eight-ounce gloves. In heavier classes, they may wear eight-ounce or ten-ounce gloves. Gloves shall be kept in the possession of the boxing promoter and shall be made available for inspection by the Department for a minimum of seven days after a bout.

(h) The ring apron shall be kept clear at all times of objects including, but not limited to: cameras, microphones, advertisements. The promoter shall provide a separate camera platform at a neutral corner of the ring for use by television cameramen. Television cameramen may be allowed on the ring apron only during the one minute rest period or between bouts. No seats may be sold at the ring apron.

(i) There shall be a barrier and free area between the ringside and the first row of seats. There must be at least eight feet between the edge of the ringside table farthest from the ring and the first row of seats. No alcoholic beverages are permitted within the barrier.

(j) There shall be a physician at ringside at all times.

(k) The promoter shall insure that an emergency medical technician and appropriate medical equipment are located within the ring barrier during the event. The promoter shall ensure that there is a resuscitator, oxygen, and a stretcher at ringside. The promoter shall also provide a certified ambulance with an emergency medical technician on site for all contests.

(l) The judges' chairs shall be high enough that their shoulders shall be no lower than the ring floor. The method of elevating the chairs must be practical and safe. The promoter shall provide seats for ringside physicians in neutral corner(s).

(m) The promoter shall have at least one, but may have no more than three, authorized representative(s) at ringside at all times. Only the promoter's representative(s), Department officials, the press, physicians and judges shall sit at the ringside tables.

(a) Promoters shall have contracts with boxers executed in triplicate on Department forms showing the amount of guarantee or percentage promised, the number and time limit of rounds, when and where the boxers are scheduled to appear, weight, and other pertinent details governing the event. The contract must define and provide for agreement on compensation if the opponent fails to appear at the weigh-in or bout.

(b) The promoter shall furnish one executed copy of the contract to the boxer or his manager, retain one executed copy, and submit one executed copy to the Department.

(c) All required information must be typed or legibly printed, and any changes or addenda shall be initialed by the boxer and promoter.

(d) Promoters shall fulfill the terms of their contracts with boxers.

(e) Boxers shall fulfill the terms of their contracts. When a contestant fails to appear according to his contract, he shall satisfactorily prove he was ill, had a valid reason for not appearing, or was otherwise prevented from carrying out the agreement. A doctor's certificate shall be required for illness. Affidavits are required to support other circumstances.

(a) All tickets shall have the price, including any service surcharge or handling fee, identify the promoter by license number, and date of the event printed plainly on each half.

(b) Roll tickets with consecutive numbers shall be sold only at the box office on the day of the show.

(c) Tickets of different prices shall be printed on different colored ticket stock.

(d) If a promoter is using a computerized and bonded ticket service, the Department may waive paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(e) When he receives tickets, including roll tickets from the printer, the promoter shall submit a sworn inventory to the Department of tickets delivered to any outlet or event sponsor. This inventory shall account for any known overprints, changes, or extras.

(f) Tickets shall not be sold for more than the actual capacity of the location where the event is being held.

(g) Licensed promoters shall not sell tickets for any price other than the price printed on them, change the ticket price at any time after tickets have been placed on sale, or sell any ticket at any time during the show at a lesser price than tickets for the same seats were sold or offered before the show.

(h) All tickets shall be torn in half and one half returned to the ticket holder at the entrance gate. The other half shall be immediately deposited in a sealed container, where it shall remain until the opening of the container is witnessed by a Department representative. No one shall pass through the gate without having their ticket torn or shall occupy a seat unless holding a ticket half or having been issued a working pass.

(i) A purchaser shall present his ticket half to the promoter for a refund at face value if the advertised main event or special added attraction is postponed or does not take place as advertised. No tickets shall be refunded after the show has taken place. Tickets in the hands of ticket services shall be returned to the promoter not later than when the box office at the boxing event site has closed.

(j) Accounting for tickets.

(1) Department representatives shall check the number of ticket containers atgates and their locations. They shall also check the containers for seals or padlocks. Tickets shall be accounted for after the show, and a Department representative may review the accounting.

(2) Promoters shall hold tickets of every description used for any boxing event for at least 30 days after the event. The tickets shall be kept in separate packages for each show so the Department can do an audit.

(k) When computing gross receipts, the face value of tickets, except deadwood, shall be included whether the tickets were sold for cash, given away, or bartered for services provided.

(a) The pre-fight medical examinations shall be administered on the day of the event at the weigh-in. The department shall provide forms for recording the results of these examinations. The required annual comprehensive medical exam for licensing shall be submitted to department personnel before the weigh-in.

(b) Only the boxer and his manager, ringside physician, and Department representatives are allowed in the examination room during the physical.

(c) If, in an attempt to make weight, the boxer shows evidence of dehydration, having taken diuretics, or other drugs, or having used any other harsh modality, the examining physician shall disqualify him.

(d) The boxer and manager shall furnish all information required by the Department and conduct themselves professionally at all times.

(e) When the ringside physician enters a boxer's corner, the second in the ring shall yield immediately to the physician's examination. Boxers, managers and seconds must cooperate with the ringside physician.

(f) The referee may end any contest where there is any reason to believe that continuing it might result in serious injury to either boxer. The ringside physician may signal the referee during the progress of a contest, or between rounds, to recommend that the referee end any boxing contest to prevent serious injury to either contestant.

(g) The ringside physician shall do a post contest examination after a contest. The physician's recommendations, including rest periods, medical disqualifications, and any other exam results, shall be reported on the Department inspector's report. It is the boxer's and manager's joint responsibility to comply with all requirements, including rest periods and medical suspensions. A boxer shall automatically receive medical suspensions/rest periods for the following:

(1) cut - Medical suspension time based on physician's recommendation;

(2) technical knockout - Minimum of 30 day medical suspension;

(3) knockout - 60 day minimum medical suspension for the first knockout. If a boxer has had two knockouts within 12 months, he will receive a 120 day medical suspension. If he has had three knockouts within 12 months, or three consecutive knockouts, he will be medically disqualified from further competition. In addition, the physician may require neurological testing and consultation at any time;

(4) mandatory rest - All contestants shall receive a minimum mandatory rest period of three days for each round or portion of a round fought in any contest. The ringside physician may require longer rest periods. In no event shall the rest period be less than seven days; and

(5) six consecutive losses - A contestant who receives six consecutive losses shall receive an automatic indefinite suspension.

(h) If a boxer disagrees with a medical disqualification, medical suspension or rest period set at the discretion of a ringside physician or a disqualification set by the Department, he may request a hearing to show proof of fitness. The hearing shall be provided at the earliest opportunity after the Department receives a written request from the boxer or his manager.

(i) The Department shall recognize and honor other states' medical suspensions. Any Texas boxer who boxes outside the State of Texas and receives a medical suspension shall report the fight results and medical suspension to the Department within 72 hours after the event.

(j) The administration or use of any drugs or alcohol either before to or during a contest is prohibited except medication administered by a physician. The Department may order a drug screen at any time for good cause. If a drug screen is performed, the boxer or his manager must pay for it.

(k) Medical disqualification of a boxer is for his own safety and may be made at the discretion of the examining physician or the department after a hearing. Grounds for medical disqualification include, but are not limited to, the following conditions:

(1) General:

(A) any boxer who has lost six consecutive bouts;

(B) any boxer who has sustained three consecutive knock-outs;

(C) body deformity (arms, legs, obesity, etc.) that would tend to promoteinjury; or

(D) prior injury or presence of foreign object in the body which condition might be aggravated by boxing.

(2) Neurological:

(A) a boxer who has sustained a knock-out within the past 60 days;

(B) a boxer who has sustained a TKO within the past 30 days;

(C) any boxer who has comparative change in a CAT scan or EEG;

(D) epilepsy or convulsive disorder;

(E) previous cervical disc or brain surgery;

(F) ataxia, spastic, or cerebellar gaits;

(G) history of cerebral hemorrhage, repeated concussions, or serious head injury;

(H) intracerebral aneurysms;

(I) labyrinthine disturbances; or

(K) vascular malformations;

(3) Eye:

(A) visual acuity of less than 20/100;

(B) retinal detachment (repaired or unrepaired);

(C) the presence of only one eye or useful vision in only one eye;

(D) congenital glaucoma;

(E) recent periorbital lacerations;

(F) severe myopia;

(4) Respiratory:

(A) active tuberculosis;

(B) chronic obstructive lung disease (active);

(C) asthma precipitated by exertion; or

(D) absence of one lung.

(5) Abdomen:

(A) any hernia;

(B) enlarged liver;

(C) enlarged spleen; or

(D) undescended testes.

(6) Cardiovascular.

(A) heart disease:

(i) absolute disqualifications;

(I) aortic stenosis or regurgitation;

(II) mitral stenosis or significant regurgitation;

(III) cyanotic congenital heart disease;

(IV) aortic coarctation, unoperated;

(V) epstein's anomaly;

(VI) pulmonary venous obstruction;

(VII) cardiomyopathy or active myocarditis;

(VIII) prosthetic heart valves; or

(IX) congenital complete heart block.

(ii) Allowed with cardiologist report:

(I) paroxysmal atrial tachycardia;

(II) premature ventricular contraction;

(III) post repair of aortic coarctation;

(IV) mild mitral regurgitation; or

(V) mild pulmonary stenosis.

(B) Hypertension (150/90 on three or more occasions). A boxer is allowed to participate with diagnosis of essential hypertension if:

(i) controlled with diet and salt; or

(ii) controlled with thiazide drugs.

(7) Genitourinary:

(A) absence of one kidney;

(B) acute or chronic kidney disease;

(C) active venereal disease; or

(D) one testicle (relative contraindication).

(8) Musculoskeletal:

(A) absolute contraindications:

(i) navicular fractures;

(ii) apondylolisthesis and spondylolysis (only if there is back pain);

(iii) hip disease (leg perthes, slipped epiphysis, septic arthritis of spine;

(iv) active epiphysitis of spine; or

(v) spina bifida occulta.

(B) Relative contraindications:

(i) joint instability;

(ii) recurrent dislocation of shoulder;

(iii) tendency to develop myositis ossifficans;

(iv) metabolic bone disease; or

(v) "long" neck.

(C) Other:

(i) diabetes if under poor control;

(ii) bleeding dyscrasias;

(iii) active staph skin infection;

(iv) alcohol addiction;

(v) drug addiction;

(vi) poorly conditioned;

(vii) mononucleosis - contraindicated until spleen returns to normal size and liver enzymes normal; or

(viii) hepatitis - contraindicated until liver enzymes return to normal.

(a) Before each bout, the referee shall call the contestants and their chief seconds together for final instructions. The referee shall hold the chief second responsible for his contestant's conduct during the contest. Referees must instruct contestants that wrestling and rough tactics will not be tolerated and to protect themselves at all times. The contestants, after receiving final instructions, shall shake hands and retire to their corners. They shall not shake hands again until the beginning of the last round.

(b) The referee may stop a fight during or between rounds because of an injury or a contestant's poor physical condition. He may also stop a fight and make a decision to disqualify both contestants if he feels they are not boxing in earnest.

(c) When a low blow incapacitates a contestant, the referee shall give him a reasonable time to recover. The referee may confer with the ringside physician. No contestant may be awarded a contest on a low-blow foul claim. If a contestant falls to the ring floor or otherwise shows an unwillingness to continue because of a low-blow claim, he shall be declared the loser by a technical knockout.

(d) When a punch knocks a contestant down, the referee shall order the opponent to go to the ring's farthest neutral corner, pointing to the corner, and immediately pick up the timekeeper's count. He shall audibly announce the passing of the seconds,accompanying the count with upward motions of his arm for each second and indicating the count with visual finger counts after each second. The referee shall stop counting if the opponent does not remain in the neutral corner until the count is complete. No contestant who is knocked down shall be allowed to resume boxing until the referee has finished counting to eight. If a contestant who is down rises before the count of eight and goes down again without being struck, the referee shall resume the count where he stopped. When a round, other than the last round, ends before a contestant who was knocked down rises, the bell shall not ring, and the count shall continue. If he rises before the count of eight, the bell shall ring and end the round. The referee's count is the official one.

(e) If a contestant leaves the ring during the one minute period between rounds and is not in the ring to resume boxing when the bell rings, the referee shall count that contestant out as if he were down.

(f) If a contestant who has been knocked out of the ring or has fallen out of the ring during the contest fails to return immediately, the referee shall count him out as if he were down. Seconds shall not help contestants back into the ring.

(g) If during the first three rounds a contestant is pushed, knocked or falls out of the ring, is injured by the fall and is unable to return, the referee will declare the bout a technical draw. If it happens during later rounds, all completed rounds shall be scored and the boxer ahead on points shall be declared the winner by technical decision.

(h) When the referee's or judges's decision has been announced, both contestants and their seconds shall leave the ring immediately.

(a) A contestant shall be deemed down when:

(1) any part of his body other than his feet is on the ring floor;

(2) he is hanging over the ropes in a defenseless manner; or

(3) he is rising from a down position.

(b) Fouls are defined as:

(1) hitting below the belt;

(2) holding an opponent with one hand and hitting him with the other;

(3) hitting an opponent who is down or is getting up after being down;

(4) holding an opponent or deliberately maintaining a clinch;

(5) butting with the head or shoulder or using the knee;

(6) hitting with the inside or butt of the hand, the wrist or the elbow;

(7) hitting or "flicking" with open gloves;

(8) wrestling or roughing at the ropes;

(9) purposely going down without being hit;

(10) striking deliberately at the area of the body around the kidneys;

(11) jabbing an opponent's eyes with the thumb of a glove;

(12) using abusive or profane language;

(13) hitting at the back of the head or neck (rabbit punches);

(14) failing to obey the referee; and

(15) engaging in any physical action or contact other than sportsmanlike boxing, which may injure another contestant.

(c) In scoring a contest, the elements of offense, defense, clean hitting, ring generalship, and sportsmanship shall be carefully considered. Scoring shall be by the 10-point must system. The winner of any round is marked 10; the loser is marked nine or less. When a round is even, each contestant shall receive 10 points. A clean knockdown shall be scored heavily. The referee shall call time and then advise the judges of a foul when it occurs and the number of points they should deduct. Referees and judges shall clearly write their decision and sign them individually. A draw shall be called if each official votes differently or any two vote a draw.

(d) When a boxer is knocked down three times in any round, the contest shall be automatically stopped. The boxer scoring the knockdowns shall be the winner by a technical knockout. The referee may stop a contest at any time if the boxer cannot defend himself.

(e) If a boxer is accidentally butted in a fight but can continue, the referee may stop the contest, for a reasonable time, and inform the judges and the boxer's seconds of the head butt. If a contest is stopped before the end of the third round because of an accidental butt, the contest shall be declared a technical draw. If after the third round an accidental butt injury occurs or worsens and the contest is stopped, all completed rounds shall be scored. The boxer ahead on points shall be declared the winner by technical decision.

(f) If the contestant who is knocked down does not rise before the count of 10, the referee shall declare him the loser by a knockout. If the contestant appears to the referee to be seriously injured, the referee may summon the ringside physician into the ring, while continuing the count.

(g) When a contestant does not answer the bell signifying the start of a round, the referee shall give a ten count and declare him the loser by a technical knockout.

(h) Scoring shall be recorded only on the department-approved and department-provided form. Once the form is completed, checked and signed by the official it must be given directly to the department supervisor for the event. Scoring forms are the property of the department and will be maintained in the official records of the event.

(a) All professional boxing events shall have no more than three-minute rounds with one-minute rest periods between rounds. The timekeeper shall blow his whistle 10 seconds before the end of each one-minute rest period. The timekeeper shall sound the bell only at the beginning and end of each round.

(b) When a boxer is down, the timekeeper shall rise and start his count, continuing until he reaches the count of 10 seconds.

(c) If the referee is absent from the ring or temporarily incapacitated, the timekeeper shall immediately sound the bell to temporarily stop the contest.

(d) The timekeeper shall furnish a department-approved bell and a whistle or buzzer. It must be large enough to make a sound the contestants and the referee can hear.

(a) If a second deliberately worsens a cut by spreading or tearing it, the boxer may be disqualified at the discretion of the referee.

(b) Only one second shall be allowed in the ring with the boxer between rounds, and he shall leave the ring enclosure at the sound of the timekeeper's whistle. Two seconds shall be allowed on the apron. All seconds shall leave the ring platform promptly when the bell sounds for the beginning of each round, removing all obstructions including stools, buckets and equipment.

(c) Only ice, water, cotton swabs, gauze pads, clean towels, Adrenalin 1:1000, Avitene, Thrombin, Vaseline or other surgical lubricant, medical diachylon tape, and Enswell shall be allowed in the corner. All containers shall be properly labeled with the manufacturers' label and not contaminated by any foreign substance. The use ofunapproved substances shall result in disciplinary action. No loose ice may be used in the corner; all ice must be in an ice bag or other suitable container.

(d) Excessive use of any lubricant on the boxer's body, arms or face is prohibited.

(e) Only water shall be permitted for dehydration of a boxer between round. Honey, glucose, or sugar, or any other substance may not be mixed with the water. Electrolyte solutions are prohibited.

(f) When the ringside physician enters a boxer's corner, the second in the ring shall yield immediately to the physician's examination. The department may disqualify a boxer, manager and/or second for unprofessional conduct in failing to cooperate with the ringside physician.

(g) When the referee's or judges' decision has been announced, both contestants and their seconds shall leave the ring immediately.

(a) All boxers applying for a license shall pass a comprehensive medical examination before they can be licensed. The examination consists of a medical history, boxing history, a physical examination, and a report of a negative HBV test. Upon application for the boxer's first Texas license, he may be required to provide a report of a normal EEG. This examination shall be given by a physician and the physician shall report the examination results on a department-approved form. Out-of-state boxers may get the department comprehensive medical examination form and have it completed by a physician. The examining physician may require tests such as CAT scans, MRI, and EKGs. The boxer and manager are jointly responsible for ensuring this examination is completed.

(b) All boxers applying for a license shall undergo a complete medical eye exam by an ophthalmologist and submit the results on a department-approved form. Exams by optometrists do not meet this requirement.

(c) Boxers shall fulfill the terms of their contracts. When a contestant fails to appear according to his contract, he shall satisfactorily prove he was ill, had a valid reason for not appearing, or was otherwise prevented from carrying out the agreement. A doctor's certificate shall be required for illness. Affidavits are required to support other circumstances.

(a) Contestants failing to meet the weight allowances shown on the schedule in Subsection (c) of this section shall have two hours within which to meet theallowances and will be reweighed.

(b) Every contestant shall undergo a weigh-in physical examination.

(c) No contestants shall engage in a boxing contest where the weigh-in weight difference exceeds the allowance shown in the following schedule.

WEIGHT ALLOWANCE

112 lbs. or under3 lbs.

112-118 lbs.4 lbs.

119-126 lbs.5 lbs.

127-135 lbs.6 lbs.

136-147 lbs. 8 lbs.

148-160 lbs. 10 lbs.

161-175 lbs.12 lbs.

176-190 lbs15 lbs.

190 lbs. or overNo limit

(d) The manager or chief second shall accompany the boxer to the weigh-in. No boxer shall be weighed-in unless he presents a Texas boxing license.

(e) If a boxer's body weight at weigh-in is 5.0% or more over his contracted weight, he shall be disqualified for the contest.

(f) Only the boxer, manager, ringside physician or department representatives shall be allowed in the examination room during the physical.

(g) If, in an attempt to make weight, the boxer shows evidence of dehydration, having taken diuretics, or other drugs, or having used any other harsh modality, the examining physician shall disqualify him and recommend disciplinary action.

(h) The boxer, his manager, or chief second shall furnish all information required by the department, conduct themselves professionally at all times, and cooperate fully with the ringside physician and the department. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of the boxer.

(i) If a boxer's physical examination shows him unfit for competition because of any weakness or disability, the boxer may not participate in a contest. An immediate report of the facts shall be made to the promoter and the department by the manager or boxer.

Any waiver of these rules by the commissioner must be in writing. In addition, if a rule is to be waived by the designated representative of the commissioner, this designation must also be in writing.

(a) The announcer shall announce the decision after the fight. In all contests, the total points the referee and judges give each contestant may be announced.

(b) A decision rendered after any boxing contest shall not be changed unless the Department determines that the compilation of the referee's and judges' scorecard shows a clerical or mathematical error that caused the decision to be given to the wrong boxer.

(a) Only championship contests sanctioned by department-recognized sanctioning organizations shall be approved by the Department as championship contests. Before championship contests can be advertised, the contestants' contracts shall be on file with, and approved by the department.

(a) Any club seeking nonprofit amateur tax-exempt status under this law, shall complete a department information form concerning ownership, affiliation, and other relevant information.

(b) All amateur contests where an admission fee is charged shall be conducted under the conditions contained in the Texas Boxing and Wrestling Act, subsection 7(c).

(c) All amateur contests shall be conducted under the rules of the amateur associations, as approved by the department.

(d) Departmental approval shall be in writing.

(a) Kickboxing matches shall not exceed nine twominute rounds with a oneminute rest period between rounds. The Department may, however, permit an additional two rounds for championship events.

(b) Male contestants must wear a foulproof groin protector. A plastic cup with an athletic supporter is adequate, but an abdominal guard is preferable. Female contestants must wear foulproof breast protectors. Plastic breast covers are adequate. Female contestants must also wear a pelvic guard to protect their hips. Foot and shin pads are required.

(c) Each kickboxing contestant must execute a minimum of six kicks during each round. If either fighter does not do so, he will automatically lose the round. If both contestants fail to execute the minimum number of kicks by the end of a round, theround is declared a draw. In any match of nine or more rounds, if either fighter fails to execute the minimum number of kicks in any three rounds, he automatically loses the fight. In a nontitle fight, if either fighter fails to execute the minimum number of kicks in any two rounds, he loses the fight.

(d) The following tactics are fouls and are forbidden. Using these tactics may result in a warning, loss of points as determined by the referee, disqualification, forfeiture and/or fine.

(1) headbutts, elbow strikes or clubbing, kicks, punches or any other strikes at the groin;

(2) attacking with the knees;

(3) openhand attacks to the eyes or throat;

(4) striking at that part of the body over the kidneys or spine;

(5) spitting, slapping or biting;

(6) palm heel strikes (using the heel of the palm of the hand to deliver a blow to the face);

(7) arm bars (grabbing one arm with the other and pressing the grabbed arm against the opponent's throat);

(8) grabbing or holding onto an opponent's leg or foot and grabbing or holding onto any other part of the body except for the purpose of attempting to throw the opponent to the floor;

(9) leg checking (extending the leg to check an opponent's leg or prevent him or her from kicking);

(10) purposely going down without being hit;

(11) any unsportsmanlike trick or action causing any injury to an opponent;

(12) attacking on the break;

(13) attacking after the bell or gong has sounded ending the round or when the opponent is out of the ring; and

(14) intentionally pushing, shoving or wrestling an opponent out of the ring with any part of the body.

(e) A contestant intentionally avoiding any physical contact with his or her opponent willreceive a warning. If a contestant continues avoiding contact, he or she will be declared the loser of that round. If a contestant avoids contact after losing a round for that reason, he or she may be subject to the same penalties and procedures as a contestant guilty of foul tactics.

(f) In any case where the referee decides that the contestants are not honestly competing, that the knockout is a "dive", or the foul is a prearranged termination of the bout, he or she will not finish the knockout count, disqualify the contestant for fouling, or render a decision, but shall stop the bout and declare it ended not later than before the end of the last round. He shall also order purses of both fighters held pending investigation and disposition of the funds by the Department.

(g) No contestant shall leave the ring during the oneminute rest period between rounds. If any contestant fails or refuses to resume fighting when the bell sounds for starting the next round, the referee will award a knockout victory to his or her opponent as of the round which has just been finished. If the circumstances indicate to the referee the need for an investigation or disciplinary action, the referee will not make a decision and will order the purse or purses of either or both contestants withheld.

(h) Before a fallen contestant resumes fighting after having been knocked to, slipped to, or fallen to the floor, the referee shall wipe the contestant's gloves free of any foreign substance.