1 ARTICLE 20:81
ATHLETIC COMMISSION
Chapter
20:81:01 General provisions.
20:81:02 Fees.
20:81:03 Licenses and registrations.
20:81:04 Boxing.
20:81:05 Mixed martial arts.
20:81:06 Kickboxing.
20:81:07 Ticket sales.
20:81:08 Amateur organizations and educational institutions.
20:81:09 Complaints.
20:81:10 Bout Review.
2 CHAPTER 20:81:01
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section
20:81:01:01 Definitions.
20:81:01:02 General applicability.
20:81:01:03 Contest approval required.
20:81:01:04 Prohibited contests.
20:81:01:05 Mismatched bouts prohibited.
20:81:01:06 Pregnancy testing.
20:81:01:07 Officials designated by Commission commission.
20:81:01:08 Financial interests and arrangements.
20:81:01:09 Bout contracts -- Requirements.
20:81:01:10 Safety requirements -- Medical and other safeguards.
20:81:01:11 Registrations and licenses -- Requirements and terms.
20:81:01:12 Grounds for denial.
20:81:01:13 Change of name, address or telephone of registrant or licensee.
20:81:01:14 Recognition of actions of other jurisdictions.
20:81:01:15 Sham or collusive contests prohibited.
20:81:01:16 Drug testing.
20:81:01:17 Disciplinary action.
3 20:81:01:01. Definitions. Terms defined in SDCL 42-12-7.1 42-12-7.2 have the same
meaning when used in this article. In addition, terms in this article mean:
(1) "Applicant," any person, club, corporation, association, or entity seeking registration,
licensure, or renewal of a registration or license with the Commission commission;
(2) "Amateur," a contestant who has not received any remuneration, directly or
indirectly, in any bout he has participated in;
(3) "Announcer," a person responsible for announcing the names of the officials, the
contestants, the contestants' weight, and the decisions of the referee and judges during a contest;
(4) "Bout," one contest involving boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts contestants;
(5) "Contest," a bout or group of bouts, competition, or exhibition, involving contestants
competing in boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts;
(6) "Contestant," any human being a person who enters the ring or fenced fighting area
to compete against another human being during a boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts
bout;
(7) "Cut man," a second person designated by the Commission commission to attend to
contestants between rounds. A cut man many not be a manager, matchmaker, or promoter for
an event;
(8) "Designee," a representative of the Commission commission who attends boxing,
kickboxing, or mixed martial arts events to ensure that all laws and Commission commission
rules are adhered to;
(9) “Inspector,” a person who assists the commission at a contest;
4 (9) (10) "Judge," a person serving as a member of a scoring panel for boxing, kickboxing,
or mixed martial arts. The panel of judges is responsible for determining a decision in each
bout;
(10) (11) "Official," referees, judges, timekeepers, and physicians involved in a boxing,
kickboxing, or mixed martial arts contest;
(11) (12) "Physician," a person who is licensed as a doctor of medicine or doctor of
osteopathy and in good standing with the issuing licensing board;
(12) (13) "Professional," a contestant who has received remuneration, either directly or
indirectly, for any bout the contestant has participated in;
(13) (14) "Purse," the financial guarantee or any other remuneration which a contestant
receives for participating in a bout, including the contestant's share of any payment received for
broadcasting, internet, television, or motion picture rights;
(14) (15) "Referee," the person in charge of enforcing the rules during any contest;
(15) (16) "Second," an individual a person who attends to a contestant between rounds,
including, but not limited to a cut man;
(16) (17) "Timekeeper," a person responsible for keeping accurate time during any
contest.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
5 20:81:01:03. Contest approval required. No contest may be held without the approval
of the Commission commission. Requests for approval of a contest must be submitted to the
Commission commission at least thirty sixty business days prior to the date of the contest. A
request for approval must be submitted on a form prescribed by the Commission commission.
A request for approval must be accompanied by the minimum fee set forth in § 28:81:02:03.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
6 20:81:01:04. Prohibited contests. The Commission commission will not approve the
following:
(1) A bout which is mismatched;
(2) A bout between a professional contestant and an amateur contestant;
(3) A bout in which more than two contestants appear in the ring or fenced area at the
same time;
(4) A bout in which members of the opposite sex compete against each other;
(5) A bout in which one of the contestants is pregnant;
(6) A bout in which no gloves are used by the contestants;
(7) Any bar room type brawl, "so you think you are tough" type contest, roughneck type
contest, "battle royale," or contest of similar character and nature; or
(8) A contest to be held on a recognized federal or state holiday, unless agreed to by the
commission.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9.1(3); SDCL 42-12-10(4).
7 20:81:01:05. Mismatched bouts prohibited. The Commission commission may not
allow a bout in which the contestants are not fairly matched. In determining if contestants are
fairly matched, the following may be considered:
(1) Win-Loss records of the each contestants;
(2) Weight of the each contestants;
(3) Number of fights by the each contestants; and
(4) Physical condition of each contestants.;
(5) Quality of any previous fight by each contestant;
(6) Duration of previous fights by each contestant;
(7) Time since the last fight of each contestant;
(8) Outcomes of each contestant’s most recent fights;
(9) Suspensions of each contestant by the commission or other states;
(10) Training status of each contestant; and
(11) Available recordings of each contestant’s past fights.
The commission’s determination of whether contestants are fairly matched must consider the
safety of each contestant. The commission’s determination that a proposed bout is not fairly
matched is final.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(12).
8 20:81:01:06. Pregnancy testing. A female contestant shall submit to an early pregnancy
test administered at the official weigh-in by a commission designee or the physician in
attendance. The female contestant shall submit to another early pregnancy test administered by
the contest assigned physician or a commission designee immediately prior to competing. A
female contestant is not eligible to compete if the result of an early pregnancy test indicates a
positive result.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(12).
9 20:81:01:07. Officials designated by Commission commission. The Commission
commission shall approve and assign the officials for all contests. Compensation for assigned
officials shall be the responsibility of the promoter. If the promoter and an assigned official do
not agree to compensation for the contest, the commission shall set the compensation for the
official. If the official does not agree to the compensation set by the commission, the
commission shall assign another official.
The promoter shall provide the commission with the agreed compensation for each
assigned official before the start of the contest.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
10 20:81:01:09. Bout contracts -- Requirements. Prior At least seven days to the official
weigh-in of a contest, the promoter must provide the Commission commission with a copy of
the signed bout contract for each contestant. The bout contract must include:
(1) Date, time, and location of contest;
(2) Date, time, and location of the official weigh-in;
(3) Contract weight for the bout;
(4) Amount of purse for the contestant, including show pay and win bonuses;
(5) Any fees to be deducted from the contestant's purse;
(6) The number of rounds of the bout; and
(7) Signatures of both the promoter and the contestant on the contract.
The Commission commission may refuse to allow a bout unless a signed contract is filed
with the Commission commission at least seven days prior to the weigh-in.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
11 20:81:01:10. Safety requirements -- Medical and other safeguards. No contest may
begin or continue without adequate safeguards to protect the health of the contestants
competing. Adequate safeguards must include:
(1) The presence of emergency medical personnel at the site of the contest;
(2) The presence of at least one physician registered by the Commission commission at
ringside at all times during the contest each bout;
(3) The presence of an ambulance, dedicated solely to the contestants, at the site of the
contest. The ambulance may be released in an emergency, only temporarily, and only with the
approval of the ringside physician. The contest must be held in abeyance until the ambulance
and the emergency personnel return to the site;
(4) The use of rubber or plastic gloves during the contest by all persons, including
managers, seconds, physicians, cut men, and referees, coming into contact with a contestant
during the course of a contest, other than the contestant in the same bout;
(5) A stretcher must be kept under the ring or be available as part of the onsite ambulance
equipment; and
(6) A portable resuscitator with oxygen must be kept under the ring or be available as
part of the onsite ambulance equipment.
Seating for assigned officials and the commission must be available ringside and at least
fifteen feet from any ticketholders for the event. The space must be demarcated by a barrier to
allow ringside officials and the commission access to the entire space around the ring without
interference from ticketholders.
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all ringside tables.
12 The placement of camera and media people ringside is allowed only in neutral corners.
Such persons must have a pass to sit ringside and must be approved by the Commission
commission before they receive passes.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016; 44
SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
13 20:81:01:11. Registration and licenses -- Requirements and terms. All contestants,
referees, judges, managers, promoters, seconds, timekeepers, matchmakers, announcers,
inspectors, and physicians must be properly registered or licensed by the Commission
commission. An application for a registration or license must be made in writing on a form
prescribed by the Commission commission. The applicable fee must be submitted with the
application. An applicant performing multiple duties must be registered or licensed for each
duty, but is not responsible for payment of more than one fee. The fee for an applicant for more
than one registration or license shall be the highest of the applicable fees.
All applicants for registration or licensure, in any capacity, must be at least eighteen years
of age.
A registration or license is valid from the date of issue until December thirty-first of the
year of issuance.
An applicant shall verify under penalty of law that all information submitted by the
applicant is true and correct. An applicant may be required to clarify, expand, or provide
additional information to the Commission commission to fully evaluate qualifications. The
applicant shall provide any additional information ordered by the Commission commission at
the applicant's expense.
A contestant who signs a bout agreement with the promoter of an approved event, is
subject to discipline by the commission for failure show for the weigh-in or bout, regardless of
whether the contestant submitted an application for registration or licensure or the applicable
fee.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
14 General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
15 20:81:01:12. Grounds for denial. The Commission commission may deny an
application for registration or licensure based on:
(1) Failure to demonstrate the minimum qualifications for registration or licensure;
(2) An inability to perform the duties of the respective position in which the applicant is
seeking registration or licensure as evidenced by the current application or previous conduct by
the applicant;
(3) Medical, administrative, or disciplinary actions or sanctions by the Commission
commission or by another jurisdiction;
(4) Actions by the applicant which fail to demonstrate financial responsibility,
experience, character, or general fitness of the applicant, including in the case of corporations,
its officers and stakeholders, are such that the participation of such the applicant will be
consistent with the public interest, convenience, or necessity and the safety of contestants and
with the best interest of the sport, generally; or
(5) Actions by the applicant that demonstrate a lack of candor or professionalism with the
commission which are inconsistent with the public interest, convenience, or necessity and the
safety of contestants and with the best interest of the sport, generally,
(5) (6) A suspension by the commission or another jurisdiction pursuant to 20:81:01:14;
or
(7) Violation of any Commission commission rule or statute.
The Commission commission shall not issue a registration to any applicant as a boxer,
kickboxer, or mixed martial artist who has suffered a cerebral hemorrhage of any type.
The commission shall not issue a registration to a promoter in arrears on a contest fee.
16 Registration or licensure by the commission does not require the commission to approve
a contestant for a bout, assign an official to a contest or approve a proposed contest.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
17 20:81:01:13. Change of name, address or telephone of registrant or licensee. If a
registrant or licensee has a change of name, address, or telephone number, the registrant or
licensee must notify the Commission commission in writing. Registrants and licensees are
required to submit legal documentation proving a name change. A registrant or licensee who
does not have a current address on file with the Commission commission may be subject to
discipline and may be denied the right to compete as a contestant or serve as a promoter, official,
manager, or matchmaker for a contest until the registrant or licensee provides a valid address
to the Commission.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
18 20:81:01:14. Recognition of actions of other jurisdictions. The Commission
commission will recognize all medical, administrative, and disciplinary suspensions or
sanctions from other jurisdictions placed on a person registered or licensed by the Commission
commission or seeking registration or licensure from the Commission commission. The
commission may allow a contestant to compete in an approved event if, in its sole discretion,
the commission determines that the suspension in another jurisdiction is for an administrative
only infraction.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
19 20:81:01:16. Drug testing. Any contestant participating in a contest under the
jurisdiction of the Commission commission is subject to testing for prohibited drugs,
stimulants, or nonprescription preparations at the official weigh-in for the contest, at the contest,
or following the bout in which the contestant participates. Testing may be conducted by the
commission or by a third-party approved by the commission to conduct the testing.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
20 20:81:01:17. Disciplinary action. Any person, club, corporation, association, entity,
contest, competition, or exhibition registered or licensed by the Commission commission is
subject to disciplinary action by the Commission commission for, but not limited to:
(1) Providing false information on any application or form submitted to the Commission
commission;
(2) Attempting to use a license or registration issued by the Commission commission in
a manner not intended and not consistent with the best interests of boxing, kickboxing, or mixed
martial arts or the Commission's commission’s intent;
(3) Failing to timely respond to requests and requirements of the Commission
commission;
(4) For contestants, failing to appear at the appointed place at the specified time to be
weigh-in, failing to make the weight agreed to in the signed bout contract by more than ten
percent of the agreed weight, or failing to show for a bout; or
(5) Actions by the applicant which fail to demonstrate financial responsibility,
experience, character, or general fitness of the applicant, including in the case of corporations,
its officers and stakeholders, are such that the participation of the applicant will be consistent
with the public interest, convenience, or necessity and the safety of contestants and with the
best interest of the sport, generally;
(6) Actions by the applicant that demonstrate a lack of candor or professionalism with the
commission which are inconsistent with the public interest, convenience, or necessity and the
safety of contestants and with the best interest of the sport, generally;
(7) For promoters, failure to pay the required contest fee within thirty days of the contest;
21 (8) For promoters or matchmakers, submitting an excessive number of bouts for an
approved event in which one contestant's skills or abilities is significantly in excess of the other
contestant.
(5) (9) Otherwise violating the provisions of SDCL Chapter 42-12 or any rule
promulgated pursuant thereto.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
22 20:81:02:01. Remittance of fees. An applicant shall remit all fees to the Commission
commission in the form of cash, a personal check, cashier's check, certified check, or money
order made payable to the State of South Dakota. The Commission commission may not take
action on any application for registration, licensure or renewal until the required fee is received.
Submission of a contestant application is consent by the applicant to be disciplined for failure
to meet the requirements of a signed bout contract, regardless of whether the applicable fee was
received with the application.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
23 20:81:02:02. Fee schedule. The annual registration and license fees for participants, in
any capacity, in a boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts contest are as follows:
(1) Judge, $50;
(2) Boxer, $50;
(3) Kickboxer, $50;
(4) Mixed Martial Artist, $50;
(5) Matchmaker, $200;
(6) Manager, $100;
(7) Promoter, $300;
(8) Referee, $50;
(9) Second, $25;
(10) Timekeeper, $25; and
(11) Physician, no charge.; and
(12) Inspector, no charge.
An amateur organization or educational institution applying for an exemption shall pay a
fee of $100.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 1-26-6.9, 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(16).
24 20:81:02:03. Contest fees. For each approved contest, the promoter shall pay a fee of
three thousand dollars or three percent of the gross revenue of the contest, whichever is greater.
The maximum contest fee for an event is three hundred thousand dollars. At the time of
application to register a contest, the promoter applying for registration shall submit a fee of one
thousand five hundred dollars. The fee is non-refundable if the application is denied. If the
application is approved, the submitted fee must be applied to the remaining contest fee owed to
the commission. As a condition of approval of a contest, the promoter must pay the balance of
the minimum fee due for the contest at least seven days prior to the contest.
The commission shall provide forms for the calculation and payment of contest fees due
to the commission based on the gross revenue of the contest as set forth in § 20:81:07:05.
The promoter shall pay the remaining contest fee due to the commission within thirty
days of the completion of the event.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016; SL
2016, ch 213, § 2, effective July 1, 2016; 47 SDR 67, effective December 3, 2020.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(6). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(6).
25 CHAPTER 20:81:03
LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Sections
20:81:03:01 Terms and conditions of registration -- Boxers and kickboxers.
20:81:03:02 National Registry of Boxing.
20:81:03:03 Terms and condition of registration -- Mixed martial artists.
20:81:03:04 Terms and conditions of license -- Promoters.
20:81:03:05 Terms and conditions of license -- Matchmakers.
20:81:03:06 Terms and conditions of license -- Managers.
20:81:03:07 Terms and conditions of registration -- Referees.
20:81:03:08 Terms and conditions of registration -- Judges.
20:81:03:09 Terms and conditions of registration -- Seconds.
20:81:03:10 Terms and conditions of registration -- Timekeepers.
20:81:03:11 Terms and conditions of registration -- Physicians.
20:81:03:12 Terms and conditions of registration – Inspectors.
26 20:81:03:01. Terms and conditions of registration -- Boxers and kickboxers. All
boxers and kickboxers who apply for registration with the Commission commission are subject
to the following terms and conditions:
(1) All boxers and kickboxers who participate in a bout or contest must be registered
with the Commission commission, unless specifically exempted;
(2) The applicant must provide a complete record of competitions;
(3) The applicant must provide acceptable photo identification;
(2) (4) The applicant must provide proof of a Boxers Federal Identification Card, or
submit an application and required fee for an identification card and meet the eligibility
requirements to be issued such a card pursuant to § 20:81:03:02;
(5) The applicant must disclose whether the applicant is, or has been, under a suspension
in any jurisdiction in the preceding twelve months;
(3) (6) The applicant must submit verification of a physical within the previous twelve
months three hundred sixty-five days from a physician licensed as a doctor of medicine or
doctor of osteopathy, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner;
(4) (7) The applicant must submit verification of a dilated eye exam within the previous
twelve months three hundred sixty-five days from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist;
(5) (8) The applicant must provide proof the applicant has been administered a test by a
laboratory in the United States that possess a certificate number under the Clinical Laboratory
Improvement Act (42 U.S.C. 263a) to detect the presence of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and
other blood borne pathogens as identified by the Commission commission, within six months
one hundred eighty days prior to the application and that the results are negative;
27 (6) (9) The applicant must disclose any serious bodily injuries, any serious head injuries,
any surgeries, and whether the applicant is taking any medications;
(7) (10) If the Commission commission determines that a question exists as to the medical
condition of an applicant, the Commission commission may require the applicant to complete
a physical by a physician approved by the Commission commission. Upon completion of the
physical, the physician shall submit the report of the results directly to the Commission
commission. The report must affirmatively state the physician's opinion as to the advisability
of the applicant fighting. The physical performed must address the question raised about the
applicant's health and include such testing as a prudent physician would perform to determine
the health and fitness of an individual to engage in the sport of boxing. The results of all required
examinations must be made a part of the applicant's permanent medical record maintained by
the Commission commission. The costs of all examinations required by this section shall be
paid by the applicant; and
(8) (11) The applicant must demonstrate financial responsibility, experience, character,
and general fitness of the applicant are such that the participation of such the applicant are
consistent with the public interest, convenience, or necessity and the safety of contestants and
with the best interests of the sport, generally.
Failure to meet any of these terms or conditions may result in the denial of the application
for registration.
A boxer or kickboxer registered with the Commission commission has an ongoing
obligation to meet the requirements of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for
failing to maintain any of these requirements following registration. For the first infraction of
any provisions of this rule, the Commission may issue a verbal warning. Following a second
28 violation of any provision of this rule, a written warning may be issued. Following a third
infraction of any provision of this rule, the boxer or kickboxer may be suspended for up to six
months. The Commission commission may suspend any boxer or kickboxer for any period of
time for any serious violation of this rule without warning.
Registration by the commission does not require the commission to approve a contestant
for a bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(2). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2).
29 20:81:03:02. National Registry of Boxing. No boxer shall be allowed to compete
without a Boxer's Federal Identification Card issued by the Association of Boxing
Commissions. All applicants for registration as a boxer shall provide a Boxer's Federal
Identification Card with the application for registration or apply for registration in the state
where the boxer resides, unless where the boxer resides does not participate in the Association
of Boxing Commissions' registration system. An applicant for a new or renewal boxer
registration shall complete, sign, and submit in person to the Commission commission, the
Association of Boxing Commissions Boxer's Federal Identification Card Application. With the
application, the applicant shall submit a $25 fee; two 1 inch by 1.5 inch color photos of
identification; a copy of a photo identification issued to the applicant by a governmental entity
containing the applicant's photograph; and social security number or similar foreign
identification number. The applicant must be recognizable in the photographs.
A Federal Identification Card shall expire two four years from the date of issuance.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2).
30 20:81:03:03. Terms and conditions of registration -- Mixed martial artists. All
mixed martial artists applying for registration with the Commission commission are subject to
the following terms and conditions:
(1) All mixed martial artists participating in a bout or contest must be registered with the
Commission commission, unless specifically exempted;
(2) The applicant must provide a complete record of competitions;
(3) The applicant must provide acceptable photo identification;
(4) The applicant must provide proof of a national mixed martial arts identification or
make application for a national mixed martial arts identification at the time of application;
(5) The applicant must disclose whether the applicant is, or has been, under suspension
in any jurisdiction in the preceding twelve months;
(6) The applicant must submit verification of a physical within three hundred sixty-five
days prior to a bout from a physician licensed as a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy,
physician's assistant or nurse practitioner;
(7) The applicant must submit verification of a dilated eye exam within three hundred
sixty-five days prior to a bout from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist;
(8) The applicant must provide proof the applicant has been administered a test by a
laboratory in the United States that possesses a certificate number under the Clinical Laboratory
Improvement Act (42 U.S.C. 263a) to detect the presence of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and
other blood borne pathogens as identified by the Commission commission, within one hundred
eighty days prior to a bout and that the results are negative;
31 (9) The applicant must disclose any serious bodily injuries, any serious head injuries, any
surgeries, a cerebral hemorrhage of any kind, and whether the applicant is taking any
medications;
(10) If the Commission commission determines that a question exists as to the medical
condition of an applicant, the Commission commission may require the applicant to complete
a physical by a physician approved by the Commission commission. Upon completion of the
physical, the physician shall submit the report of the results directly to the Commission
commission. The report must affirmatively state the physician's opinion as to the advisability
of the applicant fighting. The physical performed must address the question raised about the
applicant's health and include such testing as a prudent physician would perform to determine
the health and fitness of an individual to engage in the sport of mixed martial arts. The results
of all required examinations must be made a part of the applicant's permanent medical record
maintained by the Commission commission. The costs of all examinations required by this
section shall be paid by the applicant; and
(11) The applicant must demonstrate financial responsibility, experience, character, and
general fitness of the applicant are such that the participation of such the applicant are consistent
with the public interest, convenience, or necessity and the safety of contestants and with the
best interests of the sport, generally.
Failure to meet any of these terms or conditions may result in the denial of the application
for registration.
A mixed martial artist registered with the commission has an ongoing obligation to meet
the requirements of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain any
of these requirements following registration. For the first infraction of any provisions of this
32 rule, the Commission may issue a verbal warning. Following a second violation of any
provision of this rule, a written warning may be issued. Following a third infraction of any
provision of this rule, the mixed martial artist may be suspended for up to six months. The
Commission commission may suspend any mixed martial artist for any period of time for any
serious violation of this rule without warning.
Registration by the commission does not require the commission to approve a contestant
for a bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016; 44
SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(2). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2).
33 20:81:03:04. Terms and conditions of license -- Promoters. All promoters are subject
to the following terms and conditions:
(1) All persons, clubs, corporations, associations, or entities acting as a promoter of a
boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts bout or contest must be licensed by the commission;
(2) The applicant must demonstrate financial responsibility, experience, character, and
general fitness of the applicant, including in the case of corporations, its officers and
stakeholders, are such that the applicant will be consistent with the public interest, convenience,
or necessity and the safety of contestants, and with the best interests of the sport, generally;
(3) If a promoter is acting as a matchmaker, the promoter is responsible for working with
the Commission commission, or its designee, while the contest is in progress and must be
available at all times to the Commission commission, or its designee;
(4) Any person, party, or organization acting as a promoter of a bout or contest must
obtain approval of the commission at least thirty business days prior to the date of the
competition or exhibition. The promoter shall request approval on a form prescribed by the
Commission commission;
(5) The promoter shall ensure that all events are conducted in a safe and orderly manner
and is responsible for ensuring the maintenance of adequate public safety at all contests;
(6) The promoter shall comply with all applicable state, city, municipal, and county laws
and regulations including, but not limited to, any applicable fire and health laws. The promoter
shall also comply with any directives from any governing state, municipal, city, or county law
enforcement or regulatory agency or entity. Failure to abide by the provisions of this rule or to
ensure adequate public safety may result in cancellation of a contest, discipline against a
promoter's license, and denial of future contest permits by the Commission commission;
34 (7) The promoter shall provide all materials necessary to conduct the contest, including
a ring, stools, water buckets, competition gloves, rubber gloves, gauze, and tape for hand wraps.
The promoter must provide adequate equipment for the number of bouts on the approved card.
The promoter shall ensure that all the required equipment is in its place;
(8) The promoter shall register the approved event with the Association of Boxing
Commissions;
(9) Not less than seven days prior to the date of an approved event, the promoter must
file with the Commission commission proof of adequate insurance for the protection of the
contestants, officials, and the attending public in an amount of at least one million dollars;
(10) Not less than seven days prior to the date of an approved event, the promoter must
provide proof of health insurance for each contestant to provide coverage for any injuries
sustained in the competition or exhibition. The minimum benefit shall be ten thousand dollars
for health and ten thousand dollars in accidental death benefits. The promoter is responsible to
pay any deductibles necessary, including the deductible of the contestant's primary insurance,
if applicable;
(11) Not less than seven days prior to the date of an approved event, the promoter shall
submit a completed notification of the final contest form to the Commission commission. A
signed contract for each contestant on the final contest form must be submitted to the
commission with the final contest form. The final contest form shall constitute the final card
for the event;
(12) The promoter must submit any change or substitution in the announced or advertised
programs for any main event bout at least forty-eight hours seven days before the weigh-in time
of the contest. Such Any change or substitution must be approved by the Commission
35 commission. Notices of such any change or substitution must also be included in any public
announcement or advertisement relating to the contest and must be conspicuously posted at all
box offices on the premises and announced from the ring before the opening contest. The
promoter shall obtain prior approval from the commission for any change to the date or time of
an approved contest;
(13) If requested, the promoter must provide the Commission commission with a surety
bond payable to the State of South Dakota in the amount of at least twenty thousand dollars or
an irrevocable letter of credit in at least the same amount from a lending institution approved to
do business in the United States to guarantee payment of all fees and state taxes. The irrevocable
letter of credit may only be released upon written approval of the Commission commission. An
additional bond or irrevocable letter of credit may be required in the amount specified by the
Commission commission where it may be reasonably expected that the twenty thousand dollars
bond or irrevocable letter of credit will not provide sufficient protection to the state. It is the
duty of each promoter to maintain all required bonds on a current status. All surety bonds or
irrevocable letters of credit must be valid until the promoter's license expiration date. The
Commission commission may require the bond to pay unpaid fees for officials and purses based
on the amounts stated in bout contracts;
(14) The promoter must provide proof of ability to pay the entire purse of the contest and
all assigned officials at weigh-in;
(15) The promoter shall submit ticket information along with a financial report to the
Commission commission on a form prescribed by the Commission commission within thirty
days of the contest, along with any remaining contest fee due as provided in 20:81:02:03;
36 (16) The promoter is responsible for making all financial arrangements with all event
officials, except the Commission commission or its designee. The Commission commission
shall approve and assign all officials;
(17) The promoter must file all contracts between the promoter and the contestants with
the Commission commission not less than seven days prior to the weigh-in. The Commission
commission, or its designee, shall review all contracts to ensure compliance with applicable
laws and rules; and
(18) Prior Not less than seven days prior to an approved contest, the promoter shall
provide the Commission commission with a plan for security adequate to ensure the safety of
the public, contestants and officials attending the event.
Failure to timely file any required report or form may result in the cancellation of an
approved event and the denial of a future contest.
Failure to meet any of these terms or conditions may result in the denial of the application
for licensure.
A promoter licensed by the Ccommission commission has an ongoing obligation to meet
the requirements of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain any
of these requirements. The first infraction of any provisions of this rule, the Commission may
issue a verbal warning. Following a second violation of any provision of this rule, a written
warning may be issued. Following a third infraction of any provision of this rule, the promoter
may be suspended for up to six months. The Commission commission may suspend any
promoter for any period of time for any serious violation of this rule without warning.
37 The lack of timely payments to any contestant, official, or the Commission commission
is cause for revocation of a promoter's license, denial of the renewal of a license, or denial of
approval for a future event.
Licensure by the commission does not require the commission to approve a proposed
bout or contest.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016; 44
SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(3). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(3).
38 20:81:03:05. Terms and conditions of license -- Matchmakers. All matchmakers are
subject to the following terms and conditions;
(1) All persons clubs, corporations, associations, or entities acting as a matchmaker must
be licensed by the Commission commission;
(2) The matchmaker is responsible for arranging the contest and matching contestants as
to weight and experience for approval by the Commission commission;
(3) A matchmaker must be present at every contest;
(4) The matchmaker is responsible for working with the Commission commission, or its
designee, while the contest is in progress and must be accessible at all times to the Commission
commission, or its designee; and
(5) The matchmaker is directly liable for the promoter he represents.
Failure to meet any of these terms or conditions may result in the denial of the application
for licensure.
A promoter acting as a matchmaker is responsible for the duties of the matchmaker.
A matchmaker licensed by the Commission commission has an ongoing obligation to
meet the requirements of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain
any of these requirements. For the first infraction of any provisions of this rule, the Commission
may issue a verbal warning. Following a second violation of any provision of this rule, a written
warning may be issued. Following a third infraction of any provision of this rule, the
matchmaker may be suspended for up to six months. The Commission commission may
suspend any matchmaker for any period of time for any serious violation of this rule without
warning.
39 Licensure by the commission does not require the commission to approve a proposed
bout or contest.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(3).
40 20:81:03:06. Terms and conditions of license -- Managers. All managers are subject
to the following terms and conditions:
(1) All persons, clubs, corporations, associations, or entities acting as a manager must be
licensed by the Commission commission; and
(2) The manager is responsible for working with the Commission commission, or its
designee, while the contest is in progress and must be accessible at all times to the Commission
commission, or its designee.
Failure to meet any of these terms or conditions may result in the denial of the application
for licensure.
A manager licensed by the Commission commission has an ongoing obligation to meet
the requirements of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain any
of these requirements. For the first infraction of any provisions of this rule, the Commission
may issue a verbal warning. Following a second violation of any provision of this rule, a written
warning may be issued. Following a third infraction of any provision of this rule, the manager
may be suspended for up to six months. The Commission commission may suspend any
manager for any period of time for any serious violation of this rule without warning.
Licensure by the commission does not require the commission to approve a proposed
bout or contest.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(3).
41 20:81:03:07. Terms and conditions of registration -- Referees. All referees are subject
to the following terms and conditions:
(1) All referees designated by the commission must be registered with the commission;
(2) An applicant for registration must demonstrate knowledge of boxing, kickboxing, or
mixed martial arts and safety measures sufficient to oversee a bout or contest;
(3) A referee may not officiate more than thirty-five six scheduled rounds in any one
scheduled contest;
(4) The referee must have a physical examination within one hundred and eighty days
before acting in a referee's capacity submit verification of a physical within three hundred sixty-
five days prior to a bout from a physician licensed as a doctor of medicine or doctor of
osteopathy, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner. The physical examination may be done
at either the official weigh-in or before the contest begins by the ringside physician. The
ringside physician's approval must be given to the commission prior to the referee entering the
ring;
(5) The referee shall exercise immediate authority, direction, and control over the bout
for which the referee has been designated, and it is the referee's responsibility to enforce all
rules;
(6) Before starting a contest, the referee shall ascertain from each contestant the name of
the contestant's chief second, and shall gather them together for final instructions;
(7) Pursuant to the commission's rules, the referee may stop the bout and make a decision
during any stage of the bout, if the referee determines that the contestants have become partial,
or if a contestant is in such condition that if such the contestant continues fighting, the contestant
is likely to suffer serious injury;
42 (8) If a contestant suffers a cut or wound that is considered dangerous, the referee has
the authority to stop the fight. In these cases, the referee shall consult the head physician
appointed assigned to attend the fight regarding the necessity of stopping the fight;
(9) The referee is responsible for deciding whether an injury has been done by a legal or
illegal blow, intentional or accidental, and must notify the judges immediately;
(10) When, for whatever reason, a contestant loses a mouthpiece, the referee will proceed
to return the mouthpiece when there is a lull in the action. The referee will exercise full authority
to avoid a contestant ejecting the mouthpiece intentionally by deducting a point as a result of
this behavior or disqualifying the contestant;
(11) A referee is prohibited from using alcoholic beverages twelve hours prior to the
fight and until the referee's assigned duties are completed;
(12) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the entire contest, a
timeout shall be called by the commission, or its designee, shall immediately assign an alternate
referee to assume the duties; and
(13) A referee must inform the commission, or its designee, how a fight was stopped.
The commission may assign multiple referees to a contest based on the number of bouts,
number of rounds, or type of bouts on the final card for the contest.
The Commission commission is under no obligation to designate a registered referee to
act as an official for a bout or contest.
A referee licensed by the commission has an ongoing obligation to meet the requirements
of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain any of these
requirements. The commission may suspend any referee for any period of time for any serious
violation of this rule without warning.
43 Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1)(2).
44 20:81:03:08. Terms and conditions of registration -- Judges. All judges are subject to
the following terms and conditions;
(1) All judges designated by the Commission commission must be registered with the
Commission commission;
(2) An applicant for registration must demonstrate knowledge of boxing, kickboxing, or
mixed martial arts and sufficient to judge a contest;
(3) Each of the three judges must be seated midway between the ring posts and the ring,
but not on the same side as another judge, and must have an unimpaired view of the ring;
(4) Judges shall indicate the winner of each round on the scorecard provided by the
Commission commission by marking and signing the scorecard in ink. Judges must be discreet
at all times. The judge should have no discussion with anyone except the Commission
commission, or its designee, during the contest;
(5) A judge is prohibited from using alcoholic beverages twelve hours prior to the fight
and until the judge's assigned duties are completed; and
(6) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the entire contest, a
timeout shall be called by the Commission commission, or its designee, and the Commission
commission, or its designee, shall immediately assign an alternate judge to assume the duties
from the point at which the judge became incapacitated.
The Commission commission is under no obligation to designate a registered judge to act
as an official for a bout or contest.
The commission may assign multiple judges to a contest based on the number of bouts,
number of rounds, or type of bouts on the final card for the contest.
45 A decision that is rendered by the judges at the termination of a contest may not be
changed without a hearing before the commission, unless it is determined that the computation
of the scorecards show a clerical or mathematical error giving the decision to the wrong
contestant, in which case such the clerical or mathematical error may be corrected by the judge
by informing the Commission commission of the error.
A judge licensed by the commission has an ongoing obligation to meet the requirements
of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain any of these
requirements. The commission may suspend any judge for any period of time for any serious
violation of this rule without warning.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016; 44
SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1)(2).
46 20:81:03:09. Terms and conditions of registration -- Seconds. All seconds are subject
to the following terms and conditions:
(1) All persons acting as a second for a contestant must be registered with the
Commission commission;
(2) A contestant may not have more than three seconds, unless the bout is a title bout,
one of whom must be designated as the chief second. During a title bout, there may be up to
four seconds;
(3) The chief second is responsible for the conduct of assistant seconds during the
contest;
(4) A second is restricted to the corner and must not be touching the apron. A second
may not enter the ring until the timekeeper has indicated the end of the round and shall leave
the ring at the timekeeper's gong, at which time the platform should be cleared of all
obstructions;
(5) During the rest period, one second must be allowed in the ring and the other seconds
must be allowed on the apron. A cut man is considered a second when in the ring for a
contestant;
(6) A chief second may indicate to the referee that the contestant cannot continue and the
contest should be stopped. Verbal notification, hand signals, throwing the towel, or mounting
of the ring by the chief second may be used to signal the contest should be stopped;
(7) A second may not administer alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or stimulants to a
contestant, pour or spray excessive water on the body of the contestant, or place ice in the trunks
or cup of a contestant during the contests;
(8) No second for a mixed martial arts competition may enter the ring with shoes; and
47 (9) A second shall stay off the ring floor or canvas while the bout is in progress, may not
lean on the ring or cage, and may not engage in excessive banging or verbal outbursts.
A second registered by the commission has an ongoing obligation to meet the
requirements of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain any of
these requirements. The commission may suspend any second for any period of time for any
serious violation of this rule without warning.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2).
48 20:81:03:10. Terms and conditions of registration -- Timekeepers. All timekeepers
are subject to the following terms and conditions:
(1) All persons acting as a timekeeper for a bout or contest must be registered with the
Commission commission;
(2) The timekeeper must possess adequate timepieces, including a backup, to time the
rounds, rest periods, and recuperation periods of a bout;
(3) The timekeeper shall indicate the beginning of each round with a signal. Ten seconds
before the end of the round, the timekeeper shall warn the contestants with three loud strikes;
(4) Ten seconds before the end of the rest period, the timekeeper shall warn the
contestants with three loud strikes;
(5) The timekeeper will only stop the time during a round when directed to do so by the
referee, and the timekeeper will only resume time when directed to do so by the referee;
(6) If a contestant is down, the timekeeper will begin the count and relay it to the referee
using hand gestures until the referee picks up the count. The referee has the sole discretion to
waive off the knockdown;
(7) If the referee calls time to allow a fouled contestant to recuperate, the timekeeper
shall start a separate count for the recuperation period; and
(8) If a bout terminates before the scheduled limit of rounds, the timekeeper shall inform
the Commission commission, or its designee, of the exact duration of the bout.
The commission is under no obligation to designate a registered judge to act as an official
for a bout or contest.
49 The commission may assign multiple timekeepers to a contest based on the number of
bouts, number of rounds, or type of bouts on the final card for the contest.
A timekeeper licensed by the commission has an ongoing obligation to meet the
requirements of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain any of
these requirements. The commission may suspend any timekeeper for any period of time for
any serious violation of this rule without warning.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2).
50 20:81:03:11. Terms and conditions of registration -- Physicians. All physicians are
subject to the following terms and conditions:
(1) All physicians acting as a an assigned physician for a bout or contest must be
registered with the Commission commission;
(2) An applicant for registration shall be licensed as a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine and in good standing with the issuing licensing board;
(3 2) The physician shall examine each contestant at the official weigh-in. If the
contestant is determined to be in acceptable physical condition, the physician shall certify this
on a form prescribed by the Commission commission. The examination shall include the
following:
(a) Eyes;
(b) Ears;
(c) Mouth and jaw;
(d) Skin;
(e) Nose;
(f) Heart;
(g) Lungs;
(h) Head;
(i) Hands;
(j) Abdomen;
(k) Blood pressure; and
(l) A pregnancy test if the contestant is female;
51 (43) If more than one physician is assigned to work the contest, the Commission
commission shall appoint one as the head physician;
(5 6) The physician must be seated near the steps of the ring, ringside or one in each
corner if two are present. The physician shall remain there ringside for the duration of the
contest each bout, unless a physician is needed in the ring;
(6 7) The physician may enter the ring at any time during the contest, at the request of
the referee, and may recommend termination of any bout to the referee, if, in the physician's
opinion, any contestant has received severe punishment or is in danger of serious physical
injury;
(7 8) In the event of any serious physical injury, the physician shall immediately render
any emergency treatment necessary, recommend further treatment or hospitalization, if
required, and fully report the entire matter to the Commission commission within twenty-four
hours, and if necessary subsequently follow up. The physician may also require the injured
contestant and contestant's manager or second remain in the ring, or on the premises, or report
to a hospital after the bout for such the period of time as the physician deems advisable; and
(8 9) The physician shall examine each contestant after the bout. If the contestant is
determined to be in acceptable physical condition, the physician shall certify this on a form
prescribed by the Commission commission.
The commission is under no obligation to designate a registered physician to act as an
official for a bout or contest.
The commission may assign multiple physicians to a contest based on the number of
bouts, number of rounds, or type of bouts on the final card for the contest.
52 A physician registered by the commission has an ongoing obligation to meet the
requirements of registration and is subject to disciplinary action for failing to maintain any of
these requirements. The commission may suspend any timekeeper for any period of time for
any serious violation of this rule without warning.
A physician may be assisted by other properly licensed healthcare professionals acting at
the direction of the physician to fulfill the physician’s duties for the contest. The healthcare
professionals are exempted from registration with the commission.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2).
53 20:81:03:12. Terms and conditions of registration -- Inspectors. All inspectors are
subject to the following terms and conditions:
(1) Any person acting as an inspector for a bout or contest must be registered with the
commission;
(2) An inspector shall assist the commission or commission designee with the oversight
of a contest by assisting with the observation of contestants, seconds and officials during an
event for compliance with rules governing the contest; and
(3) An inspector must be familiar with the regulations governing the contest to which the
inspector is assigned.
The commission is under no obligation to designate a registered inspector to act as an
official for a bout or contest.
The commission may assign multiple inspectors to a contest based on the number of
bouts, number of rounds, or type of bouts on the final card for the contest.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2).
54 CHAPTER 20:81:04 BOXING 20:81:04:01 Applicability of rules.
20:81:04:02 Compliance with Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and Muhammad Ali
Boxing Reform Act.
20:81:04:03 Rounds.
20:81:04:04 Referee.
20:81:04:05 Judges.
20:81:04:06 Scoring system.
20:81:04:07 Knockdowns.
20:81:04:08 Mouthpiece required.
20:81:04:09 Weight classes.
20:81:04:10 Gloves.
20:81:04:11 Weight differentials.
20:81:04:12 Weigh-ins.
20:81:04:13 Scales.
20:81:04:14 Appearance and attire.
20:81:04:15 Bandage and glove requirements.
20:81:04:16 Standing eight count not in effect.
20:81:04:17 Three knockdown rule not in effect.
20:81:04:18 Boxer out of the ring.
20:81:04:19 Technical knockout.
20:81:04:20 Fouls.
20:81:04:21 Injuries sustained by intentional fouls.
55 20:81:04:22 Injuries sustained by accidental fouls.
20:81:04:23 Results of contest.
20:81:04:24 Use and administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription preparations.
20:81:04:25 Ring requirements.
20:81:04:26 Automatic suspensions following contests.
20:81:04:27 Amateur contests -- Requirements and rules.
20:81:04:28 Ringside equipment.
20:81:04:29 Conduct of contests
56 20:81:04:03. Rounds. Twelve rounds is the maximum number of rounds for a boxing
bout for males and ten rounds is the maximum number of rounds for a boxing bout for females.
Each round shall consist of may not exceed a three minute duration, with a one minute rest
period between rounds.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
57 20:81:04:08. Mouthpiece required. 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 shall call time and have the mouthpiece replaced at
the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action. The referee may
deduct points if the mouthpiece is purposely spit out.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
58 20:81:04:12. Weigh-ins. The time and place of the official weigh-in for a contest must
be approved by the commission. The commission may conduct the weigh-in in a setting closed
to the public. Unless otherwise arranged, the contestant must be weighed at least eight hours
but not more than thirty hours before the contest. The contestants must be weighed in the
presence of the public, the opponent, a representative of the commission, and representative of
the promoter, on scales approved by the commission. A contestant must be allowed to be
present for the weigh-in of an opponent. A representative of the commission shall conduct the
weigh-in and shall inform all contestants of the process for the weigh-in.
The weigh-in must take place within a period of two hours. The commission may allow
for an open weigh-in during a specific two-hour period or for a specific time of weigh-in for
each fighter during a specific two-hour period. Additional time for a contestant to make weight
is determined by the process for the weigh-in period.
Only those contestants who have been approved for the contest may be weighed during
the official weigh-in.
A contestant who has contracted at a given weight class may not be permitted to compete
if the contestant's weight exceeds that class unless the contract provides for the opposing
contestant to agree to a weight differential. Under no circumstances may the weight differential
exceed the weight differential allowed for a weight class as provided by § 20:81:04:11.
If any contestant fails to reach the weight limit determined in the applicable category, at
the indicated date and time for the official weigh-in, and even if the opposing contestant does
not agree with the weight differential, each contestant, or both, shall have has up to two
additional hours to make the prescribed weight, provided that weight loss in excess of two
pounds is not permitted for a contestant who weighs less than one hundred forty-five pounds
59 and weight loss in excess of three pounds is not permitted for a contestant who weighs over one
hundred forty-five pounds.
If the contestants fail to make weight after the two-hour allowable period, the bout may
be cancelled.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
60 20:81:04:13. Scales. The scales to be used during the official weigh-in must be available
to all contestants at least two hours before the official weigh-in at the place of the official weigh-
in. For a title fight, there There must be two scales; one for the official weigh-in and one for the
contestants' use. For any title fight, the official scale must be certified and calibrated within the
preceding twelve months.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
61 20:81:04:23. Results of contest. A boxing contest may end under the following
results:
(1) Knockout, which occurs when the contestant is no longer physically able to continue;
(2) Technical knockout, which occurs when:
(a) The referee stops the bout because the contestant can no longer defend himself or
herself;
(b) The physician advises the referee to stop the bout; or
(c) An injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate the bout;
(3) A decision via the scorecards, including:
(a) Unanimous decision in which all three judges score the bout for the same
contestant;
(b) Split decision in which two of the three judges score the bout for one contestant
and the other judge scores the bout for the other contestant;
(c) Majority decision in which two judges score the bout for the same contestant and
one judge scores the bout a draw;
(d) A draw, including:
(i) A unanimous draw in which all these judges score the bout a draw;
(ii) A majority draw in which two judges score the bout a draw; or
(iii) A split draw in which all three judges score the bout differently and the score
total results in a draw;
(4) A technical decision in which the bout is stopped prematurely due to an injury and a
contestant is leading on the scorecards;
62 (5) A technical draw in which an injury sustained during the competition as a result of
an accidental foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the sufficient
number of rounds has been completed with the results of the scorecards being a draw;
(6) A disqualification in which an injury is sustained during the competition as a result
of an intentional foul severe enough to terminate the bout;
(7) A forfeit in which a contestant fails to begin the competition or prematurely ends the
contest for reasons other than injury; or
(8) A no contest in which a contest is prematurely stopped due to an accidental injury
and a sufficient number of rounds have not been completed to render a decision via the
scorecards.
The Commission commission may on its own initiative review or investigate any bout or
contest to determine compliance with South Dakota law pursuant this article. If the
Commission determines the bout or contest failed to abide by SDCL chapter 42-12 or any rule
promulgated pursuant thereto, the Commission may officially amend the results of the decision,
which may include declaring a different contestant as the winner or loser of the bout or declaring
the bout a no contest. If the Commission determines an official acted in error or reached a
decision that was not in accordance with SDCL chapter 42-12 or any rule promulgated thereto,
the Commission may similarly amend the results of the decision if such error or decision
affected, or could have reasonably affected, the outcome of the bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10.. SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(11).
63
64 20:81:04:24. Use and administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription
preparations. The use or administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription preparations
taken by or given to a contestant, other than the following is prohibited:
(1) Petroleum jelly for discretionary use around the eyes;
(2) Adrenalin or epinephrine in a manufacturer's premeasured vial in a 1/1000 solution;
and
(3) Coagulant limited to avitene, thrombin, thrombinplastin, fibroplastic, or jellfoam
powder.
All substances must be clearly labeled and available for inspection by the commission.
If a contestant tests positive for an illegal or unauthorized substance, the Commission
commission shall amend the results of the bout to a no contest decision if the offending
contestant won the bout. If the substance is a controlled substance as defined by SDCL 22-42-
1 subdivision (1) or a counterfeit substance as defined by SDCL 22-42-1 subdivision (2) the
Commission commission shall provide a copy of the laboratory report and any Commission
commission investigative reports in the matter to an appropriate law enforcement agency.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
65 20:81:04:25. Ring requirements. The ring for a contest shall meet the following
requirements:
(1) The ring for a contest may not be less than sixteen feet or more than twenty-two feet
square with ropes and must be elevated three and one-half feet off the floor. The promoter shall
provide suitable steps for the use of contestants;
(2) The ring posts must be constructed of metal not more than four inches in diameter.
The posts shall extend from the floor to a height of fifty-eight inches above the ring floor and
shall be fastened securely to the floor or to the other posts;
(3) The ropes must be a minimum of three in number, extending in a triple line eighteen
inches, thirty-five inches, and fifty-two inches from the floor of the ring and be at least one inch
in diameter and wrapped in soft materials. The ropes may not b e closer than eighteen inches to
the ring posts. If four ropes are used, the ropes must be proportionately spaced;
(4) The ring floor must extend beyond the lower rope for a distance of not less than
eighteen inches;
(5) The entire floor of the ring must be padded to the thickness of at least one inch with
felt, corrugated paper, matting, or other soft materials approved by the Commission
commission. A canvas covering stretched tightly and laced to the ring platform must cover the
padding materials; and
(6) The promoter must provide a suitable bell.
The ring must be assembled to provide ringside seating for assigned officials and the
commission at least fifteen feet from any ticketholders for the event. The space must be
demarcated by a barrier to allow ringside officials and the commission access to the entire space
around the ring without interference from ticketholders.
66 The ring must be assembled and available for inspection by the commission at least six
hours prior to the first scheduled bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
67 20:81:04:26. Automatic suspensions following contests. Boxers, under any
circumstance, may not compete or appear in a contest for up to ninety days after being unable
to defend themselves in a bout. Boxers knocked out in a bout may be suspended indefinitely,
subject to medical clearance to compete.
Boxers, under any circumstances, may not compete or appear in a contest less than seven
days after the completion of the contestant's last bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(10).
68 20:81:04:28. Ringside equipment. The promoter shall provide the following items
which must be available for use as needed by the corner:
(1) Two buckets;
(2) Chairs and stools;
(3) Rubber gloves;
(4) Towels; and
(5) Receptacles for soiled towels and trash.
The promoter must designate the corner for each contestant's team and provide a chair for
each corner and an assigned inspector to be seated in the corner area.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
69 20:81:04:29. Conduct of contests. A boxing contest is subject to the following:
(1) A boxing contest may not be less than twenty rounds or more than sixty rounds of
boxing competition on any one program boxing program,
(2) At each regulated contest, there must be in attendance a licensed referee who shall
direct and control the contest;
(3) At each regulated contest, there must be in attendance three licensed judges who shall
at the termination of each boxing bout render a decision;
(4) At each regulated contest, there must be in attendance a licensed timekeeper who
shall keep the time of each bout.; and
(5) At each regulated contest, the commission shall act as the scorekeeper for each bout.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
70 20:81:05:02. Rounds. Three rounds is the maximum number of rounds for a an amateur
mixed martial arts bout, except for a championship bout, for which the maximum number of
rounds is five rounds. Each amateur round may not exceed three minutes, with a one-minute
rest period between rounds. Five rounds is the maximum number of rounds for a professional
mixed martial arts bout. Each professional round may not exceed a five minute duration, with
a one minute rest period between rounds.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10). SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
71 20:81:05:03. Mouthpiece required. All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece
during competition. The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece. If the mouthpiece is
dislodged during competition, the referee shall call time and have the mouthpiece replaced at
the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action. The referee may
deduct points if the mouthpiece is being spit out intentionally.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10). SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
72 20:81:05:04. Weight classes. The classes for contestants participating in a mixed martial
arts bout or contest are as follows:
(1) Strawweight up to 115 pounds
(1) (2) Flyweight up over 115 pounds to 125 pounds
(2) (3) Bantamweight over 125 pounds to 135 pounds
(3) (4) Featherweight over 135 pounds to 145 pounds
(4) (5) Lightweight over 145 pounds to 155 pounds
(5) (6) Welterweight over 155 pounds to 170 pounds
(6) (7) Middleweight over 170 pounds to 185 pounds
(7) (8) Light Heavyweight over 185 pounds to 205 pounds
(8) (9) Heavyweight over 205 pounds to 265 pounds
(9) (10) Super Heavyweight over 265 pounds
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10). SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
73 20:81:05:05. Weigh-ins. The time and place of the official weigh-in for a contest must
be approved by the commission. The commission may conduct the weigh-in in a setting closed
to the public. Unless otherwise arranged, the contestant must be weighed at least eight hours
but not more than thirty hours before the contest. The contestants must be weighed in the
presence of a representative of the Commission commission on scales approved by the
Commission commission. A contestant must be allowed to be present for an opponent’s weigh-
in. A representative of the Commission commission shall conduct the weigh-in and shall inform
all contestants of the process for the weigh-in.
The weigh-in must take place within a period of two hours. The commission may allow
for an open weigh-in during a specific two-hour period or for a specific time of weigh-in for
each fighter during a specific two-hour period. Additional time for a contestant to make weight
is determined by the process for the weigh-in period.
Only those contestants who have been approved for the contest may be weighed during
the official weigh-in.
A contestant who has contracted at a given weight class may not be permitted to compete
if the contestant's weight exceeds that class unless the contract provides for the opposing
contestant to agree to a weight differential. Under no circumstances may the weight differential
exceed ten percent five pounds above the originally scheduled weight class, except for a super
heavyweight bout.
If any contestant fails to reach the weight limit determined in the applicable category, at
the indicated date and time for the official weigh-in, and even if the opposing contestant does
not agree with the weight differential, each contestant, or both, has up to two additional hours
to make the prescribed weight subject to the time allowed for the weigh-in period, provided that
74 weight loss does not exceed five percent of the contracted weight for the contestant two pounds
in a two-hour period.
If the contestants fail to make weight after the two-hour allowable period, the bout may
be cancelled. Contestants over the contracted weight by more than five percent pounds at the
time of the weigh-in are subject to suspension by the Commission commission.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016; 44
SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
75 20:81:05:06. Scales. The scales to be used during the official weigh-in must be available
to all contestants at least two hours before the official weigh-in at the place of the official weigh-
in. For a title fight, there There must be two scales: one for the official weigh-in and one for the
contestants' use. For any title fight, the scale must be certified and calibrated within the
preceding twelve months.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016; 44
SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
76 20:81:05:07. Conduct of contests. A mixed martial arts contest is subject to the
following:
(1) A mixed martial arts contest may not be less than twenty rounds or more than fifty
rounds of mixed martial art competition on any one program of mixed martial arts;
(2) At each regulated contest, there must be in attendance a licensed referee who shall
direct and control the contest;
(3) At each regulated contest, there must be in attendance three licensed judges who shall
at the termination of each mixed martial arts bout render a decisiondecision; and
(4) At each regulated contest, there must be in attendance a licensed timekeeper who
shall keep the official time of each bout.; and
(5) At each regulated contest, the commission shall act as the scorekeeper for each bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
77 20:81:05:08. Appearance and attire. In a mixed martial arts contest, each contestant
must meet the following appearance and attire requirements:
(1) Each contestant must be clean and present a tidy appearance;
(2) Each contestant must have the person's fingernails and toenails cut and trimmed;
(3) The excessive use of grease or any other foreign substance may not be used on the
face, hair, or body of the contestant. The referee or Commission commission designee shall
cause any excessive grease or foreign substance to be removed. The Commission commission
designee shall determine whether head and facial hair present any hazard to the safety of the
contestant or opponent or will interfere with the supervision and conduct of the contest or
exhibition. The contestant may not compete in the contest or exhibition unless the
circumstances are corrected to the Commission commission designee's satisfaction;
(4) A contestant may not wear any jewelry or piercing accessories while participating in
the contest;
(5) A male contestant may must wear mixed martial arts shorts, kickboxing shorts, or
lightweight elastic polyurethane fabric bike-shorts, any combination of the foregoing, or other
clothing approved by the Commission commission. A female contestant may must wear mixed
martial arts shorts, kickboxing shorts, or lightweight elastic polyurethane fabric bike-shorts, or
any combination of the foregoing, and a tight-fitting top, or other clothing approved by the
Commission commission. Clothing of a contestant may not have any pockets;
(6) A contestant must use a mouthpiece that has been individually fitted;
(7) All contestants shall secure their hair in a manner that does not interfere with the
vision or safety of either contestant, including no products or ornaments;
(8) No contestants may use cosmetics, perfumes, colognes, or other fragrances;
78 (9) Male contestants shall wear groin protection;
(10) A contestant may not wear any supports or wraps a neoprene or similar wrap on an
ankle. Tape of any kind for support on the ankle or toes is prohibited; and
(11) A contestant may wear a neoprene or similar material wrap on a knee. Metal, plastic,
or fiberglass support braces on a knee are prohibited. A wrap must be approved by the
Commission commission.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
79 20:81:05:09. Bandage and glove requirements. In a mixed martial arts contest, the
following bandage and glove requirements apply:
(1) The gloves will be approved at the weigh-in by the commission, or its designee. The
gloves will be examined by the commission, or its designee, to make sure they are whole, clean,
and in sanitary condition. The padding may not be misplaced or lumpy. No breaking, roughing,
or twisting of gloves is permitted;
(2) The gloves for every bout that is designed designated as a main event or title fight
must be new, furnished by the promoter, and made to fit the hands of the contestant;
(3) The gloves of each contestant must be put on in the dressing room under the
supervision of a commission designee and examined in the ring by the referee. If a glove is
found to be unfit, it must be replaced with a glove that meets the requirements of this section;
(4) The contestants must wear gloves that weigh not less than four ounces and not more
than eight ounces;
(5) The bandages may not exceed one winding of surgeon's adhesive tape, not over one
and one-half inches wide, and 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;
(6) Each contestant shall use a soft surgical bandage not over two inches wide, held in
place by not more than six feet of surgeon's adhesive tape for each hand. No more than one 15-
yard roll of the bandage may be used to complete the wrappings on each hand. Strips of tape
may be used between the fingers to hold down the bandage. Bandages must be applied and
adjusted in the presence of the commission or its designee; and
(7) The use of water or any other liquid or material on the tape is prohibited.
80 Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
81 20:81:05:10. Ring or fenced area requirements. Mixed martial arts contests may be
held in a ring or in a fenced area. A mixed martial arts contest may not be permitted in any ring
or area unless such the ring or area has been inspected and approved by the Commission
commission or its designee.
(1) The following requirements apply to a ring used in a contest of mixed martial arts:
(a) A ring may not be less than sixteen feet or more than thirty-two feet square inside
the ropes;
(b) The ring floor must extend at least eighteen inches beyond the ropes. The ring
floor must be padded with Ensolite or similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one-inch layer of
foam padding. 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 may not be used;
(c) The ring may not be more than four feet above the floor and must have suitable
steps for the use of contestants;
(d) Ring posts must be made of metal, not more than three inches in diameter,
extending from the floor to a minimum height of fifty-eight inches above the ring floor, and
must be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commission commission. Ring posts
must be at lease eighteen inches away from the ring ropes;
(e) There must be a minimum of five ring ropes, with ties at appropriate intervals,
with a minimum of two ties per side, not less than one inch in diameter and wrapped in soft
materials. The lowest ring rope must be twelve inches above the ring floor; and
(f) There must not be any obstruction or object, including, without limitation, a
triangular border, on any part of the ring floor; and.
82 (g) There must be at least ten feet between the edge of the apron of the ring and the
first row of ticketholders. This area around ring must be denoted with a barrier to provide access
for the Commission and officials around the entire ring;
(2) The following requirements apply to a fenced area used in a contest of mixed martial
arts:
(a) The fenced area must be circular or have at least four equal sides and must be no
smaller than sixteen feet wide or larger than thirty-two feet wide;
(b) The floor of the fenced area must be padded with Ensolite or similar closed-cell
foam, with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding. 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
may not be used;
(c) The platform of the fenced area may not be more than four feet above the floor
and must have suitable steps for the use of contestants;
(d) Fenceposts must be made of metal, not more than six inches in diameter, extending
from the floor to between five and seven feet above the floor of the fenced area, and must be
properly padded in a manner approved by the Commission commission;
(e) The fencing used to enclose the fenced area must be made of a material that will
prevent a contestant from falling out of the fenced area or breaking through the fenced area onto
the floor or onto spectators, including, without limitation, chain linked fence coated in vinyl;
(f) All metal portion of the fenced area must be covered and padded in a manner
approved by the Commission commission and must not be abrasive to the contestants;
83 (g) The door to the ring must be aligned with the stairs used to enter the ring to allow
for direct access by the ringside physician and any necessary medical equipment; and
(h) There may not be any obstruction on any part of the fence surrounding the area in
which the contestants are to be competing.
The ring or area must be assembled to provide ringside seating for assigned officials and
the commission at least fifteen feet from any ticketholders for the event. The space must be
demarcated by a barrier to allow ringside officials and the commission access to the entire space
around the ring without interference from ticketholders.
The ring or area must be assembled and available for inspection by the Commission
commission at least two six hours prior to the first scheduled bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
84 20:81:05:11. Ringside equipment. The promoter shall provide the following items
which must be available for use as needed by the corner:
(1) Two buckets;
(2) Chairs and stools;
(3) Rubber gloves;
(4) Towels; and
(5) Receptacles for soiled towels and trash.
The promoter must designate the corner for each contestant's team and provide a chair for
each corner and an assigned inspector to be seated in the corner area.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016; 44
SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10(1). SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
85 20:81:05:12. Use and administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription
preparations. The use or administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription preparations
taken by or given to a contestant, other than the following, is prohibited:
(1) Petroleum jelly for discretionary use around the eyes and cheek only;
(2) Adrenalin or epinephrine in a manufacturer's premeasured vial in a 1/1000 solution;
and
(3) Coagulant limited to avitine, thrombin, thrombinplastin, fibroplastic, or jellfoam
powder.
All substances must be clearly labeled and available for inspection by the commission.
If a contestant tests positive for an illegal or unauthorized substance, the Commission
commission shall amend the results of the bout to a no contest decision if the offending
contestant won the bout. If the substance is a controlled substance as defined by SDCL 22-42-
1 subdivision (1) or a counterfeit substance as defined by SDCL 22-42-1 subdivision (2) the
Commission commission shall provide a copy of the laboratory report and any Commission
commission investigative reports in the matter to an appropriate law enforcement agency.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
86 20:81:05:13. Scoring system. Each judge of a bout of mixed martial arts shall score the
bout and determine the winner through the use of the following system: Ten Point Must System.
(1) The better contestant of a round receives ten points and the opponent proportionately
less;
(2) If a round is even, each contestant receives ten points;
(3) No fraction points may be given;
(4) If a point is deducted, the referee must inform each judge at the time of the foul and
a point must be deducted on the judge's scorecard;
(5) Points for each round must be awarded immediately after the end of the period of
mixed fighting style in the round;
(6) Judges will score the round based upon the following criteria:
(a) Effective striking;
(b) Effective grappling;
(c) Ring control; and
(d) Effective aggressiveness and defense;
(7) After each round, the scorecards will be collected from the judges by the Commission
commission or its designee.; and
(8) At the conclusion of the bout, the Commission commission, or its designee, will
tabulate the scorecards and give them provide the bout result to the announcer who will inform
the contestants and audience of the decision.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9
87
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Reference: Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified Mixed
Martial Arts Rules (Revised; July 2024) http://www.abcboxing.com/unified-rules.
88 20:81:05:18. Results of contests. A contest of mixed martial arts may end under the
following results:
(1) Submission by:
(a) Physical tap out, when a contestant physically indicates the contestant no long
wants to continue; or
(b) Verbal tap out, when the contestant verbally indicated the contestant no longer
wants to continue;
(2) Technical knockout by the referee stopping the contest, which occurs when:
(a) The referee stops the bout because the contestant can no longer defend himself or
herself;
(b) The ringside physician advised the referee to stop the bout; or
(c) An injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate the bout;
(3) A decision via the scorecards, including:
(a) Unanimous decision in which all three judges score the bout for the same
contestant;
(b) Split decision in which two of the three judges score the bout for one contestant
and the other judge scores the bout for the other contestant;
(c) Majority decision in which two judges score the bout for the same contestant and
one judge scores the bout a draw;
(4) A draw, including:
(a) A unanimous draw in which all three judges score the bout a draw;
(b) A majority draw in which two judges score the bout a draw; or
89 (c) A split draw in which all three judges score the bout differently and the score total
results in a draw;
(5) A technical decision in which the bout is stopped prematurely due to an injury and a
contestant is leading on the scorecards;
(6) A technical draw in which an injury sustained during the bout as a result of an
accidental foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the sufficient number
of rounds has been completed with the results of the scorecards being a draw;
(7) A disqualification in which an injury is sustained during the bout as a result of an
intentional foul severe enough to terminate the bout;
(8) A forfeit in which a contestant fails to begin the bout or prematurely ends the bout
for reasons other than injury or indicating a tap out;
(9) A no contest in which a bout is prematurely stopped due to an accidental injury and
a sufficient number of rounds have not been completed to render a decision via the scorecards;
or
(10) A second stop in which the chief second indicates either physically or verbally that
the contestant does not wish to continue.
The Commission commission may on its own initiative review or investigate any bout or
contest to determine compliance with South Dakota law pursuant to article 20:81:10. If the
Commission determines that the licensee failed to abide by SDCL chapter 42-12 or any rule
promulgated pursuant thereto, the Commission may officially amend the results of the decision,
which may include declaring a different contestant as the winner or loser of the bout or declaring
the bout a no contest. If the Commission determines that an official acted in error or reached a
decision that was not in accordance with SDCL chapter 42-12 or any rules promulgated thereto,
90 the Commission may similarly amend the results of the decision if such error or decision
affected, or could have reasonably affected, the outcome of the bout.
A contestant may request a review of a bout result by making such request, in writing,
within five days of the bout to be reviewed. Such request must describe the result being
challenged and the alleged error. The Commission may review or investigate the alleged error,
as the Commission deems necessary. If the Commission determines there was an error in
determining the contest result, the Commission may officially amend the result of the bout,
which may include declaring a different contestant as the winner or loser of the bout or declaring
the bout a no contest. If the Commission determines that an official acted in error or reached a
decision that was not in accordance with SDCL chapter 42-12 or any rules promulgated thereto,
the Commission may similarly amend the results of the decision if such error or decision
affected, or could have reasonably affected, the outcome of the bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(11).
91 20:81:05:19. Automatic suspensions following contest. The Commission commission
shall issue a suspension to each contestant following a bout. Such The suspension shall be
reported to a national mixed martial arts database. Contestants, under any circumstances, may
not compete or appear in a contest less than seven days after the completion of the contestant's
last bout. Fighters may not compete or appear in a contest for up to ninety days after being
unable to defend themselves in a bout. Fighters severely injured or knocked out in a bout may
be suspended indefinitely, subject to medical clearance to compete.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(10).
92 20:81:05:21. Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified
Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. Unless otherwise addressed in SDCL chapter 42-12 or ARSD
article 20:81, the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified Rules of
Mixed Martial Arts apply to all mixed martial arts bouts. The South Dakota Athletic
Commission commission has final decision-making authority concerning the enforcement,
implementation, and interpretation of these rules.
Source: 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Reference: Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified Mixed
Martial Arts Rules (Revised; July 2024) http://www.abcboxing.com/unified-rules/.
93 20:81:07:02. Ticket provisions. The following requirements apply to contest tickets:
(1) Every ticket must have the price, the name of the promoter, and the date of the
contest. Unless otherwise authorized by the Commission commission, the ticket stub of each
ticket must indicate the price of each ticket;
(2) The following persons may be admitted to a contest without presenting a ticket of
admission, upon showing a proper identification either approved or issued by the Commission
commission:
(a) A Commission commission designee or Commission commission member;
(b) Persons designated by the Commission commission for official duty;
(c) Officials attending under provisions of state law or these rules;
(d) The principals, contestants, managers, and corners seconds involved in the
contest;
(e) The emergency medical personnel on duty for the contest;
(f) Police officers, firefighters, and other public officials on duty for the contest; and
(g) Persons arranged by the promoter for other duties.
No other persons may be admitted without presenting an admission ticket.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10.
94 20:81:08:01. Recognition of amateur organizations and educational institutions. An
amateur sanctioning body or bona fide educational institution seeking the approval of the
Commission commission shall file a written application for approval on a form prescribed by
the Commission commission and submit the applicable fee. An applicant shall provide
supplemental information or affidavits establishing facts upon request within any reasonable
time limit set by the Commission commission. Failure to timely respond to a request for
supplemental information or affidavits shall be deemed to be a withdrawal of the application.
An application for approval must include evidence of the amateur sanctioning body or
educational institution's reputation.
The Commission commission may only approve those proposed recognized amateur
sanctioning bodies and educational institutions that meet the following requirements:
(1) The proposed amateur sanctioning body or educational institution has a legal
existence; it is incorporated or otherwise legally recognized under the laws of its domicile and
is authorized to conduct business in South Dakota. In the alternative, a proposed nationally
recognized sanctioning body may irrevocably appoint an agent for service of process for all
purposes in South Dakota;
(2) The proposed amateur sanctioning body or educational institution has rules that
provide for the exclusion of professionals from its competitions;
(3) The proposed amateur sanctioning body or educational institution has rules that
provide for the exclusion of contestants under the age of eighteen from its competitions, or
alternatively, applies stricter medical safeguards and requirements for all contestants under the
age of eighteen;
95 (4) The proposed amateur sanctioning body or educational institution has rules that
provide for the medical safety and care of its contestants. At a minimum, the proposed
nationally recognized sanctioning body has policies and procedures that:
(a) Require continuous presence of an ambulance staffed with emergency medical
personnel or paramedics at all events;
(b) Assure that bouts do not unreasonably endanger the health of competitors by
requiring pre-bout physical examinations completed by a licensed medical doctor or doctor of
osteopathy, and excluding the medically unfit from competition;
(c) Require the attendance of a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy at ringside
during the entire event;
(d) Restrict the type of blows that can be delivered and limit the time and frequency
of bouts, and such any other conditions recommended by medical advisors;
(e) Assure that it is illegal to strike with the elbows or knee in all instances of the
contest;
(f) Assure that payment for necessary emergency care for injuries sustained in a
contest in sanctioned events is available by purchasing insurance for events or requiring proof
that contestants are medically insured; and
(g) Assure that all medical deductibles are the responsibility of the promoter;
(5) The proposed amateur sanctioning body or educational institution has rules that
provide for cooperation with the Commission commission that include:
(a) The prompt investigation and resolution of complaints from contestants, interested
persons, and the Commission commission;
96 (b) Advanced notification to the Commission commission upon approval of contests
occurring in South Dakota;
(c) Admission of Commission commission officials without charge to any contest,
and any portion of the venue;
(d) A policy to self-report to the Commission commission of any violation of the body
or institution's rules arising out of a contest in South Dakota;
(e) A policy requiring all contestants, officials, and the body or institution itself to
appear at reasonable times before the Commission commission and truthfully answer any lawful
inquiry of the Commission commission;
(f) Sharing the dispositions of complaints with the Commission commission, upon
request;
(g) A system of review that assures that the body or institution fairly applies its rules;
and
(6) The proposed amateur sanctioning body or educational institution has rules that
require the identification of the sanctioning body or educational institution on all advertisements
for contests held in South Dakota, at the site of any South Dakota contest, and upon all programs
or handbills distributed at any South Dakota contest.
The approval of an amateur sanctioning body or educational institutions expires on the
31st day of December in even numbered years each year;
The Commission commission may decline to approve an amateur sanctioning body or
educational institution, or censure, probate, suspend, or revoke the approval of an amateur
97 sanctioning body or educational institution for a violation of SDCL chapter 42-12 or any rules
promulgated pursuant thereto.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(7).
98 20:81:09:01. Complaints authorized -- Procedure following filing. A person claiming
that a party has engaged or is engaging in conduct constituting grounds for disciplinary action
by the Commission commission may file with the Commission commission a written complaint
stating the name and address of the party complained against. The complaint must fully detail
the conduct upon which the complaint is made.
An investigation may be conducted by a member, agent or an appointee of the
commission to determine if a violation has been committed. If the Commission commission
determines the complaint has merit, the Commission commission must immediately serve the
complaint by mail on the party complained against and any other affected parties a copy of the
complaint. The party complained against has twenty days to answer after service of the
complaint. The answer may admit, deny, qualify, or explain the allegations contained in the
complaint. A Commission commission member, the Commission commission, or an agent of
the Commission commission may file a complaint. The Commission commission may reject a
complaint if it does not meet the requirements of this section.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(14).
99 20:81:09:02. Dismissal of complaint. After receipt of the answer to the complaint, after
the time has expired to answer, or after having determined that no answer is necessary, the
Commission commission must examine the complaint, any answer, and other supporting
documents to determine whether the complaint has merit, is frivolous, or whether it charges
conduct constituting grounds for disciplinary action. If the Commission commission determines
that the complaint is without merit, is frivolous, or that it does not charge conduct constituting
grounds for action by the Commission commission, the Commission commission must dismiss
the complaint and notify in writing the complainant, the party complained against, and other
affected parties, stating the reasons for dismissal the complaint is dismissed. The Commission
commission may investigate the complaint and use extrinsic evidence to determine if the
complaint has merit.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(14).
100 20:81:09:06. Procedure for formal hearing. The Commission commission shall use
the following procedure in conducting formal hearings:
(1) The Commission commission shall provide written notice to the party complained
against by mail stating the time, place, and date of the formal hearing. The notice shall may
require the attendance of the party at the hearing. The notice shall be given at least ten days
prior to the formal hearing;
(2) The Commission commission shall keep a transcript of all formal hearings and
proceedings;
(3) The Commission commission chair may conduct the formal proceeding or the
Commission commission may have a hearing examiner conduct the proceedings in part or in
full; and
(4) The party appearing before the Commission commission at a formal hearing shall
appear in person, unless otherwise waived by the Commission commission. The party and legal
counsel may be present during the giving of all evidence, may have reasonable opportunity to
inspect all documentary evidence, may examine and cross-examine witnesses, may present
evidence in support of the party's interest, and may have subpoenas issued to compel attendance
of witnesses and production of evidence on the party's behalf.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(14).
101 20:81:09:09. Final action by Commission commission. After hearing the evidence and
reaching a decision, the Commission commission may dismiss the complaint or take any action
or combination of actions provided for in SDCL chapter 42-12 or article 20:81. Written findings
of fact, conclusions of law, and an order must be entered after the decision, unless waived by
the parties. The Commission commission may allow or require briefs of law before making its
decision. The Commissioner’s commissioner's decision shall be made and entered with notice
of the decision in accordance with the provisions of SDCL 1-26-23 to 1-26-25, inclusive.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10. SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(14).
102 CHAPTER 20:81:10 BOUT REVIEW Section
20:81:10:01 Procedure for requesting.
20:81:10:02 Review process.
20:81:09:03 Formal proceedings.
103 20:81:10:01. Procedure for requesting. A contestant may challenge the result of a bout
by requesting a review of the bout within five days of the bout. The request for a review must
be made in writing to the commission and detail the reasons the contestant alleges the original
result was not correct and any alleged errors. Evidence supporting the allegations must be
provided by the contestant requesting the review. The burden of proving the original bout result
was in error is on the contestant requesting the review.
The commission shall notify the other contestant in the bout about the request for a review
of the result of the bout. The other contestant may provide information to the commission to
support the original result. Any information provided by the other contestant must be provided
not less than five days after being notified of the request for a bout review.
The commission may on its own initiate a review of a bout to determine if a bout result
was in error or if a contestant or official failed to abide by SDCL chapter 42-12 or this article.
If the commission initiates a bout review, the commission shall notify each contestant in the
bout of the review and provide each contestant the opportunity to provide information about
the original bout result. If the alleged error regards an official, the commission shall notify the
official of the review and provide the official the opportunity to provide information about the
original bout result. Any information provided by the contestant must be provide not less than
five days after being notified of the bout review. The commission may initiate a bout review
at any time.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-9
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(11).
104 20:81:10:02. Review process. The commission must assign a commissioner or
commission designee to review a bout. The reviewer may consider the information filed with
the request for the bout review, the information provided by the other contestant in the bout,
any video documentation of the vote, any information available from the officials of the bout,
and any other information relevant to the bout and the result in question. The assigned reviewer
shall make a recommendation to the commission about the original result of the bout.
After the recommendation is received, the commission may affirm the original result of
the bout, amend the original result of the bout, declare a no contest for the bout, or take any
action consistent with the findings of the review of the bout. The commission may commence
formal proceedings to make a final determination on the bout review request, as necessary.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(11).
105 20:81:10:03. Formal proceedings. If the commission decides to conduct a formal
hearing after a request to review a bout has been filed, the commission shall mail a notice of
hearing to the contestants of the bout. The notice shall be given at least ten days prior to the
formal hearing.
Each contestant of the bout:
(1) may be present during the review of all evidence during the hearing:
(2) may have reasonable opportunity to inspect all documentary evidence, may examine
and cross-examine witnesses; and
(3) may present evidence in support of the contestant’s interest.
The commission shall keep a transcript of all formal proceedings if requested by one of
the contestants.
After hearing the evidence and reaching a decision, the commission may affirm the
original result of the bout, amend the original result of the bout, declare a no contest for the
bout, or take any action consistent with the findings of the review of the bout. Written findings
of fact, conclusions of law, and an order must be entered after the decision, unless waived by
both parties. The Ccmmission's decision shall be made and entered with notice of the decision
in accordance with the provisions of SDCL 1-26-23 to 1-26-25, inclusive.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-9.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(11).