Athletic Commission boxing and mixed martial arts rules update

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 Prohibited bouts.
20:81:01:06 Pregnancy testing.
20:81:01:07 Officials designated by Commission commission -- Compensation of officials.
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.
20:81:01:11.01 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;
(2) "Amateur," a contestant who has not received any remuneration, directly or
indirectly, in from any bout he the contestant 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)(2) "Bout," one contest a fight or match involving two contestants engaged in boxing,
kickboxing, or mixed martial arts contestants;
(5)(3) "Contest," a bout or group of bouts, competition, or exhibition, involving
contestants competing in boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts;
(6)(4) "Contestant," any human being an individual who enters the ring or fenced fighting
area to compete against another human being during a boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial
arts bout competes in a contest;
(7) "Cut man," a second designated by the Commission to attend to contestants between
rounds. A cut man many not be a manager, matchmaker, or promoter for an event;
(8)(5) "Designee," a representative of the Commission commission who attends boxing,
kickboxing, or mixed martial arts events competitions to ensure that all laws and Commission
commission rules are adhered to;
(9)(6) "Inspector," an individual who assists at a contest at the direction of the
commission or designee;
4 (7) "Judge," a person an individual serving as a member of a scoring panel for boxing,
kickboxing, or mixed martial arts a bout. The panel of judges is responsible for determining a
decision in each bout;
(10) "Official," referees, judges, timekeepers, and physicians involved in a boxing,
kickboxing, or mixed martial arts contest;
(11)(8) "Physician," a person an individual who is licensed as a doctor of medicine or
doctor of osteopathy and in good standing with the issuing licensing board responsible for the
medical oversight of a contest;
(12)(9) "Professional," a contestant who has received remuneration, either directly or
indirectly, for any bout the contestant has participated in;
(13)(10) 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)(11) "Referee," the person individual in charge of enforcing the rules during any
contest a bout; and
(15) "Second," an individual who attends to a contestant between rounds;
(16)(12) "Timekeeper," a person an individual responsible for keeping accurate time
during any contest a bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1.

5 20:81:01:03. Contest approval required. No A contest may not be held without the
approval of the Commission commission. Requests A request 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 and accompanied by the minimum fee set forth in § 20:81:02:03.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(3)(7)(8)(9), 42-12-16.

6 20:81:01:04. Prohibited contests. The Commission will commission may not approve
the following:
(1) A bout which is mismatched;
(2) A bout between a professional contestant and an amateur contestant;
(3) A bout contest 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)(2) A bout contest in which no gloves are not used by the contestants;
(7)(3) Any bar room type brawl, "so you think you are tough" type toughman-type
contest, roughneck type roughneck-type contest, "battle royale," or contest of similar character
and nature; or
(8)(4) A contest to be held on a recognized federal or state holiday, except as provided in
this section.
The commission may approve a contest to be held on a recognized federal or state holiday
if the proposed contest demonstrates special significance to the holiday or promotional value to
the state.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(3), 42-12-16.

7 20:81:01:05. Mismatched bouts prohibited Prohibited bouts. The Commission
commission may not allow approve a bout in which the contestants are not fairly matched. In
determining To determine if contestants are fairly matched, the following may be considered
commission may consider only the following:
(1) Win-Loss Win-loss records of the contestants each contestant;
(2) Weight of the contestants each contestant;
(3) Number of fights by the contestants each contestant; and
(4) Physical condition of contestants. each contestant;
(5) Opponents in any previous fight of each contestant;
(6) Duration of previous fights of each contestant;
(7) Time since the last fight of each contestant;
(8) Outcomes of each contestant's previous fights;
(9) Suspensions of each contestant by the commission or other states;
(10) Training status of each contestant; and
(11) Professional or amateur status of each contestant.
The commission's determination of whether contestants are fairly matched must consider
the safety of each contestant. The commission's determination regarding the fairness of a bout
is final.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(3), 42-12-16.

8 20:81:01:06. Pregnancy testing. A female contestant shall submit to an early a
pregnancy test administered at the official weigh-in by a designee or the physician in
attendance. The female contestant shall submit to another early pregnancy test administered by
the contest physician in attendance or a designee immediately prior to competing. A female
contestant may not compete if the pregnancy test indicates a positive result.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

9 20:81:01:07. Officials designated by Commission commission -- Compensation of
officials. The Commission commission shall approve and assign the officials for all contests.
Compensation for assigned officials is the responsibility of the promoter. If the promoter
and an assigned official do not agree to compensation for the contest, the commission must set
the compensation for the official. If the official does not agree to the compensation set by the
commission, the commission must 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.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(4)(7).

10 20:81:01:09. Bout contracts -- Requirements. Prior At least seven days prior 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 contain the
following:
(1) Date, time, and location of the contest;
(2) Date, time, and location of the official weigh-in;
(3) Contract weight for the bout;
(4) Amount of the purse for the contestant, including show pay and win bonuses;
(5) Any fees Fees, if any, 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.
If the promoter fails to file a contract for each contestant as required by this section, The
Commission the commission may refuse to allow a the bout unless a signed contract is filed
with the Commission prior to the weigh-in.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7), 42-12-16.

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: Before a contest may begin, the contest’s
promoter must ensure that the following safeguards are in place and maintained throughout the
contest:
(1) The presence of adequate emergency medical services 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 contest, 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 paused
if the ambulance and the emergency medical services personnel return to leave the site;
(4) The use of rubber or plastic gloves during the contest each bout by all persons,
including managers, seconds, physicians, cut men, and referees, coming into contact with a
contestant during the course of a contest the bout, other than the contestant contestants 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.
Smoking and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all ringside tables.
12 The placement of camera Cameras and members of the media people ringside is are
allowed only in neutral corners. Such persons must have a pass to sit ringside and must be
approved by the 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).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

13 20:81:01:11. Registration and licenses -- Requirements and terms. All contestants,
referees, judges, managers, promoters, seconds, timekeepers, matchmakers, announcers, and
physicians must be properly registered or licensed by the Commission.
The following are required to be registered with the commission prior to participating in
any competition:
(1) A boxer or kickboxer, pursuant to § 20:81:03:01;
(2) A mixed martial artist, pursuant to § 20:81:03:03;
(3) A referee, pursuant to § 20:81:03:07.01;
(4) A judge, pursuant to § 20:81:03:08.01;
(5) A second, pursuant to § 20:81:03:09;
(6) A timekeeper, pursuant to § 20:81:03:10; and
(7) A physician, pursuant to § 20:81:03:11.
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 who wants to serve in multiple duties roles 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 role. When applying for multiple registrations,
the applicant is only required to pay the highest of the applicable registration fees.
All applicants An applicant 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.
14 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 to fully evaluate qualifications. The applicant shall
provide any additional information ordered by the Commission at the applicant's expense. The
commission may request additional information from the applicant, beyond what is required in
the application, to evaluate the applicant's qualifications.
Registration by the commission does not require the commission to approve a registrant
to participate in a contest.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(2)(7), 42-12-14.

15 20:81:01:11.01. Licenses -- Requirements and terms. The following are required to be
licensed with the commission prior to being involved in any competition:
(1) A promoter, pursuant to § 20:81:03:04;
(2) A matchmaker, pursuant to § 20:81:03:05; and
(3) A manager, pursuant to § 20:81:03:06.
An application for a license must be made in writing on a form prescribed by the
commission. An applicant who wants to serve in multiple roles must be licensed for each role.
When applying for multiple licenses, the applicant is only required to pay the highest of the
applicable license fees.
An applicant for a license must be at least eighteen years of age.
A 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. The commission may request additional information from the
applicant, beyond what is required in the application, to evaluate the applicant's qualifications.
Licensure does not require the commission to approve a licensee to participate in a
contest.

Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(2)(7), 42-12-15.

16 20:81:01:12. Grounds for denial. The Commission commission may deny an
application for registration or licensure based on the applicant's:
(1) Failure to demonstrate the minimum qualifications for registration or licensure for
the role the applicant applied to perform;
(2) An inability Inability to perform the duties of the respective position in role for which
the applicant is seeking registration or licensure;
(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 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 Actions that demonstrate a lack of candor or
professionalism with the commission; or
(5) Violation of any Commission rule or statute a provision of this article or SDCL
chapter 42-12.
The Commission shall commission may not issue a registration to any an applicant for
registration as a boxer, kickboxer, or mixed martial artist who has suffered a cerebral
hemorrhage of any type.
The commission may not issue a registration or license to an individual in arrears to the
commission.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
17 Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(2)(7), 42-12-14, 42-12-15,
42-12-16, 42-12-20(1).

18 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 may be subject to discipline and
may be denied the right to compete as a contestant or serve as a promoter, 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.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(2)(7).

19 20:81:01:14. Recognition of actions of other jurisdictions. The Commission will
recognize all commission shall apply a medical, administrative, and disciplinary suspensions
or sanctions from other jurisdictions suspension or sanction from another jurisdiction placed on
a person an individual registered or licensed by the Commission commission or seeking
applying for registration or licensure from the Commission commission. The commission may
allow a boxer, kickboxer, or mixed martial artist to compete in a bout if the suspension in
another jurisdiction is for an administrative infraction.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(6)(7).

20 20:81:01:16. Drug testing. Any A contestant participating in a contest bout under the
jurisdiction of the Commission commission is subject to testing for prohibited drugs,
stimulants, or and nonprescription preparations at the official weigh-in for the contest, and at
the contest, or following the bout in which the contestant participates. Testing may be conducted
by the commission, a designee, or a third party approved by the commission.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

21 20:81:01:17. Disciplinary action. Any person, club, corporation, association, entity,
contest, competition, or exhibition registered or licensed by the Commission is subject to
disciplinary action by the Commission for, but not limited to A licensee or registrant is subject
to disciplinary action by the commission if the licensee or registrant:
(1) Providing Provides false information on any application or form submitted to the
Commission commission;
(2) Attempting Attempts 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 SDCL 42-12-9 or the Commission's commission's intent;
(3) Failing Fails to timely respond to requests and requirements of the Commission
commission;
(4) For contestants, failing Fails to appear at the appointed place at the specified time to
be weigh-in, fails to make the weight agreed to in the signed bout contract by more than ten
percent of the agreed weight, or failing fails to show for a bout, if a contestant; or
(5) Demonstrates a lack of candor or professionalism with the commission;
(6) Fails to pay the required contest fee, as prescribed by § 20:81:02:03, within thirty days
of the contest, if a promoter;
(7) Fails to maintain a current address with the commission, pursuant to § 20:81:01:13;
(8) Fails to meet the ongoing requirements of the registration or licensure, as prescribed
by chapter 20:81:03;
(9) Submits an excessive number of mismatched bouts, as prescribed by § 20:81:01:05,
for a contest; and
22 (5)(10) Otherwise violating violates the provisions of SDCL Chapter chapter 42-12 or
any rule promulgated pursuant thereto.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(6)(7), 42-12-20 to 42-12-24,
inclusive.


23 20:81:02:01. Remittance of fees. An applicant shall remit all fees to the Commission
commission in the form of cash, a or personal check, cashier's check, certified check, or money
order made payable to the State of South Dakota. The Commission may not take action on any
application for registration, licensure or renewal until the required fee is received.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7), 42-12-14 to 42-12-16,
inclusive.

24 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 fifty dollars;
(2) Boxer, $50 fifty dollars;
(3) Kickboxer, $50 fifty dollars;
(4) Mixed Martial Artist martial artist, $50 fifty dollars;
(5) Matchmaker, $200 two hundred dollars;
(6) Manager, $100 one hundred dollars;
(7) Promoter, $300 three hundred dollars;
(8) Referee, $50 fifty dollars;
(9) Second, $25 twenty-five dollars;
(10) Timekeeper, $25 twenty-five dollars; 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.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12.9, 42-12-9.1(1).

25 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 a contest 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 refundable if the application is
denied nonrefundable. If the application to register the contest is approved, the submitted fee
must be applied to the remaining contest fee owed to the commission. As a condition of
approval of an application to register the contest, the promoter must pay an additional two
thousand five hundred dollars to the commission 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 contest.

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).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(6) 42-12-9, 42-12-16, 42-12-10(6).

26 CHAPTER 20:81:03
LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Sections
20:81:03:01 Terms and conditions of registration Application for registration -- Boxers and
kickboxers -- Ongoing requirements.
20:81:03:02 National Registry of Boxing -- Identification card required -- Application
requirements.
20:81:03:03 Terms and condition of registration Application for registration -- Mixed
martial artists -- Ongoing requirements.
20:81:03:03.01 National mixed martial arts identification -- Identification card required --
Application requirements.
20:81:03:04 Terms and conditions of license Duties and responsibilities -- Promoters.
20:81:03:05 Terms and conditions of license Duties and responsibilities -- Matchmakers.
20:81:03:06 Terms and conditions of license Duties and responsibilities -- Managers.
20:81:03:07 Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities -- Referees.
20:81:03:07.01 Application for registration -- Referee -- Ongoing requirements.
20:81:03:08 Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities -- Judges.
20:81:03:08.01 Application for registration -- Judge -- Ongoing requirements.
20:81:03:09 Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities -- Seconds.
20:81:03:10 Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities --
Timekeepers.
20:81:03:11 Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities -- Physicians.
20:81:03:12 Duties and responsibilities -- Inspectors.
27 20:81:03:01. Terms and conditions of registration Application for registration --
Boxers and kickboxers -- Ongoing requirements. All boxers and kickboxers who apply A
boxer or kickboxer applying for registration with the Commission are subject to commission
must provide the following terms and conditions:
(1) All boxers and kickboxers who participate in a bout or contest must be registered
with the Commission, unless specifically exempted A completed application;
(2) Acceptable photo identification of the applicant;
(2)(3) The applicant must provide proof of a Boxers Proof of the applicant's Boxer's
Federal Identification Card, or submit an application and required fee for an identification to
obtain the card and meet the eligibility requirements to be issued such a card pursuant to
§ 20:81:03:02;
(3)(4) The applicant must submit verification Verification of the applicant's completion
of a physical, occurring 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, physician
assistant, or nurse practitioner;
(4)(5) The applicant must submit verification Verification of the applicant's dilated eye
exam, occurring within the previous twelve months three hundred sixty-five days, from a
licensed an optometrist or ophthalmologist;
(5)(6) The applicant must provide proof Proof that the applicant has been administered a
test by a laboratory in the United States that possess possesses a certificate number under the
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (42 U.S.C. 263a) 42 U.S.C. § 263a (January 1, 2023) to
detect the presence of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other blood borne bloodborne
28 pathogens as identified by the Commission commission, occurring within six months one
hundred eighty days prior to the application a bout, and that the results are negative; and
(6)(7) The applicant must disclose A disclosure of any serious bodily injuries, any
serious head injuries, any surgeries, any cerebral hemorrhages experienced by the applicant,
and whether the applicant is taking any medications; the applicant is taking.
(7) If the Commission determines that a question exists as to the medical condition of an
applicant, the Commission may require the applicant to complete a physical by a physician
approved by the Commission. Upon completion of the physical, the physician shall submit the
report of the results directly to the 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. The costs of all examinations
required by this section shall be paid by the applicant; and
(8) The applicant must demonstrate financial responsibility, experience, character, and
general fitness of the applicant are such that the participation of such 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
29 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
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 may suspend any boxer or kickboxer 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.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(2).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14, 42-12-20 to
42-12-24, inclusive.

30 20:81:03:02. National Registry of Boxing -- Identification card required --
Application requirements. No A boxer shall be allowed to or kickboxer may not compete
without a Boxer's Federal Identification Card issued by the Association of Boxing
Commissions. All applicants An applicant for registration as a boxer or kickboxer shall provide
a Boxer's Federal Identification Card with the application for registration or shall apply for
registration in the state where the boxer or kickboxer resides, unless the state where the boxer
or kickboxer resides does not participate in the Association of Boxing Commissions'
registration system.
An applicant for a new or renewal boxer registration of a Boxer's Federal Identification
Card 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 one inch by 1.5 one-and-a-half inch
color photos of identification;, a copy of a photo identification card issued to the applicant by a
governmental entity containing the applicant's photograph;, and the applicant's social security
number or similar foreign identification number. The applicant must be recognizable in the
photographs.
A Boxer's Federal Identification Card shall expire two expires four years from the date of
issuance.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14.

31
20:81:03:03. Terms and conditions of registration Application for registration --
Mixed martial artists -- Ongoing requirements. All A mixed martial artists artist applying
for registration with the Commission are subject to commission must provide the following
terms and conditions:
(1) All mixed martial artists participating in a bout or contest must be registered with the
Commission, unless specifically exempted;
(2) The applicant must provide a complete record of competitions A completed
application;
(3)(2) The applicant must provide acceptable Acceptable photo identification of the
applicant;
(4)(3) The applicant must provide proof Proof of a the applicant's national mixed martial
arts identification or make an application for to obtain a national mixed martial arts
identification at the time of application pursuant to § 20:81:03:03.01;
(5) The applicant must disclose whether the applicant is, or has been, under suspension
in any jurisdiction in the preceding twelve months;
(6)(4) The applicant must submit verification Verification of the applicant's completion
of a physical, occurring within the previous three hundred sixty-five days prior to a bout, from
a licensed physician licensed as a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy, physician's
physician assistant, or nurse practitioner;
(7)(5) The applicant must submit verification Verification of a the applicant's dilated eye
exam, occurring within the previous three hundred sixty-five days prior to a bout, from a
licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist;
32 (8)(6) The applicant must provide proof Proof that 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) 42 U.S.C. § 263a (January 1, 2023) to detect
the presence of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other blood borne bloodborne pathogens as
identified by the Commission commission, within one hundred eighty days prior to a bout, and
that the results are negative; and
(9)(7) The applicant must disclose A disclosure of any serious bodily injuries, any
serious head injuries, any surgeries, a any cerebral hemorrhage of any kind hemorrhages
experienced by the applicant, and whether the applicant is taking any medications; the applicant
is taking.
(10) If the Commission determines that a question exists as to the medical condition of
an applicant, the Commission may require the applicant to complete a physical by a physician
approved by the Commission. Upon completion of the physical, the physician shall submit the
report of the results directly to the 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. 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 applicant are consistent
33 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
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 may suspend any mixed martial artist 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(2).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(2) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14, 42-12-20 to
42-12-24, inclusive.

34 20:81:03:03.01. National mixed martial arts identification -- Identification card
required -- Application process. A mixed martial artist may not compete without a national
identification mixed martial arts card issued by the Association of Boxing Commissions. An
applicant for registration shall provide a national mixed martial arts identification card with
the application for registration or shall apply for registration in the state where the applicant
resides, unless the state where the mixed martial artist resides does not participate in the
Association of Boxing Commission's registration system.
An applicant for a new or renewal of a national mixed martial arts identification card
shall complete, sign, and submit to the commission, the Association of Boxing Commission's
national mixed martial arts identification card application. With the application, the applicant
shall submit two one inch by one-and-a-half inch color photos of identification, a copy of a
photo identification card issued to the applicant by a government entity, and the applicant's
social security number or similar foreign identification number. The applicant must be
recognizable in the photographs.
A national mixed martial arts identification card expires four years from the date of
issuance.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14.
35 20:81:03:04. Terms and conditions of license Duties and responsibilities --
Promoters. All promoters are subject to the following terms and conditions: For an approved
competition or sparring exhibition, a promoter:
(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, or its designee, while the contest is in progress and must Must be available,
in person or through a representative, at all times during the competition or sparring exhibition
to the Commission commission, or its a designee;
(4)(2) Any person, party, or organization acting as a promoter of a bout or contest must
Must obtain approval of the competition or a sparring exhibition from the commission at least
thirty business days prior to the date of the competition or sparring exhibition. The promoter
shall request approval on a form prescribed by the Commission;
(5)(3) The promoter shall Shall ensure that all events are the competition or sparring
exhibition hosted by the promoter is conducted in a safe and orderly manner and is responsible
for ensuring ensure the maintenance of adequate public safety at all contests the competition or
sparring exhibition;
(6)(4) The promoter shall Shall comply with all applicable state, city, municipal, and
county laws and regulations including, but not limited to, any applicable fire and health laws.
36 The promoter shall also comply and with any applicable directives from any the 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;
(7)(5) The promoter shall Shall provide all materials necessary to conduct the a contest,
including a ring, stools, water buckets, competition gloves, rubber gloves, gauze, and tape for
hand wraps. The promoter must provide including adequate equipment for the number of bouts
on the approved card. The promoter shall ensure that all the required equipment is in its place
in the contest;
(8)(6) The promoter shall Shall register the approved event bouts with the Association
of Boxing Commissions;
(9)(7) Not less than At least seven days prior to the date of an approved event contest,
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)(8) Not less than At least seven days prior to the date of an approved event contest,
the promoter must provide proof of health insurance and accidental death insurance for each
contestant to provide coverage for any injuries sustained in the competition or exhibition
contest. The minimum benefit shall must be ten thousand dollars for health benefits and ten
thousand dollars in accidental death benefits. The promoter is responsible to pay for paying any
deductibles necessary, including the deductible of the contestant's primary insurance, if
applicable;
37 (11)(9) Not less than At least seven days prior to the date of an approved event contest,
the promoter shall submit a completed notification of contest form to the Commission a bout
contract for each contestant participating in the contest, pursuant to § 20:81:01:09;
(12)(10) The promoter must At least seven days prior to the date of the approved contest,
must submit any change or substitution in the announced or advertised programs for any main
event bout at least forty-eight hours before the weigh-in time of the contest to the commission.
Such Any change or substitution must be approved by the Commission 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)(11) If requested by the commission, 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 the original bond or irrevocable letter of credit will not is no
longer reasonably expected to provide sufficient protection to the state. It is the duty of each A
promoter to shall 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
38 commission may require the bond to pay unpaid fees for officials and purses based on the
amounts stated in bout contracts;
(14)(12) The promoter must Shall provide proof of ability to pay the entire purse of the
contest and all assigned officials at the weigh-in;
(15)(13) The promoter shall 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 after the contest, along with any remaining contest fee due as provided in §
20:81:02:03;
(16)(14) The promoter is responsible for making Shall make all financial arrangements
with all event contest officials, except the Commission commission or its a designee. The
Commission shall approve and assign all officials; and
(17) The promoter must file all contracts between the promoter and the contestants with
the Commission prior to the weigh-in. The Commission, or its designee, shall review all
contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules; and
(18)(15) PriorAt least seven days prior to the date of 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 contest.
Failure to timely file any required report or form information required by this section may
result in the cancellation of an the approved event contest and the denial of a future contest
competition or sparring exhibition and discipline against a promoter's license.
Failure to meet any of these terms or conditions may result in the denial of the application
for licensure.
39 A promoter licensed by the Commission has an ongoing obligation to meet the
requirements of licensure 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 may suspend any promoter for any
period of time for any serious violation of this rule without warning.
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 competition or sparring exhibition.
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).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(3) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(4)(7), 42-12-15, 42-12-20
to 42-12-24, inclusive.

40 20:81:03:05. Terms and conditions of license Duties and responsibilities --
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;
(2) The matchmaker is responsible for arranging the contest and matching contestants as
to weight and experience for approval by the Commission;
(3) A matchmaker must be present at every contest;
(4) The matchmaker is responsible for working with the Commission, or its designee,
while the contest is in progress and must be accessible at all times to the 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 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 may suspend any
matchmaker for any period of time for any serious violation of this rule without warning.
41 A matchmaker is responsible for arranging bouts and matching contestants as to weight
and experience for approval by the commission. A matchmaker must be in attendance at a
contest and be available to the commission or a designee during the contest.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-15, 42-12-20 to
42-12-24, inclusive.

42 20:81:03:06. Terms and conditions of license Duties and responsibilities --
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; and
(2) The manager is responsible for working with the Commission, or its designee, while
the contest is in progress and must be accessible at all times to the 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 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 may suspend any manager for any
period of time, for any serious violation of this rule without warning.
A manager is responsible for assisting a contestant with complying with the requirements
for the contestant's participation in a contest. A manager must be in attendance at the weigh-in
and contest to act on behalf of a contestant and be available to the commission or a designee
during the contest.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
43 Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-15, 42-12-20 to
42-12-24, inclusive.

44 20:81:03:07. Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities --
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-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. 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) TheA 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 shall 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 the seconds together for final instructions;.
(7) Pursuant to the commission's rules, the The referee may stop the a 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;.
(8) If a contestant suffers a cut or wound that is considered dangerous, the referee has
the authority to must stop the fight bout. In these cases, the referee shall and consult the head
45 physician appointed assigned to attend the fight bout regarding the necessity of stopping the
fight;.
(9) The referee is responsible for deciding whether an injury has been done by sustained
due to a legal or illegal blow, whether intentional or accidental, and must notify the judges
immediately;. A referee shall inform the commission or a designee of the reasons a bout was
stopped.
(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 shall exercise full
authority to avoid a contestant ejecting the a mouthpiece intentionally by deducting a point as
a result of this behavior or disqualifying the contestant;
(11) A referee is prohibited from using may not consume alcoholic beverages twelve
hours prior to the fight contest and until the referee's assigned duties are completed;.
(12) If a referee becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the entire contest bout,
a timeout shall must be called by the commission, or its a designee, shall and the commission
or designee must 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 is under no obligation to designate a registered referee to act as an
official for a bout or contest.
A referee may not officiate more than thirty-six rounds in a single contest.
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.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
46 Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14.

47 20:81:03:07.01. Application for registration -- Referee -- Ongoing requirements.
An applicant for registration as a referee shall provide the following to the commission:
(1) A completed application;
(2) Proof of the applicant's knowledge of boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts
and safety measures sufficient to oversee a bout or contest;
(3) Verification of the applicant's completion of a physical, occurring within the
previous three hundred sixty-five days, from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse
practitioner; and
(4) Disclosure of any discipline of the applicant by another state for actions related to
the role of an official.
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.

Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14.

48 20:81:03:08. Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities --
Judges. All judges are subject to the following terms and conditions: A judge shall score a bout
using the scoring system prescribed by this article to determine the winner of a bout.
(1) All judges 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 sufficient to judge a contest;
(3) Each of the three judges A judge must be seated midway between the ring posts and
the ring or fenced area, but not on the same side as another judge, and must have an unimpaired
view of the ring or fenced area during a bout;
(4) Judges. A judge shall indicate the winner of each round of a bout on the scorecard
provided by the Commission commission by marking and signing the scorecard in ink. Judges
must be discreet at all times. The A judge should have no may not have a discussion with anyone
except the Commission commission, or its a designee, during the contest; bout.
(5) A judge is prohibited from using may not consume alcoholic beverages twelve hours
prior to the fight contest and until the judge's assigned duties are completed; and.
(6) If a judge becomes incapacitated and is unable to complete the entire contest bout, a
timeout shall must be called by the Commission commission, or its a designee, and the
Commission, commission or its a designee, shall must immediately assign an alternate judge to
assume the duties from the point at which the judge became incapacitated.
The 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.
49 A decision score that is rendered by the judges a judge at the termination of a contest end
of a bout may not be changed without a hearing before the commission, unless it is determined
that the computation of the scorecards show shows 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 of the error 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: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14, 42-12-20 to
42-12-24, inclusive.

50 20:81:03:08.01. Application for registration -- Judge -- Ongoing requirements. An
applicant for registration as a judge shall provide the following to the commission:
(1) A completed application;
(2) Proof of the applicant's knowledge of boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts
and safety measures sufficient to oversee a bout or contest; and
(3) Disclosure of any discipline of the applicant by another state for actions related to
the role of an official.
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.

Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14, 42-12-20 to 42-12-24,
inclusive.


51 20:81:03:09. Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities --
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;
(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 in which
case the contestant may have up to four seconds;
(3) The chief second is responsible for the conduct of assistant seconds during the
contest;
(4) . One second must be designated as the chief second.
A second is restricted to the designated corner area of the ring or fenced area and must
not be touching touch 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) referee's signal. During the rest period, one second must be allowed in may enter the
ring and the other seconds must be allowed may be 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
that 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, during a contest:
(1) Administer alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or stimulants to a contestant, pour;
(2) Pour or spray excessive water on the body of the contestant, or place;
52 (3) 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
(9) A second shall stay off
(4) Be on the ring floor or canvas while the bout is in progress, may not lean;
(5) Lean on the ring or cage, and may not engage fenced area; or
(6) Engage in excessive banging or verbal outbursts.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14.

53 20:81:03:10. Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities --
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;
(2) The timekeeper must possess adequate timepieces, including a backup, to time the
rounds, rest periods, and recuperation periods of a bout;
(3) The A timekeeper for a bout 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 may only stop the time during a round when directed to do so by
the referee, and the timekeeper will may only resume time when directed to do so by the
referee;.
(6) If a contestant is down, the timekeeper will must 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 a knockdown;.
(7) If the referee calls time to allow a fouled contestant to recuperate, the timekeeper
shall must 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 a designee, of the exact duration of the bout.
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.
54 Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14.

55 20:81:03:11. Terms and conditions of registration Duties and responsibilities --
Physicians. All physicians are subject to the following terms and conditions:
(1) All physicians acting as a physician for a bout or contest must be registered with the
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) The A physician assigned to a contest shall examine each contestant at the official
weigh-in. If the contestant is to determined to be to determine if a contestant is in acceptable
physical condition, The to compete. The physician shall must certify this the contestant's fitness
to compete 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;
56 (4) If more than one physician is assigned to work the contest, the Commission shall
appoint one as the head physician;
(5) The A physician must be seated near the steps of the ring, ringside or one in each
corner of the ring or fenced area, if two are present. The A physician shall remain there ringside
for the duration of the contest each bout, unless a physician is needed in the ring;.
(6) The A physician may enter the ring at any time during the contest a bout, at the
request of the referee, and may recommend termination of any bout to the referee, if, in the
physician's opinion, any a contestant has received a severe punishment injury or is in danger of
serious physical injury;
(7) . In the event of any a serious physical injury, the a physician shall immediately
render any emergency treatment necessary, or recommend further treatment or hospitalization,
if required, and fully report the entire matter to the Commission within twenty-four hours, and
if necessary subsequently follow up. The A physician may also require the injured contestant
and the contestant's manager or second to remain in the ring, or on the premises, or to report to
a hospital after the bout for such the period of time as that the physician deems advisable; and.
(8) The A physician shall examine each contestant immediately after the bout. If the
contestant is determined to be in acceptable physical condition, the The physician shall must
certify this the contestant's condition after the bout on a form prescribed by the Commission
commission.
The commission may assign multiple physicians to a contest based on the number of
bouts, number of rounds, or type of bouts in the contest. A physician may be assisted by other
licensed healthcare professionals acting at the direction of the physician to fulfill the physician's
57 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: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14.

58 20:81:03:12. Duties and responsibilities -- Inspectors. An inspector shall assist with
the observation of contestants, seconds, and officials during a contest for compliance with rules
governing the 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 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(1)(7), 42-12-14.

59 CHAPTER 20:81:04 BOXING Section 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.
60 20:81:04:20 Fouls.
20:81:04:21 Injuries sustained by intentional fouls.
20:81:04:22 Injuries sustained by accidental fouls.
20:81:04:23 Results of contest bout.
20:81:04:24 Use and administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription preparations.
20:81:04:25 Ring requirements.
20:81:04:26 Automatic administrative or medical suspensions following contests contest.
20:81:04:27 Amateur contests -- Requirements and rules.
20:81:04:28 Ringside equipment.
20:81:04:29 Boxing contest -- Round requirements.

61 20:81:04:03. Rounds. Twelve rounds is the The maximum number of rounds for a
boxing bout for males and ten rounds is the between male contestants is twelve. The maximum
number of rounds for a boxing bout for females. Each between female contestants is ten. A
round shall consist of a may not exceed three minute duration minutes, with a one minute one-
minute rest period between rounds.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).


62 20:81:04:08. Mouthpiece required. All boxers are required to A boxer shall wear a
mouthpiece during competition a bout. The A round cannot may not begin without the
mouthpiece if either contestant is not wearing a mouthpiece. If the a contestant's mouthpiece is
dislodged during competition a bout, the referee shall call time and must 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: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

63 20:81:04:12. Weigh-ins. The time and place of the official weigh-in for a contest must
be approved by the commission. Unless otherwise arranged, the each contestant must be
weighed at least eight hours, but not more than thirty hours before the start of the contest. The
contestants Each contestant 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 designee of the commission shall conduct the weigh-in and shall inform all
contestants of the process for the weigh-in.
For each weigh-in, the commission may either require each contestant to be weighed at a
specific time within a span of two hours, or provide a two-hour window in which contestants
are to be weighed at a time of each contestant's choosing.
Only those contestants who have a contestant who has 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, except that the weight
differential may not exceed the maximum weight differential allowed for a weight class as
provided by § 20:81:04:11.
If any a contestant fails to reach make the contracted weight limit determined in the
applicable category, for the bout 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 the 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
64 hundred forty-five pounds 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 a contestant fails 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: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: 42-12-10(1) SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

65 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 The weigh-in must be use two scales; one for the official weigh-in and
one for the contestants' use. For any a 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: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: 42-12-10(1) SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

66 20:81:04:23. Results of contest bout. A boxing contest bout may end under with the
following results:
(1) Knockout A knockout, which occurs occurring when the a contestant is no longer
physically able to continue;
(2) Technical A technical knockout, which occurs occurring when:
(a) The referee stops the bout A referee stoppage occurs because the contestant can is
no longer defend himself or herself physically able to put up a defense;
(b) The physician advises the A referee to stop stoppage occurs at the advisement of
a physician 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 as follows:
(a) Unanimous A unanimous decision, in which all three judges score the bout for the
same contestant;
(b) Split A 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 A 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 three judges score the bout a draw;
(ii)(e) A majority draw, in which two judges score the bout a draw; or
(iii)(f) A split draw, in which all three judges score the bout differently and the
score total results in a draw;
67 (4) A technical decision, in which the bout is stopped prematurely due to an injury and a
contestant is leading on the scorecards at the time when the bout is stopped and a sufficient
number of rounds has been completed;
(5) A technical draw, in which an injury sustained during the competition bout as a result
of an accidental foul causes the injured contestant to be unable to continue and the a sufficient
number of rounds has been completed with the results of the scorecards being a draw;
(6) A disqualification, in which an injury severe enough to terminate the bout is sustained
by a contestant during the competition bout 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 bout or prematurely
ends the contest bout 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 may on its own initiative review or investigate any bout or contest to
determine compliance with South Dakota law. 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.
68
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7)(8)(9).

69 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 Except as provided in
this section, a contestant may not use, receive, or be administered any drug, stimulant, or
nonprescription preparation. The following compounds are excluded from this prohibition:
(1) Petroleum jelly for discretionary use around the eyes;
(2) Adrenalin or epinephrine Adrenaline, provided the substance is in a manufacturer's
premeasured vial in a 1/1000 one-thousandth solution; and
(3) CoagulantA coagulant, limited to avitene, thrombin, thrombinplastin, fibroplastic, or
jellfoam absorbable gelatin powder.; and
(4) A medication prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.
A substance taken by a contestant must be clearly labeled and available for inspection by
the commission.
If a contestant tests positive for an illegal or unauthorized substance, and the contestant
won the bout, the Commission shall commission must 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 shall commission must 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: SDCL 42-12-10.
70 Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

71 20:81:04:25. Ring requirements. The promoter shall ensure a ring for a contest shall
meet meets the following requirements:
(1) The ring for a contest may is not be less than sixteen two hundred fifty-six square
feet, or more than twenty-two four hundred eighty-four square feet square, with ropes, and must
be elevated three and one-half three-and-a-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 and not more than four inches in
diameter. The posts shall Each post must extend from the floor to a height of fifty-eight inches
above the ring floor and shall must be fastened securely to the floor or to the other posts;
(3) The ropes must be a minimum of three in numberThere must be at least three ropes
in the ring, each at least one inch in diameter and wrapped in soft materials, 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 be be 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 at
least eighteen inches; and
(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.
72 The ring must be assembled to provide ringside seating for assigned officials, the
commission, and designees at least fifteen feet away from any ticketholders for the contest. 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 must be assembled, and available for inspection by the commission, at least six
hours prior to the first bout.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

73 20:81:04:26. Automatic administrative or medical suspensions following contests
contest. The commission must issue an administrative or medical suspension to each contestant
following a bout. The suspension must be reported to a national boxing database. Under an
administrative suspension, a contestant may not compete or appear in a contest less than seven
days after the completion of the contestant's last bout. Boxers, under any circumstance, A boxer
may not compete or appear in a contest for up to ninety days after being unable to defend
themselves oneself in a bout. A contestant severely injured or knocked out in a bout must 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.
An administrative or medical suspension issued pursuant to this section is not a
disciplinary action against the contestant.


Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

74 20:81:04:28. Ringside equipment. The promoter shall provide the following items for
use, as needed, by each contestant during every contest:
(1) Two buckets;
(2) Four chairs and one stool;
(3) Rubber gloves;
(4) Towels; and
(5) Receptacles for soiled towels and trash.
The promoter must designate a corner area for each contestant's seconds and an assigned
inspector to be seated.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

75 20:81:04:29. Boxing contest -- Round requirements. A boxing contest may not consist
of less than twenty rounds or more than sixty rounds.

Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

76 CHAPTER 20:81:05

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Section
20:81:05:01 Applicability.
20:81:05:02 Rounds.
20:81:05:03 Mouthpiece required.
20:81:05:04 Weight classes.
20:81:05:05 Weigh-ins.
20:81:05:06 Scales.
20:81:05:07 Conduct of contests Contests -- Round requirements.
20:81:05:08 Appearance and attire -- Requirements.
20:81:05:08.01 Appearance and attire -- Prohibitions.
20:81:05:09 Bandage and glove Glove requirements.
20:81:05:09.01 Bandage and taping requirements.
20:81:05:10 Ring or fenced area requirements.
20:81:05:10.01 Fenced area requirements.
20:81:05:11 Ringside or fenced area equipment.
20:81:05:12 Use and administration of drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription preparations.
20:81:05:13 Scoring system.
20:81:05:14 Repealed.
20:81:05:15 Accidental fouls.
77 20:81:05:16 Deduction of points.
20:81:05:17 Stalling or faking.
20:81:05:18 Results of bout.
20:81:05:19 Automatic administrative and medical suspensions following contest.
20:81:05:20 Amateur contests -- Requirements and rules.
20:81:05:21 Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified Rules of
Mixed Martial Arts.




78 20:81:05:02. Rounds. Three rounds is the 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 is three. An amateur round may not exceed three minutes, with
a one-minute rest period between rounds.
The maximum number of rounds for a professional mixed martial arts bout is five. Each
A professional round may not exceed a five minute duration five minutes, with a one minute
one-minute rest period between rounds.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

79 20:81:05:03. Mouthpiece required. All contestants are required to A contestant shall
wear a mouthpiece during competition a bout. The A round cannot may not begin without the
if either contestant is not wearing a mouthpiece. If the a contestant's mouthpiece is dislodged
during competition a bout, the referee shall call time and must 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.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

80 20:81:05:04. Weight classes. The weight 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; and
(9)(10) Super Heavyweight, over 265 pounds.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

81 20:81:05:05. Weigh-ins. The time and place of the official weigh-in for a contest must
be approved by the commission. Unless otherwise arranged, the each contestant must be
weighed at least eight hours, but not more than thirty hours before the contest. The contestants
Each contestant must be weighed in the presence of a representative of the Commission on
scales approved by the Commission commission. A contestant must be allowed to be present
for the weigh-in of an opponent. A representative designee of the Commission commission
shall conduct the weigh-in and shall inform all contestants of the process for the weigh-in.
For each weigh-in, the commission may require each contestant to be weighed at a
specific time within a span of two hours, or provide a two-hour window in which contestants
are to be weighed at a time of each contestant's choosing.
Only those contestants a contestant who have has 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, except that the weight
differential may not exceed ten percent five pounds above the originally scheduled weight class
as provided by § 20:81:05:04, except for a super heavyweight bout.
If any a contestant fails to reach make the contracted weight limit determined in the
applicable category, for the bout 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 the contestant,
or both, has up to two additional hours to make the prescribed weight, provided that weight loss
does not exceed five percent of the contracted weight for the contestant in excess of two pounds
is not permitted.
82 If the contestants fail a contestant fails to make weight after the two-hour allowable
period, the bout may be cancelled. Contestants over the contracted weight by more than five
percent at the time of the weigh-in are subject to suspension by the 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: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: 42-12-10(1) SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).


83 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 The weigh-in must be use two scales:, one for the official weigh-in
and one for the contestants' use. For a title bout, 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: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: 42-12-10(1) SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-17.

84 20:81:05:07. Conduct of contests Contest -- Round requirements. A mixed martial
arts contest is subject to the following:
(1) A mixed martial arts contest may not be less than twenty 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 decision; and
(4) At each regulated contest, there must be in attendance a licensed timekeeper who
shall keep the official time of each bout may not consist of less than twenty rounds or more
than fifty rounds.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10(1) SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

85 20:81:05:08. Appearance and attire -- Requirements. In a mixed martial arts contest,
each contestant must meet the following appearance and attire requirements In order to
participate in a mixed martial arts bout, each contestant must:
(1) Each contestant must be Be clean and present a tidy appearance;
(2) Each contestant must have the person's fingernails and toenails cut and trimmed;
(3) The 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 designee shall cause any excessive grease
or foreign substance to be removed. The Commission 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 designee's
satisfaction;
(4) A contestant may not wear any jewelry or piercing accessories while participating in
the contest;
(5)(2) A male contestant may wear 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, if the contestant is male;
(3) A female contestant may wear 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, if the contestant
is female;
(6) A contestant must use a mouthpiece that has been individually fitted;
86 (7)(4) All contestants shall secure their Secure the contestant's hair in a manner that does
not interfere with the vision or safety of either contestant, including no products or ornaments;
and
(8) No contestants may use cosmetics, perfumes, colognes, or other fragrances;
(9)(5) Male contestants shall wear Wear groin protection;
(10) A contestant may not wear any supports on an ankle; 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, if the contestant is male.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

87 20:81:05:08.01. Appearance and attire -- Prohibitions. A contestant in a mixed
martial arts bout may not:
(1) Use an excessive amount of grease or any other foreign substance on the
contestant's face, hair, or body;
(2) Wear any jewelry or piercing accessories;
(3) Secure the contestant's hair with any ornaments, holders, or products that may
harm the contestants in the bout;
(4) Use a metal, plastic, or fiberglass support brace on an ankle, knee, or elbow;
(5) Use tape for support on an ankle or toes;
(6) Use cosmetics, perfumes, colognes, or other fragrances; or
(7) Wear a neoprene or similar wrap, unless specifically approved by the commission.

Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).





88 20:81:05:09. Bandage and glove Glove requirements. In a mixed martial arts contest,
the following bandage and glove requirements apply:
(1) The gloves will A contestant in a mixed martial arts bout must wear gloves. The
gloves must weigh not less than four ounces and not more than eight ounces. A contestant's
gloves must be approved at the weigh-in by the commission, or its a designee. The gloves will
must be examined by the commission, or its designee, to make sure they the gloves are whole,
clean, and in sanitary condition. The padding of the gloves 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
bout must be new, furnished by the promoter, and made to fit the hands of the contestant;.
(3) The gloves of each a contestant must be put on the contestant's hands in the dressing
room under the supervision of a the commission or a designee and examined in the ring by the
referee. If a glove is found to be unfit, it the glove 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
89 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 before the
bout.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 42 SDR 101, effective January 7, 2016.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: 42-12-10(1) SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

90 20:81:05:09.01. Bandage and taping requirements. A contestant in a mixed martial
arts bout must wrap each hand with soft bandages and adhesive tape before gloving the
contestant's hand as required by § 20:81:05:09. A contestant must use a soft bandage not over
two inches wide. No more than a fifteen-yard roll of bandage may be used to complete the
wrapping of both hands of the contestant.
The bandage may be held in place by adhesive tape not over one-and-one-half inches in
width on each hand. No more than six feet of adhesive tape may be used on each hand. Strips
of adhesive tape may be used between the contestant's fingers to hold down the bandage. A
contestant's taping may not exceed one winding of adhesive tape directly on the contestant's
hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the
contestant's hand twice but may not extend within three-fourths of an inch of the knuckles of
the contestant's clenched fist.
Bandages and tape must be applied and adjusted in the presence of the commission or a
designee.
The use of water or any other liquid on the bandage or tape is prohibited.

Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(1).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

91 20:81:05:10. Ring or fenced area requirements. Mixed martial arts contests A mixed
martial arts contest 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 ring or area has been that must be inspected
and approved by the Commission commission or it’s a designee.
(1) The following requirements apply to a ring used in mixed martial arts The promoter
shall ensure the ring for a mixed martial arts contest meets the following requirements:
(a)(1) A ring may is not be less than sixteen two hundred fifty-six square feet or more
than thirty-two feet one thousand twenty-four square feet inside the ropes;
(b)(2) The A ring floor must extend extends 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 duck 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)(3) The A ring may is not be more than four feet above the floor and must have
suitable steps for the use of contestants;
(d)(4) Ring posts must be made are constructed of metal, and not more than three
inches in diameter, extending. Each post must extend 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 least eighteen inches away from the
ring ropes; and
(e)(5) There must be a minimum of are at least five ring ropes in the ring, spaced at
even intervals, with ties at appropriate intervals, and secured with a minimum of two ties per
92 rope, per side, not less than. Each rope must be at least one inch in diameter and wrapped in
soft materials. The lowest ring rope must be at least twelve inches above the ring floor;.
(f)(6) There must is not be any obstruction or object, including, without limitation, a
triangular border, on any part of the ring floor; and
(g)(7) There must be is at least ten fifteen feet between the edge of the apron of the
ring and the first row of ticketholders. This area around the ring must be denoted with a barrier
to provide access for the Commission commission, a designee, 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;
93 (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 and must not be abrasive to the contestants;
(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 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: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

94 20:81:05:10.01. Fenced area requirements. A mixed martial arts contest may be held
in a fenced area that must be inspected and approved by the commission or a designee. The
fenced area may be circular or have a minimum of four equal sides. The promoter shall ensure
the fenced area for a mixed martial arts contest meets the following requirements:
(1) If the fenced area is circular, the area is at least sixteen feet in diameter but not more
than thirty-two feet in diameter;
(2) If the fenced area has equal sides, the area is at least two hundred fifty-six square feet
but not more than one thousand twenty-four square feet;
(3) A platform of the fenced area is padded with a closed-cell foam, with at least a one-
inch layer of foam padding. Padding must extend beyond the platform and over the edge of the
platform, with a top covering of duck canvas or similar material stretched and laced to the
platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges may not be used;
(4) A platform of the fenced area is not more than four feet above the floor and has
suitable steps;
(5) Posts are constructed of metal and not more than six inches in diameter, extending
from the floor to a maximum of seven feet above the floor of the fenced area and are properly
padded in a manner approved by the commission;
(6) Fencing is made of a material that prevents a contestant from falling out of or breaking
through the fenced area;
(7) Metal portions of the fenced areas are covered and padded in a manner approved by
the commission and are not abrasive;
95 (8) A door to the fenced area is aligned with the stairs used to enter the fenced area to
allow for direct access to the fenced area by the physician and any necessary medical
equipment;
(9) There is no obstruction or object on any part of the fencing or platform of the fenced
area; and
(10) There is at least fifteen feet between the edge of the apron of the fenced area and the
first row of ticketholders. This area around the fenced area must be denoted with a barrier to
provide access for the commission, a designee, and officials around the entire fenced area.
The fenced area must be assembled and available for inspection by the commission or a
designee at least six hours prior to the first scheduled bout.

Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).


96 20:81:05:11. Ringside or fenced area equipment. The promoter shall provide the
following items which must be available for use as needed by the corner for use, as needed, by
each contestant during a contest:
(1) Two buckets;
(2) Chairs Four chairs and stools one stool;
(3) Rubber gloves;
(4) Towels; and
(5) Receptacles for soiled towels and trash.
The promoter must designate a corner area for each contestant's seconds and an assigned
inspector to be seated.

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).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10(1) 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

97 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 Except as provided in
this section, a contestant may not use, receive, or be administered any drug, stimulant, or
nonprescription preparation. The following compounds are excluded from this prohibition:
(1) Petroleum jelly for discretionary use around the eyes and cheek only;
(2) Adrenalin or epinephrineAdrenaline, provided the substance is in a manufacturer's
premeasured vial in a 1/1000 one-thousandth solution; and
(3) Coagulant A coagulant, limited to avitine, thrombin, thrombinplastin, fibroplastic, or
jellfoam absorbable gelatin powder.; and
(4) A medication prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional.
A substance taken by a contestant must be clearly labeled and available for inspection by
the commission or a designee.
If a contestant tests positive for an illegal or unauthorized substance, and the contestant
won the bout, 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 shall commission must 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: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).
98 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:
(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) using a ten point system. The prevailing contestant in a round must receive ten points
and the opposing contestant receives proportionately less. If a round is judged to be even, each
contestant receives ten points. No half points may be awarded. If a point is deducted as a result
of a foul called by the referee, 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) each round. After each round, the scorecards will must be collected from the judges
by the Commission commission or its a designee; and
(8) . At the conclusion of the bout, the Commission commission, or its a designee, will
shall tabulate the scorecards and give them provide the bout result to the announcer who will
shall inform the contestants and audience of the decision.
99
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7)(8)(9).

100 20:81:05:18. Results of contests bout. A contest of mixed martial arts bout may end
under with the following results:
(1) Submission A 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 physical tap out or verbal tap out;
(2) Technical knockout by the referee stopping the contest, which occurs occurring
when:
(a) The referee stops the bout A referee stoppage occurs because the contestant can is
no longer defend himself or herself physically able to put up a defense;
(b) The ringside physician advised the A referee to stop stoppage occurs at the
advisement of a physician 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 as follows:
(a) Unanimous A unanimous decision, in which all three judges score the bout for the
same contestant;
(b) Split A 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 A 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)(d) A unanimous draw, in which all three judges score the bout a draw;
101 (b)(e) A majority draw, in which two judges score the bout a draw; or
(c)(f) A split draw, in which all three judges score the bout differently and the score
total results in a draw;
(5)(4) A technical decision, in which the bout is stopped prematurely due to an injury
and a contestant is leading on the scorecards at the time the bout is stopped and a sufficient
number of rounds has been completed;
(6)(5) 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 a sufficient number
of rounds has been completed with the results of the scorecards being a draw;
(7)(6) A disqualification, in which an injury severe enough to terminate the bout is
sustained by a contestant during the bout as a result of an intentional foul severe enough to
terminate the bout;
(8)(7) 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)(8) 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)(9) A second stop, in which the chief second indicates either physically or verbally
that the contestant does not wish to continue.
The Commission may on its own initiative review or investigate any bout or contest to
determine compliance with South Dakota law. 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
102 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.
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: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7)(8)(9).


103 20:81:05:19. Automatic administrative or medical suspensions following contest.
The Commission shall commission must issue a an administrative or medical suspension to
each contestant following a bout. Such The suspension shall must be reported to a national
mixed martial arts database. Mixed martial artists Under an administrative suspension, a
contestant may not compete or appear in a contest less than seven days after the completion of
the contestant's last bout. A contestant may not compete or appear in a contest for up to ninety
days after being unable to defend themselves oneself in a bout. Mixed martial artists A
contestant severely injured or knocked out in a bout may must be suspended indefinitely,
subject to medical clearance to compete.
An administrative or medical suspension issued pursuant to this section is not a
disciplinary action against the contestant.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014; 44 SDR 102, effective December 18, 2017.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(6)(7)(9).





104 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
this 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.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

Reference: Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified
Mixed Martial Arts Rules (Adopted July 30, 2009 revised;, August 2016 2025. Copies may
be obtained free of charge at http://www.abcboxing.com/unified-rules/.


105 20:81:07:02. Ticket provisions. The following requirements apply to contest tickets:
(1) Every ticket for a contest must have display the ticket's price, the name of the contest's
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 individuals 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)(1) A Commission designee or Commission commission member or designee;
(b) Persons designated by the Commission for official duty;
(c)(2) Officials attending under provisions of state law or these rules assigned to the
contest;
(d)(3)The principals, Contestants, managers, and corners seconds involved in the
contest;
(e)(4) The emergency Emergency medical services personnel on duty for the contest;
(f)(5) Police officers, firefighters, and other public safety officials on duty for the
contest; and
(g)(6) Persons arranged Individuals employed by the promoter for other duties.
No other persons individual may be admitted without presenting an admission ticket.

Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

106 20:81:08:01. Recognition of amateur organizations and educational institutions. An
amateur sanctioning body or A bona fide educational institution or national amateur boxing,
kickboxing, or mixed martial arts association seeking the approval of the Commission
commission to be exempted from the provisions of SDCL chapter 42-12 and this article shall
file a written application for approval on a form prescribed by the Commission and submit the
applicable fee commission. An applicant shall provide supplemental information or affidavits
establishing facts upon the commission's request within any a reasonable time limit set by the
Commission commission. Failure to timely respond to a request for supplemental information
or affidavits shall be is deemed to be a withdrawal of the application.
An application for approval must include evidence of the amateur sanctioning body
association's or educational institution's reputation for regulating amateur boxing, kickboxing,
or mixed martial arts.
The Commission commission may only approve those proposed recognized amateur
sanctioning bodies and associations or educational institutions for an exemption that meet the
following requirements:
(1) The proposed amateur sanctioning body association or educational institution has a
legal existence; it is incorporated or otherwise legally recognized under the laws of its domicile
and is must be 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 this state;
(2) The proposed amateur sanctioning body association or educational institution has
must have rules that provide for the exclusion of professionals from its competitions;
107 (3) The proposed amateur sanctioning body association or educational institution has
must have rules that provide for the exclusion of contestants under the age of eighteen from its
competitions, or alternatively, applies apply stricter medical safeguards and requirements for
all contestants under the age of eighteen;
(4) The proposed amateur sanctioning body association or educational institution has
must have rules that provide for the medical safety and care of its contestants. At a minimum,
the proposed nationally recognized sanctioning body has association or educational institution
must have policies and procedures that:
(a) Require the continuous presence of an ambulance staffed with emergency medical
services personnel or paramedics at all events competitions;
(b) Assure that bouts do not unreasonably endanger the health of competitors by
requiring Require pre-bout physical examinations for each contestant completed by a licensed
medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy, and excluding the medically unfit from competition
physician;
(c) Require the attendance of a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy licensed
physician at ringside during the entire event entirety of a contest;
(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 Prohibit striking with the elbows or knee in all
instances of the each contest;
(f) Assure that Provide for the 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
108 (g) Assure that Provide for the payment of all medical deductibles are the
responsibility of the promoter for care necessary for injuries sustained in a competition;
(5) The proposed amateur sanctioning body association or educational institution has
rules that provide for cooperation with the Commission commission that include:
(a) The prompt investigation Investigation and resolution of complaints from
contestants, or interested persons, and the Commission individuals;
(b) Advanced notification to the Commission commission upon approval of contests
competitions occurring in South Dakota this state;
(c) Admission of Commission officials commission members or designees without
charge to any contest competition, and any portion of the venue;
(d) A policy to self-report to the Commission of commission any violation of the body
association's or educational institution's rules arising out of a contest competition in South
Dakota this state; and
(e) A policy requiring all contestants, officials, and the body or institution itself to
appear at reasonable times before the Commission and truthfully answer any lawful inquiry of
the Commission;
(f) Sharing the dispositions of complaints with the Commission, upon request;
(g)(e) A system of review that assures to ensure that the body association or
educational institution fairly applies its rules; and
(6) The proposed amateur sanctioning body association or educational institution has
rules that require the identification of the sanctioning body association or educational institution
on all advertisements for contests held in South Dakota this state, at the site of any South Dakota
109 contest in this state, and upon all programs or handbills distributed at any South Dakota contest
competition in this state.
The approval of an amateur sanctioning body association or educational institutions
institution expires annually on the 31st day of December in even numbered years; December
thirty-first.
The Commission commission may decline to approve an amateur sanctioning body an
association or educational institution for an exemption, or censure, probate, suspend, or revoke
the approval of an amateur sanctioning body or educational institution exemption 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.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

110 CHAPTER 20:81:09

COMPLAINTS

Section
20:81:09:01 Complaints authorized -- Procedure following filing.
20:81:09:02 Dismissal of complaint.
20:81:09:03 Informal consultation.
20:81:09:04 Assurance of voluntary compliance.
20:81:09:05 Formal proceedings.
20:81:09:06 Procedure for formal hearing.
20:81:09:07 Disqualification.
20:81:09:08 Per diem and mileage.
20:81:09:09 Final action by Commission commission.
20:81:09:10 Action on one license or registration applies to all licenses or registrations.




111 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 pursuant to SDCL chapter 42-12 and this article 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 of each complaint must be conducted by a member, designee, or
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 member, the Commission, or an agent of the
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.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7), 42-12-20 to 42-12-
24, inclusive.

112 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 and whether it charges
conduct constituting grounds for disciplinary action. The commission may use extrinsic
evidence to determine if the complaint has merit. If the Commission commission determines
that the complaint is without merit, is frivolous, or that it does not charge conduct constituting
grounds for disciplinary 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 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.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).


113 20:81:09:06. Procedure for formal hearing. The Commission shall use the following
procedure in conducting formal hearings:
(1) The 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 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 shall keep a transcript of all formal hearings and proceedings;
(3) The Commission chair may conduct the formal proceeding or the Commission may
have a hearing examiner conduct the proceedings in part or in full; and
(4) The party appearing before the Commission at a formal hearing shall appear in
person, unless otherwise waived by the 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 Any disciplinary proceedings
resulting from a filed complaint must be conducted in accordance with SDCL chapter 1-26.
Source: 41 SDR 7, effective July 28, 2014.
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7), 42-12-22, 42-12-27, 42-12-
28.


114 20:81:09:09. Final action by Commission commission. After hearing the evidence and
reaching a decision, the Commission commission may dismiss the a 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. The
Commission commission may allow or require briefs of law before making its decision. The
Commissioner’s commission's decision shall must 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.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-10 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

115 CHAPTER 20:81:10 BOUT REVIEW Section
20:81:10:01 Procedure for requesting review by contestant.
20:81:10:02 Procedure for review initiated by commission.
20:81:10:03 Review by commission.
116 20:81:10:01. Procedure for requesting review by contestant. 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. 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 prevailing contestant in the bout of a properly submitted
request for a review of the result of the bout. The prevailing contestant may provide information
to the commission to support the original result. Any information provided by the prevailing
contestant must be provided to the commission not less than five days after being notified of
the request for a bout review.

Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10(11).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

117 20:81:10:02. Procedure for review initiated by commission. The commission may
initiate a review of a bout to determine if a bout result was in error. If the commission initiates
a bout review, the commission must notify both contestants in the bout of the review and
provide each contestant with the opportunity to provide information about the original bout
result. If the alleged error was made by an official, the commission must notify the official of
the review and provide the official the opportunity to provide information about the original
bout result. Any information provided by a contestant or official must be provided to the
commission 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 42-12-10(11).
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).

118 20:81:10:03. Review by commission. Upon the initiation of a review, the commission
must assign a commissioner or designee to review the bout. The reviewer may consider the
information filed with the request for the bout review, the information provided by each
contestant in the bout, any video documentation of the bout, information available from the
officials of the bout, and any other information relevant to the bout and the result in question.
The 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 bout review.
Source:
General Authority: SDCL 42-12-10.
Law Implemented: SDCL 42-12-9, 42-12-9.1(7).