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Part II .

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Combat Sports Authority Regulations

made under

Section 10 of the

Combat Sports Authority Act

R.S.N.S 1989, c. 43

O.I.C. 2023-64 (effective March 7, 2023), N.S. Reg. 51/2023

Table of Contents

Please note: this table of contents is provided for convenience of reference and does not form part of the regulations.

Click here to go to the text of the regulations .

Interpretation

Citation

Definitions

Authority Officers and Procedure

Officers

Meetings

Audit and budget

Licensing

Application for licence

Contestant licence applications

Assumed name

Contestants may not be licensed under same name

Applicant from outside Province

Minimum age

Promoter’s licence

Applications for referee and judge’s licences

Notice of change of address

Notice by Authority

Issuing licence

Duration of licence

Annual licence fees

Medical Examinations

Annual medical examinations for contestants

Medical examination for referees and judges

Additional testing within 6 months of contest

Examination within 36 hours of contest

Pregnancy test

Injury or illness before contest

Medical examination report forms

Medical reports are confidential

Contract Requirements

Standard form of contract

Contestant failing to fulfill terms

Manager of record

Contestants of same weight

Contract must be signed under contestant’s legal name

Contracts signed by both contestants

Minimum compensation for contestant

Amount payable if opponent not present

Authority Approval of Details of Proposed Contest or Event

Application by promoter for event sanction

Advertising of proposed event

Charitable organization

Promoter responsibilities approaching event date

Promoter responsibilities during an event

Standby bouts

Emergency medical preparations

Promoter to provide video following event

Promoter failure to hold sanctioned event

Promoter responsible for expenses

Default in payment of debts

Conduct During Events

Administration by Authority

Required attendance at events

Weigh-in ceremonies

Weight difference

Approved seconds

Referee is chief official

Discipline during event

Medical Personnel at Events

Ringside doctors

Approaching or contacting Medical Adviser

Medical exams at ringside

Contest stopped for medical reasons

Examination after injury or knockout

Neurological examination after knockout, technical knockout or severe beating

Suspension or medical treatment for injury sustained during contest

Written report after contest

Officials

Referees or judges from other jurisdictions

Payment of officials

Not permitted to officiate

Amateur Participants in Events

Amateur participation requirements

Fines, Penalties and Restrictions

Suspension and fine

Reinstatement

Submitting false information

Licensee must report sham to Authority

Conflict of interest

Application for Reconsideration of Authority’s Decision

Application for reconsideration

Appeal

Interpretation

Citation

1 These regulations may be cited as the Combat Sports Authority Regulations .

Definitions

2 In these regulations,

“Act” means the Combat Sports Authority Act ;

“Authority” means the Authority as defined in the Act;

“contest” means a contest as defined in the Act;

“contestant” means a contestant as defined in the Act;

“event” means an event in which 1 or more contests take place;

“licence” means a licence issued by the Authority;

“Medical Adviser” means a duly qualified physician appointed by the Authority to

advise the Authority on medical matters;

“Minister” means the member of the Executive Council responsible for sport;

“promoter” means a promoter as defined in the Act;

“ringside doctor” means a duly qualified physician appointed by the Authority to

attend a contest and be present at ringside.

Authority Officers and Procedure

Officers

(1) The Chair of the Authority presides at all meetings of the Authority.

(2) A Vice-Chair must be elected by the members of the Authority to hold office for 1

year.

(3) If the Chair is absent or unable to act, the Vice-Chair, or another member

appointed by the Chair, must exercise the powers and perform the duties of the

Chair.

(4) The Secretary-treasurer is responsible for all of the following:

(

a) recording minutes of all meetings of the Authority;

(

b) together with the Chair, or in the Chair’s absence, the Vice-Chair, the fiscal

matters of the Authority.

Meetings

(1) A meeting of the Authority may be called by the Chair or a majority of the

members of the Authority.

(2) An annual meeting must be held each year to review and approve year-end

financial statements and reports.

(3) A majority of the members of the Authority constitutes a quorum.

(4) A motion may be passed at a meeting of the Authority by a simple majority.

(5) All applications, records and other documents filed with the Authority become the

property of the Authority.

Audit and budget

(1) The Minister must approve the manner by which the annual audit of the accounts

of the Authority is prepared.

(2) The Minister must direct how the Authority submits its annual budget.

Licensing

Application for licence

6 An application for a licence must be on the form provided by the Authority for the type

of licence being applied for, and must be submitted to the Authority together with the

applicable licence fee.

Contestant licence applications

7 In addition to the requirements of

Section 6, an application for a contestant’s licence

must be accompanied by all of the following:

(

a) a certificate signed by the Medical Adviser or another licensed medical

doctor stating that the applicant has completed the annual medical

examination required by

Section 19;

(

b) a signed certificate of waiver stating that the applicant will submit to a

post-contest urinalysis, if ordered by the Authority;

(

c) any other information or documents the Authority may reasonably require.

Assumed name

8 A contestant may use and be licensed under an assumed name, if the assumed name is

approved by the Authority.

Contestants may not be licensed under same name

9 A person must not be licensed as a contestant under the same name or a name

deceptively similar to the name of another contestant or athlete.

Applicant from outside Province

10 In addition to the requirements in

Section 6, an applicant from outside the Province must

submit all of the following to the Authority with their application for a licence:

(

a) proof of licence from a recognized licensing agency in the contestant’s

jurisdiction;

(

b) proof of medical examination and test results required by the Medical

Adviser;

(

c) any other information or documents the Authority may reasonably require.

Minimum age

11 An individual must be 19 years or older to participate in a contest as a contestant.

Promoter’s licence

(1) The Authority may grant or refuse to grant a promoter’s licence to an applicant.

(2) The Authority must provide written reasons to an applicant for a promoter’s

licence who is refused a licence.

(3) The Authority may cancel or suspend a promoter’s licence for any of the following

reasons:

(

a) the licensee or a person who is a partner, agent, employee, stockholder or an

associate of the licensee is associates with, or has associated with[,]

bookmakers, gamblers or persons involved in illegal gambling;

(

b) the licensee has attempted any fraud or misrepresentations in connection

with combat sports;

(

c) the licensee has violated or attempted to violate the regulations or an order

of the Authority;

(

d) in the opinion of the Authority, the licensee has committed

an act

detrimental to the interests of combat sports or safety.

(4) The Authority must provide written reasons to a licensee whose licence is

cancelled or suspended under subsection (3).

Applications for referee and judge’s licences

13 In addition to the requirements of

Section 6, an application for a referee or a judge’s

licence must include a certificate signed by the Medical Adviser or another licensed

medical doctor stating that the applicant has completed the medical examination required

Section 20.

Notice of change of address

14 If a licensee’s registered address changes, the licensee must immediately notify the

Authority of the new address.

Notice by Authority

(1) The Authority may provide notice to a licensee by any of the following methods:

(

a) personal service on the licensee;

(

b) ordinary mail to the licensee’s registered address;

(

c) delivery by electronic mail.

(2) A notice sent by ordinary mail is deemed to have been received on the 5th business

day after the notice was mailed.

(3) A notice sent by electronic mail is deemed to have been received on the business

day the following the day the notice was sent.

Issuing licence

16 A licence issued by the Authority must be signed by 2 of the following persons:

(

a) Secretary-treasurer;

(

b) Chair;

(

c) Vice-Chair;

(

d) Director of Combat Sports.

Duration of licence

17 A licence is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued.

Annual licence fees

(1) The annual fees for licences are as follows:

(

a) promoter .......................................................................................... $100.00

(

b) contestant ........................................................................................... $50.00

(

c) manager ............................................................................................. $25.00

(

d) second ................................................................................................ $25.00

(

e) agent .................................................................................................. $25.00

(

f) matchmaker ....................................................................................... $25.00

(

g) temporary ........................................................................................... $30.00

(2) The Authority may issue a temporary licence to a person to participate in a single

contest at a specified time and place.

Medical Examinations

Annual medical examinations for contestants

19 A contestant must, at their own cost, have an annual medical exam conducted or

approved by the Medical Adviser, including an updated medical history and any tests or

laboratory procedures required by the Medical Adviser.

Medical examination for referees and judges

(1) Unless otherwise directed by the Authority or a medical doctor, referees and judges

under 60 years of age must have a medical examination performed by the Medical

Adviser or another licensed medical doctor every 24 months.

(2) Unless otherwise directed by the Authority or a medical doctor, referees and judges

60 years of age and over must have an annual medical examination performed by

the Medical Adviser or another licensed medical doctor.

Additional testing within 6 months of contest

21 In addition to the annual medical examination required by

Section 19, a contestant must

have any tests or laboratory procedures the Medical Adviser requires conducted within 6

months of any contest.

Examination within 36 hours of contest

22 Every contestant must, within 36 hours of a contest, have a medical examination

conducted by the Medical Adviser or a licensed medical doctor designated by the

Medical Advisor.

Pregnancy test

(1) Under the direction of the Medical Adviser, a female contestant must undergo a

urine pregnancy test no more than 7 days before the date of a contest.

(2) The Medical Adviser must report the results of the urine pregnancy test to the

Authority.

(3) A female contestant who is found to be pregnant in the urine pregnancy test

required under subsection (1) is not permitted to participate in a contest.

Injury or illness before contest

(1) An injury or illness experienced by a contestant before a scheduled contest or

while in training for a contest must be reported to the Authority within 24 hours of

the injury or illness by the contestant or their manager.

(2) A contestant who is injured or experiences an illness before a scheduled contest or

while in training for a contest must be examined by a medical doctor who must

conduct any required tests or surveys.

Medical examination report forms

25 A medical examination report must be completed on a form provided by the Authority

and must be filed with the Authority.

Medical reports are confidential

26 Medical reports on file with the Authority are confidential and, unless consented to by

the individual to which [whom the] medical report relates or otherwise required by law,

may be examined by the Authority only for the purposes of licensing or evaluating

whether a contestant may safely participate in a contest.

Contract Requirements

Standard form of contract

(1) A contract between a contestant and a promoter must be executed in the form set

by the Authority.

(2) A form must be provided by the Authority to a licensed contestant, manager or

promoter on request.

Contestant failing to fulfill terms

28 A contestant who fails to fulfill the terms of a contract may be subject to disciplinary

action by the Authority.

Manager of record

29 A contestant may have only 1 manager of record.

Contestants of same weight

30 A contract of a contestant must require the contestant to be the within safe weight limits

determined by the Authority.

Contract must be signed under contestant’s legal name

31 A contract for the services of a contestant mut [must] be signed by the contestant under

their legal name unless the contestant is licensed to compete in the Province under

another name, in which case the contestant may sign the contract under their licensed

name and the contestant’s legal name must appear in the body of the contract as the

name under which the contestant is otherwise known.

Contracts signed by both contestants

32 A contract for a contest must not be approved by the Authority unless both contestants

have signed contracts with the same promoter for the event.

Minimum compensation for contestant

33 The minimum payment a promoter must pay a contestant for participating in a contest is

$200.00.

Amount payable if opponent not present

34 A contestant who is ready to compete and is acting in accordance with the requirements

of their contract relating to a contest and any other requirements set out by the Authority,

and whose opponent, or suitable substitute for the opponent, is not present at the

appointed time is entitled to the amount payable to them under the terms of the contract.

Authority Approval of Details of Proposed Contest or Event

Application by promoter for event sanction

(1) A promoter may apply for a sanction letter authorizing the promoter to conduct an

event by filing all of the following with the Authority at least 30 days before the

date of the proposed event:

(

a) an application including all of the following information:

(

i) the date and location of the proposed event,

(ii) the names of the proposed contestants,

(iii) signed contracts and proof of compliance with all applicable medical

requirements for the main event or 2 of the undercards,

(iv) a letter confirming that an ambulance has been reserved for the time

of the proposed event,

(

v) any other details about the proposed event that the Authority may

reasonably require;

(

b) a sanction fee of $3000.00, which may be partially refundable at the

discretion of the Authority.

(2) The Authority will issue a letter sanctioning the event to the promoter who has

provided the material listed in subsection (1).

Advertising of proposed event

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a promoter must not notify the public that tickets for an

event are or will be for sale before they receive a sanction letter issued by the

Authority.

(2) A promoter may issue press releases, news stories or other publicity about a

proposed event before a sanction letter is issued by the Authority if

(

a) the publicity clearly states that the proposed event has not been approved by

the Authority and that tickets are not yet for sale; or

(

b) the Authority has given prior written approval for the publicity.

Charitable organization

37 A promoter who wishes to conduct an event in conjunction with a charitable

of the event to the Authority for approval.

Promoter responsibilities approaching event date

(1) At least 14 days before the approved date of a sanctioned event, a promoter must

submit all of the following to the Authority:

(

a) a copy of the promoter’s licence;

(

b) a copy of the licence for each of the contestants in the event;

(

c) a copy of all contracts between the promoter and the contestants for the

event;

(

d) a copy of the agreement with the charitable organization required by

Section

37, if applicable;

(

e) the gloves required for the contest;

(

f) a copy of all medical tests required by the Authority;

(

g) proof of any insurance required by the Authority.

(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), the promoter must deposit with

the Authority a sum, either in cash or negotiable bonds, sufficient to cover all of

the following:

(

a) certified cheques for the entire amount of the total purses payable to the

contestants as outlined in their respective contracts;

(

b) payment for the officials and administrative personnel for the contest;

(

c) payment for medical staff for the contest;

(

d) any other amounts at the discretion of the Authority and any other materials

required for the event.

Promoter responsibilities during an event

39 A promoter is responsible for all of the following during an event:

(

a) ensuring an atmosphere that provides a clean and healthy environment for

combat sports to take place;

(

b) maintaining good order and proper conduct of the event;

(

c) retaining a person to act as a “Director of Bouts” for an event to ensure that

the event proceeds with as few interruptions and delays as possible;

(

d) making arrangements to safeguard the premises where the event is

conducted to ensure, to the Authority’s satisfaction, that adequate protection

is taken against riot, stampede or disorderly conduct;

(

e) ensuring compliance with the regulations and directions of the Authority.

Standby bouts

40 A promoter may be required by the Authority to have 1 or more standby bouts ready

during event.

Emergency medical preparations

41 A promoter must ensure that all of the following emergency medical preparations are in

place:

(

a) a paramedical team is present at each contest and is equipped with a

portable resuscitator with oxygen equipment and a stretcher;

(

b) an ambulance is stationed outside the nearest door to the ring;

(

c) the shortest route possible between the ring and the ambulance door is

secured.

Promoter to provide video following event

42 A promoter must provide a video of the entire event to the Authority no later than 14

business days after the date of an event.

Promoter failure to hold sanctioned event

43 If a promoter fails to hold an event on the approved date, the Authority may require that

all or a portion of the sanction fee and deposit made under subsection 38(2) be forfeited

or used to discharge any liabilities associated with the event.

Promoter responsible for expenses

(1) The Authority assumes no responsibility or liability for the collection or payment

of amounts owed by a promoter in connection with an event.

(2) A promoter must indemnify the Authority for the payment of all expenses

connected with the event.

Default in payment of debts

(1) The licence of a promoter who defaults in payment of a debt or obligation in

connection with an event is suspended until full payment is made and any

outstanding fines paid.

(2) The Authority may require that all or a portion of the sanction fee and deposit

made under subsection 38(2) by a promoter who defaults in payment of a debt or

obligation be forfeited.

Conduct During Events

Administration by Authority

46 All contests must be conducted in accordance with these regulations and administered

under the direction of the Authority.

Required attendance at events

(1) All of the following people must be present at every event:

(

a) at least 1 member of the Authority;

(

b) at least 1 ringside doctor;

(

c) at least 2 paramedical personnel with full equipment;

(d) 1 referee;

(e) 3 judges;

(f) 2 timekeepers.

(2) A contest must not begin unless the ringside doctor is present at ringside and 2

paramedical personnel are present.

(3) Paramedical team members assigned to the [an] event must be provided free

admission to an [the] event.

Weigh-in ceremonies

(1) The Authority must determine the time and place of all pre-fight medical

examinations and weigh-in ceremonies for events.

(2) The Authority must approve the weigh-in scales and their location.

Weight difference

49 The Authority and the Medical Adviser must determine permitted weight differences

between contestants.

Approved seconds

50 A contestant must submit the names of the chief second and assistant seconds to the

Authority for approval, and only approved seconds are allowed in a contestant’s corner.

Referee is chief official

51 The referee is the chief official of every contest and must maintain supervision and

control over the contest while it is in progress.

Discipline during event

(1) The referee is responsible for enforcing discipline and the regulations regarding the

conduct and behaviour of contestants and seconds during contests, and may stop a

contest for any reason, including if in the referee’s opinion any of the following

occurs:

(

a) a contestant did not enter into the contract in good faith;

(

b) a contestant is not honestly competing;

(

c) a contestant performed

an act detrimental to combat sports.

(2) If a referee stops a contest for any of the reasons listed in subsection (1), the

offending contestant forfeits the monies payable to them under the contract with

the promoter.

(3) If a referee stops a contest for any of the reasons listed in subsection (1), the

Authority representative may place a hold on the payment of the offending

contestant’s purse until the Authority decides whether to impose a fine on the

contestant.

Medical Personnel at Events

Ringside doctors

(1) A ringside doctor is responsible for overseeing and making final determinations on

all medical matters during an event.

(2) The Authority must ensure that the fees of all attending ringside doctors are paid

by the promoter to the Authority before an event begins.

Approaching or contacting Medical Adviser

54 Unless it is for required medical treatment, a contestant, licensee, applicant for a licence

or any individual acting on their behalf must not approach a ringside doctor or the

Medical Adviser unless 1 of the following applies:

(

a) it is immediately before, during or immediately after a contest;

(

b) it is during a scheduled appointment;

(

c) the Authority has provided written consent.

Medical exams at ringside

55 If a ringside doctor considers it necessary, the ringside doctor may conduct any of the

following examinations:

(

a) a general physical examination in dressing rooms before a contest;

(

b) any examination of a contestant they may consider necessary during a

contest;

(

c) a general physical examination of each contestant immediately after the

conclusion of a contest.

Contest stopped for medical reasons

56 If the contest is stopped because of a physical injury, a ringside doctor must do all of the

following:

(

a) provide any necessary emergency treatment;

(

b) recommend any further treatment or hospitalization they consider necessary;

(

c) report the physical injury to the Authority within 24 hours of the injury.

Examination after injury or knockout

57 If a ringside doctor considers it necessary, a contestant who sustains injury or knockout

during a contest must be examined by a licensed medical doctor within 24 hours of the

injury or knockout.

Neurological examination after knockout, technical knockout or severe beating

(1) The Authority may require a contestant who is knocked out, suffers a technical

knockout or suffers a severe beating to submit to a neurological examination and

any other test considered appropriate by a ringside doctor.

(2) If requested by the Authority, a copy of any neurologist report or other test required

under subsection (1) must be filed with the Authority.

Suspension or medical treatment for injury sustained during contest

(1) The Authority may suspend a contestant or extend an existing suspension at the

request of a ringside doctor.

(2) If a contestant is treated by a licensed medical doctor for, or is hospitalized because

of, an injury sustained during a contest, the contestant or the contestant’s manager

must promptly submit a full report from the medical doctor or hospital to the

Authority.

Written report after contest

60 A ringside doctor must provide a written report to the Authority on the condition of each

contestant after a contest, including any recommendation for further treatment,

examination or suspension.

Officials

Referees or judges from other jurisdictions

(1) If requested by a contestant or the promoter of an event, the Authority may license

and appoint a referee or judge from a commission outside the jurisdiction where

the event is to be held.

(2) If the Authority appoints a referee or judge under subsection (1), the promoter must

pay the referee or judge’s licensing, travel, lodging and meal expenses.

Payment of officials

(1) The Authority must ensure that officials are paid for their time and expenses.

(2) If a contest is cancelled with at least 7 days’ notice provided to the Authority, a

promoter’s deposit for payment of the officials’ fees will be reimbursed by the

Authority.

Not permitted to officiate

(1) An officer of an athletic, boxing or combat sport commission or the applicable

professional federation, either elected or appointed, is not permitted to officiate in

any event without the prior approval of the Authority.

(2) An official, director, contestmaker or stockholder of a promoter must not officiate

in any capacity at any contest conducted by that promoter and must not interfere in

any way with the contestants participating in the contest.

Amateur Participants in Events

Amateur participation requirements

(1) The Authority may permit an amateur athlete to participate in an amateur bout in

any of the following sports held concurrently with a contest:

(

a) amateur mixed martial arts;

(

b) amateur kickboxing;

(

c) amateur Muay Thai;

(

d) any other amateur combat sports that the Authority may designate.

(2) An amateur athlete is not permitted to compete in an amateur bout for monetary

reward other than reimbursement for proper and reasonable expenses

(3) Unless otherwise required by the Authority, an amateur bout at a contest must be

conducted under the rules of the appropriate national sport federation.

Fines, Penalties and Restrictions

Suspension and fine

(1) A person who violates these regulations or who does any act considered by the

Authority to be inconsistent with the good discipline or safety of combat sports is

subject to all of the following:

(

a) revocation or suspension of their licence, if the person is licensed;

(

b) a fine by the Authority as outlined in the Act.

(2) If a fine has been imposed under the Act, the person’s licence may be suspended

until the fine is paid.

Reinstatement

66 A licensee whose licence is suspended by the Authority for an indefinite period of time

is not eligible to apply to have their licence reinstated for at least 90 days after the date of

the suspension and the completion of any reasonable requests by the Authority.

Submitting false information

67 A person who submits any false or erroneous information to the Authority may be fined

or have their licence revoked.

Licensee must report sham to Authority

68 A licensee must immediately report to the Authority any request or suggestion that the

licensee participate in, contribute to or aid and abet a sham or collusive contest or a

contest that is not to be conducted honestly or fairly.

Conflict of interest

(1) An official, member or employee of the Authority, referee or judge licensed by the

Authority must not have any financial interest directly or indirectly in any

contestant, contest, event, promoting corporation or manager’s contract with any

licensed contestant.

(2) A promoter or manager must not take

part in any contest in any role other than as a

promoter or manager, respectively, without written approval of the Authority.

Application for Reconsideration of Authority’s Decision

Application for reconsideration

(1) A licensee or other person disciplined or directly affected by a decision of the

Authority may apply for reconsideration of the decision by submitting to the

Authority, in writing, any information that the affected party feels may impact the

Authority’s decision.

(2) The information referred to in subsection (1) must be filed with the Authority no

more than 20 days after the date of the latest notice of disciplinary action and must

be accompanied by a certified cheque in the amount of $50.00.

(3) On receiving an application for reconsideration the Authority must consider the

information provided by the affected party and may uphold, alter or rescind its

original decision.

Appeal

71 A person who is unsatisfied with the results of an application for reconsideration may

seek satisfaction under

Section 14 of the Act.

Legislative History

Reference Tables

Combat Sports Authority Regulations

N.S. Reg.

51/2023

Combat Sports Authority Act

Note: The

information in these tables does not form part of the regulations and is

compiled by the Office of the Registrar of Regulations for reference only.

Source Law

The current consolidation of the Combat Sports Authority Regulations made

under the Combat Sports Authority Act includes all

of the following regulations:

N.S.

Regulation

In force

date*

How in force

Royal Gazette

Part II Issue

51/2023

Mar 7, 2023

date specified

Mar 24, 2023

The following regulations are not

yet in force and are not included in the current consolidation:

N.S.

Regulation

In force

date*

How in force

Royal Gazette

Part II Issue

*See subsection 3(6) of the Regulations Act for

rules about in force dates of regulations.

Amendments by Provision

ad. = added

am. = amended

fc. = fee change

ra. = reassigned

rep. = repealed

rs. = repealed and substituted

Provision affected

How affected

..........................................................

Note that changes to headings are not

included in the above table.

Editorial Notes and Corrections

Note

Effective

date

Repealed and Superseded

N.S.

Regulation

Title

In force

date

Repealed

date

155/2002

Boxing Authority Regulations

Jan 18, 2002

Mar 7, 2023

Note: Only

regulations that are specifically repealed and replaced appear in this

table. It may not reflect the entire

history of regulations on this subject matter.