14B NCAC 10 .0810          Amateur-Mixed Martial Arts

(a)  In addition to compliance with Rules .0201, .0301, .0402, and .0801 through .0809 of this Chapter, the following requirements apply to amateur mixed martial arts matches:

(1)           Any contestant competing as an amateur shall not currently be or have ever been, a professional fighter in any striking sport, including mixed martial arts, boxing, and karate. "Strikes" is defined in Rule .0102 of this Chapter.

(2)           Grappling shin guards are optional;

(3)           Elbow strikes to the head shall not be allowed;

(4)           Striking with the point of the elbow shall not be allowed;

(5)           Knees to the head at anytime shall not be allowed;

(6)           Kicks of any type to the head shall not be allowed; and

(7)           A contestant shall only strike to the head with his or her fist.

(b)  The promoter of record shall comply with the provisions of Rules .0402 and .0404 of this Chapter. Provide to the Division the name, address, date of birth, and social security number of every amateur contestant scheduled to compete in an event. This information shall be submitted no later than seven calendar days prior to the event.

(c)  A contestant shall have a minimum of five recorded amateur matches prior to being submitted to compete as a professional mixed martial arts contestant. This five-match requirement shall be waived by the Division representative if the contestant has previously competed in at least five professional boxing or kickboxing matches, or any combination thereof.

(d)  Contestants under 18 years of age shall compete only in matches supervised and regulated by an Amateur Sports Organization that has been recognized by the Division. To obtain recognition, any Amateur Sports Organization shall establish and provide rules for the implementation of health and safety standards and all requirements related to the conduct of matches that are at least as restrictive as the applicable standards and requirements of the Division. Events open to the public where admission is charged for viewing shall be conducted by a promoter licensed in accordance with the provisions of Rule .0402 of this Chapter.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008;

Transferred from 14A NCAC 12 .0810 Eff. June 1, 2013;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2025.