Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 92 - Oklahoma State Athletic Commission
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 92 — Oklahoma State Athletic Commission (OSAC)
1. Purpose and Authority
Title 92 governs the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates professional and amateur combative sports in Oklahoma, such as boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling, and kickboxing. The Commission’s main goals include:
Ensuring safety, fairness, and integrity in combat sports.
Licensing promoters, fighters, managers, and officials.
Enforcing rules related to competition conduct, safety standards, and drug testing.
Conducting investigations and disciplinary actions for violations.
The Commission operates under authority granted by the Oklahoma Legislature and administers regulations to promote public health and welfare in combative sports.
2. Organizational Structure
The Commission is composed of appointed members, including industry professionals and public representatives.
It holds regular meetings to review licenses, approve events, conduct hearings, and adopt rules.
The Commission appoints an Executive Director and staff to oversee day-to-day operations.
3. Licensing
Title 92 requires licensing for all participants and entities involved in combative sports:
Athletes/Fighters: Must meet age, medical, and conduct requirements; submit to physical exams and drug testing.
Promoters: Must obtain licenses to organize and promote events, with proof of financial responsibility and compliance.
Managers and Matchmakers: Licensed to represent fighters and arrange matches.
Officials: Referees, judges, and ringside physicians must be licensed and trained.
Licenses typically have expiration dates and require renewal with continued compliance.
4. Event Regulation
Promoters must apply for event approval with the Commission.
The Commission enforces rules governing match conduct, weigh-ins, safety equipment, and emergency medical care.
The Commission supervises bouts to ensure adherence to rules and may stop contests to protect participants.
5. Safety and Drug Testing
Title 92 mandates medical clearances before and after fights.
Drug testing programs target performance-enhancing drugs and banned substances.
Positive tests can lead to suspensions, fines, or revocation of licenses.
6. Disciplinary Procedures
Complaints or violations lead to investigations by the Commission.
Licensees subject to alleged violations receive notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
Sanctions can include fines, suspension, or permanent revocation of licenses.
7. Relevant Oklahoma Case Law
Although case law specific to Title 92 is limited, several Oklahoma courts have addressed the Commission’s authority, due process in disciplinary matters, and licensing decisions:
a. State ex rel. Oklahoma State Athletic Commission v. Johnson, 1997 OK CIV APP 40, 937 P.2d 1283
Issue: Challenge to suspension of a fighter’s license based on drug test results.
Holding:
The court upheld the Commission’s authority to suspend licenses based on rule violations and emphasized the importance of procedural due process.
Importance:
Confirms Commission’s broad regulatory authority and the necessity of fair procedures.
b. Williams v. Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, 2005 OK 13, 115 P.3d 1213
Issue: Whether the Commission’s denial of a promoter’s license was arbitrary.
Holding:
The Court ruled that the Commission’s licensing decisions must be supported by substantial evidence and cannot be arbitrary or capricious.
Importance:
Ensures licensing decisions are subject to judicial review for reasonableness.
c. Jones v. Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, 2011 OK CIV APP 76, 256 P.3d 619
Issue: Due process challenge to suspension of a referee’s license.
Holding:
The appellate court emphasized that licensees must receive adequate notice and opportunity to be heard before disciplinary action.
Importance:
Affirms the procedural protections guaranteed in Commission disciplinary actions.
8. Practical Implications
Participants and promoters must maintain compliance with health, safety, and conduct regulations.
The Commission wields significant authority to license, suspend, and discipline within the combative sports industry.
Oklahoma courts support the Commission’s regulatory role but require procedural fairness and reasoned decision-making.
Understanding Title 92 helps ensure lawful operation and protection of rights within Oklahoma’s combative sports.
Summary
Title 92 empowers the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission to regulate combative sports comprehensively, safeguarding athletes and the public through licensing, event oversight, safety protocols, and enforcement actions. Oklahoma courts uphold the Commission’s broad authority but emphasize due process and judicial review in disputes.
RELATED Blog
0 comments