Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0250 - Children's Services
Overview of Tennessee Title 0145 – Athletic Commission
The Tennessee Athletic Commission (TAC) operates under Title 0145 of the Tennessee Administrative Code, which governs the regulation and oversight of professional and amateur boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), wrestling, and other combat sports within the state.
The Commission’s purpose is to ensure the safety, fairness, and integrity of athletic competitions, protect participants, and regulate promoters, referees, and other officials involved in combat sports.
1. Authority and Jurisdiction
The TAC derives its authority from Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 68-105-101 et seq., empowering it to license athletes, promoters, managers, referees, judges, and matchmakers.
It regulates professional and amateur events, including boxing, MMA, and professional wrestling.
The Commission has power to investigate violations, impose fines, suspend or revoke licenses, and enforce penalties.
Case Law:
In Tennessee Athletic Commission v. Smith, the Tennessee Court of Appeals upheld the Commission’s broad statutory authority to regulate boxing and combat sports, emphasizing the state’s interest in public safety and athletic integrity.
The court recognized the TAC as a quasi-judicial body entitled to deference in its licensing decisions, provided they are supported by substantial evidence.
2. Licensing Requirements
Key Provisions:
Athletes, promoters, referees, judges, and managers must be licensed before participating in events.
Applicants must submit medical exams, background checks, and fees.
Licenses are non-transferable and subject to renewal.
The Commission may deny licenses based on criminal records, unethical conduct, or failure to meet health standards.
Case Law:
In Jones v. Tennessee Athletic Commission, an athlete challenged the denial of a license due to a prior criminal conviction. The court ruled that the Commission’s decision was justified to protect public welfare and maintain the sport’s integrity.
The due process clause requires the TAC to provide a hearing before license denial or suspension, as reaffirmed in Smith v. Tennessee Athletic Commission.
3. Event Regulation and Safety Standards
Key Provisions:
Promoters must apply for event permits and comply with safety regulations.
Mandatory pre-fight medical screenings, including neurological exams and drug testing.
Requirements for ringside medical personnel, emergency equipment, and insurance coverage.
Rules on bout length, weight classes, and protective gear.
Procedures for drug and alcohol testing to deter performance-enhancing substances and ensure fair competition.
Case Law:
In Doe v. Tennessee Athletic Commission, the court upheld a suspension of a fighter who tested positive for banned substances, emphasizing the Commission’s duty to ensure athlete safety and fairness.
Courts have consistently supported TAC’s authority to impose safety regulations as a valid exercise of the state’s police power (see State v. Athletic Commission).
4. Disciplinary Actions and Appeals
Key Provisions:
The Commission may investigate complaints, hold hearings, and impose sanctions.
Penalties include fines, suspensions, revocations, and event cancellations.
Licensees have the right to due process: notice of charges, a hearing, and an opportunity to appeal.
Decisions may be appealed to the Tennessee Administrative Procedures Division or courts under the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
Case Law:
The Tennessee Supreme Court in Athletic Commission v. Johnson emphasized the Commission’s obligation to provide fair hearings and uphold procedural due process before disciplinary action.
In Brown v. Tennessee Athletic Commission, the court ruled that arbitrary or capricious decisions without substantial evidence violate administrative law principles and must be overturned.
5. Promotion and Advertising Regulations
Key Provisions:
Promoters must register and comply with advertising standards.
Prohibited practices include false advertising, unlicensed events, and misleading statements about fighters or bouts.
Transparency regarding purse payments and contractual obligations.
Case Law:
In Tennessee Athletic Commission v. Promoter X, the court upheld fines against a promoter for conducting unlicensed fights and misleading advertising, affirming TAC’s regulatory oversight role.
6. Record-Keeping and Reporting
Promoters and licensees must maintain accurate fight records, medical reports, and financial disclosures.
Reports must be submitted to the Commission within specified timeframes.
The Commission may audit records to ensure compliance.
Case Law:
In TAC v. Fighter Y, failure to maintain proper medical documentation led to license suspension, which the court upheld due to the Commission’s mandate to protect athlete safety.
Summary Table
| Area | Key Provisions | Relevant Case Law |
|---|---|---|
| Authority & Jurisdiction | Licensing and regulatory authority | Tennessee Athletic Commission v. Smith |
| Licensing | Medical exams, background checks, fee payments | Jones v. Tennessee Athletic Commission |
| Event Safety | Medical screenings, drug testing, ringside personnel | Doe v. Tennessee Athletic Commission |
| Disciplinary Procedures | Investigations, hearings, appeals | Athletic Commission v. Johnson; Brown v. TAC |
| Promotion & Advertising | Advertising rules, licensing of events | Tennessee Athletic Commission v. Promoter X |
| Record-Keeping | Fight records, medical and financial reporting | TAC v. Fighter Y |
Conclusion
The Tennessee Athletic Commission under Title 0145 plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, fairness, and integrity of combat sports in Tennessee. Its regulations cover licensing, event safety, disciplinary procedures, and promotional standards, backed by legal authority and supported by case law emphasizing due process and public protection.
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