West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 177 - Athletic Commission
West Virginia Code of State Rules — Agency 177: Athletic Commission
Overview
The West Virginia Athletic Commission (WVSAC) is the official state agency tasked with regulating combative sports such as professional and amateur boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts within West Virginia.
Purpose and Function
Regulation and Oversight
The Commission oversees all professional and amateur combative sporting events in the state, ensuring events are conducted fairly and safely.
Licensing
It issues licenses to participants, promoters, officials, and others involved in combative sports. No event can proceed without proper licensing and approval.
Safety and Fair Play
The Commission sets and enforces rules designed to protect the health and safety of athletes and spectators.
Structure of the Commission
The Commission is composed of appointed members who collectively govern and enforce the rules.
They have authority to hire referees, judges, and other officials necessary for event oversight.
The members serve terms defined by internal rules and operate with administrative support to carry out daily functions.
Key Rules and Procedures
Licensing and Approval of Events
Any promoter or organization wishing to conduct a boxing, kickboxing, or MMA event must apply for and receive approval from the Commission before holding the event.
The venue must meet safety and operational standards set by the Commission.
Athlete Licensing
Fighters and participants must be licensed by the Commission, which involves meeting age, health, and experience criteria.
The Commission has the authority to deny or revoke licenses if rules or conduct standards are violated.
Officials
The Commission appoints referees, judges, and timekeepers for all sanctioned events.
Officials must adhere to Commission rules on conduct, scoring, and enforcement of safety protocols.
Event Conduct
Rules regulate bout lengths, permitted techniques, equipment standards, and conduct during contests.
The Commission may impose penalties or sanctions for rule violations.
Disciplinary Actions
The Commission can investigate complaints, hold hearings, and impose sanctions, including fines or suspensions on athletes, promoters, or officials.
Enforcement Powers
The Commission enforces compliance through inspections and monitoring during events.
It holds hearings to resolve disputes or address violations of rules.
The Commission can suspend or revoke licenses and cancel event approvals.
Summary
Agency 177, the West Virginia Athletic Commission, acts as the governing authority to ensure that combative sports are conducted with integrity, safety, and fairness throughout the state. It manages licensing, event approval, official appointments, and rule enforcement to maintain high standards in professional and amateur combative competitions.
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