# Title 72 — Secretary of State

## Article 72-02.2 — Commissioner of Combative Sports

## Chapter 72-02.2-02 — Commissioner of Combative Sports and Commission of Combative Sports - Mixed Fighting Style

### § 72-02.2-02-01. Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Commission" or "commission member" means the North Dakota commission of combative
sports or a person delegated by the commissioner.
2. "Commissioner" means the North Dakota secretary of state acting as the commissioner of
combative sports.
3. "Contest" means a match between two contestants in a mixed fighting style competition.
4. "Contestant" means a participant in a match who receives remuneration directly or indirectly
as consideration for the participant's performance in a mixed fighting style competition, except
for a participant's performance as an amateur in section 72-02.2-02-26.
5. "Exhibition" means a mixed fighting style match in which a decision is not rendered.
6. "Match" means any contest or exhibition, in which participants intend to and do inflict punches
or blows, or employ other techniques to temporarily incapacitate an opponent, regardless of
whether the object of the participants is to win or display their skills without striving to win.

7. "Matchmaker" means any person who brings together professional mixed fighting style
contestants or arranges professional mixed fighting style matches.
8. "Mixed fighting style competition" is a contest or match in which participants intend to inflict or
employ kicks, punches, blows, holds, and other techniques to injure, stun, choke, incapacitate,
or disable an opponent. The techniques include a combination of boxing, kickboxing,
wrestling, grappling, or other recognized martial arts.
9. "Promoter" means any person, club, corporation, or association, and any officer, director,
employee, or stockholder thereof, that produces, arranges, or stages professional mixed
fighting style contests or exhibitions.
10. "Registry" means any entity certified by the association of boxing commissions and combative
sports to maintain records and identification of mixed fighting style contestants.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-02. Commission of combative sports.

The North Dakota commission of combative sports consists of nine members appointed by the
commissioner to staggered three-year terms each with three members appointed in each term. A
vacancy in the membership caused other than by expiration of terms is filled for the balance of the term
for the position in which the vacancy occurred.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-03. General provisions.

The rules in this chapter govern all mixed fighting style contests or exhibitions.
1. The commissioner and the commission are the administrators of all professional mixed
fighting style contests within the state and over amateur contests, upon request, with the
approval of the commissioner.
2. Unless stated otherwise within these rules, the commissioner and commission shall follow the
unified rules of mixed martial arts as adopted by the association of boxing commissions and
combative sports in effect on October 1, 2025.
3. The commission may not approve the following:
a. Matches in which more than two contestants appear in the ring at the same time;
b. Matches in which the contestants are of the opposite sex; and
c. Matches in which the contestants are not using gloves.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02

### § 72-02.2-02-04. Licensing - Terms and conditions.

1. Licenses are issued for a calendar year beginning January first and ending December thirty-
first. When applying for a license, the applicant shall submit the application affirming the
information provided is correct.
2. The licenses available and the fees for each license are as follows:
a. Contestant - Twenty-five dollars.
b. Judge - Twenty-five dollars.
c. Manager - Fifty dollars.
d. Matchmaker - Fifty dollars.
e. Physician - No fee.
f. Promoter - Two hundred fifty dollars.
g. Referee - Twenty-five dollars.
h. Second or trainer - Twenty-five dollars.
i. Timekeeper - Twenty-five dollars.
3. Except for a contestant and as otherwise indicated, every licensee shall:
a. Provide proof that the applicant is eighteen years of age or older. A valid form of proof is
a photo driver's license, state-issued identification card, tribal-issued identification card,
passport, or birth certificate combined with additional photo identification.
b. Have at least one year of verifiable experience and proficiency in either professional or
amateur mixed fight style competition.
c. Be licensed for each role the licensee has in the event, and if more than one, only may
be required to pay the fee for the highest priced license issued to the licensee.
d. Understand the commissioner will honor the actions of other regulatory jurisdictions.
e. Understand the commissioner or commission may issue a verbal warning for the first
infraction of the law or rules, a written warning for a second infraction, and a suspension
up to six months for a third infraction. The commissioner or commission, without warning,
may suspend a license for a violation that endangers the life or health of any person.
4. Every applicant for a judge, referee, or timekeeper license shall submit proof of qualifications,
including certified training from the association of boxing commissions and combative sports.
5. Every applicant for a physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine) license shall
submit proof of licensure to practice medicine in the state of North Dakota and proof of
certification through the association of ringside physicians.
6. Before the commissioner issues a license to a contestant, the applicant shall:
a. Provide proof that the applicant is eighteen years of age or older. A valid form of proof is
a photo driver's license, state-issued identification card, tribal-issued identification card,
passport, or birth certificate combined with additional photo identification.

b. Have and provide a mixed martial arts national identification card issued by the
association of boxing commissions and combative sports or apply for one through the
commissioner.
c. Provide the contestant's legal name, photo identification, address, contact telephone
number, social security number, birth date, height, weight, eye color, any distinguishing
marks and, if applicable, professional name.
d. Provide the names and contact information of the contestant's manager and trainer.
e. If a female contestant, certify the contestant is not pregnant.
f. Disclose whether the contestant has been suspended during the preceding twelve
months, by which jurisdiction, and for what reason.
g. Submit to the commissioner the results of current laboratory work and medical
examinations on forms prescribed by the commissioner, which state the contestant is
cleared to participate in a combative sports match including bloodwork results for
hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV. Bloodwork results
are valid for six months from the date the blood was drawn. The commissioner shall not
issue a license to an applicant submitting positive test results for HBsAg, HCV, or HIV.
h. Undergo at the discretion of the commissioner and the contestant's expense any of the
following medical examinations and submit the results for approval to participate:
(1) A physical examination performed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of
osteopathic medicine, advanced practice nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Physical examinations are valid for one year from the date of examination.
(2) An ophthalmological examination performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist
which includes dilation designed to detect any retinal defects or other damage or
condition of the eye that may be aggravated by combative sports. Ophthalmological
examinations are valid for one year from the date of examination.
(3) Other appropriate neurological or physical examinations before any contest, if the
commissioner determines the examination is desirable to protect the health of the
contestant.
i. Understand the contestant may not compete in a contest or exhibition within seven days
of their previous contest or within ninety days of a contest in which the contestant was
unable to defend himself or herself.
j. Understand the commissioner may honor the actions of other regulatory jurisdictions.
k. Understand the commissioner may hold an informal hearing to determine whether a
contestant may be licensed or whether an existing license may be suspended or
revoked. The contestant or designated representative may attend.
l. Understand the commissioner may deny the contestant's license application or suspend
or revoke an existing license if, in the judgment of the commissioner or commission, the
contestant is guilty of an act detrimental to the integrity of mixed fighting style
competition, or to the public interest.
m. Understand the commissioner or commission may issue a verbal warning for the first
infraction of the law or rules, a written warning for a second infraction, and a suspension
up to six months for a third infraction. The commissioner or commission, without warning,
may suspend a license for a violation that endangers the life or health of any person.

n. Understand the contestant may request an informal hearing before the commissioner to
review the suspension or revocation of a license for a recent knockout, injury, or other
medical reason to provide proof of sufficiently improved physical condition. The
contestant also may request an informal hearing before the commissioner to review a
suspension or revocation of a license for a positive drug test, providing a false alias, or
having false identification or providing a false document or information to obtain a
license.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective July 1, 2016; October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-05. Duties of promoter.

A promoter shall:
1. Apply to the commissioner or commission to produce, arrange, or stage a match a minimum of
two months prior to the event.
2. Provide proof of adequate insurance covering contestants, officials, and the public present at
the event.
3. Provide medical insurance and pay the deductibles for each contestant covering injuries
sustained by a contestant during the competition with a minimum benefit of two thousand five
hundred dollars and at least two thousand five hundred dollars for an accidental death.
4. Provide a completed notification of contest form to the commissioner a minimum of five days
prior to the event.
5. Seek approval from the commissioner for a change in the announced or advertised programs
for any main match a minimum of forty-eight hours prior to the scheduled weigh-in for the
event. The change must be included in any public announcement or advertisement relating to
the match and posted at ticket offices and announced from the ring prior to the opening match.
If, because of the change, a patron requests a refund of the purchase price of their ticket, the
promoter shall grant the refund if it is presented at the ticket office before the start of the
second match or the main match, whichever comes first.
6. Select and hire all ring officials, including judges, knockdown counter, physician, referees,
timekeeper, with the approval and assignment of the commissioner, and shall pay the officials
for their services.
7. Provide the commissioner with copies of all contracts between the promoter and contestants,
which are subject to the commissioner's review to verify consistency with the requirements of
state law and these rules.
8. Understand the failure to follow state law or these rules or failure to cooperate with the
commissioner or commission member may result in a future denial of a match.
9. Pay an administrative fee to reimburse the commissioner for the costs of regulating the event
by making a monetary deposit with the commissioner, in an amount satisfactory to the
commissioner, prior to the event and paying the balance within thirty days of being invoiced for
the event. The deposit is refundable only when an event is canceled due to circumstances
which are, in the opinion of the commissioner, extreme and beyond the control of the
promoter.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07

Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-06. Duties of referee.

A referee shall:
1. Not officiate more than thirty-two rounds during the event.
2. Have a physical examination prior to the event by the ringside physician either at the official
weigh-in or prior to the beginning of the match and receive the physician's approval prior to
officiating a match.
3. Exercise authority, according to the rules, over the match the referee is officiating.
4. Meet before a match with the contestant's second and assistant second, if applicable, and
provide those individuals with instructions.
5. Stop the match if it becomes partial, or if a contestant is in such a condition that if the match
continues the contestant is subject to serious injury.
6. Stop the match if a contestant has a cut or wound that might be a serious injury and consult
with the ringside physician as to whether the match should continue.
7. Determine whether an injury is the result of a legal or illegal blow and whether it was
intentional or accidental.
8. Return a contestant's mouthpiece during a lull in the match and if the contestant is
intentionally ejecting the mouthpiece, the referee may discount a point during that round from
the contestant or disqualify the contestant.
9. Not drink alcoholic beverages a minimum of twelve hours prior to the event and until assigned
duties are completed.
10. Be replaced by the commission with another referee if the referee becomes incapacitated or
otherwise unable to complete the match.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-07. Duties of judges.

The three judges for the match shall:
1. Sit on a stool midway between the ring posts and not on the same side of the ring as another
judge and have a direct view of the ring.
2. Use the "ten point must system" scoring described in section 72-02.2-02-22.
3. Mark the score card in ink for each contestant, sign it, and hand it to the referee after each
round without discussion with anyone except as needed with the commissioner or a
commission member.
4. Correct a clerical or mathematical error on the score cards as may be identified at the
conclusion of the match. Otherwise, the match results cannot be changed without a hearing
before the commissioner.
5. Not drink alcoholic beverages a minimum of twelve hours prior to the event and until assigned
duties are completed.

6. Be replaced by the commission with another judge if a judge becomes incapacitated or
otherwise unable to complete the scoring of a match.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-08. Duties of seconds.

1. Each contestant may have a maximum of three seconds, with one of the seconds designated
as the chief second.
2. Two seconds, without shoes, are allowed inside the ring at the end of each round and the
others, if any, shall stay on the platform. The seconds shall clear all items from the ring
platform and leave the ring by the start of the next round.
3. During rounds, the seconds shall stay within the outside corner area of the ring and may not
touch the ring.
4. A chief second verbally, with a hand signal or by mounting the apron, may signal to the referee
that the contestant cannot continue and to stop the match. The "throwing of a towel" into the
ring is not an indicator of the contestant's defeat.
5. During the match, a second may not provide a contestant with alcoholic beverages, narcotics,
or stimulants, pour or spray excessive water on the contestant's body, or place ice in the
contestant's trunks or cup.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-09. Duties of timekeeper.

1. The timekeeper shall have a timing device. The timekeeper shall indicate the beginning and
end of each round by a bell, horn, or buzzer having a clear audible tone to be heard by the
referee and contestants. Ten seconds prior to the end of a round, the timekeeper shall strike
an object three times in a manner having a clear audible tone alerting the referee and
contestants.
2. If a match is stopped before the scheduled number of rounds, the timekeeper shall record the
time the stoppage occurred.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-10. Duties of physician.

1. A physician shall examine each contestant within thirty-six hours before entering the ring. The
examining physician immediately shall file with the commission a written report of the
examination to certify to the commissioner the contestant is in acceptable physical condition to
fight.
2. The examination must include an examination of the following: the contestant's heart and
general physical and neurological condition, including the eyes, ears, mouth and jaw, nose,
chest, head, hands, abdomen, blood pressure, and resting heart rate.

3. If more than one physician is present, the commissioner shall select one to be the head
physician. If the physician also is a commission member, the physician may not serve
concurrently as the ringside physician and commission member during the match.
4. The physician shall sit near the ring steps and remain there during the match unless required
in the ring. After the match, the physician shall examine and certify each contestant's physical
condition.
5. The physician may enter the ring during a match and terminate the match if the physician
determines the contestant has or may have a serious physical injury. The physician
immediately shall render emergency treatment as required and shall recommend further
treatment, or hospitalization as required. The physician may require for a period the contestant
or contestant's manager to remain in the ring or on the premise. For the commissioner's
records, the physician shall file a report of the incident.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-11. Ticket provisions.

1. All tickets must display the purchase price and may not be sold for more than the purchase
price.
2. Upon showing identification provided by the commissioner, only the following persons may be
admitted without a ticket:
a. The commissioner, commission members, and others designated for official duty by the
commissioner.
b. The event officials required by state law and these rules.
c. The promoter and designated employees.
d. The contestants and their managers, trainers, and cornerpersons.
e. The emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, and on duty public
officials.
f. Members of the media.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective January 1, 2007; October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-12. Contracts and financial arrangements.

1. A promoter may not have a direct or indirect financial relationship with a contestant. A match
may not be held in premises owned or leased by the promoter or premises in which the
promoter has a direct or indirect financial relationship unless approved by the commissioner.
2. Before weigh-in, the promoter shall provide the commissioner with copies of the contract
between the promoter and each contestant.
3. The promoter shall deposit with the commissioner prior to the match the funds to be paid by
contract to the contestant after the match. If it is determined by the commissioner that a
contestant made a dishonest effort not matching the contestant's skill level, the payment to the
contestant may be withheld and returned to the promoter.

History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-13. Gross revenue fee.

Repealed effective October 1, 2020.
### § 72-02.2-02-14. Sham or collusive matches.

1. The commissioner shall suspend or revoke the license of any promoter, ring official, manager,
trainer, or cornerperson who promotes, conducts, gives, or participates in any sham or
collusive mixed fighting style competition or exhibition. A promoter or matchmaker may not
arrange a match in which the skills and abilities of one contestant are significantly superior to
the other contestant.
2. The commissioner may suspend, revoke, refuse to renew, or refuse to issue a license, to an
applicant for a license if the applicant:
a. Has been, or is associated with anyone interfering with a match or contestant;
b. Has been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction, or is associating or consorting with any
person who has been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction;
c. Consorts or associates with bookmakers, gamblers, or persons of similar pursuits, or if
the applicant or applicant's associate engaged in similar pursuits;
d. Is financially irresponsible;
e. Has been guilty of or attempted any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with mixed
fighting style; or
f. Has violated or attempted to violate any law with respect to a mixed fighting style
competition in any jurisdiction or any rules or regulation, or has violated any mixed
fighting style competition rule approved or adopted by the commissioner, or has been
guilty of or engaged in similar, related, or like practices.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-15. Weight classes - Weigh-in and weight differences.

1. At a time and place approved by the commissioner, the commission members shall administer
a weigh-in event in which each contestant must be weighed before the opposing contestant at
least eight but not more than thirty-six hours before the match.
2. The weight classes are as identified in the unified rules of mixed martial arts as adopted by
the association of boxing commissions and combative sports and in effect on October 1, 2025.
3. The official scales must be available to all contestants a minimum of two hours before the
scheduled start time of the weigh-in event. A title fight must have two scales, the official scale
and a second for the contestants. The commissioner shall provide the official scale. The
promoter shall provide the scale for the contestants. For a title match, the official scale must
be certified and calibrated by a qualified technician.

4. Only contestants approved for the mixed fighting style competition event may be weighed
during the weigh-in event.
5. A contestant who has contracted to participate in a specific weight class may not compete if
the contestant's weight exceeds the standards for that weight class unless the contract allows
the weight differential to be agreed to by the opposing contestant and the opposing contestant
agrees to it.
6. If a contestant does not meet the weight requirements during the weigh-in event for the weight
class and the opposing contestant does not agree, the contestant or both contestants have
two additional hours to make the prescribed weight provided that a weight loss in excess of
two pounds [907.18 grams] is not permitted for a contestant weighing less than one hundred
forty-five pounds [65.77 kilograms] and a weight loss of three pounds [1360.77 grams] is not
permitted for a contestant weighing more than one hundred forty-five pounds
[67.77 kilograms].
7. If the contestants fail in making the weight after the two-hour period, both contestant
managers shall come to an agreement, or the match is canceled. If allowed by the promoter
and agreed to by the commissioner, the contestants may have an exhibition match.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-16. Conduct of contests and exhibitions.

1. Mixed fighting style competitive events must have a minimum of twenty scheduled rounds.
Each match must have a minimum of three rounds and a maximum of five rounds for a
championship match.
2. The maximum time for each round is five minutes with a one minute rest period between each
round. Each match must have a referee and three judges.
3. The commissioner may not approve a match in which the contestants are not of equal ability.
4. There is a maximum period of ten minutes between matches, except for an intermission with a
maximum period of twenty minutes.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-17. Proper appearance and attire.

Proper appearance and attire are subject to the unified rules of mixed martial arts as adopted by
the association of boxing commissions and combative sports and in effect on October 1, 2025.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-18. Bandage and glove requirements.

1. A contestant's gloves must be furnished by the promoter.
2. A promoter shall provide at an event the following number of gloves in each of the following
sizes:

a. Size small - eight pairs;
b. Size medium - twelve pairs;
c. Size large - twelve pairs;
d. Size extra large - twelve pairs; and
e. Size double extra large - eight pairs.
3. A contestant's gloves must be examined and approved at the weigh-in by the commissioner to
ensure the gloves are whole and not broken, rough, or twisted; in sanitary condition; have
padding that is not misplaced or lumpy; and fit the hands of the contestant.
4. The gloves furnished by a promoter must be new or freshly sanitized for every contestant.
5. The gloves of each contestant must weigh a minimum of four ounces [113.4 grams] and a
maximum of eight ounces [226.8 grams].
6. The gloves of each contestant must be placed on the contestant hands in the presence of a
commission member according to the wrapping requirements of the unified rules of mixed
martial arts, as adopted by the association of boxing commissions and combative sports and
in effect on October 1, 2020.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-19. Medical and other safeguards.

Each match must include the following safeguards:
1. A minimum of one physician, licensed by the North Dakota board of medicine and licensed as
a ring physician by the board, must be at ringside during the match. Ring physicians licensed
by other state jurisdictions may be allowed at ringside with the commissioner's approval.
2. The presence of the highest level of emergency medical personnel available in the community,
i.e., emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician-intermediate, or
emergency medical technician-paramedic, as defined by the North Dakota state department of
health, emergency health services section, with an ambulance dedicated for contestants. In
an emergency, the medical personnel and ambulance may be released by the ring physician.
The match must be on hold until the personnel and ambulance return to the premises. The
commissioner shall determine the appropriate level of personnel present.
3. Commissioner-approved rubber or plastic gloves must be worn during the match by all
persons, including managers, cornerpersons, timekeepers, ring physicians, and referees, in
contact with a contestant.
4. Alcoholic beverages and smoking must be prohibited at ringside.
5. The commissioner shall approve the placement of cameras by the media near the ring or on
the platform. Media personnel may sit ringside only in neutral corners as approved by the
commissioner.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02

### § 72-02.2-02-20. Ring or fenced area.

A mixed fighting style match only may be held in a ring or fenced area inspected and approved by
the commission according to the following requirements:
1. For a ring:
a. The ring must be a minimum of sixteen feet [4.88 meters] and a maximum of thirty-two
feet [9.753 meters] square inside the ropes. The ring floor must extend a minimum of
eighteen inches [457.2 millimeters] beyond the ropes. The ring platform must be a
maximum height of four feet [1.22 meters] and have a smooth, firm surface covered with
clean canvas duck or other resilient material stretched taut and laced tightly to the ring
platform. The ring must be completely padded both inside and outside the ropes to a
minimum thickness of one inch [25.4 millimeters] and a maximum thickness of four
inches [101.6 millimeters], with insulate or a similar material approved by the
commission.
b. Each ring must have four ring posts a maximum of three inches [76.20 millimeters] in
diameter extending above the ring platform. The maximum height above the platform for
each post is fifty-eight inches [1473.2 millimeters], and the post must be a minimum of
eighteen inches [457.2 millimeters] from the ring ropes. All ring posts, post tops, and
turnbuckles must be padded, and ring corners must have protective padding extending
from the top rope to the bottom rope.
c. There must be a minimum of five ring ropes attached to the ring posts by adjustable
turnbuckles. Each rope must be a minimum of one inch [25.4 millimeters] in diameter and
covered with soft material and attached securely to the ring posts. The ropes must be
readily adjustable and maintained at a proper and safe degree of tautness. Ties must be
fastened to the ropes at appropriate intervals to ensure safety.
d. The ring must be illuminated by overhead lights arranged to eliminate shadows and
minimize heat and glare.
e. Steps must lead to the ring platform from two diagonally opposite corners of the ring
platform.
f. Extra steps approved by the commission must be placed in a neutral corner.
2. For a fenced area:
a. The fenced area must be circular or have at least four equal sides and must be no
smaller than sixteen feet [4.87 meters] wide and no larger than thirty-two feet
[9.75 meters] wide.
b. The floor must be a maximum height of four feet [1.22 meters] and have a smooth, firm
surface covered with clean canvas duck or other resilient material stretched taut and
laced tightly to the ring platform. The floor must be completely padded to a minimum
thickness of one inch [25.4 millimeters] and a maximum thickness of four inches
[101.6 millimeters], with insulate or a similar material approved by the commission.
c. Steps must lead to the floor area.
d. Metal posts a maximum of six inches [152.40 millimeters] in diameter extend from the
event floor to between five feet [1.52 meters] and seven feet [2.13 meters] in height
above the fighting area and are padded in a manner as approved by the commissioner.

e. The material surrounding the floor must prevent a contestant from falling out or breaking
through the fenced area, including, without limitation, chain link fence coated with vinyl.
f. Any metal portion of the fenced area must be covered, padded, nonabrasive, as
approved by the commissioner and without any outside obstruction surrounding it.
g. The fenced area must be illuminated by overhead lights arranged to eliminate shadows
and minimize heat and glare.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-21. Ringside equipment.

1. The promoter or second shall supply the following items approved by the commission for each
contestant corner:
a. Enough buckets for contestants;
b. Plastic water bottle and water;
c. Sponges;
d. Surgical tape; and
e. Chairs or stools for contestant use between rounds and for cornerpersons in their corner.
2. The following items also may be placed in the corner:
a. Petroleum jelly, for discretionary use around the eyes;
b. Adrenalin in a manufacturer's premeasured vial in a 1/1000 solution; and
c. Coagulant (avitene, thrombin, thromboplastin, or fibroplastic).
3. A contestant may not use or be administered any other drugs, stimulants, or nonprescription
items not listed in this section.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-22. Scoring system.

The judges shall use the "ten point must system" scoring system based on the guidelines as
adopted by the association of boxing commissions and combative sports and in effect on October 1,
2025. The contestant winning the round is awarded ten points and the other contestant is awarded nine
or fewer points. If the round is even, each contestant receives ten points. Fractions of points are not
permitted. If the referee deducts points, the referee shall inform each judge, who then shall make the
deduction on a scorecard.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02

### § 72-02.2-02-23. Fouls, deduction of points, and stoppage of match.

This section follows the guidelines as adopted by the association of boxing commissions and
combative sports and in effect on January 1, 2026.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-24. Stalling or faking.

1. A referee shall warn a contestant if the referee determines a contestant is stalling or faking. If,
after the warning, the contestant continues to stall or pull punches, the referee shall stop the
match at the round's end.
2. If the referee determines if one or both contestants are stalling or faking, or if a contestant
refuses to fight, the contest is terminated as a no contest and one or both contestants forfeit
their pay.
3. If a contestant falls without being struck, the contestant must be examined immediately by the
ring physician. After conferring with the physician, the referee may disqualify the contestant,
who then forfeits their pay.
History: Effective October 1, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-25. Results of contests.

The results of the contest will follow the guidelines adopted by the association of boxing
commissions and combative sports and in effect on October 1, 2025.
History: Effective October 21, 2006; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
### § 72-02.2-02-26. Amateur contests.

The regulation of an amateur event must follow all these rules with the following modifications:
1. The contestant has never received remuneration directly or indirectly as consideration for the
participant's performance in a mixed fighting style competition, boxing, kickboxing, or any
other combative sport.
2. The match may not exceed a maximum of five rounds with a maximum of three minutes in
each round with a one minute rest period between rounds.
3. Contestants may not make elbow strikes or use knees to contact with the head of the
opponent.
History: Effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02

### § 72-02.2-02-27. Appeal from actions of the commissioner or commission.

An applicant or licensee may appeal any action of the commissioner or commission under this
chapter in denying, suspending, refusing to renew, or revoking a license. The appeal must be
performed in accordance with the provisions of North Dakota Century Code chapter 28-32.
History: Effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-01.1, 53-01-02
