# Title 72 — Secretary of State

## Article 72-02.2 — Commissioner of Combative Sports

## Chapter 72-02.2-01.1 — Commissioner of Combative Sports and Commission of Combative Sports - Boxing

### § 72-02.2-01.1-01. Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Boxing" means a contest or match in which two contestants attack each other and defend
themselves with fists wearing protective gloves during a predetermined time in a boxing ring.
2. "Commission" or "commission member" means the North Dakota commission of combative
sports or a person delegated by the commissioner.
3. "Commissioner" means the North Dakota secretary of state acting as the commissioner of
combative sports.
4. "Contestant" or "boxer" means a participant in a match who receives remuneration directly or
indirectly as consideration for the participant's performance in a boxing match.
5. "Exhibition" means a boxing or sparring match where a decision is not rendered.
6. "Match" means any bout, contest, or sparring, in which participants intend to and do inflict
punches 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 boxers or arranges
professional boxing matches.
8. "Promoter" means any person, club, corporation, or association, and any officer, director,
employee, or stockholder thereof, that produces, arranges, or stages professional boxing or
kickboxing matches.
9. "Registry" means any entity certified by the association of boxing commissions and combative
sports for maintaining records and identification of boxers.
10. "Sparring" means boxing for either practice or as an exhibition.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective July 1, 1997; July 1, 2016; October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-02. 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective July 1, 2016; October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-03. General provisions.

1. These rules govern boxing matches, exhibitions, or sparring, unless rules are otherwise
approved by the commissioner for good cause shown for a specific match, exhibition, or
sparring event. Kickboxing matches are governed by the generally accepted rules adopted for
that sport and submitted to the commissioner for approval prior to the event.
2. The commissioner and the commission are the administrators of all professional boxing or
sparring matches within the state.
3. The following matches may not be approved:
a. Matches containing both professional and amateur contests in the same event;
b. Matches in which more than two contestants appear in the ring at the same time;
c. Matches in which the contestants are of the opposite sex; and
d. Matches in which the contestants are not using gloves.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-04. Licensing.

1. Licenses are issued for a calendar year beginning January first and ending December thirty-
first. If 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. Boxer or kickboxer - Twenty-five dollars.
b. Cornerperson or second or trainer - Twenty-five dollars.
c. Judge - Twenty-five dollars.
d. Knockdown counter - Twenty-five dollars.
e. Manager - Fifty dollars.
f. Matchmaker - Fifty dollars.
g. Physician - No fee.
h. Promoter - Two hundred fifty dollars.
i. Referee - Twenty-five dollars.
j. Timekeeper - Twenty-five dollars.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective February 26, 1997; July 1, 2016; October 1,
2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-05. Terms and conditions of license.

1. 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 boxing.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Before the commissioner issues a license to a contestant, the applicant shall:
a. Provide a valid form of 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 boxer's federal 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. Disclose whether the contestant has been suspended during the preceding twelve
months, by which jurisdiction, and for what reason.
f. 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 may not
issue a license to an applicant submitting positive test results for HBsAg, HCV, or HIV.
g. 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.
h. Understand the contestant may not compete in a contest or exhibition within seven days
of the contestant's previous contest or within ninety days of a contest in which they were
unable to defend themselves.
i. Understand a suspension must be reported to the registry.
j. Wear trunks, without buckles or ornaments, which are belted at the contestant's
waistline.
k. Use a mouthpiece that fits the contestant's mouth.
l. If a female contestant, wear a breast protector and groin protector, and if a male
contestant, wear a protection cup.
m. Secure hair, so it does not impede the vision or safety of the contestant or the other
contestant in a match.
n. Use only minimum cosmetics.
o. If a female contestant, certify the contestant is not pregnant.

p. Understand the commissioner may honor the actions of other regulatory jurisdictions.
However, the commissioner may allow a contestant suspended by another jurisdiction to
box if permitted under the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104-272].
q. 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.
r. Understand if, in the judgment of the commissioner or commission, a contestant is guilty
of an act detrimental to the integrity of boxing, or to the public interest, the commissioner
may deny the contestant's license or suspend or revoke an existing license.
s. 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 may, without
warning, suspend a license for a violation that endangers the life or health of any person.
t. 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 a 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,
having a false boxer's federal identification card, or providing a false document or
information to obtain a license.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective July 1, 1997; October 1, 2020; October 1,
2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-06. 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, and
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 a 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 only is refundable 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-07. 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 cornerperson and assistant cornerperson, if
applicable, and provide those individuals with instructions.
5. Provide before a match score sheets for each round to each of the three judges and, at the
end of each round, shall collect the score sheets from each judge, and give the score sheets
to the commissioner's official scorer.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Determine whether an injury is the result of a legal or illegal blow and whether it was
intentional or accidental.
9. 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.
10. Not drink alcoholic beverages a minimum of twelve hours prior to the event and until assigned
duties are completed.

11. Be replaced by the commission with another referee if the referee becomes incapacitated or
otherwise unable to complete the match.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-08. 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 described in section 72-02.2-01.1-22.
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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-09. Duties of cornerpersons.

1. Each contestant may have a maximum of three cornerpersons, with one of the cornerpersons
designated as the chief cornerperson.
2. One cornerperson is allowed inside the ring at the end of each round and the others, if any,
shall stay on the apron. The cornerperson shall clear all items from the ring platform and leave
the ring by the start of the next round.
3. During rounds, the cornerpersons shall stay within the outside corner area of the ring and may
not touch the apron or ring.
4. A chief cornerperson 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 a match, a cornerperson 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07

### § 72-02.2-01.1-10. Duties of timekeeper and knockdown counter.

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 knockdown counter shall
strike the apron three times 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-11. 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 commissioner a written report of the
examination to certify to the commissioner the contestant is in acceptable physical condition to
box.
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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-12. Boxing 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-13. 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-14. Gross revenue fee.

Repealed effective October 1, 2020.
### § 72-02.2-01.1-15. 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 boxing or sparring match. 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 boxing;
or

f. Has violated or attempted to violate any law with respect to boxing in any jurisdiction or
any rules or regulation, or has violated any boxing rule approved or adopted by the
commissioner, or has been guilty of or engaged in similar, related, or like practices.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-16. Weight and weighing ceremony.

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 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.
3. Only contestants approved for the event may be weighed during the weigh-in event.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-17. Conduct of matches.

1. Boxing events must have a minimum of twenty-four scheduled rounds. Each match must have
a minimum of four rounds and a maximum of twelve rounds for male contestants and ten
rounds for female contestants.
2. The maximum time for each round for a male contestant is three minutes and two minutes for
a female contestant with a one minute rest period between each round. Each match must
have a referee and three judges. A contestant may not box in more than twelve rounds within
seventy-two consecutive hours.
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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07

Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-18. 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 size:
a. Eight ounces [226.8 grams] - Twenty pairs; and
b. Ten ounces [283.5 grams] - Twenty pairs.
3. The gloves furnished by a promoter must be new or freshly sanitized for every contestant.
4. A commission member shall be present during the wrapping of a contestant's hands.
5. A contestant's bandage for each hand must consist of soft gauze a maximum of twelve yards
[10.97 meters] long and a maximum of two inches [50.8 millimeters] wide.
6. The gauze, which may not contain water or any other substance, must be held in place by a
maximum of three feet [0.91 meters] of medical tape per hand. The tape may not be applied
over the knuckles of the hand.
7. Unless otherwise directed by the commissioner, the gloves for a male contestant weighing
less than one hundred forty-seven pounds [66.68 kilograms] must be eight ounces
[226.8 grams] and the gloves for a male contestant weighing one hundred forty-seven pounds
[66.68 kilograms] or more must be ten ounces [283.5 grams]. The gloves for a female boxer
must be ten ounces [283.5 grams].
a. The commissioner shall approve thumbless boxing gloves, or gloves with the thumb
section locked, fastened, tied, or immovable set to the balance of the glove, unless
waived by the commission for a title match of twelve rounds.
b. A commission member shall inspect the gloves to assure the gloves are not broken or
unclean, or do not have misplaced or lumpy padding. After approval, the gloves must be
kept in the commission's possession until the match. A commission member shall be
present when the gloves are placed on the contestant's hands.
c. The laces on the gloves must be tied on the outside of the back of the wrist and secured
and covered with athletic tape to the top of the glove, which tape is then signed by a
commission member.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020; October 1, 2025.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-19. 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-20. The boxing ring.

A boxing match only may be held in a ring inspected and approved by the commission according to
the following requirements:
1. The ring must be a minimum of sixteen feet [4.88 meters] and a maximum of twenty-two feet
[6.71 meters] square inside the ropes. The ring apron must be a minimum of two feet
[0.61 meters]. 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.
2. Each ring must have four ring posts extending above the ring platform. The maximum height
above the platform for each post is five feet [1.52 meters], 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.
3. There must be four 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.
4. The ring must be illuminated by overhead lights arranged to eliminate shadows and minimize
heat and glare.
5. Steps must lead to the ring platform from two diagonally opposite corners of the ring platform.
6. Extra steps approved by the commission must be placed in a neutral corner.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07

### § 72-02.2-01.1-21. Ringside equipment.

1. The promoter or cornerperson 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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-22. Scoring system.

The judges shall use the "ten point must system" for scoring. The contestant winning the round is
awarded ten points based on clean hitting, effective aggressiveness, defense, and ring generalship.
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. The scores start at ten with seven being the lowest. If the
referee deducts points, the referee shall inform each judge who then shall make the deduction on a
scorecard.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-23. Boxing knockdowns and knockouts requirements.

1. Knockdown: A boxer is "down" when any part of the boxer's body, except the boxer's feet,
touches the floor of the ring, or when the boxer hangs helplessly on the ring ropes or when the
boxer is rising from a down position, as a result of a legal blow. Whether a knockdown has
occurred is at the sole judgment of the referee.
2. Eight count: A boxer who is down shall take a count of eight seconds regardless of whether
the boxer has returned to their feet before the count of eight has ended.
3. Counting: When a boxer is down, the knockdown counter immediately shall begin counting,
making the count known with an arm motion. The referee immediately shall order the other
boxer to a neutral corner and then pick up the count from the knockdown counter making the
count known with an arm motion. If the boxer is unable to return to their feet at the count of
ten seconds, the referee shall declare the other boxer the winner of the match.

4. Low blow: The referee may give a boxer a maximum break of five minutes if the referee
determines a foul was committed by the other boxer. Each boxer shall return to their
respective corner until the round is ready to resume.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective July 1, 2016; October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-24. Boxing fouls.

1. Intentional fouls: If an intentionally fouled contestant cannot continue, the offending contestant
is disqualified. If the match continues and is subsequently stopped because of an injury
resulting from the intentional foul, the fouled contestant is declared the winner of the match.
2. Accidental fouls: If a contestant is accidentally fouled and the match cannot continue, or if the
match continues and subsequently is stopped because of an injury resulting from the
accidental foul, the contestant ahead on points becomes the winner of the match by technical
decision if at least one-half of the rounds are completed.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-25. Stalling or faking prohibited.

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 February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-26. Fight results.

The following fight results apply to boxing matches:
1. Draw: A winner cannot be determined by score cards.
2. TKO: A contestant cannot continue.
3. KO: A contestant is knocked out.
4. Disqualified: A contestant is disqualified for violating rules.
5. Split decision: Two judges score in favor of one contestant and the third judge scores in favor
of the other contestant.
6. Unanimous decision: All judges scored in favor of the same contestant.

7. Majority draw: Two judges score both contestants the same and the third judge scores in favor
of one contestant.
History: Effective February 1, 1997; amended effective October 1, 2020.
General Authority: NDCC 53-01-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 53-01-07
### § 72-02.2-01.1-27. 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 53-01-07
