CHAPTER 21. PROFESSIONAL BOXING

 (a)  Contracts under the Commission’s jurisdiction between managers and professional boxers; promoters and professional boxers; and foreign copromoters and professional boxers shall be signed on Commission-approved forms. Contracts shall contain a provision stating their subjection to the laws of the Commonwealth and this part. Contracts shall contain the provisions required by sections 1102 and 1103 of the Athletic Code (relating to notice clause; and provisions in contracts between managers and professional boxers). The contracts shall be signed by the parties under their true legal names. Contracts shall be void unless signed by the parties to the contracts.

 (b)  Parties to the contracts shall be currently licensed by the Commission.

 (c)  Parties to the contracts shall completely fulfill their contractual obligations or be subject to disciplinary action by the Commission. Parties to the contracts shall be subject to, but not limited to, the disciplinary provisions in Chapter 13 of the Athletic Code (relating to enforcement).

 (d)  Each contract between a manager and boxer shall be subject to Commission approval, sworn to and affirmed by both parties, and signed in the presence of a commissioner or the Executive Director. A fully conformed and executed copy of the contract shall be filed with the Commission.

 (e)  It shall be the duty of the manager to assure the satisfactory performance of boxers with whom the manager has contractual agreements.

 (f)  A contract exceeding 3 years between a manager and a boxer will not be approved by the Commission except by unanimous vote of the commissioners.

 (g)  A manager may not enter into a contract purporting to bind a boxer under his management to perform services after the termination of the manager-boxer relationship between them. A boxer, while under contract to a manager, may not enter into a commitment, written or oral, to perform services without written consent of both parties involved and approval of the Executive Director.

 (h)  No assignment of an interest in a boxer’s or manager’s contract, filed and approved by the Commission, will be permitted without the approval of the Commission, and the consent to assign will not be granted unless a copy of the proposed assignment is submitted to the Commission for its approval.

 (i)  A manager may not enter into a contract that does not guarantee the boxer a minimum annual income for completion of contractual agreements of $1,000.

 (j)  Contracts to which a minor is a party, shall be executed on behalf of the minor by the proper legal guardian of the minor.

 (k)  If a manager or boxer is to be prevented from acting or performing professionally within this Commonwealth due to the revocation of his license, the contract between the manager and boxer shall be terminated as provided by section 1103(b) of the Athletic Code. If the license of either party is suspended, the contract will not be binding upon the other party during the period of the suspension.

 (l)  A copy of a fully conformed and executed contract between a promoter and a manager or boxer, or both, shall be filed with the Commission by the promoter immediately after its execution

 (m)  A promoter licensed by the Commission may not attempt to contract, for a contest, with a manager or boxer under suspension or disqualification by the Commission, except with the written consent of the Executive Director or a commissioner.

 (n)  A promoter or other licensee of the Commission may not publicly advertise or announce that a contest or exhibition will take place until the contest or exhibition has been approved by the Executive Director under §  3.1(h) (relating to Executive Director) and binding agreements have been entered into by all parties.

   The provisions of this §  21.1 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

 (a)  The weight classes of professional boxers and the maximum weight in each class shall be as follows:

   (1)  Flyweight—112 pounds.

   (2)  Bantamweight—118 pounds.

   (3)  Featherweight—126 pounds.

   (4)  Junior lightweight—130 pounds.

   (5)  Lightweight—135 pounds.

   (6)  Junior welterweight—140 pounds.

   (7)  Welterweight—147 pounds.

   (8)  Junior middleweight—154 pounds.

   (9)  Middleweight—160 pounds.

   (10)  Super middleweight—168 pounds.

   (11)  Light heavyweight—175 pounds.

   (12)  Cruiserweight—190 pounds.

   (13)  Heavyweight—over 190 pounds.

 (b)  Sections 710 and 711 of the Athletic Code (relating to weights and classes; and limitation on difference in weights) are incorporated by reference.

   The provisions of this §  21.2 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

 (a)  The boxing ring may not be less than 16 feet square nor more than 24 feet square within the ring ropes except with the written consent of the Commission. The ring floor or apron shall extend beyond the ring ropes on all sides for at least 2 feet, unless alternative satisfactory safety precautions are taken and approved by the Commission.

   (1)  The ring floor shall be elevated no more than 4 feet, be completely padded both inside and outside the ropes to the thickness of at least 2 inches with soft felt, foam rubber, felt matting or other soft material approved by the Commission and shall be covered over the padding with canvas stretched taut and laced tightly to the ring platform.

   (2)  The ring posts shall be four in number, shall extend above the ring floor no more than 5 feet, and shall be at least 18 inches distant from the ring ropes, which shall be attached to the posts by means of adjustable turnbuckles.

   (3)  Post tops and turnbuckles shall be suitably padded.

   (4)  Steps shall lead to the ring floor at two diagonally opposite corners of the ring platform.

   (5)  The ring ropes shall be four in number, may not be less than 1 inch in diameter, and shall be either covered with smooth plastic or wrapped with soft material.

   (6)  The ropes shall be readily adjustable and shall be kept at a proper and safe degree of tautness.

   (7)  The ring shall be amply illuminated by overhead lights, which shall be arranged so that shadow is eliminated and discomfort from heat and glare minimized for persons in and near the ring, if needed, as determined by a commissioner or the Executive Director.

 (b)  It is the responsibility of the promoter to have an attendant available at all times during the event capable of making any type of emergency repairs, corrections and adjustments to the ring, the lights and other necessary fixtures. The promoter shall supply the following items, which shall be available on the premises for use as needed:

   (1)  A public address system in good working order.

   (2)  Chairs for Commission personnel, officials and Commission credential holders. Chairs for judges shall be elevated sufficiently to assure an unobstructed view of the ring and the ring floor.

   (3)  A gong or bell of size and resonance sufficient to be clearly audible by participants, officials and spectators when struck by the hammer of the timekeeper.

   (4)  A stool or chair, a clean water bucket and clean water bottle for the corner of each boxer.

   (5)  A complete set of numbered round cards clearly legible from all parts of the arena containing no advertising or other printed matter unless approved by the Commission.

   (6)  An ambulance, together with emergency equipment.

   (7)  A portable resuscitator with oxygen and appropriate endotracheal tubes and a qualified operator.

   The provisions of this §  21.3 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

 (a)  At each professional contest or exhibition, except an exhibition held solely for training purposes, there shall be two referees, one physician, three judges, an announcer and a timekeeper in attendance, all of whom will be licensed by the Commission. The Executive Director will assign all officials except the announcer. The Executive Director may also appoint a knockdown timekeeper. A promoter or an employee of a promoter or an officer, director or stockholder of a corporation holding the license of a promoter may not be appointed or permitted to officiate in any capacity at a professional contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission.

 (b)  The Executive Director will determine the time and place of the weigh-in for each professional event under the Commission’s jurisdiction, and boxers under contract to participate in the event shall appear promptly at the appointed place to be officially weighed by a representative of the Commission on Commission approved scales and examined by the attending physician.

   (1)  A boxer being weighed shall remove all clothing at the discretion of a commissioner or the Executive Director.

   (2)  A boxer shall weigh-in no more than 24 hours prior to the contracted time of the contests. Under extenuating circumstances and with the permission of the Executive Director, the boxer may be allowed to weigh-in no more than 30 hours prior to the contracted time of the contest. If a boxer is deemed overweight by the Executive Director, another weigh-in shall be scheduled for no more than 3 hours from the time that he first stepped onto the scale to determine that the boxer weighs no more than the weight for which he has contracted. Boxers may lose no more than 3 pounds in this 3-hour period. If after 3 hours the boxer cannot achieve the weight, the boxer shall be disqualified and may be subject to disciplinary action as the Commission may determine.

   (3)  The Commission will require a boxer under contract for a contest under its jurisdiction to appear before a commissioner or the Executive Director for a preliminary physical examination within 2 hours prior to the contest, as required by section 709(a) of the Athletic Code (relating to medical examination). The weight of the boxer shall be one of several factors included in this physical examination by the attending physician to determine whether the boxer is physically or mentally fit to proceed. Physically unfit shall include, but not be limited to, a determination by the attending physician that a boxer has gained or lost so much weight since the time of the weigh-in that the boxer could harm himself or the opponent. Except as provided by section 711 of the Athletic Code (relating to limitation on difference in weights), the weight of one boxer may not exceed the weight of that boxer’s opponent by 10 pounds.

   (4)  If an event is postponed for more than 24 hours, a commissioner or the Executive Director may require an additional weigh-in and physical examination of the participating boxers on the day to which the event is postponed.

   (5)  Each boxer in a contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall submit to the Executive Director the names of the boxer’s seconds for approval, and no person other than the boxer’s approved seconds may be permitted to assist in the boxer’s corner during the contest.

   (6)  A boxer under contract to participate in an event under jurisdiction of the Commission shall report in the dressing room at a time set by the Executive Director and shall remain in that area until ordered to the ring by an authorized representative of the Commission.

 (c)  The referee shall call the participants and their chief seconds to the center of the ring for final instructions before each contest. During an event, only licensed seconds, trainers and managers are authorized to be in the boxer’s corner. After the announcement of the decision at the end of a contest, the participants and their seconds shall leave the ring without undue delay and retire to the dressing quarters. Participants, seconds and managers may not manifest to officials or to spectators an opinion as to the outcome of the contest nor may they be disrespectful or exhibit improper conduct toward a Commission official or toward the spectators before or after the announcement of the decision.

 (d)  The promoter shall have immediately available for use adequate medical emergency first aid supplies and equipment during each event under his promotion, which will be subject to examination and approval by the Commission. An individual will not be permitted to examine or treat a participant during an event unless the individual is wearing disposable latex hygienic gloves. The gloves shall be paid for and provided by the promoter. Exceptions will be permitted when an emergency treatment or examination makes the wearing of the gloves impractical. The promoter shall also have available for each event under his promotion an ample supply of conventional boxing gloves including at least one new set of gloves for use in the main contest. Gloves for use in the event shall be in good condition and will be subject to inspection and approval by the referee, a commissioner, the Executive Director and an inspector before and during use. If a glove bursts or is otherwise seriously damaged during the progress of a contest, the referee shall interrupt the contest and require that the glove be replaced before the resumption of the contest.

 (e)  Persons other than boxers, managers, seconds and Commission representatives may not have access to the dressing quarters at an event under the jurisdiction of the Commission except by special permission of the Commission. The Commission may issue nontransferable written passes to the dressing quarters if circumstances warrant, and then only holders of the passes shall be admitted except by special permission of the Commission. An inspector shall be on duty in the dressing quarters from the opening until the closing and shall be responsible for the maintenance of order and the enforcement of the Athletic Code and this part.

 (f)  The ring platform shall be kept clean and clear of obstructions throughout each contest. Buckets, stools, bottles and other corner equipment shall be removed before the start of each contest and again between rounds immediately upon the sounding of the 10-second warning signal of the timekeeper. Care shall be exerted by boxers and their seconds to keep corners dry. Excessive spraying or throwing of water on boxers is forbidden.

 (g)  Unless otherwise authorized by the Executive Director, a professional event may not be scheduled for a total of less than 28 or more than 40 rounds, each of which shall be of the maximum duration of 3 minutes for male boxers and 2 minutes for female boxers with a rest period of 1 minute between the end of each round and the start of the next. Professional contests under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall be scheduled for four, six, eight or ten rounds unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Executive Director in the case of a world championship, State championship or other especially significant contests when contests may be scheduled for 12 or 15 rounds for male boxers as the Commission deems appropriate. The maximum number of rounds for female boxers is ten rounds. A contest of the scheduled duration of more than 15 rounds may not be permitted in this Commonwealth. The Executive Director may permit, and will have the discretion to place on the program, and to determine the length of, one scheduled intermission between contests of a professional event.

 (h)  A promoter shall notify the Executive Director of a proposed change in the composition of any contest under his promotion immediately upon the arising of need or decision for change. An announcement or advertisement of the proposed change may not be made by the promoter or a person connected with the promotion unless approval of a commissioner or the Executive Director has been granted. If the change is made and approved, immediate widespread public announcement shall be made through available communications media and written notice shall be posted conspicuously at ticket agencies and at entrances and ticket windows at the site of the event. Upon postponement or cancellation of the main event or the entire program of contests or exhibitions, the promoter shall refund the full price of each ticket to any person who presents the entire ticket for a refund within 10 days after the event. The promoter shall announce the postponement or cancellation at the beginning of the program and at other times during the event as the Commission may prescribe and shall notify the ticket holders in each announcement that they may present their ticket stubs for a refund of the purchase price during the program.

 (i)  The promoter of a professional event under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall make payment of the purse and other money due a participating boxer to the boxer personally unless a prior arrangement has been made and approved by the Commission. A promoter may not make payment to a boxer, to a manager or to an agent of either of them except in the presence of a commissioner or the Executive Director. There may be no variance from the procedure in this subsection except by explicit written direction by the Commission to the promoter.

 (j)  Each professional contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall be designated a contest or an exhibition according to its true and correct character and having been so designated, it shall be announced and advertised explicitly as such. An exhibition may not be announced or advertised either directly or by inference as a championship match.

 (k)  A boxer or a licensee may not strike, molest or abuse physically or verbally a spectator, ring official or representative of the Commission under penalty of summary disqualification, suspension or fine, or any combination of these penalties.

 (l)  A professional event or individual match may not be publicly announced or advertised until approved by the Commission.

 (m)  If a boxer refuses to continue a contest while physically able to do so, the referee shall rule the contest a technical knockout (TKO) and award the contest to the opposing boxer. The purse of the losing boxer, or any part thereof, may be impounded by the Commission.

   The provisions of this §  21.4 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

   The provisions of this §  21.4 adopted March 11, 1946; amended through November 1, 1966; amended November 10, 1978, effective November 11, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3094; amended April 10, 1992, effective April 11, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 1760; amended May 17, 2002, effective May 18, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2443. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (242844) to (242848).

 (a)  The scoring in professional contests shall be on the basis of the ten points must system.

   (1)  Each judge in reaching a finding on each round of a contest shall award to the winning boxer ten points and to the losing boxer nine points or less and shall so inscribe the official score card immediately upon conclusion of the round.

   (2)  In the case of an even round, the judge shall award ten points to each boxer.

   (3)  At the conclusion of each round which has not been terminated by a knockout, a technical knockout or the disqualification of either boxer, the Executive Director or an inspector shall tally the points for each boxer and mark these scores on the official score card.

   (4)  If each boxer has been awarded the same total number of points, the vote of the judge shall be recorded as a draw.

   (5)  Each judge shall sign his name to his score cards.

   (6)  A boxer shall be declared the winner of a contest if he has received the winning votes of two or all of the judges.

   (7)  A contest shall be declared a draw if the votes of two or all of the judges shall so state, or if each boxer receives the winning vote of one judge and the vote of the third judge shall be for a draw.

 (b)  Examples of ten point scoring are as follows:

   (1)  10-10. Indicates an even round. Neither boxer distinguished himself as being more effective than the other. In addition, the boxers appeared equal in the areas that may be used to break an even round, such as opponent control, ring strategy and overall conditioning and abilities as a complete boxer, with emphasis on overall ability.

   (2)  10-9. Indicates one boxer distinguished himself as more effective during the round, as described in paragraph (1). This score is the most often used, and allows for a slight to considerable margin between the boxers. One boxer may have been only slightly better than the other or the boxer may have dominated the round without really stunning the other boxer, with no knockdowns.

   (3)  10-8. Indicates a round in which one boxer was in constant control, and unquestionably outclassed his opponent. The boxer may also have obviously stunned his opponent, usually including at least one knockdown. If there were no knockdowns, there shall still have been enough contact done to indicate that at least one of these occurrences was imminent.

 (c)  Subject to the foul rule in subsection (d), if in a round a boxer is adjudged guilty by the referee of a foul or of a technical violation of the Athletic Code, the referee may penalize the offending boxer one point for each foul or technical violation. The referee shall immediately stop the contest and notify the judges of the number of points being deducted and provide for the innocent boxer to be examined by the ringside physician, if warranted. In each round when points are being deducted, judges shall score the round in a normal manner and mark next to the score the number of points being deducted for that boxer for the foul as indicated by the referee. If a boxer persists in the employment of foul tactics or in technical violations of the Athletic Code or if the boxer inflicts, by foul means, a crippling injury upon his opponent so that the latter is adjudged incapable of continuing the contest, the referee shall disqualify the offending boxer and shall award the contest to the innocent boxer. In determining the scoring of a round, a judge shall consider the following:

   (1)  Aggressiveness.

   (2)  Clean hitting.

   (3)  Cleverness.

   (4)  Defensive skill.

   (5)  Effectiveness of blows.

   (6)  Fouls and technical violations.

   (7)  Knockdowns.

 (d)  If a boxer in a contest scheduled for more than four rounds receives an accidental foul that renders the boxer immediately unable to continue and less than four rounds have been completed, the referee shall rule the decision a ‘‘no contest.’’ This rule does not apply in the case of accidental low-blow fouls as referenced in subsection (l). If at least four rounds have been completed, the boxer ahead on the scorecards shall be awarded the decision. If neither boxer is ahead on points, the contest shall be ruled a draw. The round shall be considered complete when the bell is sounded ending the round. Partial rounds shall be scored when at least four rounds have been completed.

 (e)  If a boxer in a contest scheduled for four rounds receives an accidental foul that renders the boxer immediately unable to continue and less than three rounds have been completed, the referee shall rule the decision a ‘‘no-contest.’’ This rule does not apply in the case of accidental low-blow fouls as referenced in subsection (l). If at least three rounds have been completed, the boxer ahead on the scorecards shall be awarded the decision. If neither boxer is ahead on points, the contest shall be ruled a draw. The partial fourth round shall be scored.

 (f)  If a boxer receives an intentional foul, the referee shall stop the contest and shall deduct one or more points from the offender. Point deductions shall be at the discretion of the referee based upon the severity of the foul. If the boxer who received the intentional foul is unable to continue the round in which the foul occurred, as determined by the referee or ringside physician, the referee shall stop the contest and the injured boxer shall have up to 5 minutes of recovery time. If after these 5 minutes the injured boxer cannot continue, the referee shall disqualify the offender. Point deductions and disqualifications are at the discretion of the referee.

 (g)  The referee shall have the authority to determine whether the foul is accidental or intentional and shall make his ruling known immediately after the foul has been committed. The referee shall notify the judges, Commission personnel and both boxers of his ruling.

 (h)  If an injury inflicted by an accidental foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows and the contest must be stopped in a round other than the one in which the foul occurred, the outcome will be determined by the scoring of all partial and completed rounds if at least four rounds have been completed. If less than four rounds have been completed, the outcome shall be ruled a ‘‘no-contest.’’

 (i)  If an injury inflicted by an intentional foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows and the contest must be stopped in a round other than the one in which the foul occurred (See subsection (e)), the injured boxer will win by a technical decision if he is ahead in the scoring.

   (1)  The contest shall be ruled a technical draw if the injured boxer is behind or even in the scoring.

   (2)  If a boxer injures himself while attempting to intentionally foul his opponent, the referee shall take no action in his favor, and this injury shall be treated the same as one produced by a fair blow.

 (j)  In a round when a boxer has been knocked down and that boxer has not risen at the end of the round, the count of the timekeeper shall be continued and, if the fallen contestant shall fail to rise before the count of ten, he shall be considered to have lost the contest by a knockout in the round just concluded. If the boxer does rise and the round has already ended, the timekeeper shall immediately ring the bell signifying the end of the round.

 (k)  The referee shall signal for a time-out when a boxer is knocked down as a result of an accidental foul or accident, as ruled by the referee. The boxer shall have up to 5 minutes of recovery time. If the boxer cannot continue after 5 minutes and four rounds or more have been completed, the winner of the contest shall be determined by the scores indicated for completed rounds on the scorecards. Partial rounds shall be scored when at least four rounds have been completed. If less than four rounds have been completed, the contest shall be ruled a technical draw.

 (l)  In the case of an accidental low-blow foul, the same procedures in subsection (k) shall be followed, except that if the boxer who is unable to continue is ahead on points, the contest shall be ruled a technical draw. If his opponent is ahead on points, he shall be awarded the decision.

 (m)  If a boxer is disqualified by the referee and that boxer is behind on points at the time of his disqualification, regardless of the round, that boxer shall lose by technical knockout (TKO).

   The provisions of this §  21.5 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

   The provisions of this §  21.5 adopted March 11, 1946; amended through November 1, 1966; amended November 10, 1978, effective November 11, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3094; amended April 10, 1992, effective April 11, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 1760; amended May 17, 2002, effective May 18, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2443. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (242849) to (242851).

 (a)  Promoters of professional events under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall be licensed by the Commission and shall be responsible for the observance of the Athletic Code and this part, as far as the Athletic Code and this part apply to them and their activities during and after events under their promotion.

 (b)  Each promoter shall file with the Commission fully conformed and executed copies of contracts between the promoter and managers and boxers committed to participation in events under his promotion. Each contract filed shall set forth the exact and complete agreement between the parties. Undisclosed additional or collateral written or oral agreements or understandings pertaining to the subject matter of the original contract or the event are prohibited and void. Promoters may not contract or negotiate with a matchmaker, manager or boxer who is under suspension by the Commission, except with the written permission of the Executive Director.

 (c)  The promoter is responsible for the maintenance of order and the safety of persons present at each event under his promotion, and he shall provide ample security.

 (d)  A promoter who shall be adjudged guilty of an offense of violence or of conduct reflecting discreditably upon boxing shall be liable to suspension or revocation of license or both, by the Commission.

 (e)  Unless otherwise directed by a commissioner or the Executive Director, each promoter shall pay out all boxing purses immediately after the contest but no later than 24 hours after an event.

 (f)  A promoter may distribute passes to his staff or other individuals helping in the promotion of an event to permit them to enter the event. The number of passes may not exceed 50 or more than 1% of the total seating capacity of the facility, whichever is less, unless otherwise approved by a commissioner or the Executive Director. Passes shall be visibly displayed and are not subject to the Commission’s gross receipts tax.

 (g)  The promoters of a contest between female boxers shall provide them with adequate and separate dressing rooms from male boxers.

   The provisions of this §  21.6 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

   The provisions of this §  21.6 adopted March 11, 1946; amended through November 1, 1966; amended November 10, 1978, effective November 11, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3094; amended May 17, 2002, effective May 18, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2443. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (242851) to (242852).

 (a)  Matchmakers shall be licensed by the Commission and shall be employed only by licensed promoters. Matchmakers shall be familiar and comply with the Athletic Code and this part with special reference to contracts, the giving of advance notice, the advertising of events and the due observance of legal weight differentials between opponents.

 (b)  Matchmakers shall be familiar with the records, the abilities and the physical condition of boxers for whose services they negotiate. Matchmakers shall take notice of suspensions issued by any commission, including those in other jurisdictions, and may neither contract nor negotiate with unlicensed managers or boxers or those who are under suspension, except by written permission of a commissioner or the Executive Director.

 (c)  The matchmaker for each event for which he has been engaged shall submit to the Commission at least 5 days prior to the event the true legal names, the ring names and the correct legal addresses of boxers under contract to participate unless this has been done by the promoter. This requirement will be waived by a commissioner or the Executive Director only for sufficient reason. The matchmaker shall advise managers and boxers under contract for an event of the time and place of the official weigh-in and of the time and place of their appearance for the actual event.

   The provisions of this §  21.7 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

 (a)  Professional boxers shall be licensed by the Commission. The Commission will not license or renew the license of a professional boxer unless the license application is accompanied by a report from a Department of Health facility, a laboratory possessing a permit from the Department of Health under 28 Pa. Code §  5.11 (relating to permit, requirements, application and conditions) or a report from a laboratory licensed in another jurisdiction that meets the requirements to be issued a permit under 28 Pa. Code §  5.11, and is acceptable to the Commission, which indicates that the applicant has been tested for any virus, antibody, antigen or etiologic agent determined to cause or indicate the presence of human immunodeficiency virus and any other communicable disease and the results of those tests were negative. The tests shall have been initiated no more than 6 months prior to the date of filing the application. A boxer whose application for license has been denied has the right to a hearing before the Commission under 2 Pa.C.S. § §  501—508 (relating to practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies). The applicant shall apply, in writing, to the Commission requesting a hearing. The Commission will conduct a hearing within 10 business days from the receipt of the written request.

 (b)  The Commission will require each professional boxer under contract to appear in a contest under its jurisdiction to be properly licensed and to be examined and certified by a physician appointed by the Executive Director to be physically sound before being permitted to engage in the contest. A commissioner, the Executive Director or the ringside physician, upon the individual’s own initiative as a safety precaution, may require a professional boxer under the jurisdiction of the Commission to undergo a general or an ad hoc physical or mental examination, or both, for the purpose of determining whether or not the boxer is fit to continue actively in the profession of boxing.

 (c)  Whenever a professional boxer considers himself unable by reason of illness or injury to participate in a contest for which he is under contract within the jurisdiction of the Commission, he, or his manager in his behalf, shall promptly notify both the Executive Director and the promoter of the event of the alleged condition of the boxer. The boxer shall immediately submit written medical verification to the Executive Director who may, if he deems fit, require the boxer at his own expense to undergo examination by a physician selected by the Executive Director for further substantiation of the averment of disability. If a contest to which a professional boxer is under contract has been canceled and no suitable opponent, as determined by the Executive Director, can be located, the boxer shall be entitled to reasonable expenses as determined by the Executive Director.

 (d)  A boxer shall be considered to have been knocked out in a contest if he is counted out and he may incur a suspension of up to 90 days. A suspension under this section shall be mandatory if the boxer has been knocked unconscious or has received a concussion. This mandatory suspension shall be removed only after the boxer has been pronounced fit after undergoing medical examination by a physician.

   (1)  A boxer may incur a suspension of up to 30 days if he experiences a technical knockout without head injuries.

   (2)  A boxer may incur additional suspension time upon recommendation of the ringside physician or the Commission’s Medical Advisory Board.

   (3)  A professional boxer who is defeated in six consecutive contests, either within or outside the jurisdiction of the Commission shall be required to undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the Commission, pending inquiry by the Commission to determine the physical and mental ability of the boxer to continue safely in the boxing profession.

 (e)  The Commission will not license as a professional boxer an applicant under 18 years of age and the Commission will require conclusive proof of age of a boxer applying for the first time to be so licensed with the Commonwealth. An applicant for a boxing license who has never competed in a professional contest shall attach to his license application the results of a complete general physical on a form supplied by the Commission in the Medical/Safety Manual. The Commission will not license as a professional boxer an applicant over 36 years of age except by special action by the Commission. An applicant for a boxing license over 36 years of age shall attach to his license application the results of the following:

   (1)  A complete general physical on a form supplied by the Commission.

   (2)  An electrocardiogram (EKG).

   (3)  A stress echo test.

   (4)  An eye exam.

 (f)  The Commission will not permit a professional boxer to participate in a contest under its jurisdiction without first having signed with a licensed promoter a contract covering the participation that meets the requirements of sections 1101—1104 of the Athletic Code (relating to contracts) and this part. If the boxer is under contract to a manager, the manager is also required to sign the contract unless excused by the Commission. This does not mean that a boxer is not contractually bound by a commitment made in his behalf by his legally constituted manager even though the boxer may not have personally executed the instrument purporting to commit him.

 (g)  A boxer under the jurisdiction of the Commission may not be under contract to more than one manager at the same time without express approval of the Commission. A boxer under the jurisdiction of the Commission may not enter into a contract with a manager or combination of managers in which the boxer is obligated to the payment of more than the total of 40% of his earnings under the manager or combination of managers.

 (h)  A boxer whose manager has been suspended by the Commission or whose suspension in another jurisdiction is recognized by the Commission may box in this Commonwealth, independently of his managerial contract at the discretion of the Commission and will be permitted to contract individually under the circumstances and to collect the full amount of a purse or other moneys due to him; no part of the sum may be held or reserved for the suspended manager.

 (i)  Professional contests between boxers under contract to the same manager are prohibited without exception.

 (j)  The Commission may require either or both of the participants in a professional contest to guarantee appearance or the making of agreed weight, or both, by stipulated monetary forfeit to be posted with the Commission in cash or by certified check by a stated time prior to the contest under appropriate circumstances. The Commission may declare the sum posted by him forfeited in whole or in part if a boxer fails to appear or make the agreed weight, and the forfeited amount shall be distributed, as the Commission, in its discretion, will decide.

 (k)  A professional boxer who fails to appear promptly at the time and place set by the Executive Director for the official weigh-in for a contest in which he is under contract to participate shall be subject to a disciplinary action the Commission sees fit to impose. A professional boxer who fails to appear for a contest in which he is under contract to participate or having appeared, refuses to participate in a contest may be subject to a fine, suspension, revocation of license or one or all of these penalties at the discretion of the Commission.

 (l)  If either or both of the participants in a professional contest fail to satisfactorily put forth serious effort during the contest or persist in foul tactics in the judgment of the referee, the referee shall stop the contest after reasonable warning, disqualify the offending boxer and award the decision to the boxer making the serious effort. The Commission may impound moneys due to the offending boxer pending the outcome of a hearing, which the Commission will arrange.

 (m)  Participants in professional contests under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall:

   (1)  Be shaven clean except that the Commission may sanction the wearing of closely cropped mustaches or beards, or both, at its discretion.

   (2)  Wear their hair secured so that it does not interfere with the vision or safety of either contestant.

   (3)  Use no facial cosmetics.

   (4)  Wear conventional boxing trunks, smoothsole shoes, a foolproof abdominal guard or cup and an individually fitted mouthpiece, which shall be subject to examination and approval by the Commission. Female boxers shall also wear a chest protector, body shirt and blouse and comply with §  21.8(n) (relating to boxers). Female boxers are also required to follow all other general requirements applicable to male boxers.

   (5)  Adhere to the following requirements for gloves. Each glove used in a professional boxing contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall weigh at least 8 ounces of which no more than 1 ounce shall be in the wrist padding of the glove. At all times, boxers competing against each other shall wear gloves of the same weight. For boxers weighing 160 pounds or less, the boxing gloves cannot weigh less than 8 ounces each. For boxers weighing over 160 pounds, the boxing gloves shall weigh at least 10 ounces each.

     (i)   The gloves of each boxer shall be adjusted in the dressing quarters of the event under the supervision of a Commission representative and in the presence of a second of the opposing boxer, if the latter so desires. Gloves of the participants in the main contest may also be adjusted in the ring by the referee.

     (ii)   The ends of the lace of each glove shall be tied and knotted on the back of the wrist of the glove and a single strip of adhesive tape 1 inch in width shall be carefully and smoothly placed around the wrist of the glove over the lace and the knot.

     (iii)   The bandage for use on each hand and wrist shall be soft bandage or gauze not more than 2 inches in width and 10 yards in length, except that the bandage for the hand of a light heavyweight or heavyweight boxer may be 12 yards in length. The bandage shall be wrapped smoothly and evenly on each hand and shall be held in place by adhesive tape 1 inch in width around the wrist with overlap of not more than 1 inch to clinch the ends. Tape, cotton or a substance other than the approved bandage may not be used between the fingers or over the knuckles of the hand. Bandaging of the hands of a boxer shall be done in the dressing quarters under the supervision and subject to the inspection and approval of a Commission representative and in the presence of a second of the opposing boxer, if the latter so desires.

 (n)  A female boxer:

   (1)  May not engage in a contest with a male boxer.

   (2)  Shall provide the Commission with a negative pregnancy test result taken not more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled contest.

 (o)  A male boxer may not engage in a contest with a female boxer.

   The provisions of this §  21.8 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. § §  103(b)(1), 105(8), 501, 701, 901 and 912..

   The provisions of this §  21.8 adopted March 11, 1946; amended through November 1, 1966; amended November 10, 1978, effective November 11, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3094; amended March 6, 1998, effective March 7, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1238; amended May 17, 2002, effective May 18, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2443; amended September 23, 2005, effective September 24, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 5259; amended September 12, 2008, effective September 13, 2008. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (314481) to (314485).

 (a)  The Commission will license managers of professional boxers after being satisfied as to their good character, reputation and qualifications.

 (b)  A contract or negotiation entered into by a manager not licensed by the Commission may be upheld as valid by the Commission if the manager is licensed in another jurisdiction.

 (c)  A person may not be permitted to enter into a contract to manage a professional boxer without first being so licensed. If his license is revoked or allowed to expire, a contractual relationship, which he has with a boxer, will become void as required by section 1103(b) of the Athletic Code (relating to provisions in contracts between managers and professional boxers).

 (d)  A manager of a professional boxer may not sell, assign, transfer or encumber, or attempt to sell, assign, transfer or encumber an interest, in whole or in part, which he may hold in a contract for the services of the boxer without notice to and written consent of the boxer and of the Commission.

 (e)  A licensed manager of a professional boxer may act as second to the boxer in a contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission.

 (f)  A manager of boxers who is adjudged responsible for an offense of violence or conduct reflecting discreditably upon boxing may be subject to suspension or revocation of license, or both, by the Commission.

 (g)  A manager of boxers who has been suspended by the Commission or whose suspension in another jurisdiction is recognized in this Commonwealth will be prohibited from carrying on managerial activity and from acting as a second within the jurisdiction of the Commission.

 (h)  When a contest occurs in this Commonwealth, and a dispute arises between a manager and his boxer, the Commission may impound for a manager who is licensed in this Commonwealth or in another jurisdiction recognized by the Commission, upon the request of the manager, the proper portion of the purse of a boxer under contract to him pending final determination of the merits of the matter. If a boxer engages in a contest without the consent of his manager, the Commission may, at the request of a manager licensed in this Commonwealth or in another jurisdiction recognized by the Commission, impound the proper portion of the purse of a boxer under contract pending final determination of the merits of the matter.

   The provisions of this §  21.9 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

 (a)  The Commission will license professional boxing seconds after being satisfied of their good character, reputation and qualifications.

 (b)  Unless he is licensed also as a manager of professional boxers, a second may not act or attempt to act in a managerial capacity.

 (c)  The number of seconds attending a professional boxer in his ring corner shall be limited to a maximum of four.

 (d)  Seconds attending a professional boxer shall be neatly and cleanly attired in a manner subject to the approval of the Commission.

 (e)  First aid and other ring equipment of a second shall before, during and after use be subject to inspection by the attending physician and Commission personnel whose decision as to the propriety of its use is final.

 (f)  Seconds may not enter the ring during a round, and they shall leave the ring promptly, with stools, buckets and other obstructive equipment upon the sounding of the 10-second warning signal of the timekeeper for the start of the next round.

 (g)  Seconds shall remain seated at ringside and may not rise or lean upon the ring platform during rounds nor may they heckle the participants or the officials during the event.

 (h)  Seconds may not attempt to render aid to a fallen or otherwise injured boxer in the ring until the attending physician has examined the boxer and indicated that his seconds may minister to him. However, a second may remove the protective mouthpiece of the boxer without awaiting direction.

 (i)  The designated chief second shall be the only spokesman of a boxer to the referee and other officials while the boxer is in the ring.

 (j)  A second who is under suspension by the Commission or whose suspension in another jurisdiction is recognized in this Commonwealth will be prohibited from acting as a second within the jurisdiction of the Commission.

 (k)  A second will not be permitted to act as such during an event unless the second is wearing disposable latex hygienic gloves. Gloves shall be paid for and provided by the promoter.

   The provisions of this §  21.10 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

 (a)  Professional boxing referees shall be licensed by the Commission and will be appointed by the Executive Director to officiate in each professional contest and exhibition under the jurisdiction of the Commission except exhibitions conducted solely for training or instruction purposes.

 (b)  To qualify as a professional boxing referee and to obtain a license in that capacity, an applicant shall conform to the following requirements:

   (1)  Be at least 21 years of age, of good moral character and reputation, of sound physical health and of a level of intelligence and degree of attainment as a student of boxing satisfactory to the Executive Director.

   (2)  Serve an apprenticeship of at least 3 months during which he shall diligently study the Athletic Code and this part, especially the portions that pertain to boxing and to the duties of boxing referees, and shall work with and undergo instruction under the direction of licensed officials under conditions and occasions the Commission designates.

 (c)  The powers and duties of a professional boxing referee shall be as follows:

   (1)  To exercise immediate authority, direction and control over each contest and exhibition to which he is appointed.

   (2)  To submit to physical examination at the discretion of the Executive Director.

   (3)  To wear in the ring apparel of a type, style and color approved by the Commission.

   (4)  To determine the identity of the chief seconds of the respective boxers and to give final instructions to the boxers and to their seconds as he deems appropriate before the start of each contest and exhibition under his direction; to hold the chief seconds responsible for their own conduct and for the conduct of their respective assistant seconds in all matters pertaining to the contest; and to remove or cause to be removed from the ring or the vicinity a manager, second, trainer or other person who interferes with the conduct of the contest. In addition to ejecting the individual, a referee may also deduct points from a boxer during a contest. Furthermore, the Commission may suspend or fine the manager, second or trainer or impose both a suspension and a fine.

   (5)  To check the gloves, equipment and persons of the boxers before the start of each contest and exhibition and as he sees fit throughout to assure that no unsafe or improper condition exists.

   (6)  To observe carefully and continually the physical condition of the participants and have full and final responsibility either at his own discretion, or upon direction from the attending physician, for the immediate halting of a contest when the safety of a boxer would be, for any reason, jeopardized by continuance.

   (7)  To exercise his full authority to interrupt the progress of a round in the event of injury to a participant by directing the timekeeper to stop the clock and calling the attending physician into the ring to examine and rule upon the condition of the injured boxer. If the physician determines that the boxer is fit to continue, the referee shall direct the timekeeper to start the clock and resume the round from the point of interruption. When an injury has resulted from an accidental or intentional foul by the opposing boxer, as listed in §  21.16(b) (relating to Safety Code), the referee upon advice of the attending physician may order a rest period not to exceed 5 minutes.

   (8)  To enforce the rules of professional boxing in Subpart B of the Athletic Code (relating to boxing), the referee’s manual and this part.

   (9)  To take away points from the score of the boxer in the event of foul tactics by the boxer at any time during a round in which the foul tactics have occurred. When he has taken action, he shall inform the judges, a Commissioner or the Executive Director and the chief seconds of the participants.

   (10)  To disqualify either or both participants in a contest for failure to perform according to due standards of effort, ability or conduct and to recommend the withholding of compensation otherwise payable to the disqualified boxer or the imposition of a fine, suspension or other penalties, or one or all of these penalties, as he deems appropriate.

   (11)  To collect and deliver the completed, signed, official scorecard of each judge to the Executive Director or an inspector after each round.

   (12)  To decide whether or not a boxer has been knocked down during the course of a round and indicate that decision to the timekeeper, whose count shall be accordingly continued or discontinued. If the count is to be continued, the referee shall pick it up verbally and by gesture after first making sure that the opponent of the fallen boxer has retreated to the neutral corner of the ring.

   (13)  To confirm the official result and whether it has been reached by decision on points, by knockout, by technical knockout or by disqualification to the Commission at the conclusion of each contest under his direction.

 (d)  A referee while officiating shall wear disposable latex hygienic gloves to be paid for and provided by the promoter.

   The provisions of this §  21.11 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

   The provisions of this §  21.11 adopted March 11, 1946; amended through November 1, 1966; amended April 10, 1992, effective April 11, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 1760; amended May 17, 2002, effective May 18, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2443. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (242857) to (242859).

 (a)  Professional boxing judges shall be licensed by the Commission. Three licensed judges shall be appointed by the Executive Director to officiate in each professional contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission. A licensed boxing referee may be appointed at any time to officiate in the capacity of boxing judge.

 (b)  To qualify as a professional boxing judge and to obtain a license in that capacity, an applicant shall conform to the following requirements:

   (1)  Be at least 21 years of age, of good moral character and reputation and of a level of intelligence and degree of attainment as a student of boxing satisfactory to the Executive Director.

   (2)  Serve an apprenticeship of at least 3 months, during which the applicantshall diligently study the Athletic Code and this part, especially the portions that pertain to boxing and to the duties of boxing judges, and shall work with and undergo instruction under the direction of the Executive Director.

   (3)  Have the intention to be qualified for duty as a professional boxing judge after undergoing observation and written or oral examination, or both, on the techniques and requirements of the position at the discretion of the Commission.

   (4)  Attend at least one seminar per year as directed by the Commission.

 (c)  It shall be the duty of a professional boxing judge to observe carefully and expertly the performance of the boxers in each contest to which he is appointed; to appraise the performances fairly and accurately in the light of Subpart B of the Athletic Code (relating to boxing), the judge’s manual and this part; to inscribe the results of the appraisal after each round on the official scorecard according to the scoring system adopted by the Commission; and at the conclusion of each round to complete and sign each official scorecard and deliver the completed, signed scorecard to the referee.

   The provisions of this §  21.12 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

 (a)  Timekeepers shall be licensed by the Commission and shall be appointed by the Executive Director to serve at professional contests and exhibitions.

 (b)  The timekeeper shall keep time by means of an accurate stop clock or stopwatch, and it shall be his responsibility to assure that the instrument is in good working order when it is to be used. The timekeeper shall sound the gong to begin and to end each round, and shall count for knockdowns by striking the floor of the ring or a suitable strikingboard with a hammer or wooden mallet. The timekeeper shall give warning to seconds of boxers to leave the ring between rounds by sounding a whistle signal 10 seconds before the end of the rest period, and shall give warning of the end of a round by striking a hammer on a strikingboard 10 seconds before striking the gong. The timekeeper may give no other signal or other information on the progress of a round.

 (c)  If a boxer falls to the floor of the ring or leaves the ring during the progress of a round, the timekeeper shall immediately begin the official count as set forth in subsection (a) and shall continue to the count of ten at the rate of one stroke per second unless the referee rules no knockdown and directs that the count be suspended.

 (d)  If a boxing bout terminates before completion of the final scheduled round, the timekeeper shall record the exact time of termination and shall inform the announcer and shall report to the Commission the exact duration of the bout.

 (e)  If a boxing bout terminates between rounds by direction of the referee or at the request of the chief second of one of the boxers, the timekeeper shall strike the gong to begin the succeeding round and the bout shall be ruled to have ended in the succeeding round by any decision the referee made.

   The provisions of this §  21.13 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

   The provisions of this §  21.13 adopted March 11, 1946; amended through November 1, 1966; amended May 17, 2002, effective May 18, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2443. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (242860) to (242861).

 (a)  Boxers engaged in professional contests and exhibitions under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall for their financial protection be covered by the most advantageous life and accident insurance contract available through negotiation and agreement by the Commission with a private insurance company approved by the Insurance Department to do business within this Commonwealth.

 (b)  The promoter of each professional event under the jurisdiction of the Commission shall deduct from the purse paid to the manager of the boxer the cost of the insurance for the boxer and shall pay to the Commission the full amount due in accordance with the current premium schedule. Failure to make immediate payment of insurance premiums as provided shall render the defaulting promoter eligible for suspension and license revocation.

 (c)  It shall be the responsibility of a boxer who suffers injury covered by insurance to report the injury promptly to the examining physician assigned to the event. The responsibility shall extend to the chief second of the injured boxer, as well as to other persons officially attached to the boxer. Failure to report to the examining physician or, if for any reason he is not readily available, to the Commission shall constitute grounds for suspension and license revocation.

 (d)  Upon receipt of notice of injury to a boxer, the examining physician shall make examination and investigation and shall promptly report pertinent findings to the Commission upon the official form provided for that purpose in the Medical/Safety Manual.

   The provisions of this §  21.14 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

   The provisions of this §  21.14 adopted March 11, 1946; amended through November 1, 1966; amended May 17, 2002, effective May 18, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2443. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (242861) to (242862).

 (a)  The Commission will establish State boxing championships in the recognized weight classes.

 (b)  Contenders for championships shall have been bona fide residents of this Commonwealth for at least 6 months prior to engaging in competition for State championships.

 (c)  The Commission may fill a vacancy in the championships by designating the best available match between leading contenders in the weight class, as determined by the Commission’s ranking of boxers, and recognizing the winner as champion.

 (d)  A boxer who is recognized as a State champion shall defend his title against a Commission-approved challenger at least once each year or the Commission may declare the title to be vacated.

 (e)  If a boxer, having contracted to engage in a championship contest, fails or refuses the Commission’s drug test or violates a section of the Athletic Code in the course of the championship event, as determined by the Commission, the opponent in the contest will be declared the winner by default.

 (f)  A contest may not be advertised as a State championship without the written approval of the Commission, and a boxer may not be advertised as State champion unless so designated by the Commission.

 (g)  State championship contests shall be of 12 rounds scheduled duration unless otherwise determined by the Commission.

 (h)  Subject to §  21.4(b) (relating to conduct of contests), if the champion makes weight and the challenger does not, the fight may go on, subject to the approval of a commissioner or the Executive Director. The champion will retain the belt, regardless of the outcome of the contest. If the champion is overweight and the challenger makes weight, the contest may go on, subject to the approval of a commissioner or the Executive Director. The champion shall vacate the title regardless of the outcome, and the challenger will win the title only if he wins the contest. If both boxers are overweight the contest may go on as a nontitle contest, subject to the approval of a commissioner or the Executive Director, unless approval is given by both boxers and a commissioner or the Executive Director to box for the title.

   The provisions of this §  21.15 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

 (a)  The Commission, referees, all other ring officials and participating athletes, managers and seconds shall be aware of the safety provisions in the Athletic Code, its amendments and this part. In addition, they shall be constantly alert to every reasonable consideration of humanity and common sense which indicate and govern the actions of prudent individuals to minimize the risks inherent in boxing. The primary, inescapable responsibility of the Commission will be the protection of the athletes under its jurisdiction, and under no circumstances will this concern be subordinated to an interest of gain, sentiment or convenience. Parties involved in implementing this basic program shall be dedicated not only to the letter of the Athletic Code, its amendments and this part but at least equally to the exercise of initiative, resource, decision and unstinted effort in those unprecedented, unpredictable and unprovided emergencies which challenge the best in individuals at the brink of safety or tragedy, life or death.

 (b)  The following fouls and other unsportsmanlike practices are prohibited in boxing contests in this Commonwealth:

   (1)  Hitting below the belt.

   (2)  Tripping.

   (3)  Kicking.

   (4)  Butting.

   (5)  Kneeing.

   (6)  Throttling.

   (7)  Elbowing.

   (8)  Striking with the head, shoulder or forearm.

   (9)  Hitting with open glove, or the inside, side or wrist of the glove.

   (10)  Hitting on the back, especially the kidneys or back of the neck.

   (11)  Pivot blows.

   (12)  Pressing the face of an opponent with arm or elbow.

   (13)  Attacking while holding the ropes and making use of the ropes in any other unfair way for attack purposes.

   (14)  Pressing the head of an opponent over the ropes or against the turnbuckles or ring posts.

   (15)  Wrestling, lying on and throwing while in a clinch.

   (16)  Attacking a fallen opponent.

   (17)  Clinching, holding or locking the arms or head of an opponent, pushing a stiff arm underneath an arm of the opponent, holding and hitting.

   (18)  Pulling and hitting.

   (19)  Hitting on the break after a clinch.

   (20)  Ducking low to up-end an incoming opponent.

   (21)  Thumbing and gouging the eyes of an opponent, rubbing the face of an opponent with laces, adhesive tape or abrasive area of or substance on the gloves.

   (22)  Use of an ointment, powder or other substance intended or likely to cause danger or discomfort to an opponent.

   (23)  Biting.

 (c)  A commissioner or the Executive Director will strictly enforce the requirements with respect to the bandaging of hands of boxers, the purpose of the bandaging being at all times confined to the protection of the hands and never the enhancement of the effect of blows. A boxing glove in which the padding has been displaced or broken may not be used in a contest under the jurisdiction of the Commission.

 (d)  A boxer may not engage in a contest without wearing an abdominal guard or cup. A female boxer shall also wear a chest protector approved by the Commission. A boxer may not wear shoes with hard soles, hard or sharp edged heels, spikes, cleats or abrasive surfaces.

 (e)  If the gloves of a boxer touch the floor of the ring during a contest, the referee shall cleanse them of resin, grit and dirt by wiping them on his shirt or, if necessary, with a towel before allowing the action to continue.

 (f)  A commissioner or the Executive Director has authority to enter and inspect training quarters of boxers under the jurisdiction of the Commission to observe the conduct, facilities and cleanliness of the quarters and to appraise the activities and the physical condition of boxers during training.

 (g)  Every boxer under the jurisdiction of the Commission in undertaking to engage in a contest within this Commonwealth shall certify to the Commission that he is in sound physical condition and is not concealing an illness, injury or disability. This certification shall be set forth in a contract entered into with a promoter for a contest whether by the boxer in his own behalf or by a manager acting for him. If the boxer incurs an illness, injury or disability prior to the contest, he and his manager, if any, shall be strictly responsible for prompt and complete disclosure to the Commission.

 (h)  The mandatory eight-count rule shall be in effect in boxing contests within this Commonwealth. If the referee rules that a boxer has been knocked down, action may not be resumed until the referee has counted to eight even though the fallen boxer meanwhile has regained his feet. During this eight-count, the referee or ringside physician may terminate the contest if a boxer appears to be in physical danger.

 (i)  The three knockdown rule will not be in effect in boxing contests within this Commonwealth.

 (j)  If a boxer is knocked out, his consequent suspension prohibits him not only from boxing in actual competition, but also from sparring as a part of his training exercises. If a boxer is knocked unconscious during a contest, his seconds may not minister to him, except to remove his mouth protector, until the attending physician has examined him and given appropriate instructions for his further care. If a boxer receives a concussion, the boxer may not be permitted to box, even after the expiration of the medical suspension, until the boxer has been thoroughly examined and approved by a physician, who may be designated by the Commission.

 (k)  If a boxer has been a victim of repeated knockouts or the recipient of sustained severe punishment, or both, the Commission may revoke, suspend or refuse to renew his license after the boxer undergoes a medical examination by a physician under section 708 of the Athletic Code (relating to suspension and revocation for injuries). The Commission will notify a boxer in writing of its action. A boxer may request a hearing before the Commission to review the Commission’s action, under 2 Pa.C.S. § §  501—508 (relating to practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies). The Commission will give full force and recognition within this Commonwealth to medical suspensions and retirements imposed upon boxers in other jurisdictions subject to the right of appeal of affected boxers to the Commission which shall seek and, if possible, obtain a complete record of the matter from the authority which imposed the original suspension or retirement before rendering a decision in any given case.

 (l)  If a boxer is legally knocked or falls from the ring during a contest, the boxer shall be allowed a maximum of 20 seconds to return within the ropes unassisted.

 (m)  If a boxer rises within the count of ten after being knocked down and then falls without being struck again, the referee shall resume the count at the point where it was stopped when the boxer rose.

 (n)  A protective regulation in this section or elsewhere in the Athletic Code or this part will not be waived or relaxed in any degree by a Commission official for a boxing contest in this Commonwealth. Championship contests will not fall within this prohibition.

   The provisions of this §  21.16 amended under the Athletic Code, 5 Pa.C.S. §  103(b)(1).

   The provisions of this §  21.16 adopted March 11, 1946; amended through November 1, 1966; amended April 10, 1992, effective April 11, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 1760; amended May 17, 2002, effective May 18, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2443. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (242863) to (242864) and (251545) to (251546).

   This section cited in 58 Pa. Code §  21.11 (relating to referees); 58 Pa. Code §  23.4 (relating to boxers); and 58 Pa. Code §  25.3 (relating to conduct of contests).

   Referee Met Responsibility When Calling Knockout on Ten-Count Period

   Professional boxer, challenging decision of boxing referee who called knockout in boxing match, was entitled only to 10-count period and therefore referee fulfilled his responsibility when he ended boxing match; 5-minute recovery time, allowed when boxer is knocked down due to accidental foul or accident, was not applicable since referee did not call knockout the result of accidental foul or accident. Terry v. State Athletic Commission, 873 A.2d 19, 24 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2005)