TITLE 15 GAMBLING AND LIQUOR CONTROL
CHAPTER 6 BOXING, WRESTLING, AND MARTIAL ARTS
PART 5 REQUIREMENTS TO SAFEGUARD HEALTH
15.6.5.1 ISSUING AGENCY: New Mexico
Athletic Commission.
[15.6.5.1 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002]
15.6.5.2 SCOPE: The provisions in
Part 5 apply to all licensees of the commission.
[15.6.5.2 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002]
15.6.5.3 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Part 5 of Chapter 6 of Title 15 is promulgated pursuant to the
Professional Athletic Competition Act, Sections 60-2A-1 through 60-2A-30, NMSA
1978 (1980 Repl. Pamp.); specifically Sections 60-2A-4, 60-2A-7, 60-2A-8,
60-2A-17, 60-2A-20, 60-2A-21, 60-2A-28, and 60-2A-29.
[15.6.5.3 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002]
15.6.5.4 DURATION: Permanent.
[15.6.5.4 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002]
15.6.5.5 EFFECTIVE DATE: March 23, 2002, unless a later date is cited
at the end of a section.
[15.6.5.5 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002]
15.6.5.6 OBJECTIVE: The objective of
Part 5 of Chapter 6 is to notify all commission licensees of the duties and
conduct expected by the commission with regard to
safeguarding the health and safety of contestants in events regulated by the
commission.
[15.6.5.6 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002]
15.6.5.7 DEFINITIONS: “Medical Professional” means a
physician, physician’s assistant, emergency medical technician, registered
nurse, or paramedic licensed in the state of New Mexico.
[15.6.5.7 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 1/15/2015]
15.6.5.8 MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION OF CONTESTANTS
REQUIRED:
A. All unarmed
combatants/contestants shall submit to a uniform pre-bout medical examination performed by a New
Mexico licensed physician approved by the commission within 24 hours prior to entering the ring in the scheduled match or
exhibition. All unarmed
combatants/contestants shall submit the required medical records no later than
96 hours before a scheduled event. It
shall be the duty of the licensed promoter to ensure compliance with this
rule. All deadlines in this rule relate
back to the date of the scheduled match or exhibition.
(1) The documents required as part of the
pre-bout medical examination include:
(a) negative
blood test results, obtained not later than six months prior to the event, for:
(i) HIV;
(ii) hepatitis
B, surface antigen (SA);
(iii) hepatitis
C antibody;
(b) Dilated eye exam result: Professional contestants must submit the
results of a dilated eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist, optometrist or qualified physician no more than one year
prior to any competition.
(c) Proof of compliance with any medical
restrictions: The commission
requires proof of compliance with any previous medical restrictions imposed by
another commission before medical approval for a bout.
(2) Female
unarmed combatants: All female
unarmed combatants must provide a negative pregnancy test within 24 hours to
each event, contest, or exhibition. The
pregnancy test shall be taken within those 24 hours to
the event, contest, or exhibition.
(3) The
commission or ringside physician may order an electrocardiogram, MRI or MRI/MRA
examination when a contestant has either:
(a) lost
three or more bouts in a row by KO or TKO;
(b) lost
six bouts in a row; or
(c) had
an extensive losing record in the last two years; MRI or MRI/MRA examination
results will be accepted if conducted within five years, when:
(i) neurological clearance is needed for a
pre-fight examination;
(ii) an
unarmed combatant is competing in a five round title fight; or
(iii) a
contestant is 35 years old or older.
B. Certification of
fitness
(1) Immediately
following the examination, the physician shall file with the commission a
written report of the results of the examination on a form prescribed by the
commission. The physician shall certify
as to the physical fitness of each contestant scheduled to participate in the
match or exhibition and deliver the completed examination report to the
commission’s representative; the completed examination report will be made
available to the promoter of the match or exhibition before the commencement of
the event.
(2) The
promoter of the match or exhibition shall prohibit any unarmed combatant from
entering the ring unless he has been certified by the examining physician to be
physically fit to engage in the match or exhibition.
(3) It
shall be unlawful for any physician to certify falsely to the physical
condition of any contestant in a professional boxing or sparring match or
martial arts exhibition.
C. Participation in
non-commission sanctioned events: Any
unarmed combatant who participates in a non-commission sanctioned event in
another jurisdiction must submit to a new array of blood tests, described in
Paragraph (1) of this rule, unless the unarmed combatant can prove to the
commission that the non-commission sanctioned event required all combatants to
submit to pre-bout blood testing in a manner similar to
the commission. Violation of this rule could result in a fine, license
suspension, or license revocation.
D. Disqualifying
conditions/ailments:
(1) The
commission will not issue or renew the license of any applicant who wishes to
compete in any sport regulated by the commission and who has suffered from any
type of cerebral hemorrhage.
(2) If
an applicant for a contestant license has suffered a serious head injury,
including but not limited to concussions, the applicant must have the
application reviewed by the commission before any license is issued or renewed.
E. Cost of the medical
examination: The cost of any
physical examination shall be prescribed by a schedule of fees established by
the commission.
(1) The
cost of any medical examinations of event contestants shall be paid directly to
the commission by the promoter of the event.
(2) The
physician will be paid directly by the promoter in accordance with the fees
established by rule by the commission.
[15.6.5.8 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002;
A, 8/26/2012; A, 1/15/2015; A, 1/15/2017]
15.6.5.9 CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF MEDICAL REPORTS: All medical reports submitted to the commission and all medical records
of the commission’s medical advisory board or commission relative to the
physical examination and medical condition of unarmed combatants boxers,
wrestlers, or martial artists, shall be considered confidential in nature. These records shall be open to examination
only to the following:
A. to the unarmed
combatants, boxer, wrestler, or martial artist wishing to examine his own
medical records and upon his written application to the commission to examine
said records; or
B. to a court of
competent jurisdiction upon subpoena for an appropriate court case.
[15.6.5.9 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/26/2012]
15.6.5.10 [RESERVED]
15.6.5.11 SPECIFICATIONS FOR HAND BANDAGES ON UNARMED
COMBATANTS’ HANDS:
A. Hand bandages on
the hands of a unarmed combatant shall be restricted
to soft gauze not more than 60 feet in length and two inches in width; and held
in place by not more than 10 feet of adhesive tape not more than one and
one-half inches for each hand. Wrapping of hands is
mandatory.
B. The use of
adhesive tape over the knuckles is strictly prohibited. The tape shall not cover any part of the
knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. One strip of tape one-quarter
inch may be placed between each finger to secure the wraps. Tape must be behind the knuckles one-half
inch.
C. The use of water
or any other liquid or material on the tape is strictly prohibited.
D. The hand
bandages shall be placed and adjusted in the dressing room in the presence of a
representative designated by the commission and, if requested, one
representative of the other unarmed combatant.
E. Under no
condition are gloves to be placed on the hands of the contestant until the
commission representative stamps or signs the commission’s approval on the hand
bandages.
F. No spirits of
ammonia may be used in the ring or cage.
G. Only
discretionary use of petroleum jelly may be used on the face prior to the start
of the fight.
H. In case of cuts,
only the following solutions are allowed:
(1) a
sealed solution of adrenaline 1/1000 at ringside;
(2) avetine; and
(3) thrombin.
I. All first aid
equipment used by a second, trainer or manager shall in all cases and at all times be subject to inspection
by the commission or its representative, or assigned physician and the decision
as to the use shall be final.
J. No prescribed
inhalers or any other type of aerosol inhaler may be used in the corner of any
fighter. A prescribed inhaler may be
given to the ringside physician prior to the start of the bout.
[15.6.5.11 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/26/2012; A, 1/30/2024]
15.6.5.12 PHYSICIAN IN ATTENDANCE:
A. It shall be the
duty of every promoter to have in attendance at every (1) professional unarmed
combat event, contest, or exhibition, (2) amateur mixed martial arts event,
contest, or exhibition, or (3) any amateur event in which protective headgear
in not worn by the amateur combatants, a physician licensed by the state of New
Mexico and designated by the commission.
B. It shall be the
duty of every promoter to have in attendance at every amateur unarmed combat
event, contest, or exhibition, not fitting into Section A, above, a medical
professional.
C. The commission
may establish a schedule of fees to be paid by the promoter to cover the cost
of the medical professional’s attendance.
D. The promoter
shall pay the medical professional directly, in accordance with rules
established by the commission.
[15.6.5.12 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/26/2012; A, 1/15/2015]
15.6.5.13 THE RINGSIDE PHYSICIAN:
A. Duties of the
ringside physician: The ringside physician shall:
(1) Observe
the physical condition of the contestants during the course
of the match.
(2) Advise
the referee if the physician determines that a contestant requires first aid
treatment.
(3) Render
treatment to a contestant if requested to do so by the referee.
(4) Examine
any contestant between rounds whenever the physician deems it appropriate.
(5) Advise
the referee to terminate the match if the physician is of the opinion that any
contestant is physically unfit to continue.
(6) Treat
any contestant who appears injured at the conclusion of the match.
(7) Advise
the commission representative in charge to terminate any match if, in the
opinion of the physician, any contestant has received severe punishment or is
in danger of serious physical injury.
(8) Render
immediately any emergency treatment necessary, and recommend further treatment
or hospitalization, if required.
(9) Determine
whether the injured contestant and his manager should remain in the ring or on
the premises after the contest for a period of time as
deemed advisable by the physician.
(10) Present
a full report on the matter to the commission within 24 hours of the match.
B. When the
ringside physician may enter the ring: Barring anything contrary to this part,
the ringside physician may enter the ring between rounds and terminate any
match or bout to prevent severe punishment or serious injury to a contestant. The referee may request an examination of the
contestant during the match or bout, and is required
to stop the contest upon the recommendation of the physician.
[15.6.5.13 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002]
15.6.5.14 WHEN A MANDATORY COUNT OF EIGHT IS REQUIRED:
A. In the event that one unarmed combatant is knocked-down, the
referee shall give a mandatory 8-count. A unarmed combatant shall be deemed “down” when any part of
his body, except his feet, is on the floor or he is hanging helplessly over or
on the ropes.
B. Should a
contestant slip, or fall down, or be pushed, he shall
be ordered to his feet immediately.
Failure to rise may subject him to disqualification.
[15.6.5.14 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/26/2012]
15.6.5.15 [RESERVED]
15.6.5.16 AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION OF UNARMED COMBATANT SUFFERING
ACTUAL KNOCKOUT:
A. any contestant
who has suffered an actual knockout shall be automatically suspended for at
least 60 days;
B. the contestant
shall surrender his license card to the commission; and
C. the contestant
shall not engage in any unarmed combatant, boxing or sparring contest or
exhibition during the period of such suspension.
[15.6.5.16 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/26/2012]
15.6.5.17 EXAMINATION AND REPORT AFTER SEVERE INJURY OR
KNOCKOUT:
A. Any contestant
who has sustained any severe injury or actual knockout in a bout or match shall
be thoroughly examined within 24 hours by a physician approved by the
commission’s medical advisory board.
B. Upon the medical
advisory board’s recommendation, the commission may suspend the unarmed
combatant beyond the mandatory 60 days until he is fully recovered.
C. In the event that a contestant who has suffered a severe
injury or a knockout has been treated by his own personal physician or has been
hospitalized, he or his manager must promptly submit a full report from the
attending physician or hospital to the commission’s medical advisory board.
[15.6.5.17 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/26/2012]
15.6.5.18 [RESERVED]
15.6.5.19 SPECIAL MANDATORY MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS:
A. Contestant
losing six consecutive matches: Any contestant who has lost six consecutive
bouts or matches must be automatically suspended and cannot be reinstated until
he has submitted to a medical examination of the type specified in Subsection A
of 15.6.5.8 NMAC.
B. Physician panel:
At the request of the commission, the medical advisory board shall appoint a
panel of three physicians to specially examine any licensed unarmed combatant,
boxer, wrestler, or martial artist as deemed necessary by the commission.
[15.6.5.19 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/26/2012]
15.6.5.20 MANDATORY RESTING PERIOD FOR BOXERS BETWEEN BOUTS:
A. If an unarmed
combatant has competed anywhere in a six rounds or more bout, he shall not be
allowed to box in New Mexico until seven days have elapsed since his last bout.
B. If an unarmed
combatant has competed anywhere in a four round bout, he shall not be allowed
to box in New Mexico until four days have elapsed since his last bout.
[15.6.5.20 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/26/2012]
15.6.5.21 [RESERVED]
15.6.5.22 AMBULANCE AT LIVE EVENTS: The promoter shall ensure that there is an ambulance on stand-by at all
professional and amateur mixed martial arts events, contests, or exhibitions.
[15.6.5.22 NMAC - N, 3/23/2002; A, 8/16/2012; A, 1/15/2015]
HISTORY of 15.6.5 NMAC:
Pre-NMAC History:
Material in the part was derived from that previously filed with the
commission of public records - state records center and archives:
NMAC 80-4, Conduct of Licensees, filed 9/24/1980.
Those relevant portions of NMAC Rule 92-6, Conduct of Licensees, filed 8/17/1992.
NMAC 80-5, Rules to Safeguard Health, filed 9/24/1980.
NMAC Rule 92-7, Rules to Safeguard Health, filed 8/17/1992.
History of Repealed Material:
NMAC Rule 92-6 (aka 15 NMAC 6.4), Conduct of Licensees, filed 8/17/1992;
repealed effective 3/23/2002.
NMAC Rule 92-7 (aka 15 NMAC 6.5), Requirements To Safeguard Health, filed
8/17/1992, repealed effective 3/23/2002.
Other History:
NMAC Rule 92-6 was recompiled into the first version of the New Mexico
Administrative Code as 15 NMAC 6.4 and named Conduct of Licensees.
NMAC Rule 92-7 was recompiled into the first version of the New Mexico
Administrative Code as 15 NMAC 6.5 and named Requirements To Safeguard Health.
15.6.5 NMAC, Requirements To Safeguard Health, replaced 15 NMAC 6.5,
Requirements To Safeguard Health, effective 3/23/2002.