Rules

NC Official Rules for MMA
For the most up to date rules please refer to your state's boxing or mma authority. These rules are provided as a guideline to the rules followed by North Carolina and are not guaranteed to be up to date with the latest changes, though we make every effort to keep them updated.

OFFICIAL RULES FOR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DIVISIONSECTION .0800 ? MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

14A NCAC 12 .0801 WEIGH INS-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

The mixed martial arts weigh-ins must be conducted by a Division representative at a place and time designated by the

Division in accordance with 14A NCAC 12 .0201, .0301, .0402, .0403 and .0501 except for the following exceptions or

additional rules:

(1) All contestants must weigh in. Contestants other than heavyweights, are limited to shorts, shirt and

socks.

(2) The scale shall be provided by the promoter and indicate an accurate weight for contestants.

(3) The chart in this Item indicates the weight allowances per weight class. A contestant may fight an

opponent above or below his or her weight class. The maximum amount of weight difference between

the two contestants shall be decided by lower weight class. Weight allowances permitted between two

different weight classes are as follows:

Weight class

Weights Allowances

Straw weight up to 115 pounds 3 pounds

Flyweight 116 to125 pounds 3 pounds

Bantamweight 126 to 135 pounds 3 pounds

Featherweight 136 to 145 pounds 5 pounds

Lightweight 146 to 155 pounds 5 pounds

Welterweight 156 to 170 pounds 5 pounds

Middleweight 171 to 185 pounds 7 pounds

Light Heavyweight 186 to 205 pounds 7 pounds

Heavyweight 206 to 265 pounds 7 pounds

Super Heavyweight over 265 pounds

(4) When a weigh-in is conducted the day prior to the event, with the exception of the heavyweight class,

all other contestants must weigh-in at a second weigh-in the next day scheduled by the Division

representative within eight hours of the starting time of the event. The contestant may not be more than

13 pounds heavier than their recorded weight from the day prior.

(5) No contestant, weighing 145 or less, may lose more than two pounds in less than 12 hours of a contest.

No contestant, weighing 146 or more, may lose more than three pounds in less than 12 hours of a

contest. This Item applies to a second day weigh-in also. This does not apply to light heavyweight

class and above.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NCAC 12 .0802 APPEARANCE ? MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) Groin and breast protectors for mixed martial arts contestants:

(1) Male fighters must wear a groin protector which will protect them against injury from a foul blow.

(2) A female contestant may wear a protective girdle to cover the pubic area, coccyx and sides of the hip.

(3) Female contestants must wear a breast protector.

(b) At the time of the pre-bout physical, female contestants must submit a negative pregnancy test.

the Division representative as being safe and modest. The contestants may not wear the same color in the ring, cage or

fenced area, without the approval of the Division representative. The Division shall approve the same color if the shorts

can easily be distinguished by the judges with patterns or advertisements. Apparel or equipment which includes metallic

or hard plastic or any edge or surface which could cause extraneous injury to the contestants is not allowed.

(d) "GI"s or shirts are permitted for male contestants only if both contestants wear the same attire. Female contestants

shall wear a body shirt/blouse or any other attire approved by the Division representative as being safe and modest.

(e) Shoes are not permitted.

(f) Grappling shin guards are not permitted.

(g) Body grease, gels, balms or lotions may not be applied. Vaseline may be applied to the facial area at cage side or

ringside in the presence of a inspector, referee, or Division representative. Any contestant applying anything prior to this

may be penalized a point or disqualified.

(h) The contestant may not wear any jewelry or any other piercing accessories while competing in a match.

(i) Joint supports, made of neoprene only, may be worn. No metal supports may be worn.

(j) Finger and toe nail plates must be trimmed within 1/16 of an inch beyond the hyponychium.

(k) The Division representative shall determine whether head or facial hair presents any hazard to the safety of the

contestant or their opponent or will interfere with the conduct of a match. Hair shall be secured with soft and nonabrasive

material when the Division representative determines the hair could obstruct the fighter's vision. Facial hair may

not be braided.

(l) The contestant may not wear any equipment that is not allowed in the rules in this Chapter.

14A NCAC 12 .0803 HANDWRAPS-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) In all weight classes except light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight, all bandages and handwraps applied

to each hand of a mixed martial arts contestant shall be restricted to soft cloth, not more than 10 yards in length and two

inches in width, held in place by not more than four feet of surgical tape.

(b) In the light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight weight classes, all bandages and handwraps applied to the

hand of a contestant shall be restricted to soft cloth, not more than 12 yards in length and two inches in width, held in

place by not more than eight feet of surgical tape.

(c) The use of six inches of surgical tape, not more than one inch in with, shall be permitted across the back of the hand

before bandaging or wrapping the hands, provided however, that the tape shall not be applied across the knuckles.

(d) The bandages shall be evenly distributed across the hand.

(e) Bandages and tapes shall be placed on contestant's hands in the dressing room and must be inspected by the inspector

or Division representative.

(f) The manager or chief second of the opponent may elect to be present when hands are being wrapped.

(g) Gloves shall not be placed on the hands of a contestant until checked by the inspector or Division representative.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NACA 12 .0804 GLOVES-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) For professional mixed martial arts contests each contestant must wear gloves that weigh not less than four ounces

and not more than eight ounces.

(b) Amateur mixed martial arts contestants must wear gloves that weigh not less than six ounces and not more than eight

ounces.

by the Division representative as being clean, whole, sanitary and in good condition. Gloves shall not be twisted, cut,

manipulated, altered, unfit or ill fitting in any manner. Gloves shall be constructed of soft leather material and shall be

marked with the original manufacture's tag that indicates the correct weight of the glove.

(d) The gloves for every contest or exhibition that is designed as a championship match must be new, furnished by the

promoter, and made to fit the hands of the contestants.

(e) Both contestants shall wear same size gloves.

(f) Gloves must be inspected and passed by the inspector, referee or Division representative prior to starting the bout. If

gloves to be used in preliminary contest or exhibition have been used before, they must be whole, clean, and in sanitary

condition. If a glove is found to be unfit, it must be replaced with a glove that meets the requirements of this Section.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NCAC 12 .0805 RING REQUIREMENTS -MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) Mixed martial arts may be held in a ring, cage or a fenced area with overhead lighting bright enough to illuminate the

entire ring floor.

(b) The ring specifications for mixed martial arts must meet the following requirements:

(1) The ring may be no smaller than 20 feet square and no larger than 32 feet square within the ropes.

(2) One of the corners must have a blue designation, the corner directly across must have a red

destination.

(3) The ring floor must extend at least eighteen inches beyond the ropes. The ring floor must be padded

with ensolite or a similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one inch layer of foam padding. Padding

must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge platform, with a top covering of canvas, duck or

similar material tightly stretched and laced to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps

and ridges may not be used.

(4) The ring platform must no be more than four feet above the floor of the building and must have steps

for the use of the contestants.

(5) Ring posts must be made of metal, not more than three inches in diameter, extending from the floor of

the building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the ring floor, and must be padded in a manner to

prevent contact of contestant's body to a metal surface. Ring posts must be 18 inches away from the

ring ropes.

(6) There must be five ring ropes, not less than one inch in diameter and wrapped in soft material. The

lowest rope must be no higher than 12 inches from the ring floor.

(7) There must not be any obstruction or object, including advertisement for sponsors, on any part of the

ring floor.

(1) The fenced or cage area must be circular or have as many as eight equal sides;

(2) Two sides opposite of each other must each have a designated color, one side blue the opposite red;

(3) The fenced or cage area must be no smaller than 20 feet wide and no larger than 32 feet across within

the ropes;

(4) The floor of the fenced area must be padded with ensolite or another similar closed-cell foam, with at

least a one inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly

stretched and laced to the platform of the fenced or cage area. Material that tends to gather in lumps or

ridges must not be used;

(5) The platform of the fenced or cage area must not be more than four feet above the floor of the building

and must have steps for use of the contestants;

(6) Fence posts must be made of metal, not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of

the building to between five and seven feet above the floor of the fenced or cage area, and must be

padded in a manner to prevent contact of contestant's body to any metal surface;

(7) A chain link fence, coated with vinyl, shall be used to enclose the fenced or cage area and made of a

material strong enough that will prevent a contestant from falling out or breaking through the fenced or

cage area onto the floor of the building or onto spectators;

(8) Any metal portion on the interior of the fenced or cage area must be covered and padded in a manner

to prevent contact of contestant's body to any metal surface and must not be abrasive to the

contestants;

(9) The fenced or cage area must have two entrances. The entrances must be padded or covered and

padded so that is no exposed metal on the interior of the fenced or caged area;

(10) There must not be any obstruction on any part of the fence surrounding the area in which the

contestants are competing;

(11) Any metal parts used to enforce the fenced or caged area wall must be positioned as to not interfere

with the safety of the contestants;

(12) A crowd control barrier shall be installed at least eight feet away from the edge of the ring, cage, or

fenced area. and before the first spectator's seats. This barrier shall be capable of restraining spectators

from entry to the ringside area.

(d) In venues that seat more than 12,000 spectators, the Division representative shall require the promoter of a mixed

martial arts contest to place at least two video screens that will allow spectators to view action inside the ring, cage or

fenced area.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NCAC 12 .0806 DURATION AND ROUNDS-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Length and number of rounds shall be as follows:

(1) Non championship matches, exhibitions or mixed martial arts must not exceed three rounds of five

minutes each with a one minute rest period that includes a 10 second warning signal.

(2) Championship bouts shall be five rounds of five minutes each with a one minute rest period that

includes a 10 second warning signal.

(3) Amateur bouts shall be three rounds of three minutes each with a 60 second rest period that includes a

10 second warning signal.

(4) Amateur championship matches shall consist of five rounds of four minutes each with a 60 second rest

period that includes a 10 second warning signal.

(5) A minimum number of 21 rounds must be scheduled for any mixed martial arts program of matches.

(6) "Pro/Am" events must have a combination of three professional bouts and five amateur bouts or five

professional bouts and three amateur bouts scheduled. Professional bouts shall follow amateur bouts

with no intermixing of the bouts.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NCAC 12 .0807 SECONDS DUTIES -MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) In a Mixed Martial Art contest there may be three licensed seconds positioned in a designated area by a cage or

fenced area or positioned in each corner of a ring. For championship bouts there may be four licensed seconds.

(b) Only the contestants and referee shall enter the ring, fenced area or cage during a match.

(c) The referee may, in his or her discretion, stop a contest if an unauthorized person enters the ring, fenced area or cage

during a round.

(d) Only three seconds may enter the ring, cage or fenced area.

(e) There may be no loud yelling or profanity from anyone working the corner.

(f) If a second leaves the designated area, the fighter shall be disqualified.

(g) A fighter getting knocked out of a ring and onto the floor must get back into the ring within 20 seconds. The referee

shall disqualify a contestant that receives assistance from anyone to return to the ring, cage or fenced area.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NCAC 12 .0808 SCORING-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) A mixed martial arts contest may end under the following results:

(1) Submission:

(A) Tap out: when a contestant physically uses his or her hand(s) to indicate that he or she no

longer wish to continue.

(B) Verbal tap out: when a contestant verbally announces to the referee he or she does not wish

to continue.

(2) Knockout "(KO)": failure to rise from the canvas. If the contestant was knocked out of the ring or

cage as a result of a legal technique and is unable to regain his feet, the referee shall consider this to be

a knockout.

(3) Technical knockout "(TKO)":

(A) Referee stops bout because contestant can no longer defend him or her self;

(B) Ringside physician advises referee to stop bout; or

(b) Bouts shall be scored by three judges. The "Ten-Point Must System" is the standard system of scoring a bout. The

winner of the round is awarded 10 points and the loser of the round is awarded nine points or less, except for rare

occasion of an even round, which is scored 10 to 10.

opponent, effective aggressiveness and defense as follow:

(1) Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of legal heavy strikes landed.

(2) Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of a legal takedown

and reversal. Factors to consider are take downs from the standing position to a mount position,

passing the guard to the mount position, and bottom position fighters using an active threatening

guard.

(3) Effective control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location and position of the bout.

Factors to be considered are: countering a grappler's attempt at a takedown by remaining standing and

legally striking; take down an opponent to force a ground fight; creating threatening submission

attempts; passing the guard to achieve a mount and creating striking opportunities.

(4) Effective aggressiveness means moving and landing legal strikes.

(5) Effective defense means avoiding being struck, take down or reversals while countering with offensive

strikes.

(d) Decision via scorecards:

(1) Unanimous: when all three judges score the bout for the same contestant.

(2) Split decision: when two judges score the bout for one contestant and one judge scores for the

opponent.

(3) Majority decision: when two judges score the bout for the same contestant and one judge scores the

bout a draw.

(e) Draws:

(1) Unanimous: when all three judges score the bout a draw;

(3) Majority: when two judges score the bout a draw;

(3) Split when all three judges score it differently and the score total results in a draw.

(f) Disqualification: when an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul severe enough to

terminate the contestant.

(g) Forfeit: when a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the contest for reasons other than injury or

indicating a tap out.

(h) Technical draw:

(1) When an injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul causes the injured

contestant to be unable to continue and the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at

the time of the stoppage.

(2) When an injury sustained during competition an a result of an unintentional foul causes the injured

contestant to be unable to continue and a majority of rounds have been completed with the results of

the scorecards being a draw.

(i) Technical decision: when the bout is prematurely stopped due to an injury and a contestant is leading on the

scorecards.

(j) No contest: when a contestant is prematurely stopped due to accidental injury and a majority of rounds have not been

completed.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NCAC 12 .0809 FOULS-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) Procedures to determine fouls in a mixed martial arts contest:

(1) The referee shall issue a warning after the initial foul. After the initial warning a penalty shall be

issued as a result of second foul. The penalty may be a deduction of points or disqualification

depending on the severity of the foul. Any points deducted for any foul must be deducted in the round

which the foul occurred.

(2) The referee as soon as practical after a foul, shall call time and notify which contestant is being

penalized and the total points the contestant is being penalized.

(3) If a bottom contestant commits a foul and in the referee's judgment is not in control, unless the top

contestant is injured, the bout shall continue, so as not to jeopardize the top contestant's superior

positioning at the time.

(4) Only the referee can assess a foul and any point deductions. Judges may not deduct points for what

they interpret is a foul.

(5) The referee shall check the fouled contestant's condition to see if he or she can still participate in the

contest.

(6) Disqualification occurs after any combination of three fouls or if the referee determines the foul to be

flagrant.

(b) Intentional foul:

(1) If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue a mandatory two point

penalty shall be assessed to the contestant committing the foul.

(2) If an injury sustained by a contestant as a result of the intentional foul causes the contestant to be

unable to continue at a subsequent point, the injured contestant shall win by a technical decision, if he

or she is ahead on the score cards. If the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the

time of the stoppage, the bout shall be declared a technical draw.

(1) If a bout is stopped because of an unintentional foul, the referee shall determine whether the contestant

who has been fouled can continue or not. If the contestant's chance of winning has not been seriously

jeopardized as a result of the foul and if the foul did not involve concussive impact to the head of the

contestant who has been fouled, the referee may order the bout continued after a recuperative interval

of not more than five minutes. Immediately after stopping the bout or at the end of the round the

referee must immediately inform the inspector or Division representative of his determination that the

foul was accidental and unintentional.

(2) If the referee determines either from his observation or that of the ringside physician that the bout may

not continue because of the injury from the unintentional foul the bout shall be declared a no contest if

the foul occurred:

(A) During the first two rounds of a non-championship bout, or

(B) During the first three round of a championship bout.

(3) If the unintentional foul renders the contestant unable to continue the bout, the outcome shall be

determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round which the referee last stopped the bout.

The second round must be completed in a non championship bout or the third round must be

completed in a championship bout.

(4) If an injury from an intentional foul later becomes aggravated by fair blows and the referee orders the

bout stopped because of the injury, the outcome must be determined by scoring the completed rounds

and the round which the referee stops the contest.

(5) A contestant may not be declared the winner of a bout on the basis of his or her claim that the

opponent fouled him or her unintentionally by hitting him or her in the groin. If after a recuperative

interval of not more than five minutes, a contestant is unwilling to continue because of the claim of

being hit in the groin, the bout shall be declared a no contest if the second round has not been

completed in a three round bout or the third round has not been completed in a five round bout.

(d) The following are types of fouls in a mixed martial arts contest:

(1) Butting with the head.

(2) Eye gouging of any kind.

(3) Biting.

(4) Hair pulling.

(5) Fishhooking.

(6) Groin attacks of any kind.

(7) Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.

(8) Small joint/single digit manipulation, finger and toe locks.

(9) Striking to the spine or back of head.

(10) Striking downward using the point of the elbow. (Arcing elbow strikes are permitted).

(11) Throat strikes of any kind, including grabbing the trachea.

(12) One or two handed chokes applied directly to the trachea or windpipe.

(13) Knuckle gouging to the face or any part of the body including into the throat.

(14) Clawing, twisting or pinching the flesh.

(15) Grabbing the clavicle.

(16) Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.

(17) Kicking the front of the opponents knee.

(18) Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.

(19) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.

(20) Stomping on a grounded opponent. A contestant is considered grounded when his or her torso or three

points of his or her body is touching the canvas.(example: two legs and a hand are touching canvas.)

This definition applies to Subparagraphs (d)(16), (d)(18), and (d)(20) of this Rule. A downed opponent

may kick up to all legal striking points of the body.

(21) Kicking to the kidney with the heel.

(22) Throwing, lifting, pushing, or otherwise forcing an opponent out of the ring area or fence area.

(23) Holding the shorts or glove of an opponent.

(24) Spitting on an opponent.

(25) Engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.

(26) Holding the ropes or cage.

(27) Using abusive language or illicit gestures in the cage or ring area.

(28) Attacking an opponent on or during the break.

(29) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee, medical personnel or other ring officials.

(30) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded to end the round.

(31) Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.

(32) Timidity, including avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the

mouthpiece, delaying the contest due to improper equipment, or faking an injury.

(33) Interference from anyone working the corner or cornermen leaving their area.

(34) Throwing in the towel during competition.

(35) Any act in the judgment of the referee that is detrimental and places an opponent at a disadvantage.

(36) Rope or cage grabbing to avoid a submission hold, or continually holding the rope to rest or pull self

from action, or gain advantage.

(e) Fighters may not grab the ring ropes or cage at any time the two fighters are in contract with each other during the

match in an attempt to stall action, trap his opponent, escape a technique, or otherwise gain advantage in the match.

(f) Fighters may momentarily grab the ring ropes or cage to steady themselves or to gain/maintain their balance.

(g) If a fighter grabs or otherwise secures any ring rope with a hand, arm foot or leg during the match to avoid a

submission hold, the referee shall stop the match and deduct a point from the fighter who so grabbed the rope.

(h) If a fighter continually holds the ring ropes to rest or pull himself from the action, avoid the bout's action, or

otherwise gain advantage in the match, the referee shall deduct one point from the resting fighter the first time and two

points each additional time.

(i) Excessive grabbing or other use of the ring ropes in violation of the Rules in this Chapter may result, in the referee's

discretion, in a fighter's disqualification and an award of the bout to the fighter's opponent.

(j) The referee shall verbally instruct fighters to release the ring ropes or cage prior to warning, deducting points, or

disqualifying a fighter for violating the Rules in this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NCAC 12 .0810 AMATEUR-MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) In addition to compliance with Rules .0201, .0301, .0402 and .0801 through .0809 of this Chapter, the following

requirements apply to amateur mixed martial arts matches:

(1) Any contestant competing as an amateur may not currently or have ever been a professional fighter in

any unarmed combat sport. This includes mixed martial arts, boxing, karate, or any other form of a

striking sport;

(2) Amateur weigh-ins must be scheduled no earlier than 10 AM the day of the match;

(3) Grappling shin guards are optional;

(4) Elbow strikes to the head are not allowed;

(5) Striking with the point of the elbow is not allowed;

(6) Knees to the head at anytime are not allowed;

(7) Kicks of any type to the head are not allowed; and

(8) A contestant may only strike to the head with his or her fist.

(b) The promoter of record shall provide to the Division the name, address, date of birth and social security number of

every amateur contestants scheduled to compete in a program of matches. This information shall be submitted no later

than seven calendar days prior to the event.

professional mixed martial arts contestant. This five match requirement shall be waived by the Division representative if

the contestant has previously completely in at least five professional boxing or kickboxing matches or any combination

there of.

(d) Contestants under 18 years of age may compete only in matches supervised and regulated by an Amateur Sports

Organization that has been recognized by the Division. To obtain recognition, any Amateur Sports Organization shall

establish and provide rules for the implementation of health and safety standards and all requirements related to the

conduct of matches that are at least as restrictive as the applicable standards and requirements of the Division. Events

open to the public where admission is charged for viewing shall be conducted by a promoter licensed in accordance with

the provisions of Rule .0402 of this Chapter.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

14A NCAC 12 .0811 SUSPENSIONS -MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

(a) The following apply to determine the length of suspension for mixed martial arts contestants. The Division

representative or ringside physician may increase or decrease the length of suspension if deemed appropriate:

(1) TKO (Technical Knockout) - 30 Days.

(A) Referee stoppage from submission or choke hold prior to verbal commitment or tap out.

(B) Referee stoppage from strikes prior to verbal commitment or tap out.

(2) KO (Knockout) - 60 Days.

(3) Second TKO/KO in 12 months and contestant has a losing record - 120 to 180 Days.

(4) TKO/KO and contestant has lost three or more of the last five fights in the first round - 180 to 365

Days.

(b) A contestant is designated as "High Risk" if one of the following criteria apply:

(1) 40 years of age or older;

(2) Has six consecutive losses or three consecutive losses in the first round by TKO/KO;

(3) Lost more than 25 total fights;

(4) Has a career duration of more than 350 rounds;

(5) Has suffered a severe concussion (Grade 3) or difficulty in a match where the ringside physician

recommends more medical test; or

(6) Has been inactive for 30 or more months.

Division representative prior to being approved to compete in a match based on the contestant's past medical history and

suspensions:

(1) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging);

(2) Complete Neurological Examination by a Neurologist;

(3) Overall physical conducted by a physician indicating that the contestant is physically fit to compete in

a match;

(4) If the contestant is 40 years of age or older, cardiac examination and chest x-rays.

(d) A contestant may not compete until seven days have elapsed from his or her last match. The seven day period starts

the day following the event in which he or she competed. The Division representative may waive this mandatory rest.

period if the contest ended in two rounds or less and contestant received no injuries.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143-652.1;

Eff. March 1, 2008.

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