Section 24.02.01.700 - MARTIAL ARTS AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA) - RULESA Licensed Combatant in an MMA contest must adhere to the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.
01.Regulation of Marital Arts and MMA. Except to the extent set forth under Sections 700-799 of these rules, all requirements and the limitations relating to combatants and licenses (as set forth within Title 54, Chapter 4, Idaho Code, and in the remaining rules of the Commission) will apply to all martial arts and MMA contests and exhibitions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at its sole discretion, the Commission may, by specific reference in the sanctioning permit, allow the use of other requirements and limitations during a particular martial arts contest or exhibition.02.The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports. The Commission adopts the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts of the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports as the official Rules of the Idaho Athletic Commission for Mixed Martial Arts.03.MMA Weight Classes. The Commission adopts the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts weight classes as listed in the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Unified Rules for Mixed Martial Arts incorporated by reference in Section 002 of these rules.04.Practices, Belt Promotion Testing, and Non-Contact Demonstrations. Martial arts practices, belt promotion testing and demonstrations (as used herein the term demonstrations means displays that do not involve combative contact between combatants or between participants) conducted by martial arts schools are not considered to be boxing. Such practices, testing, and demonstrations are exempt from the licensing requirements of Title 54, Chapter 4, Idaho Code, and persons do not need a license to participate in such practices, testing, and demonstrations.05.Licensing Exemption. Martial arts schools that meet the conditions set forth within Section 54-406(3)(b), Idaho Code, may apply to the Commission for exemption from licensing and sanctioning permit requirements relating to exhibitions and contests.06.Use of Official Rules for Art. Martial arts contests and exhibitions will be conducted pursuant to the official rules of the particular art. The sponsoring organization or promoter must file a copy of the official rules with the Commission before the Commission will issue a sanctioning permit for the contest or exhibition.07.Gloves. The requirement set forth in Section 54-414, Idaho Code, of wearing boxing gloves applies to kickboxing but will not apply to any other form of martial art unless the use of boxing gloves is required by the official rules of that particular art. Any gloves utilized must be in good condition as approved by the commission. For main and semi main events, gloves will be in new condition and of the same brand for combatants.08.Commission Approved Attire. a. Each combatant will wear a foul-proof groin protector.b. Each female combatant will wear Commission-approved form fitting breast support protection. Supports may not have brace, metal or hard material of any kind.c. For male combatants, no body shirts or pants are allowed. Female combatants will wear fighting shorts and rash guard.d. Combatant may only use soft materials to tie hair.09.Prohibited Equipment and Attire.a. The following equipment and attire are prohibited:ii. Facial hair, if determined by the Commission to pose a health, safety or sanitary issue;iii. Tar material on any part of the body;v. Piercing accessories; andb. Masks, costumes, and props must be approved by the Commission prior to usage.c. Fingernails and toenails must be cut and trimmed prior to a contest.Idaho Admin. Code r. 24.02.01.700
Effective June 1, 2024 (Temporary)