Section 3773-7-18 - Disciplinary action(A) All contestants and participants may be disciplined for any violation of the rules and regulations of agency 3773 of the Administrative Code.(B) The executive director, inspector or commission representative may hold a contestant's purse for initially failing any drug test administered at the event.(C) The executive director, inspector or commission representative may order the purse withheld of a mixed martial arts contestant for failing to perform to the best of their ability. The contestant may appeal in writing to the executive director within thirty days of the event, when such action is taken. If no appeal is made the commission will have a hearing to determine the amount of the purse that will be transferred to the treasurer of the state of Ohio at the next regularly scheduled commission meeting.(D) A contestant will be suspended for a period of not less than one year for participating in any mixed martial arts event not sanctioned and approved by the Ohio athletic commission.(E) If a licensed professional mixed martial arts contestant competes in an amateur event they will be suspended for a period of not less than one year and a maximum of two years.(F) When the contestant fails to appear in a contest in which they signed a bout agreement to appear shall be suspended immediately for up to six months. . The contestant may produce a valid certificate from a physician and approved by the executive director or commission in the case of any physical disability. The contestant who files a certificate from a physician stating they are unable to fulfill a bout agreement because of physical disability, shall be immediately given a medical suspension for a period of sixty days . The executive director or commission may remove any suspension if the contestant is released from the bout agreement by mutual agreement.(G) After signing a contestant/promoter contract form, a contestant may not enter into another contracted bout that is scheduled thirty days prior to the previously signed contract. If the contestant participates in a bout within this thirty day time period and because of participating in this event is not able to participate in the originally contracted event, they shall be suspended for not more than six months. The contestant may appeal by certified mail to the executive director or commission for a hearing within thirty days of the mailing date of the notice of the suspension. The suspension will start at the end of any previously administered suspension.(H) A contestant who fails to make the required weight listed on the contestant/promoter contract form and as a result the bout is cancelled the contestant will be suspended for not more than six months and may be fined, or both. If the bout is continued within the legal weight class limits the contestant will be fined. The contestant may appeal by certified mail to the executive director within thirty days of the mailing date of notice of suspension or fine.(I) If after the weigh-in a contestant fails to honor the contestant/promoter bout contract by not showing for the bout or refuses to compete, shall be fined and suspended for not more than twelve months. The contestant may appeal by certified mail to the executive director within thirty days of the mailing date of the notice of suspension..(J) A contestant or promoter will be suspended indefinitely, until payment is made in full of any judgment awarded by a court of law that is presented to the Ohio athletic commission for any violations of rules bearing agency 3773 of the Administrative Code(K) A contestant, manager, trainer or any representative of the contestant may not verbally harass any official representing the Ohio athletic commission, before, during or after any event regulated by the Ohio athletic commission. This includes but is not limited to an inspector, referee, judge, timekeeper, physician, commission member or anyone assigned by or representing the Ohio athletic commission. Any contestant or person representing the contestant violating this rule may cause them or the contestant to be suspended for a period no longer than one year. The suspension may be appealed thirty days after receiving notice from the commission.(L) A contestant, manager, trainer or any representative of the contestant may not physically abuse any official representing the Ohio athletic commission, before, during or after any event regulated by the Ohio athletic commission. This includes but is not limited to an inspector, referee, judge, timekeeper, physician, commission member or anyone assigned by or representing the Ohio athletic commission. Any contestant or person representing the contestant violating this rule may cause them or the contestant to be suspended indefinitely. The suspension may be appealed thirty days after receiving notice from the commission.Ohio Admin. Code 3773-7-18
Effective: 11/28/2017
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 8/23/2017 and 11/17/2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3773.34
Rule Amplifies: 3773.34; 3773.45
Prior Effective Dates: 06/16/2006, 03/20/2007, 01/17/2008