§ 143-652.1.  Regulation of boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and toughman events.

(a) Regulation. - The Commission shall regulate live boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts matches, whether professional, amateur, or sanctioned amateur, or toughman events, in which admission is charged for viewing, or the contestants compete for a purse or prize of value greater than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). The Commission shall have the exclusive authority to approve and issue rules for the regulation of the conduct, promotion, and performances of live boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts matches and exhibitions, whether professional, amateur, or sanctioned amateur, and toughman events in this State. The rules shall be issued pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes and may include, without limitation, the following subjects:

(1) Requirements for issuance of licenses and permits required by this Article.

(2) Regulation of ticket sales.

(3) Physical requirements for contestants, including classification by weight and skill.

(4) Supervision of matches and exhibitions by licensed physicians and referees.

(5) Insurance and bonding requirements.

(6) Compensation of participants and licensees.

(7) Contracts and financial arrangements.

(8) Prohibition of dishonest, unethical, and injurious practices.

(9) Facilities.

(10) Approval of sanctioning amateur sports organizations.

(11) Procedures and requirements for compliance with the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996.

(b) Enforcement. - Except as otherwise authorized under G.S. 143-652.2(f), the Executive Director of the Commission shall investigate and enforce violations of this Article through the ALE Division. The ALE Division shall assist the Executive Director in investigating and enforcing violations of this Article. (2004-124, s. 18.2(d); 2007-490, s. 2; 2011-145, s. 19.1(g), (n); 2014-100, s. 17.1(xxx); 2019-203, ss. 7, 12(c); 2021-180, s. 19A.7(c).)