Part III: Technical sport rules

1. Number and length of rounds

1. Each bout of professional mixed martial arts shall be scheduled for three or five rounds.
2. Each round shall be scheduled for no more than five minutes.
3. There shall be a one-minute rest period between rounds.

2. Contestant apparel and equipment

1. Contestants shall wear:
   1. mixed martial arts shorts, biking shorts, or kickboxing shorts, which shall not contain pockets, metal zippers or other sharp or hard objects
   2. a mouthpiece
2. Contestants may wear a form fitted ankle or knee support, which must not be abrasive, have no metal or plastic parts, and have no strapping or padding.
3. Contestants shall not wear:
   1. any supportive tape or wraps, other than those allowed in Part I: Section 7 Hand Wraps
   2. any support or brace other those allowed in 2.2
   3. headgear, shin guards or any other similar protective equipment
   4. shoes
   5. a gi
4. Contestants who are men shall:
   1. wear a foul-proof groin protector
   2. not wear a shirt
5. Contestants who are women:
   1. shall wear a short sleeved or sleeveless form-fitting rash guard, sports bra or other similar garment
   2. shall not wear a groin or breast protector

3. Officials required to be present

1. No bout of professional mixed martial arts shall begin without:
   1. a referee in the fenced area
   2. a ringside medical practitioner, assigned by the Commissioner, seated in close proximity of the steps
   3. a paramedic or an individual with the qualifications of a paramedic within the meaning of the Ambulance Act, seated in close proximity to a ringside medical practitioner
   4. three judges, seated immediately outside of the ring or fenced area on separate sides
   5. a timekeeper, seated immediately outside of the ring or fenced area, on a side that is not occupied by any of the judges, and in close proximity to a ringside medical practitioner assigned by the Commissioner
   6. a scorekeeper, seated immediately outside of the fenced area, in close proximity to the timekeeper
   7. two equipment supervisors, one seated in close proximity to the seconds of each contestant

4. Persons permitted in the ring

1. No persons other than the contestants, the referee and the ringside medical practitioner assigned by the Commissioner may be in the ring during the progress of a round.

5. Stopping a bout

1. The referee and the ringside practitioner assigned by the Commissioner are the only persons authorized to stop a bout prior to its scheduled conclusion.

6. Pre-bout procedures

1. An official appointed by the Commissioner shall inspect each contestants appearance, apparel and equipment immediately prior to their entry to the ring or fenced area, making sure the contestant has all required equipment and that no foreign substances have been applied to either the gloves or any part of a contestant’s head or body to the detriment of the opponent, except a light application of petroleum jelly on the eyebrows, under the eyes and on the bridge of the nose.
2. The referee shall call contestants together before the bout for final instructions, at which time each contestant shall be accompanied by their lead second.
3. The contestants, after receiving instructions, may touch gloves and return to their corners.

7. Timekeeper

1. A timekeeper shall be equipped with:
   1. at least two accurate stopwatches or similar devices for keeping time
   2. a horn or similar device
   3. a wooden clapper or similar device
   4. a whistle
2. On the referee’s signal, the timekeeper shall begin the first round by sounding the bell or similar device and starting a stopwatch or similar device.
3. Ten seconds prior to the end of each round, the timekeeper shall give warning to the contestants by sounding the wooden clapper or similar device.
4. At the end of the round, the timekeeper shall sound the bell or similar device.
5. The timekeeper shall use a stopwatch or similar device to time a one-minute rest period between rounds.
6. Ten seconds prior to the end of the rest period between rounds, the timekeeper shall give warning to the contestants and seconds by blowing the whistle.
7. At the end of the rest period between rounds, the timekeeper shall begin the next round by starting a stopwatch or similar device, but only when signaled to do so by the referee.
8. If at any time during the progress of a bout the referee signals a timeout, the timekeeper shall pause the stopwatch or similar device and shall only restart it when the referee signals to do so.
9. If the referee has signaled a timeout due to an injury, the timekeeper shall start a second stopwatch or similar timekeeping device, and signal to the referee when five minutes have elapsed if the bout has not otherwise resumed.
10. If a bout is stopped before the scheduled number of rounds ends, the timekeeper shall inform the scorekeeper of the exact duration of the bout.

8. Fouls

1. The following are fouls:
   1. butting with the head
   2. eye gouging of any kind
   3. biting or spitting at an opponent
   4. fish hooking
   5. hair pulling
   6. spiking an opponent to the canvas on their head or neck
   7. strikes to the spine, back of the head or tailbone
   8. throat strikes of any kind or grabbing the trachea
   9. moving toward the opponent with fingers outstretched toward an opponent’s face
   10. groin attacks of any kind
   11. kneeing or kicking the head of a grounded opponent
   12. stomping of a grounded opponent
   13. holding an opponent’s gloves or shorts
   14. holding or grabbing the fence or ropes
   15. small joint manipulation
   16. throwing an opponent out of the fenced area
   17. intentionally placing a finger in any opponent‘s orifice or laceration
   18. clawing, pinching, or twisting the flesh
   19. timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury)
   20. the use of abusive language in the ring or fenced area
   21. flagrant disregard of the referee‘s instructions
   22. any conduct detrimental to the integrity of the sport that causes an injury to opponent
   23. attacking an opponent after the horn or similar device has sounded the end of the round
   24. attacking an opponent on or during the break
   25. attacking an opponent who is under the referee‘s care
   26. interference from a contestant’s seconds.

9. Warnings, deductions and disqualifications

1. If a foul is committed during a bout, the referee shall, in their discretion, determine if the foul is accidental or intentional.
2. If a contestant commits a foul, the referee may in their discretion, giving consideration to the severity of the foul and the number and severity of fouls committed by the contestant over the duration of the bout:
   1. issue a warning to the contestant who committed the foul
   2. deduct one or more points from the contestant who committed the foul or
   3. disqualify the contestant who committed the foul.

Accidental fouls

3. If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee or ringside medical practitioner to stop the bout, the bout will result in no contest if stopped
   1. before the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds
   2. before the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds.
4. If an accidental foul causes an injury severe enough for the referee or ringside medical practitioner to stop the bout after the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or after the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds, then:
   1. the judges shall score incomplete rounds, if the bout is stopped during the progress of a round; and
   2. the bout will result in a technical decision awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the judges score cards at the time the bout is stopped; or
   3. a technical draw if the judges score cards are even at the time the bout is stopped.
5. A contestant who is struck with an accidental foul to the groin shall continue in the bout after a reasonable amount of time but not more than five minutes, or they will lose the bout by technical knockout.

Intentional fouls

6. If an intentional foul causes an injury, and the injury is severe enough for the referee or ringside medical practitioner to stop the bout immediately, the contestant causing the injury shall lose by disqualification.
7. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, the referee shall instruct the judges and scorekeeper to deduct two points from the contestant who committed the foul.
8. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, and the same injury results in the bout being stopped by the referee or ringside medical practitioner before the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or before the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds, the bout will result in a no contest.
9. If an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, and the same injury results in the bout being stopped by the referee or ringside medical practitioner after the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or after the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds:
   1. the judges shall score incomplete rounds, if the bout is stopped during the progress of a round; and
      1. the injured contestant shall win by technical decision, if they are ahead on the judges score cards; or
      2. the outcome of the bout shall be declared a technical draw if the injured contestant is even or behind on the judges score cards at the time of stoppage.

Foul procedures

10. To deduct a point, a referee shall:
    1. as soon as is practical after the foul, signal timeout to the timekeeper
    2. order the fouled contestant to a neutral area
    3. check the fouled contestant’s condition and safety
    4. stand in front of the offending contestant, and advise them of the foul
    5. notify each judge and the scorekeeper of the number of points deducted and type of foul
    6. signal time to the timekeeper to continue the bout.
11. If a contestant with an inferior position commits a foul, unless the contestant with a superior position is injured, the bout shall continue. To not jeopardize the contestant with superior positioning at the time, the referee may:
    1. verbally notify the contestant with inferior position of the foul
    2. assess the foul and notify both corners’ seconds, the judges and the official scorekeeper when the round is over or
    3. terminate a bout based on the severity of a foul and disqualify the contestant who committed the foul.
12. If a contestant with an inferior position commits a foul that injures the contestant with a superior position, the referee may follow the foul procedures in 9.10 above, and prior to signaling to the timekeeper, reposition the contestants in a similar manner that maintains their position relative to one another.

Consultation of ringside medical practitioners

13. Contestants injured severely enough by a foul to require consultation with the ringside medical practitioner may, at the discretion of the referee, be given a reasonable recovery time not to exceed five minutes.

Consultation of judges

14. If an injury occurs due to a suspected foul that the referee was unable to see, the referee may, in their discretion, consult the judges to determine if the injury occurred as a result of a foul.

10. Injuries

Injuries sustained as a result of a legal maneuver

1. If an injury sustained as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough for the referee or ringside medical practitioner to stop the bout, the injured contestant shall lose by technical knockout.

Accidental injuries

2. If the referee determines that an injury has been caused due to someone or something other than an action of the contestant or their opponent, the referee shall declare an accidental injury and allow the injured contestant a reasonable recovery time, not to exceed five minutes.
3. If the accidental injury is severe enough for the referee or ringside medical practitioner to stop the bout, the bout will result in no contest if stopped:
   1. before the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds; or
   2. before the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds.
4. If a contestant continues in the bout following an accidental injury and the same injury results in the bout being stopped by the referee or medical practitioner after the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or after the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds, then:
   1. the judges shall score incomplete rounds, if the bout is stopped during the progress of a round
      1. the bout will result in a technical decision awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the judges score cards at the time the bout is stopped
      2. a technical draw if the judges score cards are even at the time the bout is stopped.

Self-injuries

5. If the referee determines that an injured contestant was responsible for their own injury, the referee shall not penalize their opponent in any manner and shall treat the injury the same as an injury produced by a legal maneuver. If the referee or medical practitioner determines that the contestant is unable to continue due to the self injury, they will lose by technical knockout.

11. Unforeseen circumstances

1. In instances where a bout has to be concluded due to unforeseen circumstances, the bout will result in a no contest if stopped:
   1. before the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds or
   2. before the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds.
2. In instances where a bout has to be concluded due to unforeseen circumstances after the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds; or after the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds:
   1. the judges shall score incomplete rounds, if the bout is stopped during the progress of a round
      1. the bout will result in a technical decision awarded to the contestant who is ahead on the judges’ score cards at the time the bout is stopped
      2. a technical draw if the judges’ score cards are even at the time the bout is stopped

12. Strikes the end of a round

1. A strike that contacts a contestant concurrent with the sounding of the horn or similar device to signal the end of a round shall be deemed to be a legal blow.

13. Grounded contestant

1. A contestant is considered to be grounded if any part of the body, other than the soles of their feet or hands are touching the ground.

14. Dislodged mouthpieces

1. If a contestant’s mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during the progress of a round, the referee shall call timeout, clean the mouthpiece, and reinsert the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action.
2. If the referee determines that a contestant has deliberately spit out their mouthpiece, the referee may issue a warning to such contestant or deduct one or more points from such contestant and, upon any subsequent infraction, may disqualify the contestant.

15. Judging and scoring criteria

1. All bouts shall be scored by three judges.
2. In scoring a round, judges shall take into consideration:
   1. effective striking and grappling, where:
      1. striking takes into consideration legal blows that have immediate or cumulative impact with the potential to contribute towards the end of the bout, with the immediate impact weighing more heavily than the cumulative impact.
      2. grappling takes into consideration successful execution of takedowns, submission attempts, reversals and the achievement of advantageous positions that produce immediate or cumulative impact with the potential to contribute to the end of the bout, with the immediate impact weighing more heavily than the cumulative impact.
      3. a contestant’s effective striking or grappling dominates their opponent, causing the opponent to continually defend or react to their actions.
      4. a contestant demonstrates an advantage in duration of the round spent effectively striking or grappling, which causes their opponent to defend or react to their actions.
   2. Effective aggressiveness, which takes into consideration a contestant’s attempts to stop the bout through effective striking or grappling
   3. Effective control, which takes into consideration the contestant who is dictating the pace, place and position of the bout.
3. Judges shall only take into consideration effective aggressiveness when neither contestant has demonstrated any advantage in effective striking and grappling.
4. Judges shall only take into consideration effective control when neither contestant has demonstrated any advantage in effective striking and grappling or effective aggressiveness.
5. At the end of each round, each judge shall determine the winning contestant of that round by awarding them a gross score of ten points and by awarding a gross score of nine or less points to the opponent, depending on the judgment as to the degree to which the opponent lost the round. No fraction of points may be given. If in the opinion of the judge the round is even, each contestant shall receive ten points.
6. Judges shall use the following scoring guideline for the purpose of informing their scores

7. Following the conclusion of the round, each judge shall mark their scorecard with:
   1. the gross score of each contestant
   2. points deducted by the referee, if any
   3. the net score for each contestant
8. The judges shall only scorepoint deductions at the exclusive direction of the referee.
9. An official assigned by the Commissioner shall collect the scorecards of each judge at the end of each round, who shall in turn deliver the scorecards to the scorekeeper, who shall tally the scores of each judge.

16. Bout results

1. A bout of professional mixed martial arts shall have one of the following results:

Submissions

2. Submission by tap out, when a contestant physically uses their body to indicate that they no longer wish to continue in the bout.
3. Submission by verbal tap out, when a contestant verbally announces or otherwise indicates to the referee that they do not wish to continue in the bout.
4. Technical submission, when a legal submission results in a contestant losing consciousness or sustaining an injury that prevents them from continuing in the bout.

Knockouts and Technical Knockouts

5. Knockout, if in the opinion of the referee the contestant cannot defend themself or requires immediate medical attention due to strikes.
6. Technical knockout, if:
   1. the referee stops the bout because the contestant is not effectively defending themself
   2. the ringside medical practitioner stops the bout for any reason
   3. a contestant retires from the bout between rounds
   4. a contestant is unable to continue due to an injury sustained as a result of legal strikes
   5. a contestant is unable to continue due to a self-injury
   6. a contestant is unable to continue after five minutes, following an accidental strike to the groin or eye poke or
   7. a contestant’s lead second has requested that the referee stop the bout

Decisions

7. Unanimous decision, when all three judges score the bout for the same contestant.
8. Split decision, when two judges score the bout for one contestant and one judge scores for the opponent or
9. Majority decision, when two judges score the bout for the same contestant and one judge scores a draw.

Draws

10. Unanimous draw, when all three judges score the bout a draw.
11. Majority draw, when two judges score the bout a draw.
12. Split draw, when one judge scores the bout for one contestant, one judge scores the bout for the opponent, and one judge scores the bout a draw.

Technical decisions

13. Technical decision, when an accidental foul causes an injury that results in the bout being stopped by the referee or ringside medical practitioner following the completion of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or after the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds, and either contestant is ahead on the judges score cards at the time the bout is stopped.

Technical draws

14. Technical draw, when:
    1. an accidental foul causes an injury that results in the bout being stopped by the referee or ringside medical practitioner following the completion of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or after the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds, and the judges score cards are even at the time the bout is stopped;
    2. an accidental injury, not caused by a foul, results in the bout being stopped by the referee or ringside medical practitioner following the completion of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or after the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds, and the judges score cards are even at the time the bout is stopped;
    3. an intentional foul causes an injury that results in the bout being stopped by the referee or ringside medical practitioner following the completion of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or completion of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds , if the injured contestant is behind or even on the judges score cards at the time the bout is stopped.
    4. in the opinion of the referee, both contestants require immediate medical attention due to simultaneous strikes.

No contests

15. No contest when:
    1. an accidental foul causes an injury that results in the bout being stopped by the referee or ringside medical practitioner before the completion of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or before the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds.
    2. an intentional foul causes an injury and the bout is allowed to continue, and the same injury results in the bout being stopped by the referee or ringside medical practitioner before the end of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or before the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds.
    3. a bout has to be concluded due to unforeseen circumstances not related to the conduct of the bout, if stopped before the completion of the second round, in a bout scheduled for three rounds, or before the end of the third round, in a bout scheduled for five rounds.

Disqualifications

16. Disqualification when the referee disqualifies a contestant for any reason.