Section 190. Duties of referees

An assigned referee shall pass a prefight physical performed by the ringside physician in accordance with 18VAC120-40-220, comply with all procedures established by the department, perform other duties as assigned to assure compliance with this chapter, and perform the following duties before, during, and after each assigned contest:

1. Provide the prefight instructions to boxers or martial artists;

2. Assure that each boxer or martial artist is properly gloved and wearing the required safety equipment;

3. Exercise supervision over the conduct of the contest to assure compliance with this chapter and to take immediate corrective action when a failure to comply is observed;

4. Immediately stop any contest when, in his judgment, one of the boxers or martial artists is outclassed by the other, injured, or otherwise unable to safely continue to participate in the contest;

5. Endeavor to perform his duties in a manner which does not impede the fair participation of either boxer or martial artist;

6. Consult, when he feels it appropriate, with the ringside physician on the advisability of stopping the contest if either boxer or martial artist appears injured or unable to continue;

7. Count for knockdowns and knockouts;

8. Determine fouls and stop contests;

9. Immediately stop any contest and notify the department's representative or contractor present at the event if one or both of the boxers or martial artists is not putting forth his best effort; and

10. Assure the health and well-being of the boxers and martial artists to the greatest extent possible.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 15, Issue 21, eff. August 5, 1999; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 23, eff. August 27, 2003; Volume 23, Issue 24, eff. September 5, 2007; Volume 32, Issue 25, eff. September 7, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia.