Section 290. Boxing event conduct standards

A. Wrapping of each boxer's hands shall not exceed more than one continuous winding of surgeon's adhesive tape around the wrist, not over 1-1/2 inches wide, placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist. The tape may cover the hand but may not extend within 3/4 inch of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist. Soft surgical gauze, not over two inches wide, held in place by not more than six feet of surgeon's adhesive tape for each hand shall be used. Up to one 10-yard roll of surgical gauze may be used to complete the wrappings for each hand. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to hold down the gauze, not to cover the knuckles. Gauze shall be adjusted in the locker room in the presence of the event inspector or his designee. Before putting on gloves the boxer shall present his wrapped hands for inspection by the event inspector or his designee.

B. Any boxer who has signed a contract to box on a promoter's program shall be subject to be called by the department to appear at any time to be weighed or to be examined by a physician designated by the department when the department has reason to believe the boxer may not be qualified or may not be medically sound to participate in the contest.

C. Each boxer who signs a contract to box on a promoter's program shall appear at a time and place designated by the department or its contractor to be weighed on department-approved scales in the presence of each other and a representative designated by the department. Boxers shall have all weights removed from their bodies before the weigh-in but may wear shorts in the case of males, and shorts and shirts in the case of females.

D. In accordance with 15 USC § 6304, each boxer shall be examined immediately before the contest by a ringside physician assigned to the event who certifies in writing on a form provided by the department whether the boxer is physically fit to safely compete. The original health certificate will be submitted to the event inspector or his designee. In addition, each female boxer shall take a pregnancy test in the presence of a female inspector, using the pregnancy kit required by subdivision 7 of 18VAC120-40-240 or provide the ringside physician with a negative pregnancy test result taken not more than 24 hours prior to the event. The inspector will give the results to the physician and the results will be noted on the physical form. If the physician's certification fails to certify that the boxer is physically fit to safely compete, the boxer shall not participate in the contest, and shall immediately be placed on suspension on the boxer registry. All boxers shall submit to a postfight physical if requested by the ringside physician or the department or its designee.

E. All boxing events shall be conducted in accordance with the rules set forth by the Association of Boxing Commissions. The department may use the Championship Rules adopted by the Association of Boxing Commissions in any championship fight.

F. Discretional use of petroleum jelly is permitted on the face, arms or any other part of the boxer's body. In the case of a cut, topical use of a solution approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions is permitted. All other solutions are prohibited.

G. Headgear is not permitted.

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.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-831 of the Code of Virginia and 15 USC § 6301 et seq.