Austin "OT" Baitman
08-06-2006, 09:24 AM
I talked with several of the Canadian fighters/trainers at the world classic, and a few invited me to officiate at their events. Of course, being ever aware of the relevant regulations, I asked "would I need a government license of any kind, to include, without limitation, from a commission?" They answered yes. I replied "even for amateurs?" Again they responded in the affirmative. I then realized they were refering to the requirements of a particular section of Canada's Criminal Code, Section 83.
Section 83 is meant to prohibit "prize fights", but exempts boxing (and by interpretation, kickBOXING (caps for emphasis) IF the events are regulated by a commission. However there is one other part.
Excerpted direct from section 83 (bold portion in caps is relevant)
BUT A BOXING CONTEST BETWEEN AMATEUR SPORTSMEN, where the contestants wear boxing gloves of not less than one hundred and forty grams each in mass, or any boxing contest held with the permission or under the authority of an athletic board or commission or similar body established by or under the authority of the legislature of a province for the control of sport within the province, SHALL BE DEEMED NOT TO BE A PRIZE FIGHT.
Thus, an amateur kickboxing fight appears to be exempt from Section 83 entirely. Promoters may use this to their advantage. The following are my reccomendations:
1. The contestants must all be amateur, as defined by the Canadian Olympic Committee. THIS INCLUDES THE MAIN EVENT!!! EVEN ONE PRO BOUT AND YOU LOSE THE EXEMPTION (AT LEAST FOR THAT BOUT)!
2. For safety and fairness reasons, bouts should be overseen by a reputable sanctioning body, to include, without limitation, the IKF.
3. Amateurs MUST NOT be paid a purse. Payment of reasonable travel expenses, consistent with Canadian rules on amateur status, is permitted and encouraged.
Section 83 is meant to prohibit "prize fights", but exempts boxing (and by interpretation, kickBOXING (caps for emphasis) IF the events are regulated by a commission. However there is one other part.
Excerpted direct from section 83 (bold portion in caps is relevant)
BUT A BOXING CONTEST BETWEEN AMATEUR SPORTSMEN, where the contestants wear boxing gloves of not less than one hundred and forty grams each in mass, or any boxing contest held with the permission or under the authority of an athletic board or commission or similar body established by or under the authority of the legislature of a province for the control of sport within the province, SHALL BE DEEMED NOT TO BE A PRIZE FIGHT.
Thus, an amateur kickboxing fight appears to be exempt from Section 83 entirely. Promoters may use this to their advantage. The following are my reccomendations:
1. The contestants must all be amateur, as defined by the Canadian Olympic Committee. THIS INCLUDES THE MAIN EVENT!!! EVEN ONE PRO BOUT AND YOU LOSE THE EXEMPTION (AT LEAST FOR THAT BOUT)!
2. For safety and fairness reasons, bouts should be overseen by a reputable sanctioning body, to include, without limitation, the IKF.
3. Amateurs MUST NOT be paid a purse. Payment of reasonable travel expenses, consistent with Canadian rules on amateur status, is permitted and encouraged.