Definitions
- Professional boxer or wrestler: One who competes for money, teaches or practices the sport for livelihood.
- Purse: Prize money, percentage, or other remuneration for the contest.
- Commission: Refers to the Boxing and Wrestling Commission.
Powers and Duties of the Commission
- Supervise and regulate boxing/wrestling contests involving prizes or admission fees.
- Supervise officials and employees connected with contests.
- Make rules and regulations subject to Secretary of the Interior's approval.
- Cooperate with amateur and collegiate boxing organizations.
- Appoint personnel and inspect financial records of organizers.
- Perform other duties as prescribed by law or executive order.
Permits for Staging Contests
- Staging contests with purses requires a permit from the Commission.
- Permits specify event details including opposing parties, venue, date, and rounds.
- Permits can be suspended or revoked for just cause.
Licensing Requirements
- Judges, referees, physicians, matchmakers, boxers, wrestlers, managers, trainers, and seconds must secure annual licenses.
- Qualifications prescribed by the Commission with Secretary's approval.
- Boxers and wrestlers must pass physical and mental fitness examinations by Commission-designated physicians.
- The Commission may order examinations anytime to assess fitness.
Age Restrictions
- Minimum age for professional contest participation is eighteen years.
Scheduling Restrictions
- Contests allowed at most twice a week, between 2:00 PM and midnight.
Admission Restrictions
- No admission for persons under 16 unless accompanied by parent/guardian.
- No admission to persons carrying firearms except authorized officials, intoxicated persons, and disorderly individuals.
Officials at Contests
- Commission assigns licensed referees, judges, timekeepers, announcers, physicians, and a Commission representative.
- Salaries for officials paid by promoters except for Commission representative.
- Referees responsible for conduct of assistants designated by contestants.
Duties of Promoters and Conductors
- Maintain peace and order during contests.
- Enforce observance of rules and regulations.
Licensing Fees
- Promoters/organizers pay annual or quarterly fees based on venue capacity.
- Boxers, wrestlers, officials pay annual fees.
- Higher fees permitted by local ordinance with Presidential approval.
- Fees accrue to the local government where the event is held.
Medical Presence Requirement
- Promoters must provide a licensed physician with minimum three years of practice at each contest.
- Physician to certify physical condition of contestants before the event.
Rules Governing Contests
- Commission to promulgate rules on contests, behavior, and officials' duties.
- Until promulgation, standard established rules apply.
Prohibition of Sham or Fraudulent Contests
- License revocation for promoters participating in sham contests.
- First offense for contestants: one year suspension.
- Second offense: permanent disqualification.
Surety Bond for Ticket Holders
- Promoters must post bond equivalent to 25% of estimated gross receipts.
- Bond guarantees payment if main event fails to occur as scheduled.
- Bond payable within 15 days after default to reimburse ticket purchasers.
Surety Bond for Payment of Services
- Additional surety bond of 25% of estimated gross receipts to guarantee payment to boxers, officials, and personnel.
Contracts Filing
- All contracts between promoters and boxers, managers, and officials must be filed with the Commission 7 days before the event.
- Disputed claims by promoters automatically suspend the boxer/wrestler until resolved.
Payment Procedures
- Purses and payments must be made immediately after contests in presence of Commission auditor.
- Receipts must be issued and a copy given to the Commission representative.
Admission Ticket Regulation
- Commission supervises ticket sales.
- Venue plans must be approved by Commission.
- Ticket prices and event dates appear on tickets and require Commission approval for changes.
- Promoters allocate 1% of gross receipts towards Commission expenses.
Inspectors and Auditing Officers
- Commission assigns inspectors to monitor adherence to rules during contests.
- Auditing officers verify ticket sales.
- Necessary assistants provided to inspectors and auditors.
Exemption for Amateur Contests
- Amateur contests under recognized educational institutions or athletic societies without purses exempted from regulations.
Budgeting and Auditing of Commission Funds
- Commission expenditures subject to Presidential-approved budget.
- Funds audited by the Auditor General or authorized representative.
Appeals Process
- Commission actions appealable to Secretary of the Interior.
- Secretary's decision final unless modified or revoked by the President.
Forfeiture of Fees
- Fees paid to the Government are forfeited upon cancellation or revocation of permit or license due to violations.