GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2007

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE BILL 1786

Short Title:     Prohibit Toughman Matches.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representatives Bordsen and Love (Primary Sponsors).
Referred to:	Judiciary II.

April 19, 2007

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to prohibit toughman matches in north carolina.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1. G.S. 143‑653 reads as rewritten:

"§ 143‑653. Ultimate warrior warrior and toughman matches prohibited.

Ultimate warrior warrior and toughman matches, whether the participants are professionals or amateurs, are prohibited. No person shall promote, conduct, or engage in ultimate warrior matches.matches. No person shall promote, conduct, or engage in toughman matches. This section shall not preclude boxing and kickboxing as regulated in this Article or professional wrestling."

SECTION 2.   G.S. 143‑652.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 143‑652.1. Regulation of Boxing.

The Alcohol Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety shall regulate live boxing and kickboxing matches, whether professional, amateur, sanctioned amateur, or toughman events, in which admission is charged for viewing, or the contestants compete for a purse or prize of value greater than twenty‑five dollars ($25.00). The Division shall have the exclusive authority to approve and issue rules for the regulation of the conduct, promotion, and performances of live boxing, kickboxing, sanctioned amateur,amateur, and amateur, and toughman matches and exhibitions in this State. The rules shall be issued pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes and may include, without limitation, the following subjects:

(1)       Requirements for issuance of licenses and permits required by this Article.

(2)       Regulation of ticket sales.

(3)       Physical requirements for contestants, including classification by weight and skill.

(4)       Supervision of matches and exhibitions by licensed physicians and referees.

(5)       Insurance and bonding requirements.

(6)       Compensation of participants and licensees.

(7)       Contracts and financial arrangements.

(8)       Prohibition of dishonest, unethical, and injurious practices.

(9)       Facilities.

(10)     Approval of sanctioning amateur sports organizations.

(11)     Procedures and requirements for compliance with the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996."

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.