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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2159 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 300
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
Barry R. Finegold
_________________
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act providing oversight of youth sports and combat sports in the Commonwealth.
_______________
PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Barry R. FinegoldSecond Essex and Middlesex 1 of 34
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2159 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 300
By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 300) of Barry R. Finegold for
legislation to create a state athletic commission to provide oversight of youth and combat sports
in Massachusetts. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 2601 OF 2023-2024.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
_______________
An Act providing oversight of youth sports and combat sports in the Commonwealth.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 SECTION 1. Section 12 of chapter 22 of the General Laws is hereby repealed.
2 SECTION 2. Section 17 of chapter 23N of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
3Official Edition, is hereby amended in paragraph (2) by striking the figure “17.5” and inserting
4in place thereof the following:- “16.5”.
5 SECTION 3. Said section 17 of said chapter 23N, as so appearing, is hereby further
6amended in paragraph (3) by striking the figure “27.5” and inserting in place thereof the
7following:- “25.5”. 2 of 34
8 SECTION 4. Said section 17 of said chapter 23N, as so appearing, is hereby further
9amended in paragraph (4) by striking the figure “1” and inserting in place thereof the following:-
10“4”.
11 SECTION 5. Section 19 of said chapter 23N, as amended by section 13 of chapter 2 of
12the Acts of 2023, is hereby further amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting in
13place thereof the following 3 paragraphs:-
14 (2) For the purposes of funding after-school and out-of-school activities, including, but
15not limited to, youth athletics and other activities that improve student health, literacy programs,
16English language learning programs, academic tutoring, art, theater and music programs and
17community service programs;
18 (3) For the purposes of providing matching grants to elementary and secondary youth
19sports, organizations, clubs and other school groups to attend events, including, but not limited
20to, academic events and programs, cultural events and award ceremonies both nationally and
21internationally; and
22 (4) For a transfer to the State Athletic Commission Fund established pursuant to section
232AAAA of chapter 29 for the purpose of rebalancing any lost revenue from licensing fees
24waived in accordance with section 24 of chapter 23O.
25 SECTION 6. The General Laws are hereby amended by inserting after chapter 23N the
26following new chapter:-
27 Chapter 23O. The Massachusetts State Athletic Commission
28 Section 1. Definitions. 3 of 34
29 As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the
30context clearly requires otherwise:
31 “Affiliate”, a person who directly or indirectly controls, or is controlled by, or is under
32common control with, a specified person.
33 “Boxing”, the art of attack and defense with gloved fists practiced as a sport limited to
34legal blows above the waist and on the front or sides of the opponent.
35 “Business”, a corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or
36any other organization formed for the purpose of carrying on a commercial enterprise.
37 “Chair”, the chair of the commission.
38 “Combat sports background”, a minimum of 10 years of documented experience in
39professional unarmed combative sports including, but not limited to: (i) a professional
40combatant, (ii) a licensed promoter, (iii) a licensed manager, (iv) a licensed referee, (v) a
41licensed judge or (vi) regulator.
42 “Commission”, the Massachusetts state athletic commission established in section 2.
43 “Executive director”, the executive director of the Massachusetts state athletic
44commission.
45 “Kickboxing”, a form of competition in which a person delivers blows with any part of
46the arm below the shoulder, including the hand and any part of the leg below the hip, including
47the foot. 4 of 34
48 “Mixed martial arts”, any form of unarmed combat involving the use of a combination of
49techniques including, but not limited to, grappling, kicking and striking, commonly associated
50with boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and various disciplines of the martial arts including, but not
51limited to, karate, kung fu, tae kwon-do, Jiu-Jitsu or any combination thereof.
52 “Person”, an individual, corporation, association, operation, firm, partnership, trust or
53other form of business association.
54 “Toughman”, a boxing or unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition in which
55combatants do not qualify for licensure by the commission as a professional combatant or for
56amateur status by a commission-approved amateur organization; provided, however, that
57“toughman” shall not include matches or exhibitions conducted pursuant to section 22.
58 “Unarmed combative sport”, any form of competition in which a blow is usually struck
59which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury and no weapon is used; provided, however,
60that “unarmed combative sport” shall not include professional wrestling.
61 “Youth sport”, any organized physical activity or athletic or sporting event in which the
62team or contestants are predominantly under the age of 18; provided, however, that “youth
63sports” shall not include, for the purposes of this chapter, any athletic or sporting event subject to
64the rules and regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association,
65Middle Level Athletic Committee of the Massachusetts School Administrators Association,
66National Collegiate Athletic Association or other governing body as determined by the
67commission.
68 “Youth sports background”, expertise in general athletics and youth sports; provided,
69however, that relevant experience may include, but not be limited to: (i) a prior role as athletic 5 of 34
70director in an educational setting or as program director of a youth sports program, or (ii)
71significant academic study in physical education or youth development.
72 Section 2. Massachusetts state athletic commission; duty, qualification, term and
73compensation of commissioners; divisions; executive leadership.
74 (a) (1) There shall be a Massachusetts state athletic commission which shall consist of 5
75commissioners, 3 of whom shall be appointed by the governor, at least 1 of whom shall have a
76combat sports background in the sport of boxing and at least 1 of whom shall have a combat
77sports background in the sport of mixed martial arts, muay thai or kickboxing; and 2 of whom
78shall be appointed by a majority vote of the attorney general, the speaker of the house and the
79senate president and who shall have a youth sports background. The governor shall designate the
80chair of the commission.
81 (2) Each commissioner shall serve for a term of 5 years or until a successor is appointed
82and shall be eligible for reappointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of a
83commissioner shall be appointed in a like manner and shall serve for only the unexpired term of
84such commissioner. The governor may remove a commissioner if the commissioner: (i) is guilty
85of malfeasance in office; (ii) substantially neglects the duties of a commissioner; (iii) is unable to
86discharge the powers and duties of the commissioner’s office; or (iv) commits gross misconduct.
87 Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of 3
88commissioners shall be required for an action of the commission; provided, however, that the
89affirmative vote of at least 1 commissioner with a youth sports background shall be required for
90any action of the commission with regard to the youth sports division. The chair or 3 members of
91the commission may call a meeting; provided, however, that notice of all meetings shall be given 6 of 34
92to each commissioner and to other persons who request such notice. The commission shall adopt
93regulations establishing procedures, which may include electronic communications, by which a
94request to receive notice shall be made and the method by which timely notice may be given.
95 Commissioners shall receive salaries not greater than three quarters of the salary of the
96commissioner of administration under section 4 of chapter 7; provided, however, that the chair
97shall receive a salary equal to the salary of the commissioner of administration. Commissioners
98shall devote their full time and attention to the duties of their office.
99 (3) Commissioners shall receive compensation for traveling expenses necessarily
100incurred in the performance of their duties and shall be allowed such sums for clerical assistance
101as the commission may approve; provided, however, that the commission may designate 1 or
102more employees to represent the commission at any match or exhibited held under this chapter;
103provided further, that the commission may approve that such employee receives compensation
104for travel and incidental expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties; and
105provided further, that the commission shall establish a comprehensive employee accountability
106and internal control system that closely aligns with the human resources division’s rules and
107policies established pursuant to section 28 of chapter 7 for employees and managers not subject
108to collective bargaining under chapter 150E which takes into account rates set by the United
109States General Services Administration for similar services when determining the maximum
110reimbursable rate for such travel and incidental expenses.
111 (4) The commission shall annually elect 1 of its members to serve as secretary and 1 of
112its members to serve as treasurer. The secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the
113commission and shall be the custodian and keeper of the records of all books, documents and 7 of 34
114papers filed by the commission and of its minute book. The secretary shall cause copies to be
115made of all minutes and other records and documents of the commission and shall certify that
116such copies are true copies, and all persons dealing with the commission may rely upon such
117certification. No funds shall be transferred by the commission without the approval of the
118commission and the signature of the treasurer.
119 (b) (1) The chair shall have and exercise supervision and control over all the affairs of the
120commission. The chair shall preside at all hearings at which the chair is present and shall
121designate a commissioner to act as chair in the chair’s absence. To promote efficiency in
122administration, the chair shall, from time to time, make such division or re-division of the work
123of the commission among the commissioners as the chair deems expedient.
124 (2) All of the commissioners shall, if so directed by the chair, participate in the hearing
125and decision of any matter before the commission; provided, however, that at least 2
126commissioners shall participate in the hearing and decision of matters other than those of formal
127or administrative character coming before the commission; provided further, that at least 1
128commissioner with a youth sports background shall participate in any such matters concerning
129youth sports; and provided further, that any such matter may be heard, examined and
130investigated by an employee of the commission designed and assigned by the chair, with the
131concurrence of 1 other commissioner. Such employee shall make a report in writing relative to
132the hearing, examination and investigation of every such matter to the commission for its
133decision. For the purposes of hearing, examining and investigating any such matter, such
134employee shall have all of the powers conferred upon a commissioner by this section. For each
135hearing, the concurrence of a majority of the commissions participating in the decision shall be
136necessary. 8 of 34
137 (c) (1) The commission shall appoint an executive director. The executive director shall
138serve at the pleasure of the commission, shall receive such salary as may be determined by the
139commission, and shall devote full time and attention to the duties of the office. The executive
140director shall be a person with skill and experience in management and shall be the executive and
141administrative head of the commission. The executive director shall be responsible for
142administering and enforcing the provisions of law relative to the commission and to each
143administrative unit thereof and shall serve as the commission’s liaison to the governor and
144general court.
145 (2) The executive director may, from time to time and subject to the approval of the
146commission, establish within the commission such administrative units as may be necessary for
147the efficient and economical administration of the commission and, when necessary for such
148purpose, may abolish any such administrative unit or may merge any 2 or more units; provided,
149however, that the commission shall at all times retain a division of combat sports responsible for
150discharging the duties of sections 4 to 23, inclusive, and a division of youth sports responsible
151for discharging the duties of section 24. The executive director shall prepare and keep current a
152plan of organization of the commission, of the assignment of its functions to its various
153administrative units, office and employees and of the place at which and the methods by which
154the public may receive information or make requests. A current copy of the plan of organization
155shall be kept on file with the state secretary and in the office of the secretary of administration
156and finance.
157 (3) The executive director shall appoint and employ the following positions: 9 of 34
158 (i) General counsel, who shall provide legal advice, ensure adherence to all applicable
159general and special laws and represent the commission in legal proceedings;
160 (ii) A compliance officer, who shall monitor adherence to any applicable state regulations
161at all events licensed by the commission, collaborate with promoters and ensure that events align
162with licensing agreements entered into under this chapter; provided, however, that the
163compliance officer shall have a combat sports background or experience in regulatory roles
164within athletics;
165 (iii) A chief of communications and economic development, who shall prioritize national
166promotion, venue support, strategic partnerships, public relations, economic impact analysis,
167community development or any duties as may be assigned by the executive director;
168 (iv) A chief of the combat sports division, who shall have a combat sports background in
169the commonwealth; and
170 (v) A chief of the youth sports division, who shall have a youth sports background in the
171commonwealth.
172 (4) The executive director may, subject to the approval of the commission, employ
173additional employees, consultants, agents and advisors and shall attend meetings of the
174commission. In the case of an absence of vacancy in the office of the executive director or in the
175case of disability as determined by the commission, the commission may designate an active
176executive director to serve as executive director until the vacancy is filled or the absence or
177disability ceases. The acting executive director shall have all of the powers and duties of the
178executive director and shall have similar qualification as the executive director. 10 of 34
179 (5) The executive director may appoint such persons as the executive director shall
180consider necessary to perform the functions of the commission; provided, however, that chapter
18131 and section 9A of chapter 30 shall not apply to commission employees. If an employee
182serving in a position which is classified under said chapter 31 or in which an employee has
183tenure by reason of said section 9A of said chapter 30 shall be appointed to a position within the
184commission which is not subject to said chapter 31, the employee shall, upon termination of
185service in such position, be restored to the position which the employee held immediately prior
186to such appointment; provided however, that the employee’s service in such position shall be
187determined by the civil service commission in accordance with the standards applied by that
188commission in administering said section 9A of said chapter 30 and without loss of seniority,
189retirement or other rights to which uninterrupted service in such prior position would have
190entitled such employee. During the period of such appointment, each person so appointed from a
191position in the classified civil service shall be eligible to take any competitive promotional
192examination for which such person would otherwise have been eligible. Employees of the
193commission, including employees working in the bureau, shall be classified as group 1 pursuant
194to paragraph (g) of subdivision (2) of section 3 of chapter 32.
195 (d) (1) The commission shall require a prospective employee to: (i) submit an application
196and a personal disclosure on a form prescribed by the commission which shall include a
197complete criminal history, including convictions and current charges for all felonies and
198misdemeanors; (ii) undergo testing which detects the presence of illegal substances in the body;
199(iii) provide fingerprints and a photograph consistent with standards adopted by the state police;
200and (iv) provide authorization for the commission to conduct a background check. The
201commission shall verify the identification, employment and education of each prospective 11 of 34
202employee, including: (i) legal name, including any alias; (ii) all secondary and post-secondary
203educational institutions attended regardless of graduation status; and (iii) employment history.
204 (2) The commission shall not hire a prospective employee if the prospective employee
205has: (i) been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving a minor; (ii) had prior
206involvement with any violation of the provisions of chapters 23K or 23N; (iii) been dismissed
207from prior employment for gross misconduct or incompetence; or (iv) intentionally made a false
208statement concerning a material fact in connection with the prospective employee’s application
209to the commission. If an employee is charged with a felony or misdemeanor while employed by
210the commission, the commission shall suspend the employee, with or without pay, and may
211terminate employment with the commission upon conviction if, in the discretion of the
212commission, the offense for which the employee has been convicted bears a close relationship to
213the duties and responsibilities of the position held with the commission.
214 (e) Chapters 268A and 268B shall apply to the commissioners and to employees of the
215commission; provided, however, that the commission shall establish a code of ethics for all
216members and employees that shall be at least as restrictive as said chapters 268A and 268B. A
217copy of the code shall be filed with the state ethics commission. The code shall include
218provisions reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter and any other laws
219subject to the jurisdiction of the commission including, but not limited to: (i) prohibiting the
220receipt of gifts by commissioners and employees from any combat sports or youth sports
221licensee, affiliate or other person or entity subject to the jurisdiction of the commission; (ii)
222prohibiting the participation by commissioners and employees in a particular matter as defined in
223section 1 of said chapter 268A that affects the financial interest of a relative within the third
224degree of consanguinity or a person with whom such commissioner or employee has a significant 12 of 34
225relationship as defined in the code; and (iii) providing for recusal of a commissioner in any
226decision of the commission due to a potential or perceived conflict of interest; provided,
227however, that a commissioner’s or employee’s involvement with a youth sports team or
228organization shall not be cause for a conflict of interest if said commissioner or employee is
229involved solely as the parent of an athlete, a volunteer coach, or a volunteer trainer; and provided
230further, that any such relationship shall be disclosed to the state ethics commission.
231 (f) (1) No employee of the commission shall pursue any other business or occupation or
232other gainful employment outside of the commission without the prior written approval of the
233commission that such employment will not interfere or be in conflict with the employee’s duties
234to the commission.
235 (2) No commissioner shall hold a direct or indirect interest in, or be employed by, a
236person licensed by the commission for a period of 3 years after the termination of employment
237with the commission.
238 (3) No employee of the commission shall acquire an interest in, or accept employment
239with, a person licensed by the commission for a period of 1 year after the termination of
240employment with the commission.
241 (g) The commissioners and those employees holding major policymaking positions shall
242be sworn to the faithful performance of their official duties. The commissioners and those
243employees holding major policymaking positions shall: (i) conduct themselves in a manner so as
244to render decisions that are fair and impartial and in the public interest; (ii) avoid impropriety and
245the appearance of impropriety in all matters under their jurisdiction; (iii) avoid all prohibited
246communications; (iv) require staff and personnel subject to their direction and control to observe 13 of 34
247the same standards of fidelity and diligence; (v) disqualify themselves from proceedings in
248which their impartiality might reasonably be questioned; and (vi) refrain from financial or
249business dealings which would tend to reflect adversely on impartiality.
250 Neither the commission nor any of its officers, agents, employees, consultants or advisors
251shall be subject to sections 9A, 45, 46 and 52 of chapter 30, chapter 31 or to chapter 200 of the
252acts of 1976.
253 (h) The Massachusetts state athletic commission shall be a commission for the purposes
254of section 3 of chapter 12.
255 Section 3. Powers of the commission.
256 The commission shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate
257its purposes including, but not limited to, the power to:
258 (i) appoint officers and hire employees; establish, and from time to time amend, a plan of
259organization that it considers expedient;
260 (ii) execute all instruments necessary or convenient for accomplishing the purposes of
261this chapter;
262 (iii) enter into agreements or other transactions with a person, including, but not limited
263to, a public entity or other governmental instrumentality or authority in connection with its
264powers and duties under this chapter;
265 (iv) appear on its own behalf before boards, commissions, departments or other agencies
266of municipal, state or federal government; 14 of 34
267 (v) apply for and accept subventions, grants, loans, advances and contributions of money,
268property, labor or other things of value from any source, to be held, used and applied for its
269purposes;
270 (vi) provide and pay for advisory services and technical assistance that may be necessary
271in its judgment to carry out this chapter and fix the compensation of persons providing such
272services or assistance;
273 (vii) prepare, publish and distribute, with or without charge as the commission may
274determine, such studies, reports, bulletins and other materials as the commission considers
275appropriate;
276 (viii) require an applicant for a position which requires a license under this chapter to
277apply for such license and approve or disapprove any such application or other transactions,
278events and processes as provided in this chapter;
279 (viii) deny an application or limit, condition, restrict, revoke or suspend a license,
280registration, finding of suitability or approval, or fine a person licensed, registered, found
281suitable or approved for any cause that the commission deems reasonable;
282 (ix) gather facts and information applicable to the commission’s obligation to issue,
283suspend or revoke licenses, work permits or registrations for: (i) a violation of this chapter or any
284regulation adopted by the commission; (ii) willfully violating an order of the commission
285directed to a licensee; (iii) the conviction of a criminal offense; or (iv) the violation of any other
286offense which would disqualify such a licensee from holding a license, work permit or
287registration; 15 of 34
288 conduct investigations into the qualifications of all applicants for employment by the
289commission and by any regulated entity and all applications for licensure;
290 (x) request and receive from the state police, the criminal history systems board or other
291criminal justice agencies including, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
292the Internal Revenue Service, such criminal offender record information relating to criminal and
293background investigations as necessary for the purpose of evaluating employees of, and
294applicants for employment by, the commission and any regulated entity, and evaluating licensees
295and applicants for licensure under this chapter;
296 (xi) levy and collect assessments, fees and fines and impose penalties and sanctions for a
297violation of this chapter or any regulations promulgating by the commission;
298 (xii) collect taxes and fees under this chapter;
299 (xiii) restrict, suspend or revoke licenses issued under this chapter;
300 (xiv) conduct adjudicatory proceedings and promulgate regulations in accordance with
301chapter 30A;
302 (xv) refer cases for criminal prosecution to the appropriate federal, state or local
303resources;
304 (xvi) issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses at any place within the
305commonwealth, administer oaths and require testimony under oath before the commission in the
306course of an investigation or hearing conducted under this chapter;
307 (xvii) maintain an official internet website for the commission; 16 of 34
308 adopt, amend or repeal regulations for the implementation, administration and
309enforcement of this chapter; and
310 (xviii) act as trustees for the Boxers’ Fund established in section 2AAAA½ of chapter 29
311and the State Athletic Commission Fund established in section 2AAAA of said chapter 29.
312 Section 4. Necessity of license to hold boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
313unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition.
314 No boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or
315sparring match or exhibition for a prize or purse, or at which an admission fee is charged, either
316directly or indirectly, in the form of dues or otherwise, whether professional or amateur, shall
317take place or be conducted except in accordance with a license granted as hereinafter provided
318by the commission. Applications for a license shall be accompanied by the fee, as established
319annually the commissioner of administration and finance pursuant to section 3B of chapter 7,
320which may take into consideration the population of the city or town or the seating capacity of
321the building or place in which the match or exhibition is to be held; provided, however, that a
322license, the fee for which is established on the basis of seating capacity of a building or place as
323aforesaid, shall be exercised only in such building or place. Toughman or similar type matches or
324exhibitions shall be prohibited. In the case of exhibitions or bouts held in accordance with the
325rules and regulations of amateur organizations as may be approved by the commission, the
326commission may issue special licenses without the requirement of a bond as provided in section
3276 or payment of the annual fee.
328 Any persons holding, conducting, promoting or participating in a match or exhibition
329held without a license, as provided in section 5, or a toughman or similar type match or 17 of 34
330exhibition, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of corrections for not more than 3
331months or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both such fine and imprisonment.
332 Matches or exhibitions under the governance of the Massachusetts Interscholastic
333Athletic Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any equivalent school or
334college organization shall be exempt from the requirements of this section if the competitors are
335amateurs; provided, however, that any such match or exhibition that the commission determines
336to be a youth sport shall be subject to the licensing requirements contained herein. In the case of
337such a youth sport, the commission may, at its discretion, issue a special license without the
338requirement of a bond as provided in section 6 or payment of the annual fee.
339 A license may be granted to an applicant under this chapter, notwithstanding the social
340security number requirements of section 13A of chapter 30A; provided, however, that the
341applicant provides a form of identification sufficient to identify the applicant.
342 Section 5. Issuance and term of license; revocation of license; issuance of license for
343toughman competition prohibited.
344 In accordance with this chapter, the commission may issue licenses to conduct boxing,
345kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches
346and exhibitions. The license shall be valid only for the date approved by the commission. The
347commission may revoke the license at any time in the interest of public safety. No license shall
348be issued for a toughman competition or similar event.
349 Section 6. Bond 18 of 34
350 Except as otherwise provided in subsections (a) and (c) of section 4, no license as
351aforesaid shall be granted unless the licensee has executed and filed with the commission a bond
352in a penal sum of $50,000, with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the commission,
353running to the commission, conditioned upon the payment to the commonwealth of the sums
354mentioned in section 15, and upon faithful compliance by the licensee with the provisions of this
355chapter, the rules and regulations of the commission and with such other laws of the
356commonwealth and may be applicable to anything done by the licensee in pursuance of the
357license. The commission may enforce the terms of the bond for the use and benefit of any person
358who may suffer loss by reason of the failure by the licensee to carry out terms of the bout
359agreement or due to acts of the licensee determined to be detrimental to combat sports. The bond
360shall also provide for a forfeiture to the commonwealth, recoverable at the suit of the attorney
361general, of each sum, not exceeding $10,000, as may be stipulated in the bond for each case of
362non-compliance.
363 Section 7. Licenses for physician, promoter, referee, judge, timekeeper, professional
364boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant, or a
365manager, trainer or second of such a contestant; fees.
366 No person shall act, directly or indirectly, as a physician, promoter, referee, judge,
367timekeeper, professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed
368combative sport contestant, or as a manager, trainer or second of such a contestant, at a match or
369exhibition or as a matchmaker therefore, unless licensed by the commission upon receipt of the
370classified fee to be determined annually by the commissioner of administration and finance
371under section 3B of chapter 7. The commission shall set minimum requirements for licensure
372based upon skill or other fundamental prerequisites deemed necessary to adequately and safely 19 of 34
373execute the functions of the respective position. The commission may refuse to license any
374individual who does not meet those requirements or whose safety and well-being it determines
375will be put at substantial risk by engaging in their respective position. Whoever acts in such
376capacity, without being so license shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000. Any
377official who desires to officiate without charge at amateur boxing or sparring matching or
378exhibitions shall be licensed without charge. In accordance with section 12, the commission may
379license an individual who is under 18 years of age without charge.
380 Section 8. Amateur boxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
381events, sparring matches and exhibitions; acknowledgment of rules and regulations of amateur
382governing body; licensing of amateur referees, judges and officials; limitation on number and
383timing of competitions; gloves.
384 Notwithstanding section 9, the commission shall, in the conduct of all amateur boxing,
385mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches and exhibitions
386sanctioned by the national governing body and its local affiliate which are appointed and
387recognized by the United States Olympic Committee for such purposes, acknowledge and follow
388the rules and regulations of the amateur governing bodies.
389 No amateur match which is subject to section 4 shall be held unless it is licensed by the
390commission and sanctioned and supervised by an amateur sanctioning organization approved by
391the commission.
392 The commission shall recognize and license, upon receipt of the classified fee to be
393determined annually by the commissioner of administration and finance of section 3B of chapter 20 of 34
3947, the amateur referees, judges and other amateur officials assigned to the amateur matches or
395exhibitions by the amateur governing bodies and certified under their rules and regulations.
396 The commission shall cooperate fully with the amateur boxing governing bodies to assure
397that amateur boxers are eligible to participate and compete for selection to the United States
398Olympic boxing team.
399 No contestant in amateur boxing shall compete in more than 2 tournaments in any 7-day
400period, nor shall the contestant participate in more than 3 contests in a period of 13 hours. All
401amateur boxing or sparring matches or exhibitions shall terminate not later than 12:30 a.m. on
402the day following the start of the match.
403 During a contest, contestants in amateur boxing or kickboxing matches or exhibitions
404shall wear gloves weighing at least 8 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the amateur
405boxing governing body. During a contest, contestants in amateur mixed martial arts and other
406unarmed combative sport matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces
407each unless otherwise authorized by the amateur governing body.
408 Section 9. Necessity of referee and judges; power and duties; vote; decision; forfeitures;
409fees of officials; payment
410 (a) At every boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
411event, sparring match or exhibition there shall be in attendance a referee, duly licensed under this
412section and sections 7 and 8. There shall also be in attendance at least 3 duly-licensed judges,
413each of whom shall, at the termination of a match or exhibition, vote for the contestant in whose
414favor the decision should, in their opinion, be rendered or, for a draw if, in their opinion, neither
415contestant is entitled to a decision in their favor and the decision shall be rendered in favor of the 21 of 34
416contestant receiving a majority of the votes or, if neither receives a majority as aforementioned, a
417decision of a draw shall be rendered. Upon the rendering of a decision, the vote of each judge
418shall be announced from the ring. The referee shall have full power to stop the match or
419exhibition whenever they deem it advisable because of the physical condition of a contestant or
420when 1 contestant is clearly outclassed by their opponent or for other sufficient reason.
421 (b) The commission shall set forth rules and regulations for contracts between a manager
422and an unarmed combatant and contracts between a promoter and an unarmed combatant. An
423unarmed combatant may not enter into a contract with a manager or a promoter unless it is filed
424with the commission prior to a scheduled contest in an amount of time set forth by the
425commission. The commission shall only honor a contract that is executed and notarized on a
426form provided by the commission, unless the terms of the contract comply with the requirements
427set forth by the commission.
428 (c) The commission shall be the sole arbiter of a breach of contract and may establish
429rules governing breach of contract dispute resolution. If during a contest, a contestant is believed
430to not be competing in good faith, a member of the commission or their designee shall withhold
431any prize, remuneration or purse until a hearing can be held. The commission shall at a hearing
432following the contest declare forfeited any prize, remuneration or purse or any part thereof,
433belonging to a contestant if, in the judgment of a majority of the commissioners, after
434consultation with the judges and the referee, the contestant was not competing in good faith.
435 (d) Whoever violates any provision of this chapter or who conducts themselves at any
436time or place in a manner which is deemed by the commission to reflect discredit to any unarmed 22 of 34
437combative sports, may have their license revoked and fined, suspended or otherwise disciplined
438in such manner as the commission may direct.
439 Section 10. Necessity of physician; duties; qualifications; fees; certificate of contestant’s
440fitness
441 At any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
442event, sparring match or exhibition there shall be in attendance at least 1 duly licensed physician,
443whose duty it shall be to observe the physical condition of the contestants and advise the referee
444or judges with regard thereto. A competent physician who has at least 3 years of experience as a
445medical practitioners may be licensed. No contestant shall be allowed to enter the ring unless a
446physician licensed under this section and section 7 certifies in writing that the contestant is
447physically fit to engage in the proposed contest. The physician’s fee, as fixed by the commission,
448shall be paid by the licensee conducting the match or exhibition.
449 Section 11. Number and time of rounds; frequency of tournaments or contests; gloves;
450protective devices
451 No boxing, kickboxing or other unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition shall
452exceed 10 rounds; provided, however, if a match is to determine a championship, it may exceed
453the round limits with the prior approval of the commission. No mixed martial arts match or
454exhibition shall exceed 3 rounds; provided, however, if a match is to determine a championship,
455it may exceed the round limits with the prior approval of the commission. No round in a boxing,
456kickboxing or other unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition shall exceed 3 minutes. No
457round in a mixed martial arts match or exhibition shall exceed 5 minutes. No contestant in a
458professional match or exhibition shall participate in more than 10 rounds unless otherwise 23 of 34
459authorized by the commission, as the case may be, during a 72-hour period. During a contest,
460contestants in professional boxing and kickboxing matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves
461weighing at least 8 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the commission. During a
462contest, contestants in mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sporting events, matches
463or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by
464the commission. Every contestant participating in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
465other unarmed combative sporting event or exhibition shall be required to wear standard
466protective devices as outlined by regulation by the commission.
467 Section 12. Ages of contestants and persons admitted to matches
468 (a) Except as hereinafter provided, no contestant under 18 years of age or over 34 years
469of age shall be permitted to engage in a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed
470combative sport event, sparring match or exhibition, except that the age requirement shall not
471apply to a world boxing champion who is still actively engaged as a professional boxer, or to a
472former boxing champion of the world who has not been inactive as a professional boxer for more
473than 2 years from the date of their last boxing contest; provided, however, that an amateur boxer
474shall be allowed to compete as such at the age of 16. At the discretion of the commission, a
475professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combat sports
476contest over the age of 34 may be permitted to engage in a match if the contestant has passed a
477physical examination or is otherwise medically cleared to participate by a physician selected by
478the commission. At the discretion of the commission, an amateur boxer who is 16 or 17 years of
479age may be licensed as a professional boxer. The foregoing shall not apply to courses of
480instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sports
481sponsored and conducted by recognized boys and girls clubs, youth organizations, private clubs 24 of 34
482and athletic associations, schools or colleges, municipal or state park or recreational departments,
483law enforcement organizations or incorporated, private, nonprofit boxing teams, under the
484supervision of qualified instructors and directors; provided, however, that at the discretion of the
485commission the requirements relative to amateur boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
486unarmed combative sports under sections 4 to 23, inclusive, may apply to such courses of
487instruction and any related matches or exhibitions.
488 (b) No person under the age of 16 shall be admitted to, or be present at, a professional
489match or exhibition unless accompanied by an adult.
490 Section 13. Boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative
491sport contestant previously knocked out six or more times
492 No professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed
493combative sport contestant licensed under section 7 who has been knocked out, technically or
494otherwise, or lost a contest by way of submission, 6 or more times in the preceding 12 months
495shall take part in a match or exhibition until they have been examined and found fit to take part
496in a match or exhibition, by a physician selected by the commission, at a place and time
497designated by the commission. The cost of conducting the examination shall be borne by the
498contestant. If a contestant is found unfit to engage in a match or exhibition, they shall be
499excluded from participation for 3 months, after which time they may make a request to the
500commission for another physical examination. A license issued to an individual under section 7
501shall be immediately suspended for at least 30 days if the individual is knocked out.
502 Section 14. Insurance on contestants 25 of 34
503 A person licensed under section 5 to conduct boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
504other unarmed combative sport events, sparring matches or exhibitions, except those persons to
505whom a special license may be granted thereunder without the requirement of a bond or payment
506of the annual fee, shall take out a policy of accident insurance on each contestant participating in
507the match or exhibition in the amount of $5,000 to compensate said contestant for medical and
508hospital expenses incurred as the result of injuries received in such match or exhibition and a
509policy in the amount of $50,000 to be paid to the estate of the deceased contestant in the event of
510death to the contestant resulting from participation in the match or exhibition. The premiums on
511the policies shall be paid by the licensee.
512 Section 15. Percentage of receipts paid to commonwealth; reports to commission; filing
513of contracts entered into for sale, lease or exploitation of broadcasting rights; enforcement
514 (a) Every licensee holding or conducting a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
515other unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or other unarmed combative sporting
516event, sparring match or exhibition shall, before the commencement of the final feature bout of
517the event, pay to the commission a sum equal to 5 per cent of the total gross receipts from the
518sale of tickets or from admission fees. The licensee shall pay to the commission an additional
519sum equal to 2 per cent of the total gross receipts generated by the sale, lease or other
520exploitation of the television, pay-per-view, motion picture or other broadcasting rights,
521regardless of whether the event is broadcast live or in the future, such sum to be paid by the
522licensee whether or not the licensee ever receives a portion of that amount; provided, however,
523that if the match or exhibition is conducted as an incidental feature in an event or entertainment
524of a different character, the portion of the total receipts and the total amount shall be paid to the
525commonwealth, as the commission may determine or as may be fixed by rule adopted by the 26 of 34
526commission. If the payment is for a fixed amount, payment shall be made 24 hours prior to the
527event but in no event shall payment be made later than 48 hours after the live event. Pay-per-
528view showings of an event more than 48 hours after the live event shall be exempt from the
529requirements of this section. The broadcasting fee imposed under this section shall be not more
530than $75,000 per event. Within 72 hours after its conclusion, the licensee shall furnish to the
531commonwealth a report, showing the exact number of tickets sold and admission fees collected
532for the contest, the gross receipts thereof and such other data as the commission may require.
533 (b) A licensee holding or conducting a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
534unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or exhibition shall, at least 48 hours before a
535licensed contest or exhibition, file with the commission a copy of all contracts entered into for
536the sale, lease, or other exploitation of broadcasting rights for the contest or exhibition. All
537contracts filed with the commission under this section shall be exempt from disclosure in section
53810 of chapter 66. The commission shall enforce this section.
539 Section 16. Boxers’ Fund
540 Every licensee holding or conducting any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
541unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition shall, before the
542commencement of the feature bout of the event, pay to the state treasurer, in addition to the
543payment required under section 15, a sum equal to 1 per cent of the total gross receipts from the
544sale or tickets or from admission fees; provided, however, that if the match or exhibition is
545conducted as an incidental feature in an event or entertainment of a different character, the
546portion of the total receipts shall be paid to the commonwealth as the commission may 27 of 34
547determine. Such sums shall be credited by the state treasurer to the Boxers’ Fund established
548pursuant to section 2AAAA½ of chapter 29.
549 Section 17. Number of persons admitted; limitation
550 No licensee under section 5 shall sell or cause to be sold or issued more tickets or
551invitations purporting to admit to any such match or exhibition, or otherwise admit to the same,
552more persons than are admissible according to the authorized capacity of the building, or part
553thereof actually used therefor.
554 Section 18. Revocation or suspension of license; administrative penalty
555 (a) Any license may be revoked or suspended by the commission for a violation of any
556provision of this chapter or of any other law of the commonwealth or of any rule or regulation
557adopted by the commission or whenever the licensee has, in the judgment of the commission,
558been guilty of any act or offense detrimental to the public interest.
559 (b) The commission may suspend a license of a combatant issued under section 7 without
560a hearing upon a finding that it would be unsafe for the individual to compete until either the
561passing of a fixed period of time or upon medical clearance. The commission may assess an
562administrative penalty not to exceed $2,000 for each violation of this chapter or the
563commission’s rules and regulations committed by an individual required to be licensed herein.
564 Section 19. Financial interest of licensee in boxer; prepayment of contestant
565 No licensee under section 5 shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest in a
566boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant
567competing on premises owned or leased by the licensee, or in which the licensee is otherwise 28 of 34
568interested. No contestant in a match or exhibition shall be paid for services before the same are
569rendered.
570 Section 20. Enjoining unlicensed or illegal matches
571 The superior court shall have jurisdiction in equity upon any information filed by the
572commission, the attorney general, the district attorney for the district where a match or exhibition
573is held or is announced to be held, the police authorities of the city or town where a match or
574exhibition is held or is announced to be held, or by any five legal voters of the commonwealth
575stating that a certain building, tenement or place is used for matches or exhibitions, whether
576professional or amateur, by an individual, group, partnership, club, corporation or association not
577licensed under section 5 or contrary to any provision of this sections 4 to 23, inclusive, or that a
578match or exhibition is being advertised or announced, or has been advertised or announced, to
579take place in a certain building or place, or that a certain individual, club, corporation or
580association is selling, exchanging or giving away tickets, tokens or symbols purporting to entitle
581the holder to the right or privilege of attending a certain match or exhibition not licensed by the
582commission and contrary to the provisions of this chapter to enjoin and abate the same as a
583common nuisance.
584 Section 21. Prohibition of licensed event by municipality; notice of exercise of municipal
585option
586 The commission shall notify a municipality in writing of the issuance of a license for an
587event scheduled to take place therein within 24 hours of said issuance. At its option, a
588municipality may prohibit an event licensed by the commission under section 5. The prohibition
589shall be by a majority vote of the city council with approval of the mayor in a city or by a 29 of 34
590majority vote of the select board in a town. The municipal option shall be exercised within 7
591days of issuance of a license by the commission. The municipality shall notify the commission
592within 24 hours of any such action. Upon receipt of such notice, the commission shall
593immediately notify the promoter of the determination of the municipality and the license shall be
594revoked.
595 Section 22. Courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and other
596unarmed combative sports or matches or exhibitions sponsored by youth organizations, private
597clubs, law enforcement agencies, etc.
598 Except as otherwise provided herein, courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed
599martial arts and other unarmed combative sports, or sparring matches or exhibitions sponsored
600and conducted by recognized boys and girls clubs, youth organization, private clubs and athletic
601associations, schools and colleges, law enforcement agencies or municipal or state parks and
602recreation departments, under the supervision of qualified instructors and directors, shall not
603require a license under section 5 to be conducted; provided, however, that the commission may
604at its discretion require a match or exhibition under this section to procure a license under section
6055 if such match or exhibition is conducted in substantially the same character as amateur or
606professional matches which require licensure pursuant to this chapter.
607 Section 23. Statutes not applicable to matches or exhibitions
608 Sections 9 to 12, inclusive, of chapter 265 shall not apply to any boxing, kickboxing,
609mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition
610licensed under section 5 and conducted under and in accordance with this chapter and any
611accompanying rules and regulations promulgated by the commission. 30 of 34
612 Section 24. Regulation of youth sports; public education campaign; recommendations
613 (a) The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations related to participation in and
614the administration of youth sports in the commonwealth. Regulations may include, but not be
615limited to: (i) maximum participation hours per youth sport in a defined period of time; (ii)
616licensing of businesses and coaches, including licensing fees and the conditions under which any
617such licensing fee may be waived to promote access to participation; (iii) criminal offender
618record information, provided that the commission may prohibit an individual from obtaining any
619applicable license on the basis of a felony conviction in order to prioritize player safety, at the
620discretion of the commission; and (iv) standards for player safety, including concussion
621protocols and athletic trainer requirements.
622 (b) Except as provided for by any general or special law to the contrary, the commission
623shall enforce such rules and regulations; provided, however, that penalties for noncompliance
624under this section may include, but not be limited to: (i) suspension or revocation of any
625applicable license issued by the commission; (ii) enjoinment and abatement of a particular youth
626sports event occurring in violation of this section; or (iii) fines as determined by the commission.
627 (c) The commission shall conduct a public education campaign regarding youth sports.
628The commission shall exercise its discretion with regard to distribution means and methods;
629provided, however, that said campaign shall be directed primarily toward parents, coaches, youth
630athletes and other members of the public. Said campaign shall include, but not be limited to, the
631physical and mental health, personal financial and economic development impacts of youth
632sports. The commission shall consult with subject matter experts in the preparation of said
633campaign, including on the matters of single sport specialization, appropriate training and 31 of 34
634overtraining conscious of athlete age and the relationship between youth sports participation and
635higher education or career outcomes.
636 (d) The commission shall annually, not later than November 1, file a written report with
637the respective clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on economic
638development and emerging technologies and the joint committee on health care financing
639describing therein the activities undertaken by the commission regarding youth sports for the
640prior year, including any recommendations or requests for legislation arising therefrom in
641furtherance of the purpose of the commission and the current rates of any licensing fees fixed by
642the commission in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, if any. The commission may, at
643any time, request or recommend such legislative remedies, provided that any such previously
644extended request or recommendation shall also be summarized in said report.
645 SECTION 7. Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
646striking section 2AAAA and inserting in place thereof the following:-
647 Section 2AAAA. State Athletic Commission Fund
648 (a) There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate
649fund to be known as the State Athletic Commission Fund. The Massachusetts state athletic
650commission, established pursuant to section 2 of chapter 23O, shall be the trustee of the fund and
651shall expend monies to finance operational activities of said commission. The fund shall be
652credited any appropriations, bond proceeds or other monies authorized by the general court and
653specifically designated to be credited thereto, any monies from licensing fees or other fees and
654fines collected under sections 4 to 7, inclusive, 15 and 18 of chapter 23O and section 12 of
655chapter 265 and any monies credited from the Youth Development and Achievement Fund 32 of 34
656pursuant to section 19 of chapter 23N. All available monies in the fund that are unexpended at
657the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for
658expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year. Said commission shall record all expenditures made by
659a subsidiary on the Massachusetts management and account reporting system according to
660regulations established by the state comptroller. For the purposes of accommodating
661discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, said commission
662may incur expense and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower
663of $750,000 or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system.
664 (b) The Massachusetts state athletic commission shall, for the purposes of compliance
665with state finance law, operate as a state agency as defined in section 1 of chapter 29 and shall be
666subject to the provisions applicable to agencies under the control of the governor including, but
667not limited to, chapters 7, 7A, 10 and 29; provided, however, that the comptroller may identify
668any additional instructions or actions necessary for the commission to manage fiscal operations
669in the state accounting system and meet statewide and other governmental accounting and audit
670standards. Unless otherwise exempted by law or the applicable central service agency, said
671commission shall participate in any other available commonwealth central services including, but
672not limited to, the state payroll system under section 31 of said chapter 29 and may purchase
673other goods and services provided by state agencies in accordance with comptroller provisions.
674The comptroller may chargeback said commission for the transition and ongoing costs for
675participation in the state accounting and payroll systems and may retain and expend such costs
676without further appropriation for the purposes of this section. Said commission shall be subject
677to section 5D of chapter 29 and subsection (f) of section 6B of chapter 29. 33 of 34
678 (c) The commission shall annually submit a finance plan to the secretary of
679administration and finance, the chairs of the house and senate committees on ways and means
680and the chairs of the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies. Said
681finance plan shall include, but not be limited to, activities related to the State Athletic
682Commission Fund and the Boxers’ Fund established pursuant to section 2AAAA½.”
683 SECTION 8. Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby further amended
684by inserting after section 2AAAA the following new section:-
685 Section 2AAAA½. Boxers’ Fund
686 There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund
687to be known as the Boxers’ Fund. The Massachusetts state athletic commission, established
688pursuant to section 2 of chapter 23O, shall be the trustee of the fund and shall expend for the use
689and benefit of a contestant or former contestant in an event governed by chapter 23O and any
690accompanying regulations promulgated by said commission under the purview of said
691commission for funeral expenses or assistance needed as a result of an injury suffered while
692participating in such an event. The fund shall be credited any appropriations, bond proceeds or
693other monies authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited thereto
694and any monies collected under section 15 of chapter 23O. All available monies in the fund that
695are unexpended at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be
696available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.”
697 SECTION 9. Sections 32 to 51, inclusive, of chapter 147 of the General Laws are hereby
698repealed. 34 of 34
699 SECTION 10. Section 9 of chapter 265 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
700Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking the words “sections thirty-two to fifty, inclusive,
701of chapter one hundred and forty-seven” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “sections 4
702to 23, inclusive, of chapter 23O”.
703 SECTION 11. Section 10 of said chapter 265, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
704striking the words “sections thirty-two to fifty, inclusive, of chapter one hundred and forty-
705seven” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “sections 4 to 23, inclusive, of chapter
70623O”.
707 SECTION 12. Section 12 of said chapter 265, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
708striking the words “sections 32 to 50A, inclusive, of chapter 147,” and inserting in place thereof
709the following:- “sections 4 to 23, inclusive, of chapter 23O”.