TRCAA
TEXAS RAGE IN THE CAGE
2010
INTRODUCTION
These Mixed Martial Arts events are sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations and are in compliance of all State regulations.
Texas Rage in the Cage Amateur Association is focused on paving a safe way for fighters interested in competing at a Professional Mixed Martial Arts Event one day. Establishing sanctioned amateur events with Rules and Guidelines set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Giving the fighters the experience they often need before becoming professional fighters. Sanctioned events will help in eliminating illegal and often dangerous backyard brawls and events. T.R.C.A.A. is dedicated to the safety and well being of its fighters.
The purpose of this document is to provide our Rules, Regulations and By-Laws for
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events, which are combative sports in which two competitors attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a variety of permitted techniques, including Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Judo, Boxing, Karate, Kickboxing, Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do.
- Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition is a blend of offensive and defensive skills used in the art of self-defense. In amateur competition, a fighter uses speed, maneuverability and technique to win by knockout, submission, or decision. The inclusion of striking, grappling, and submission wrestling in competition transforms the event into an exciting combination of conditioning, defense, offense and strategy.
· Striking Contests events are considered a sub-set of mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. For the purpose of this document a Striking contest is a combat sport in which two competitors attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a wide variety of permitted Martial Arts, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai techniques.
All rules stated herein, apply to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai and Kick Boxing contests approved by TRCAA.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Contestants will be required to register with TRCAA at least 30 days prior to the contestant participating in a TRCAA Amateur event. Each contestant will be required to register online (http://www.texasrageinthecage.com) via our public organizational website and provide any required written documentation to TRCAA offices or submitted at the official weigh in.
All contestants must complete and provide the following to compete in a TRCAA sanctioned event:
· Online registration at texasrageinthecage.com
· Signed affidavit ensuring amateur status (below)
· Medical results as required by Medical Requirements (below)
· Signed coach’s affidavit stating contestant meets minimum training requirements (below)
· A valid copy of Birth Certificate or Drivers License, Government Issued ID with photo
· Pay one-time membership fee [TDLR note: if required for membership]
All contestants will be required to sign an affidavit stating that he or she is an amateur and that he/she has not competed as a professional before. The affidavit must be submitted to TRCAA in order to complete membership registration.
All TRCAA contestants will be required to be certified as fit by a qualified doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). To be declared "fit to compete" the following elements must be established prior to competition:
(1) No personal history of diabetes, high blood pressure or chest pain.
(2) No history of dizziness or chronic headaches.
(3) Graded exercise EKG and EEG beginning at age 36.
(4) Normal eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist every five (5) year
All contestants are required to provide medical examination results which indicate that the contestant is:
· free of the Hepatitis C virus,
· free of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and
· not acutely or chronically infected with the Hepatitis B virus by testing the Hepatitis B surface antigen for a non-reactive result, or by other medically acceptable testing procedure that establishes the absence of Hepatitis B infectivity.
The results of the above requirements must be submitted to TRCAA in order to complete an approved membership registration and to participate in TRCAA sanctioned events. Medical exams qualifying a contestant will only be valid for a period of one year from medical exam date. TRCAA will allow medicals and training affidavits to be completed and turned in at the official weigh in. Medicals (blood work) older than 90 days will not be accepted by TRCAA.
Medical disqualification of a contestant is for his own safety and may be made at the recommendation of the examining physician or TDLR. If a contestant disagrees with a medical disqualification, medical suspension or rest period set at the discretion of a ringside physician or a disqualification set by the Department, he may request a hearing to show proof of fitness. The hearing shall be provided at the earliest opportunity after TDLR receives a written request from the contestant or his manager.
Each TRCAA contestant will be required to have trained in at least one Mixed Martial Arts discipline for a minimum of 30 cumulative days prior to obtaining a membership from TRCAA. Each contestant that participates in a TRCAA event may be represented by a coach. TRCAA reserves the right to approve or deny coaches.
Training must include but is not limited to the following:
· All contestants must train at least 2 days a week for one hour for 30 cumulative days
· All contestant must have at least three (3), three (3) minute rounds of sparring
· All contestants must complete at least two (2) sessions of Cardiovascular (cardio) conditioning for at least nine (9) minutes per sessions. Cardio conditioning will improve the efficiency of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system through continuous effort that elevates the heart rate. The sustained movement is also great for increasing endurance. Cardio conditioning can be but is not limited to:
o Stationary Bike riding
o Treadmill walking
o Yoga
o Pilates
- All contestant must have at least four cumulative (4) hours of basic jiu-jitsu and/ or muay thai training. Basic jiu-jitsu and/or muay thai training must include but is not limited to:
o Guard Passing
o Concepts of basic jiu-jitsu submissions (arm-bars and chokes)
- Basic muay thai stand up and kickboxing
Once TRCAA has authorized an individual as a coach, he/she will be allowed to sign an affidavit ensuring that his/her fighter meets the above requirements. The coach’s signed and dated affidavit must be submitted to TRCAA in order to complete membership registration.
MEMBERSHIP
Once a contestant has met the registration requirements to the satisfaction of TRCAA, TRCAA will submit to TDLR the given name(s) and DOB of contestant(s) for official entry into Amateur database. TRCAA contestant memberships will be valid for a period of 1-year from the date posted with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation "TDLR" and TRCAA approves the valid membership into our organization.
TRCAA will require all contestants to update their membership information within 30 days of their annual anniversary / expiration date. A TRCAA member must provide all documentation required for initial membership, with the exception of:
· Have coach sign affidavit stating contestants meets minimum training requirements
· An affidavit stating that he or she is an amateur and that he/she has not competed as a professional before.
· Pay one-time membership fee (TDLR note: if required for membership)
After contestant information has been updated and approved, a TRCAA contestant may compete in a TRCAA event until his/her membership expiration date.
TRCAA will bear all financial responsibility for the event.
TRCAA will provide TDLR a written notice of all proposed event dates, ticket prices, and participants of the main event, at least 21 days before the proposed event date and obtain written approval from TDLR to promote the event prior to advertising or selling tickets.
TRCAA will obtain written TDLR approval for the fight card at least 10 working days before the event date. The request shall contain the full legal name, date-of-birth, weight, previous fight record, and number of rounds to be fought for each contestant. In addition, TDLR may require submission of certified birth certificates or other official evidence of identification.
TRCAA will ensure that all advertising concerning an event to be conducted indicates that it is an amateur event, and includes the name of the ACSA that will conduct the event.
TRCAA will ensure the safety of the contestants, officials, and spectators. A sufficient number of uniformed security personnel shall be retained to maintain order.
TRCAA will assure that beverages are only allowed in paper or plastic cups at the event.
TRCAA will provide no less than two private dressing rooms of adequate size for the contestants and their licensed seconds, and separate dressing rooms for male and female contestants. Only working TDLR employees, contract inspectors, physicians, licensed seconds will be allowed in the dressing rooms.
TRCAA will assure that no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are in the dressing room.
TRCAA shall set up the Technical Zone according to TDLR instructions. There shall be a pre-fight plan and route to remove an injured contestant from the ring and arena. Upon request, TRCAA shall inform TDLR of these plans. The plan shall include the name and location of a local hospital emergency room.
TRCAA at mixed martial arts events shall hang at least 2 video screens that meet the approval of TDLR and which allow the patrons to view the action inside the enclosed fighting area or ring.
TRCAA shall submit a sworn inventory to TDLR of tickets delivered to any outlet or event sponsor. The inventory shall account for any known overprints, changes, or extras.
· TRCAA shall submit to TDLR no later than the official weigh in a certified ticket print invoice of tickets printed per ticket face value.
Tickets shall not be sold for more than the actual capacity of the location where the event is held.
All tickets shall be torn in half and one half returned to the ticket holder at the entrance gate. The other half shall be immediately deposited in a sealed container, where it is to remain until TDLR's representative witnesses the opening of the container. No one shall pass through the gate without having their ticket torn or shall occupy a seat unless holding a ticket half or have a working pass or credential with a specific seat assignment indicated on them. Passes and or credentials may not be sold or bartered.
TRCAA shall hold tickets of every description used for any event for at least 30 days after the event. The tickets shall be kept in separate packages for each event for audit purposes.
When computing gross receipts, the face value of tickets, except deadwood, shall be included whether the tickets were sold for cash, given away, or bartered for services provided.
Tickets shall be accounted for after the event and TDLR’s representative may review the process, and may check the number of gate ticket containers and their seals or padlocks.
TRCAA shall submit to TDLR a tax report and a 3% gross receipts tax payment within three business days after an event.
TRCAA will have the following weight divisions:
|
Division |
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
Flyweight |
Up to 125 lbs |
|
|
Bantamweight |
126 lbs |
135 lbs |
|
Featherweight |
136 lbs |
145 lbs |
|
Lightweight |
146 lbs |
155 lbs |
|
Welterweight |
156 lbs |
170 lbs |
|
Middleweight |
171 lbs |
185lbs |
|
Light Heavyweight |
186 lbs |
205 lbs |
|
Heavyweight |
206 lbs |
245 lbs |
|
Super Heavyweight |
246 lbs |
& Over |
TRCAA shall assure that the weigh-in takes place at a specific time and location set by TRCAA and approved by TDLR, generally between the hours of 2 p.m. of the day before the contest and before 12 noon the day of the contest. TDLR must be notified ten days before the event.
TRCAA contestants shall report to the weigh in at the scheduled time with a valid and approved identification card with photo.
TRCAA contestants may not perform under any name that does not appear in TDLR records.
TRCAA will provide at least one registered physician and a private area to conduct pre-fight physicals. Only the contestant, his chief second, the ringside physician, and TDLR representatives are allowed in the examination room during the physical.
TRCAA female contestants shall submit to a pregnancy test at weigh-in and will be disqualified by a positive pregnancy test.
TRCAA will ensure that a physician’s scales or TDLR approved digital scale must be used for weighing-in contestants. TDLR may require that the scales be certified.
In the event that a contestant fails to make the required agreed weight the contestant will have two hours to meet the allowances and be reweighed. TRCAA will allow all contestants the following weight allowances:
|
Weight (lbs) |
Allowance (lbs) |
|
Up to 112 lbs |
3 lbs |
|
113 – 118 lbs |
4 lbs |
|
119 – 126 lbs |
5 lbs |
|
127 – 135 lbs |
6 lbs |
|
136 - 147 lbs |
8 lbs |
|
148 – 160 lbs |
10 lbs |
|
161 – 175 lbs |
12 lbs |
|
176 – 200 lbs |
15 lbs |
|
Over 201 lbs |
No limit |
CLASS OF COMPETITION
TRCAA will promote competition for both male and female competitors. At no time will TRCAA allow a contest between a male and a female.
TRCAA competitors must be at least 18 years of age. Competitors age 17 but not yet 18 may be issued a TRCAA membership with a notarized written consent from a parent or guardian. A person age 36 or older applying for a TRCAA membership shall also submit a report of favorable physical testing including but not limited to an EEG (electroencephalography), and an EKG (electrocardiogram).
TRCAA requires that all contestants provide a copy of one the following forms of identifications to determine age:
· Birth Certificate
· Drivers License
· Government Issued Identification
TRCAA shall schedule no less than 6 or more than 15 bouts for each MMA event.
MMA events will consist of a maximum of three (3) three minute (3) rounds with a one (1) minute rest between rounds. Championship contests will consist of five (5), (3) minutes rounds with a one minute rest between rounds.
Muay Thai events contests will be scheduled for no more than five three-minute rounds with two-minute rest periods.
Kickboxing matches shall not exceed nine two-minute rounds with a one-minute rest period between rounds. TDLR, however, permit an additional two rounds for championship events.
|
Event Type |
Rounds |
Rest Period |
|
Non-Title MMA |
(3) 3-minute |
1-minute between each round |
|
Title MMA Amateur |
(5) 3-minute |
1-minute between each round |
|
Non-Title Muay Thai Amateur |
(3) 3-minute |
2-minute between each round |
|
Title Muay Thai Amateur |
(5) 3-minute |
2-minute between each round |
Each TRCAA event will consist of two opposing contestants, referees (2), judges (3), time keepers (2) and physicians (2). Officials assigned to work TRCAA events will be licensed with TDLR. In addition, each fighter may bring three "licensed seconds" (a coach, trainer, contestant and/or cut-man) to ringside. Only one second is permitted in the cage area.
TRCAA will ensure that the judges' chairs shall be high enough that their shoulders shall be no lower than the ring floor. Physician ringside seats shall be in the neutral corner(s).
TRCAA requires all contestants and licensed seconds to attend a rules meeting to be conducted by the referees before the first bout of the event.
SCORING
A majority vote of the judging officials decides the outcome of the contest.
Scoring shall be recorded only on TDLR-approved form. Once the form is completed, checked and signed by the official it must be given directly to the TDLR supervisor for the event. Scoring forms are the property of TDLR and will be maintained in the official records of the event.
All rounds will be scored using a 10-point must system. Judges are required to determine a winner for each round. 10 points will be awarded to the winner, 9 points or less to the loser.
Judges will evaluate a contestant’s performance based upon the use of legal MMA techniques; including effective striking, effective grappling, successful takedowns, submission attempts and fighting area control.
The following techniques are considered fouls and restricted in all TRCAA MMA events:
(1) Head butts.
(2) Kicks, punches or any strikes to the groin.
(3) Spitting or biting.
(4) Striking or grabbing the throat area.
(5) Grabbing the trachea.
(6) Kneeing to the head of a grounded opponent.
(7) Kicking to the head of a grounded opponent.
(8) Hair pulling.
(9) Engaging in any un-sportsman like conduct that causes an injury to an opponent.
(10) Attacking on the break.
(11) Attacking after the bell has sounded.
(12) Intentionally pushing, shoving, wrestling, or throwing an opponent out of the fight area.
(13) Holding the fence or the ropes.
(14) Using abusive language in the fighting area.
(15) The use of any foreign substances on any contestant's hair, body or equipment
(16) Eye gouging of any kind.
(17) Fish hooking.
(18) Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration on an opponent.
(19) Small joint manipulation.
(20) Striking to the spine or the back of the head.
(21) Striking downward using the point of the elbow.
(22) Clawing, pinching, or twisting the flesh.
(23) Grabbing the clavicle.
(24) Stomping a grounded opponent.
(25) Kicking to the kidney with the heel.
(26) Spiking an opponent to the canvas on his head or neck.
(27) Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
(28) Flagrantly disregarding the instructions of the referee.
(29) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee.
(30) Timidity, including without limitation, avoiding contact with an opponent, intentionally or consistently dropping the mouthpiece or faking an injury.
(31) Throwing in the towel during competition.
(32) Interference by the corner.
(33) Use of elbows on the head of a grounded opponent.
Muay Thai is competition in which a person utilizes punches, elbows, and knees. It is permissible to strike an opponent’s legs, arms, body, face, and head using the shin, knee, gloved fist or elbow. Spinning back fist blows are allowed, so long as contact is made only with the padded part of the glove.
Each Kickboxing contestant must execute a minimum of six kicks during each round. If either fighter does not do so, he will automatically lose the round. If both contestants fail to execute the minimum number of kicks by the end of a round, the round is declared a draw. In any match of nine or more rounds, if either fighter fails to execute the minimum number of kicks in any three rounds, he automatically loses the fight. In a non-title fight, if either fighter fails to execute the minimum number of kicks in any two rounds, he loses the fight.
A judge will at all times during a contest maintain focus on the contest even during rest periods. In order to maintain focus, judges will not engage in distractions including but not limited to: eating, talking, taking photographs, or carrying materials not related to the contest.
RESULTS OF A CONTEST
Winners
All contestants who win their scheduled event must wait a minimum of 3 days for every round (7 day minimum) completed during the event before once again competing in T.R.C.A.A. or any other Amateur MMA event.
Individual loses by Submission
Physical tap out or Verbal tap out
Contestant must wait to once again compete in a MMA event a minimum of 7 days.
Knockout
Contestant must wait a minimum of 60 days (mandatory) before competing. Unless it is recommended by a licensed physician that a fighter wait for 90-120 days
Technical Knockout (TKO)
By the referee stopping the contest
Contestant must wait a minimum of 30 days (mandatory)
Decision by scorecards
Unanimous decision, Split decision, Majority decision or Draw
Contestant must wait Minimum 3 days per every completed round
Disqualification
Contestant may face suspension depending on the severity or nature of the disqualification and will be required to meet with a review board put together by T.R.C.A.A. in order to be reinstated to once again compete in a T.R.C.A.A. event.
No Contest
Contestant must wait 3 days for every completed round.
Each contestant will be required to wear shorts, board shorts or any fighting trunks of their choice. Trunks must have drawstring and no zippers. Contestants will not be allowed to wear shoes of any kind during competition.
Contestants who wear gloves may wrap hands in a manner approved by TDLR and TRCAA .
Each contestant must be clean and present a tidy appearance. The use of grease or any other foreign substance, including, without limitation, grooming creams, lotions or sprays, may not be used on the face, hair or body of a contestant. The referee or the TRCAA’s representative shall cause any foreign substance to be removed.
Only females’ contestants are allowed to wear shirts.
All contestants must wear mouthpiece.
Male contestants must wear groin protector.
Females’ contestants must wear an approved pelvic guard and may wear a breast protector.
TRCAA requires each contestant to wear TRCAA authorized Amateur Competition Gloves. All contestants will be provided TRCAA approved competition gloves.
TRCAA authorized gloves will be dual function all leather gloves for amateur competition, MMA contestants will be provided with TRCAA approved competition gloves
• Open palm for maximum grip
• Quad-layer foam system for the highest level of safety
• 6 oz. up to 175lbs., 7oz., over 175lbs.
All Muay Thai contestants will be provided with ABC approved competition gloves
· Contestants must wear gloves weighing not less than 8 oz.
TRCAA will ensure that new gloves will be used for all title fights. If gloves used in preliminary contests have been used before, they shall be whole, clean, in sanitary condition, and subject to inspection by the referee and TDLR representatives. Any gloves found unfit shall not be used and must be replaced with acceptable gloves. There shall be extra sets of gloves on hand to be used in case gloves are broken or in any way damaged during a contest.
TRCAA will provide a bell that makes a sound loud enough to be heard by the contestants, referees, and other officials.
TRCAA will ensure that that in each contestants corner an appropriate receptacle for spitting, a clean water bucket for the contestant’s use, and at least three chairs or stools to be used by the contestant’s official seconds.
TRCAA requires that all contestants conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. TRCAA contestants recognize and adhere to all instructions, laws and rules as stated by TRCAA, TDLR and Referees.
TRCAA requires all contestants be respectful of TRCAA, TDLR and referees should a dispute arise concerning the application of any law, rule, or instruction.
All TRCAA contestants are prohibited from using any performance and enhancing drugs. TRCAA may require upon request random drug testing ensuring compliance.
TRCAA contestants will refrain from profanity and derogatory language when competing in a TRCAA event.
TRCAA contestants will respect others, including coaches, teammates, competitors, officials and spectators.
TRCAA contestants will ensure that they are in optimal shape and fitness to ensure athletic performance.
TRCAA contestants shall be in the dressing room at least 60 minutes before the event is scheduled to begin. The contestants shall be ready to enter the ring/cage immediately after the preceding contest is finished.
TRCAA requires that all seconds/ corner-men submit a completed TDLR application and required fee prior to the weigh in, in order to work any contestant’s corner.
TRCAA requires that all seconds/corner-men abide by all the rules and regulations set forth by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Combative Sports Division Administrative Code 61.43.
TRCAA shall provide insurance and pay all deductibles for contestants, to cover medical, surgical and hospital care with a minimum limit of $50,000 for injuries sustained while participating in a contest and $100,000 to a contestant’s estate if he dies of injuries suffered while participating in a contest. At least ten calendar days before an event TRCAA shall provide to TDLR for each event to be conducted, a certificate of insurance showing proper coverage. TRCAA shall supply to those participating in the event the proper information for filing a medical claim.
TRCAA will provide / supply to all contestants in the event the proper information for filing medical claims. All medical claims forms will be made available by TRCAA. Any injuries sustained during a TRCAA event must be claimed by submitting a medical claim within 14 calendar days of the event.
TRCAA will provide two ringside physicians registered by the department.
All contestants who participate in a TRCAA event shall be required to receive a post exam after a match and automatically receive medical suspensions/rest period as recommended by the ringside physicians.
TRCAA will ensure all emergency medical personnel and portable equipment shall be located within the TECHNICAL ZONE during the event. There must be a resuscitator, oxygen, stretcher, a certified ambulance, and an emergency medical technician on site for all contests. TDLR may require additional medical personnel and equipment depending on the number of matches scheduled.
EXPENSE ALLOWANCES
T.R.C.A.A. may provide hotel accommodations for fighters that are not local to the area. The following are the expense allowances TRCAA may provide for out-of-town amateur contestants:
|
Accommodation |
Rates |
|
Hotel |
Arranged by TRCAA |
|
Fuel Reimbursement |
With original receipts only |
ADVERTISING
All fighters are to be aware that they will be performing in front of an audience and may be photographed and videotaped during the event. In some cases fighters may need to be prepared to sign autographs before and after their contest. T.R.C.A.A. holds the right to use all picture and video media obtained during any T.R.C.A.A. event for the purpose of advertising and promotion of T.R.C.A.A. and Mixed Martial Arts events.
RULE ADOPTION
TRCAA has adopted and its Directors and members will at all times adhere to all rules and regulations promulgated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ("TDLR") in sections 61.106,61.107, 61.108, 61.111 and 61.112 of the Administrative Rules related to Mixed Martial Arts.
REFERENCES
Laws: Combative Sports Occupational Code (http://www.license.state.tx.us/sports/sportslaw090107.pdf)
Rules: Combative Sports Administrative Rules (http://www.license.state.tx.us/sports/sportsrules.htm)
