South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 20 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION- STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION
Here’s an overview of South Carolina Code of Regulations, Chapter 20 – Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation: State Athletic Commission, current through State Register Vol. 49, Issue 3 (effective March 28, 2025)
📘 Chapter 20 – State Athletic Commission
🔹 Subchapter 1 – Definitions, Boxing Weights & Classes (§ 20‑1.1 to 20‑1.4)
Provides definitions for terms used throughout (e.g., Administrator, Admission, Bout, Boxer, Manager, Permit, Exhibition)
Sets weight classes and allowable weight differentials, as well as weigh-in procedures.
🔹 Subchapter 2 – Ring Equipment (§ 20‑2.1 to 20‑2.16)
Details specifications for ring dimensions, ropes, gloves, tape, mouthpieces, scales, etc. .
🔹 Subchapter 3 – Ring Safety (§ 20‑3.1 to 20‑3.20)
Rules on padding, floor coverings, emergency equipment, drug use, medical exams, vision, knockout count, and fouls to ensure contestant safety
🔹 Subchapter 4 – Licenses and Permits for Boxing (§ 20‑4.1 to 20‑4.12)
Licensing requirements for boxers, managers, promoters, seconds, referees, and others.
Permits to hold events; application processes, fees, and validity periods
🔹 Subchapters 5–8 – Roles & Participant Rules
Boxers (§ 20‑5): Medical exams, age limits, contracts, weigh-in, rest after knockout, suspensions
Managers (§ 20‑6): Qualifications, contracts, earnings share
Seconds (§ 20‑7): Limitations, duties during bouts
Referees & Judges (§ 20‑8): Licensing, conduct, scoring, fouls, and authority to stop bouts
🔹 Subchapters 9–12 – Event Oversight & Support Roles
Commission Representatives (§ 20‑9): Weigh-in oversight, reporting, enforcement
Announcers (§ 20‑10), Timekeepers (§ 20‑11), Ringside Physicians (§ 20‑12): Licensing, roles, responsibilities
🔹 Subchapters 13–14 – Media & Insurance
Media Broadcasts (§ 20‑13): Fees, agreements, reporting .
Insurance (§ 20‑14): Mandatory boxer coverage, requirements, proof
🔹 Subchapters 17–18 – Promoters & Matchmakers
Promoters (§ 20‑17): Responsibilities, scheduling, bonds, charitables
Matchmakers (§ 20‑18): Fair match rules, licensing, dealing with unlicensed/suspended counterparts
🔹 Subchapter 19 – Sparring & Charity Events (§ 20‑19)
Covers rules and fees specific to exhibitions and charitable bouts .
🔹 Subchapter 20 – Female Boxers (§ 20‑20)
Regulations and policies related to female participants .
🔹 Subchapter 21 – Hearings & Disciplinary Proceedings (§ 20‑21)
Procedures for investigations, hearings, disciplinary action .
🔹 Subchapter 22 – Kickboxing (Full‑Contact Karate) (§ 20‑22)
Licensing, event rules, amateur/professional distinctions .
🔹 Subchapter 23 – Wrestling (§ 20‑23)
Permits, licensure, event conduct for professional/amateur wrestling .
🔹 Subchapter 24 – Waiver of Rules (§ 20‑24)
Allows the Commission to waive rules when no regulation exists or in specific scenarios (e.g., animal contests)
🔹 Subchapter 25 – Off‑the‑Street Boxing (§ 20‑25)
Regulations for "Toughman" or spontaneous street-style boxing, including waivers, safety standards
🔹 Subchapter 27 – Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) (§ 20‑27)
Conduct of MMA events under Commission supervision, participant roles, prohibited moves, attire, penalties, and discipline .
🔹 Subchapter 28 – Code of Professional Ethics (§ 20‑28)
Ethical standards and obligations for all licensees and participants .
🔍 Recent Updates
Chapter 20 was last amended in State Register Vol. 39, Issue 6 (June 26, 2015)
A regulatory review bill filed in 2025 (S.499) proposes further updates to Chapter 20
✅ Summary
Chapter 20 comprehensively regulates combat-sport events in South Carolina—including boxing, MMA, wrestling, kickboxing, and related exhibitions—by establishing standards for equipment, licensing, safety, conduct, insurance, discipline, and administration.
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