Jump to
On Monday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) held a public hearing to solicit comments on proposed regulations and rules up for possible amendment or removal. All of the proposals fell under the Nevada Rules of Unarmed Combat. No public comments were made on the proposals, either in person or via phone.
The hearing, which was required due to Executive Order 2023-003, will result in the NSAC reporting back to the Nevada Governor’s office by May 1, 2023. The idea behind each of the proposals the NSAC is considering is to determine “…how those regulations can be streamlined, clarified, or otherwise improved to ensure they provide for the general welfare of the State without unnecessarily inhibiting economic growth.”
In the interest of informing MMA fans, and possibly fighters, as to what the NSAC is studying and proposing, Bloody Elbow called into Monday’s meeting, which took place at the Nevada Business Center.
Disciplinary actions for positive drug tests for cannabinoids
“In regard to NAC 467.011, the proposed new language simply codifies into regulation the policy the commission adopted on July 7th, 2021, wherein it determined that it would not pursue disciplinary action against unarmed combatants for adverse analytical findings for cannabinoids.”
That 2021 ruling stated that the NSAC would no longer discipline fighters if their drug tests showed more than 150 nanograms of cannabinoids per milliliter. The move to the 150 nanogram limit occurred in 2013 when the NSAC bumped that number up from 50 ng/ml.
Pregnancy tests
“In regards to NAC 467.568, the proposed amendment simply provides clarifying language that a female unarmed combatant may at any time prior to her contest or exhibition be required to provide proof that she not pregnant.”
According to the document the NSAC provided for the meeting, the following italicized phrase will be added the current language, “Before each bout in which a female unarmed combatant is scheduled to compete, the female unarmed combatant shall provide to the Commission an original or certified copy, or other authenticated copy, of the result of a medical test taken not later than 10 days before the day of the bout, or at any other time requested by the Commission, the Executive Director, or the designee
of either, which shows that the combatant is not pregnant.”
Tape and hand wraps
“In regards to NRUC 2.030, the proposed amendments simply provide additional clarification for the intended and permitted use of gauze and or tape for hand wraps.”
The addition to language on this regulation would simply be to amend the phrase from “either gauze or tape, but not both” to “or both gauze and tape” to the language of the “Requirements for bandages for hands of unarmed combatant.”
Weigh-ins and media attendance
“In regards to NRUC 2.030, the proposed new language clarifies that when a weigh-in is not closed to the public, the promoter is required to ensure there’s available room for properly identified members of the media.”
The current language of this regulation states “Representatives of the media who properly identify themselves as such must be admitted to each official weigh-in.” The updated regulation would add the phrase “that is open to the public.”
Use of additional substances, material or equipment
“In regards to NRUC 4.020, the proposed amendments clarifies that equipment that is not specifically enumerated within the rules as being permitted or precluded for use may otherwise be permitted or precluded for use with good cause of shown.”
The section that this new language addresses has to do with “Proper attire and equipment of unarmed combatants.” The regulation covers such things as attire and safety equipment. The following would be added to the current NSAC regulations.
“The ringside physician, the Executive Director or the Executive Director’s designee may, for
good cause shown, prohibit the use of any substance, material, or equipment during a contest or
exhibition that would otherwise be permitted by this section.
“The Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee may, for good cause shown,
allow the use of any substance, material, or equipment during a contest or exhibition that is
otherwise not specifically permitted by this section.”
Consumption of cannabis or cannabis derived products will not be an anti-doping violation
If approved the following language will be added to the NSAC regulations, “The possession, use, or consumption of cannabis or cannabis derived products shall not be deemed an anti-doping violation under this Chapter, regardless of the laws of the jurisdiction where such possession, use, or consumption occurs, provided such possession, use, or consumption is legal under the laws of the State of Nevada.”
Orders to cease and desist unlicensed activity
This would also be a new section for the NSAC regulations. According to the meeting, the section would, “formalize into law, a process to address and deter occurrences of unlicensed, unarmed combat events within the state.”
The rest of Monday’s NSAC meeting discussed removal of language from the rules and regulations that has been found to be redundant.
About the author
