209 comments
As a person who has been occasionally licensed as a wrestler/promoter since 2003, I can attest to the burden Virginia's regulation of "professional wrestling" poses to those who attempt to pursue the hobby. I say 'hobby' because, unlike the other activities the DPOR oversees, "professional" wrestling is usually anything but professional. The average attendance for events ranges from around 30-100 spectators, each paying between $5-$15 for admission, and costs for producing the events routinely outstrip revenues, even before the DPOR collects its fees. It is very rare that participants in these events are in any sense "professionals," earning less than $30 for their participation and holding full-time, unrelated jobs outside of the ring.
The costs and restrictions imposed by regulation are prohibitive. I have been kept out of producing wrestling in Virginia because of these burdens, and I am not alone. If this were for any legitimate public safety concern I wouldn't mind, but I strain to find even a single legitimate end for the regulation of theatrical wrestling events. That admission is charged and pay-outs are (sometimes) made is not, in itself, enough of a justification. Producing wrestling is expensive--producers must be able to recoup their costs.
Despite its name, so-called professional wrestling is theater. That wrestling is regulated by the DPOR while other forms of theater are not is nonsensical. The simulated violence of wrestling is not substantively different than that which occurs in other plays and performances, and is decidedly less dangerous than are many of the sporting events that occur, without special licensing, on a daily basis. Though wrestling can be dangerous and may seem violent, any research would clearly suggest that it is far less dangerous than football and less violent than any number of unregulated media options available on the market.
Unlike boxing and mixed martial arts, activities which would be illegal outside of the context of sanctioned competition and which have a history of criminal involvement which tends easily towards unsafe conditions, the activities in professional wrestling are not illegal anywhere except in the ring and have no such history. For this reason, many jurisdictions have removed their regulations on professional wrestling without incident. I believe that doing so in Virginia poses no public safety threat and frees citizens to persue their artistic and creative interests. I believe that even where there is a business element to wrestling events, DPOR regulation still fails to meet the State's own criteria that regulation be "necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare." An unlicensed tattoo artist or architect might, quite feasibly, create a public health crisis, but it is very difficult to imagine how an unlicensed wrestler could cause the same kind of problems.
I believe theatrical professional wrestling should be fully deregulated in Virginia.
The law under which the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation operates specifies that DPOR regulation of an industry must be "necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare."
It can be argued that regulation of professional wrestling never met that standard. It certainly does not now.
Professional wrestling is theatre, not combat sport like boxing or mixed martial arts. Results are pre-planned, and the in-arena activity improvised. In every way, these performances operate in the same way that theaters like Richmond's CSz Theater and Coalition Theater, and troupes like Norfolk's The Pushers and Charlottesville's Bent Theatre, do. Those improv troupes even simulate violence occasionally, if their comedic scenes require it.
The Commonwealth has never seen fit to regulate professional or amateur theater when it's presented as improvised comedy.
The Commonwealth no longer has any reason to regulate professional or amateur theater when it's presented as improvised and simulated wrestling. There is no longer any difference, if there ever was.
As it is, the DPOR struggles to maintain its legally-required break-even position on the industry of professional wrestling, and that's mostly because it pays its entire annual budget from the fees collected from a few World Wrestling Entertainment shows each year. That's no way to run a regulatory board.
Several national wrestling promotions -- Ring of Honor and Chikara Pro Wrestling come to mind -- have announced that they cannot afford to schedule shows in Virginia because of the regulatory burden. No touring theater troupe has ever had to make that statement. Again, it's the same thing.
The Commonwealth should get out of the theater business. The result of this review should be a recommendation to the General Assembly that it repeal the laws requiring regulation of professional wrestling.
I am writing to strongly recommend that amateur boxing be exempt from the 54.1-828, 54.1-829.1 and that Amateur Boxing be added as Exemption under the Virginia law that became effective October 1, 2015 and to add number 5. Under 54.1-830: stating: The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to Amateur Boxing Exemptions of House Bill No. 1228 Offered January 19, 2016. A Bill to amend and reenact 54.1-828, 54.1-829, and 54.1-830 of the Code of Virginia relating to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; boxing and wrestling events: sanctioning organizations.
If the law that went in effect October 1, 2015 regulating Amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia is not repealed or amended and if Bill No 1228 passes there will not be any more Amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We must keep amateur boxing program in Virginia.
I strongly recommend that an amendment be added making USA Boxing the official sanctioning organization for Amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia using their outstanding present by-law, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
The experience I gained from Amateur boxing prepared and enabled me to have an accomplished 134-16 record in Pro/Am boxing. I have coached thousands of boxers the past 60 years of my life. I am proud to say that the boxers I coached gained experience from the disciplined structure physical and mental boxing program that built up their confidence and self-esteem that impacted their life in a positive manner and promoted a healthy life style for them that will remain with them, as it has with me, throughout their entire life.
If the amendment to exempt amateur boxing is not made to the existing law that went into effect October 1, 2015 and the proposed House Bill 1228 all of the Virginia boxing gyms and clubs will go out of business thus causing much unemployment and tax dollars loss in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
If Amateur boxing shuts down there will also be an increase in crimes committed by young people that can not participate in other sports or activity that keep them off the streets. The sport of amateur boxing offers an alternative to young people who are not able to participate in a team sport in school or for an organized recreation organization.
The Virginia Department of Occupational Regulations do not have any amateur boxing rules or regulations therefore it is impossible under the law effective October 1, 2015 or House Bill No. 1228 for amateur boxers that are members of USA Boxing, Inc. that promotes advancement of Junior Olympic boxers ages 8-15 to compete in the Junior Olympic National Championships and the Senior boxers ages 16-34 opportunity to advance to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of American in the International Olympic Boxing Championships.
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation do not have any amateur boxing rules or regulations in place. There is not any reasonable way amateur boxing can exist by abiding by professional boxing regulation. Let's face the true reality that amateur and pro boxing are as different as day and night.
Make Amateur boxing exempt from the present and the proposed House Bill 1228 and making USA Boxing the official sanctioning organization for Amateur boxing allowing USA Boxing to use their present outstanding by-laws, rule, regulations, policies and procedures is the sensible solution to keep the wonderful sport of amateur boxing alive and well in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Since 1888, USA Boxing, formerly known as the United States Amateur Boxing Federation has governed Amateur boxing in the U.S. As a non-profit organization they are responsible for the administration, development and promotion of Olympic-style boxing in the United States. The U.S. has won more Olympic boxing medals than any other country.
Virginia Local Boxing Committee (LBC) is one of 56 LBCs which are grouped into 14 geographical regions of the U.S. These LBC’s form the backbone of USA Boxing and Olympic-style boxing and is actively fulfilling its objectives to foster, develop, promote, and coordinate recreational and competitive amateur boxing opportunities for all member athletes and supportive participants, and to supervise boxing matters as may properly come within its purview and be consistent with those of the USA Boxing Bylaws.
In 2015, USA Boxing Virginia LBC had more than 530 member athletes, coaches and officials. USA Boxing athletes begin to participate when they are 8 years-of-age. Ages 8-16 have the opportunity to participate on local and region level. Ages 15-16 champions advance to national Junior Olympic Championships and have opportunity to participate in International events. The past 3 years Virginia LBC has sent Virginia Junior Olympic boxers to national championships.
September 2015, Virginia LBC sent 4 Boxers, 2 coaches and the VA Chief of Officials to the USA Boxing Olympic Trials II held in Philadelphia, PA. Boxers ages 17-34 have opportunity to advance to represent Virginia and the United States of American as a boxer in the Olympics. Virginia has many boxing gyms and clubs located in all areas of the Commonwealth.
I am a certified registered USA Boxing Virginia LBC coach and official and have served the past few years as secretary and treasurer. I am very concerned about the future of amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am shocked to read HOUSE BILL NO. 1228 Offered January 19, 2016, and am absolutely opposed to the law that went into effect October 1, 2015.
Amateur boxing also provides opportunity for many at risk youth that are not able to participate in school or another sports recreation programs such as football, basketball and soccer. Their participation in an amateur boxing program keeps them off the streets, reduces their chance to fall into the trap of illegal activity, and reduces crime in the area where they live.
Olympic boxing is very different than professional boxing. The Department of Professional and Occupational Safety Regulations do not have any rules or regulations in place for amateur boxing. There is no reasonable explanation for amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be mandated to abide by the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Event Regulations.
Please REPEAL or AMEND the law regulating amateur boxing events that went into effect October 1, 2015 and turn down, DO NOT PASS HOUSE BILL NO. 1228. IF VAC citation 18 VAC 120-40, title of regulation: Professional and Wrestling Event Regulation DOES NOT EXEMPT ARMATEUR BOXING OR ACTION TAKEN TO REPEAL IT the TRAGIC RESULTS will BE NO MORE AMATEUR BOXING IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA causing a large number of individuals to become unemployed in addition to loss of tax revenue for the Commonwealth leaving an adverse effect on the already strained economic conditions in our Commonwealth.
Please APPROVE USA BOXING, INC. as the sanctioning organization for Amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia and allow this outstanding organization to continue under their present outstanding by-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
I am sorry I left my name off of the previous posting so I am posting this one to show my name
January 25, 2016 From: Sandra Sahnow VA Association USA Boxing member
Since 1888, USA Boxing, formerly known as the United States Amateur Boxing Federation has governed Amateur boxing in the U.S. As a non-profit organization they are responsible for the administration, development and promotion of Olympic-style boxing in the United States. The U.S. has won more Olympic boxing medals than any other country.
Virginia Local Boxing Committee (LBC) is one of 56 LBCs which are grouped into 14 geographical regions of the U.S. These LBC’s form the backbone of USA Boxing and Olympic-style boxing and is actively fulfilling its objectives to foster, develop, promote, and coordinate recreational and competitive amateur boxing opportunities for all member athletes and supportive participants, and to supervise boxing matters as may properly come within its purview and be consistent with those of the USA Boxing Bylaws.
In 2015, USA Boxing Virginia LBC had more than 530 member athletes, coaches and officials. USA Boxing athletes begin to participate when they are 8 years-of-age. Ages 8-16 have the opportunity to participate on local and region level. Ages 15-16 champions advance to national Junior Olympic Championships and have opportunity to participate in International events. The past 3 years Virginia LBC has sent Virginia Junior Olympic boxers to national championships.
September 2015, Virginia LBC sent 4 Boxers, 2 coaches and the VA Chief of Officials to the USA Boxing Olympic Trials II held in Philadelphia, PA. Boxers ages 17-34 have opportunity to advance to represent Virginia and the United States of American as a boxer in the Olympics. Virginia has many boxing gyms and clubs located in all areas of the Commonwealth.
I am a certified registered USA Boxing Virginia LBC coach and official and have served the past few years as secretary and treasurer. I am very concerned about the future of amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am shocked to read HOUSE BILL NO. 1228 Offered January 19, 2016, and am absolutely opposed to the law that went into effect October 1, 2015.
Amateur boxing also provides opportunity for many at risk youth that are not able to participate in school or another sports recreation programs such as football, basketball and soccer. Their participation in an amateur boxing program keeps them off the streets, reduces their chance to fall into the trap of illegal activity, and reduces crime in the area where they live.
Olympic boxing is very different than professional boxing. The Department of Professional and Occupational Safety Regulations do not have any rules or regulations in place for amateur boxing. There is no reasonable explanation for amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be mandated to abide by the Professional Boxing and Wrestling Event Regulations.
Please REPEAL or AMEND the law regulating amateur boxing events that went into effect October 1, 2015 and turn down, DO NOT PASS HOUSE BILL NO. 1228. IF VAC citation 18 VAC 120-40, title of regulation: Professional and Wrestling Event Regulation DOES NOT EXEMPT ARMATEUR BOXING OR ACTION TAKEN TO REPEAL IT the TRAGIC RESULTS will BE NO MORE AMATEUR BOXING IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA causing a large number of individuals to become unemployed in addition to loss of tax revenue for the Commonwealth leaving an adverse effect on the already strained economic conditions in our Commonwealth.
Please APPROVE USA BOXING, INC. as the sanctioning organization for Amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia and allow this outstanding organization to continue under their present outstanding by-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Over the past several months, laws were pasted that have killed the second oldest sport in Olympic history. The laws concerning boxing in the common wealth are unfair to the sport that myself, and 823 registered amateur boxers love so much. As the president of Local Boxing Commission 12 (LBC12), USA amateur boxing Virginia, I ask that all amateur boxers be exempt from these laws, and let amateur boxing in VA continue to operate under the sanctioning of USA boxing just like all 50 states now do. As of October 2015 no one under the age of 18 can participate in boxing in the Common wealth. Which means, this year no child can participate in the USA boxing Junior Olympics tournament, because legislation passed laws that won’t allow them to compete in a advancing tournament which would allowing the winners to represent the common wealth at the regional and national level. We have children that have Olympic dreams but, because of laws passed our children are treated as professional boxers instead of, the amateur boxers they are. Virginia amateur athlete boxers can’t follow their dreams of representing their country in any Olympics boxing events. Please help us save our children. Please help us save amateur boxing in VA.
Very Respectfully
Robert Wilson LBC 12 President
Ladies and Gentlemen, My name is Mr. Shannon Brown. For the last 15 almost 16yrs I have been working with kids under the USA Boxing Amateur Rules. It has been a labor of love teaching and mentoring these young men. If I am understanding this new rule correctly, it will kill our Amateur program as we know it. Our kids look forward to tournaments throughout the year and it keeps them off of the streets. Without something to look forward to, our kids will not continue to train and grow in the sport of Boxing. Local Gym owners will lose revenue and donations from those that support what we as Coaches and Small Buisness owners do for our communities. Please, allow us to remain under the Rules and Regulations of USA Boxing.
As an owner, operator, and head boxing instructor of C4 Boxing Club I am writing to express my concerns in regards to the new Virginia laws concerning amateur boxing implemented October 1, 2015. I am baffled to read HOUSE BILL NO. 1228 Offered January 19, 2016 and speak on the behalf of my club, athletes, and staff when I say that I am absolutely opposed to the law.
I am truly concerned of the effects that this law will have on Virginia’s amateur boxing program. As a coach that operates under the guidance of USA Boxing I have already noticed a negative impact on the youth boxing in my gym. They are extremely interested in competing and have been held back due to these new laws. As an owner of the gym I have also noticed significant decline in commitment with these boxers as they know that there are limited opportunities to compete. This is a battle that we as mentors, coaches, and business owners can simply not afford to lose.
We ask that you please take these concerns into consideration and APPROVE USA BOXING, INC. as the sanctioning organization for Amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia and allow this outstanding organization to continue under their present outstanding by-laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Thank you in advance for the opportunity to voice our concernes. Please feel free to contact me via email or phone (757) 951-3219 is you have any questions in regards to this matter.
V/r
Coach Gene Floyd
C4 Boxing Club
I have been President of the Virginia LBC and my term ended this year. I am writing these comments on behalf of all the boxing coaches and amateur boxers in Virginia. In 2015 there where more than 530 members in the Virginia Association of USA Boxing Inc. Most of the individuals involved in amateur boxing are unpaid and many run non-profit gyms. Having been involved with amateur boxing for more than 40 years both as a boxer and coach I beleive my qualifications and amateur boxing experience should allow me to comment on the new law that is certain to cripple if not abolish this wonderful sport in Virginia. Amateur boxing has long proven its appeal to a large segment of our society. For sure its benifits for offering alternatitives to athletes who cannot afford or are not interested in other mainstream sports has been proven. Provided below are several of the many reasons Amateur Boxing should be exempted from this new law:
1- DPOR has no amateur boxing rules or regulations and it is impossible for amateur boxing to continue under professional boxing rules.
2- Why should amateur boxing have to adhere to rules that are not put in place for alll amateur sports ?(most all amateur sports;including basketball, football, even skatboarding etc. have scrapes and injuries that would justify these considerations).
3- There is no profit made in amatuer boxing so the added costs by the state would make it impossible for amatuer boxing to exist.
The outstanding amateur boxing programs in Virginia have provided opportunities for Virginia boxers to advance and represent the United States in the Olympics as well as other many other international amateur competitions. If this new law is not repealed or if Amateur boxing is not exempted from it I beleive amateur boxing in Virginia will not be able to continue. Please reconsider this new law and allow amateur boxing to contnue in Virginia as a local boxing committee with USA Boxing INC. as their governing organization.
I respectfully submit these comments and if there are any questions please feel free to contact me.
I can be reached by phone at 540-320-9898 or e-mail me @ maynardone@verizon.net.
I started as a Virginia amateur boxer in 1975 and competed in VA Amateur & Pro events. I am presently a USA Boxing certified coach & official with Richmond VA Police Athletic League, Richmond, VA where in 2015 we had 73 USA Boxing athletes, 5 coaches & 3 officials. The amateur boxing program has an impressing positive impact on the youth that motivates them to stay off the street, train to successful compete in amateur boxing local, state, national competitions. It encourage & motivate them to work toward goals that improves them in all aspects of life. You must not let amateur boxing shut down in Virginia.
The new Virginia Amateur boxing law that went into effect October 1,2015 putting Amateur boxing under VA Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations that only has professional boxing rules has tragically shut down Amateur boxing competition in VA. The House Bill No 1228 offered 1/19/2016 will shut down & kill Amateur boxing entirely. This law must be repealed or amended to EXEMPT Amateur boxing and HOUSE BILL NO. 1228 must not be passed.
It is no way you can make an inexperienced boxer or a boxer age 8 & learn & train under professional boxing rules. You most certainly should not require them to Antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus; HBsAg and antibodies to virus C testing every 180 days.
House Bill No.1228,if enacted, would greatly diminish the ability of promotions to operate in the Commonwealth. In October, 2015 new regulation (House Bill No. 1445 2015) http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+ful+HB1455ER came into effect requiring promoters to license with the VADPOR, have a physician and emergency medical team(s) present cage side at all times and, requires blood testing for all athletes (1. Antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus; 2. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); and 3. Antibodies to virus hepatitis C.). These are all great steps forward for athletes and the industry as a whole. The responsibility for oversight at events is relegated to "approved sanctioning bodies". Three bodies have been approved by DPOR....Global Combat Alliance (GCA, Richmond Area,), United Combat Arts(UCA, SW Va) and, Virginia Combat Sports Sanctioning ( VCSS, located within the Winchester region ).
House Bill No. 1228, 2016, http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+ful+HB1228 seeks to alter the language of § 54.1-829.1. paragraph C. I suspect should the language of this paragraph be changed, it would eliminate two of the three sanctioning bodies (UCA, VCSS) ability to operate. This change would create a monopoly within the industry and limit the ability of promotions to host events on a timetable that would best suit each promotion/event. Promoters would be left at the whim of one body's availability. This environment would be ripe for manipulation/abuse and change the landscape of our industry, as well as reduce the positive financial impact MMA events make on local economies throughout the Commonwealth.
I stongly urge you to oppost HB No. 1228 for the future of our sport.
Kimberly L. Ring
I am absolutely in opposition to HB 1228. My husband and my two children are very involved in MMA and have become a part of the MMA family at Southwest Virginia Martial Arts. We want it to be known that we oppose this bill.
I strongly oppose bill HB 1228! This bill will only allow one sanctioning body to run all MMA fights in the State of VA. And will lead to pricing any promotion they don't like out of business.
Please do not stiffle the growth of this great sport in our commonwealth. Many young men and women compete in mixed martial arts every year in our area, and they in turn use their experiences to better themselves as both athletes and people. Mix martial arts helps to teach the life lessons that everyone needs to better themselves including discipline, loyalty, respect, honor, and most of all humility. To impede the growth of the sport would mean impeding the physical, social, mental, and emotional growth of these young individuals as well.
i may not be in Virginia but the venue I support is and I think HB 1228 will hurt the sport as we know it
January 26th, 2016
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing in opposition to House Bill No. 1228 here in the state of Virginia and the law put into effect on October 1st, 2015.
The new law that went into effect on October 1st, 2015 makes it impossible for USA Boxing to be a sanctioning organization for Virginia. I am not sure what possibly could be the motive for this movement and will most likely never ascertain the truth, but this law must be repealed and/or amended to save Amateur Boxing in Virginia. Under the new law and HB No. 1228, there will be no way an 8 to 17 year old amateur boxer can compete and represent Virginia in regional or national events. This is a travesty.
I can't think of any sport that has ever had to deal with such an obstacle involving youths. This abducts dreams and goals, robs them of discipline and life lessons, and ruins a sport with such an illustrious history.
House Bill No. 1228 This new law must be repealed and/or Amateur Boxing exempt in its entirety. Asking amateur boxing to abide by Professional Boxing and Wrestling Event Regulations is unrealistic and impossible.
Approve USA Boxing as the sanctioning organization for Amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, repeal or amend the law placing this constraint and restore it to it's original status where it has been for well over 125 years.
Yours in Sports,
Ian Paterson
A piece of legislation currently submitted to the Virginia House of Delegates has been brought to my attention that would alter the current language of 54.1-828, 54.829.1 and 54.1-830. I believe the proposed language contained in HB 1228, 54.1-829.1 Paragraph C, Lines (i) and (iii) specifically, will induce a negative impact upon small businesses across the Commonwealth, including my own. 54.1-829.1 C, (i) seeks to increase the criteria for existing, approved sanctioning bodies and any other bodies that may make application in the future by requiring each body to (i) "provide documented evidence it has acted as a business for the immediately preceding five years as certified by the State Corporation Commission" and (iii) Have demonstrated experience as a sanctioning organization for at least six different eventsper year over such five year period representing at least three different promoters". No sanctioning body, including currently approved bodies, with the exception of one could meet the requiremnt set forth by the proposed alteration of 54.1-829.1 C (i) and (iii). Currently approved sanctioning body UCAS fails to meet the proposed requirement (UCAS, 2015, less than 6 events, less than 3 promoters, SCC file year 2013) as does currently approved sanctioning body VCSS (2015, over 6 events, less than 3 promoters, SCC file year 2011). The only current body with ability to meet such a requirement would be GCA (2015 over 6 events, more than 3 promoters, SCC file 2007). Also, I believe no other body having existed in the state over the course of the preceding 5 years could meet the requirement (UFO, WKA). I believe the proposed language will in effect prohibit the creation of new sanctioning bodies if/when the mixed martial arts industry should grow to have demand for additional bodies. I believe the language also in effect prohibits experienced sanctioning bodies from outside of the Commonwealth from the ability to be approved to operate within the Commonwealth. (ex: IKF, USMTA, ISCF). I further believe one sanctioning body could not meet the current demand of promotional companies operating in the Commonwealth. For the reasons I have stated above, the proposed language in HB 1228 54.1-829.1 C (i) and (iii) would create a unlawful monopoly as defined by the Virginia Antitrust Act 1974 c.545 59.1-9.6.
Should the proposals within HB 1228 be enacted, I believe would create a burdensome,and costly environment and hinder my ability to continue to conduct my events in a efficient and profitable manner within the Commonwealth. I also believe this will become the circumstance for many promotions throughout the Commonwealth. As my own and others host less events more infrequently, it will have a adverse and negative impact on small businesses and local economies that depend of the revenue generated by mixed martial arts events through purchases of items such as gasoline, lodging, food, retail products, business to business services, equipment and venue rentals, security and emergency medical services coverage.
I believe it will also inhibit the ability of amateur athletes to gain sufficient access to opportunities to test their skill sets and gain practical experience in preparation for the professional ranks. This circumstance could aslo create a side effect by reducing the number of professional athletes within the Commonwealth, negatively impacting promoters of professional bouts within the Commonwealth to host events. Less amateur and professional events will cause athletes to seek opportunities outside of the Commonwealth, drawing even more revenue away from local economies.
I am thankful for the safety requirements established by new regulation enacted October 1, 2015. If I were to wish to add anything to existing regulation it would be requiring sanctioning officials to fill out and sign a affidavit of disclosure, identifying any conflicts of interest that may become present during a event (ex; referee and/or judge, should not be permited to officiate/corner the bout of a team mate, etc). I would also like to see athletes be required to submit a pre-fight medical questionaire as a additonal safety measure the day of the event prior to their contest.
I respectfully submit these comments and Thank You for your committment to our Commonwealth and Industry.
I oppose HB 1228 because this bill is bad for the sport of mma. This bill will hurt fighters and the growth of the sport . It will hurt local economy of the towns that hold events and not allow young fighters the opportunity to get valuable experience they will need if they decide to follow a career in the sport.
I oppose HB 1228 as it pertains to the proposed requirements for sanctioning bodies of Virginia sport combat events. As it stands events have options in who to use as a overseeing agency at their events (events which bring tourism and local monies alike to area businesses). The proposed changes are written in a manner that seems to deliberately eliminate all but one group as an available sanctioning body. This creates a monopoly which is unethical, unfair, and unhealthy for growth of a sport that brings money to local economies.
This bill seeks to alter the language of the current law and if passed would eliminate 2 of the 3 sanctioning bodies currently approved by the DPOR to oversee amateur MMA events in the Commonwealth. The language proposed in HB 1228 would create a MONOPOLY for one sanctioning body. This would have a horrible adverse affect on the local economies throughout the state, brought in from amateur MMA events. Especially in the Southwest and Central areas of Virginia, who would not be able to afford to bring in a sanctioning body from across the state. Monopolies are NEVER good for the citizens and the passing of this bill, HB1228 would not only hinder the economy of counties all across the Commonwealth, but would also hinder the overall growth of the sport. The UCA (United Combat Arts) sanctioning body based out of Southwest, VA has NEVER had any adverse reports sent to the DPOR regarding the events they have overseen, so there is no good reason to try to change the qualifications so they would no longer qualify to serve the sport as a State approved sanctioning organization. State lawmakers needs to take a serious look at what/who is driving this proposed bill and restore some faith in the political system by rejecting HB 1228.
This Bill will hinder the development of Amateur Fighters and bring hardships to small promotions in Virginia. It will also hurt the economy as competitors will not travel to this area, stay in these hotels and eat in these restaurants. Small gym owners will lose members because of the lack of competitive experiences on the amateur levels.
The direction of HB1228 is completely wrong and I oppose HB1228
As a rising fighter, this bill will hender my chances of sucess within the sport. I am young, but very passionate. This bill will eliminate small promotions around the state. Fighters will not have oppurtunity. Many high schools sponsor events as fundraisers for the school. Student athletes will suffer if this bill is passes. Also the lack of shows will prevent the communities from seeing the beautiful side of the sport. I beg you to oppose HB 1228.
Robbie Ring
I strongly oppose HB 1228. What makes you think you can pass a law that essentially says that only one promotion company the only credible one in the state to compete for? That's monopolizing! Most of us amateurs will never make it to a pro level and only compete because we love the sport. If you pass HB 1228 you're making things very difficult for myself and the group of wonderful people I've met, competing in this sport in just a short amount of time. Do the right thing.
This bill alters the language of the current law and if passed would eliminate 2 of the 3 sanctioning bodies currently approved by the DPOR to oversee amateur MMA events in the Commonwealth. The language proposed in HB 1228 would create a MONOPOLY for one sanctioning body. This would have a horrible adverse affect on the local economies throughout the state, brought in from amateur MMA events. Especially in the Southwest and Central areas of Virginia, who would not be able to afford to bring in a sanctioning body from across the state. Monopolies are NEVER good for the citizens and the passing of this bill, HB1228 would not only hinder the economy of counties all across the Commonwealth, but would also hinder the overall growth of the sport. The UCA (United Combat Arts) sanctioning body based out of Southwest, VA has NEVER had any adverse reports sent to the DPOR regarding the events they have overseen, so there is no good reason to try to change the qualifications so they would no longer qualify to serve the sport as a State approved sanctioning organization. State lawmakers needs to take a serious look at what/who is driving this proposed bill and restore some faith in the political system by rejecting HB 1228.
I oppose HB 1228. This bill will create a monopoly in the sport and gives one organization total authority over the sport. This is unethical and unfair to small promoters and amateur fighters in the sport. The financial impact this bill will cause will bring hardship to business in the Commonwealth of VA. Please oppose this bill for the future growth of the sport in the state.
As an owner, operator, and cerified boxing coach of 757 Boxing Club I am writing to express my concerns in regards to the new Virginia laws concerning amateur boxing implemented October 1, 2015. I am baffled to read HOUSE BILL NO. 1228 Offered January 19, 2016 and speak on the behalf of my club, athletes, and staff when I say that I am absolutely opposed to the law.
This new law will kill amateur boxing in the state of virginia and cause our kids, youth, and youth adult athletes dreams to be crushed. Amateur boxing events has always been sanction by and governed under USA Amateur boxing. Children ages 8-17 Junior Olympic and youth boxers as well as 18-40 should not be treated as professional boxers nor should they be required to have test done for anitbodies.
Most kids are at risk and come from single parenting homes it is very expensive for a single parent to afford to pay for registrations every year, gym fees for private owned gyms, and equipment for competition.
This bill prevents our kids from competing in state tournaments for advancement to Regional and National tournaments as well as Junior Olympics Nationals and senior boxers also and and represent virginia in the Olympic games.
I ask that you take our concerns into consideration for the sake of our young athetes and exempt amateur boxing from this HB 1228.
Thank you in advance for the opportunity to voice our concerns. Please feel free to contact me via email or phone (757) 717=5291 if you have any questions in regards to this matter.
v/r
Coach Reggie Barnett Sr
757 Boxing Club
Please help us keep the amateur fighting going. These young men and women have a dream of becoming professionals. We also get visitors from far away that lodge in local motels, eat in local restaurants, and shop locally. These people help our town. Please keep amateur fighters going as to most this is what keeps them from committing crimes and to become productive.