Based on my interpretation of HB 1228, this proposition only aims to bring MMA and other unsancioned combat sporting events to the CURRENT standards of Amateur boxing. That effort is worthy of support. However, certain aspects of HB 1228 should be clarified to ensure amateur boxing is not unnecessarily impacted given the fact that it is already governed by USA Boxing.

I think that HB 1228 should include language that specifies that amateur boxing events currently sanctioned by USA Boxing already meet the sanctioning requirements stated in HB 1228 and thus would be exempt. If there will be a requirement for existing sanctioning bodies such as USA Boxing to go through a new approval process with the Director, these sanctioning bodies should be allotted a grace period to go through this approval process to ensure their events and operations are not disrupted before any ban were to go into effect. It is also unclear if the exemptions in 54.1-830 pertain specifically to amateur boxing events and/or to testing procedures.

Attempting to protect fighters in all combat sports safety is important. It certainly makes sense to attempt to bring MMA and other unsanctioned events up to amateur boxing standards. I'd just urge the committee to account and factor for the fact that amateur boxing and USA Boxing's long-standing efforts in this area. For these reasons, I hope HB 1228 doesn't disrupt amateur boxing unjustly.

Mike Johnson