2015 Code of Virginia
Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations
§ 54.1-829.1. (Effective October 1, 2015) Sanctioning organization; amateur events

A. No event in which amateur participants compete in boxing or martial arts shall be permitted in the Commonwealth unless the amateur event is conducted by a sanctioning organization approved by the Director.

B. The Director shall approve such sanctioning organizations that apply for and satisfactorily demonstrate evidence of standards and operations at least as rigorous as those required by this chapter. The Director may withdraw his approval for a sanctioning organization's failure to comply with this chapter, associated regulations, or any administrative requirements for demonstrating compliance.

C. Minimum provisions for approval as an amateur sanctioning organization shall include that the sanctioning organization (i) has at least five years' documented experience without adverse financial or disciplinary action in any jurisdiction; (ii) provides evidence that none of its officers, employees, or agents, directly or indirectly, have any pecuniary interest in, or hold any position with, any business associated with a licensee; (iii) certifies the contestants' physical condition prior to any contest and at ringside; and (iv) ensures the continuous presence of a ringside physician and an on-site ambulance.

D. Approved sanctioning organizations shall ensure that each boxer and martial artist provides a negative test for the following prior to an event in order to participate:

1. Antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus;

2. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); and

3. Antibodies to virus hepatitis C.

Such tests shall be conducted within the 180 days preceding the event. A boxer or martial artist who fails to provide negative results for all required tests shall not be permitted to compete in the event.

E. Each approved sanctioning organization shall submit an annual report to the Director on or before February 1, with a summary of the events conducted for the preceding calendar year.

2015, cc. 216, 264.