IN ADDITION TO THE
ISCF RULES & REGULATIONS
PLEASE NOTE THE ADDED


FLORIDA AMATEUR MMA RULES

FOR COMPLETE LIST OF THE DETAILED RULES FOR BOTH
AMATEUR MMA AND AMATEUR KICKBOXING IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA
CLICK HERE

UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 15th, 2016

Below are rules that may be in addition to ISCF Amateur MMA Rules
To Review the Official USA MMA ISCF RULES & REGULATIONS CLICK HERE

• MEDICAL
  • FIGHTERS BLOOD WORK
    • All fighters will receive an onsite physical examination clearing them to compete performed by a medical doctor (MD or DO).
    • Each fighter must submit a copy of a negative blood test (HIV Hep B & C) no older than "**12" months from the date of the bout.
      • (**) Updated November, 2014.
    • All female fighters will be required to take a pregnancy test.
      • Pregnant women will not be allowed to compete.
    • Fighters 35 and over will be subject to additional medical testing requirements; including:
      • Normal EKG less than six months old and a letter from the fighters personal physician clearing them to compete.
      • For additional Details on "FIGHTER AGE REQUIREMENTS" - CLICK HERE.
        
        

• New Commission Rule - Pre-Match Physicals for Amateurs
  Thursday, October 15, 2015
  
  
  • Physicians are required to certify in writing the amateur's physical condition and a professional assessment as to whether the amateur may engage in a match.
    
    
  • Amateurs must provide the ASOs with an eye exam, negative Hepatitis B & C test and negative HIV test.
    The test results are good for one year. Please note that there is a typo in the rule that says two years. The Attorney General's office is working on correcting the typo.
    
    
  • Female participants must provide negative pregnancy tests.
    
    
    
  • Over 40 fighters must submit additional tests results:
    • A normal EKG.
    • A normal MRI.
    • A physical exam from stating that the fighter is physically fit to compete.
    • Our inspectors will ask for copies of the above mentioned certifications and test results if a compliance check is performed.

• FIGHTERS AGE
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years old.
    
    
• FIGHTERS DRESS CODE
  • MEN
    • No Shoes
    • No Foot Pads.
    • No Shirts
    • No long pants - Shorts only
      
      
• EQUIPMENT
  • GLOVES
    Minimum of 7 ounces. Approved ISCF Gloves ONLY! Provided by the Promoter.
    • 7 Ounce Amateur MMA Competition Gloves
      
      
  • SHIN & INSTEP PADS.
    Approved ISCF Gloves ONLY! Provided by the Promoter.
    • Must have several sets in Red and in Blue to designate corner colors.
      
      
• HANDWRAPS
  • Although Florida Rules say: "The wrapping of hands is not mandatory." This is a TERRIBLE RULE!!!
    • The wrapping of a fighters hands is a SAFETY and INJURY issue for BOTH the Fighter hitting and the fighter being hit.
    • ON ALL IKF Sanctioned Events Hand Wrapping IS MANDATORY!
    • Wrapping of a fighters HANDS IS MANDATORY in ALL IKF Sanctioned Bouts. For IKF Handwrap rules Click HERE.
      
      
• DURATION OF BOUTS
  • Each match is scheduled for three (3) - three (3) minute rounds.
  • Rest periods will be no shorter than one (1) minute between rounds.
    
    
• LEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE STANDING
  • All closed hand strikes are allowed to the legs, body and **Head.
  • All kicks are allowed to the legs, body and **Head.
    • (**) HEAD STRIKES: STANDING ONLY - SEE BELOW: KNOCKDOWNS BY STRIKE.
  • Knees to the legs and body. NO Knees to head.
  • Throws/ Takes Downs/ Sweeps/ Slams
  • All standing submissions
  • Chokes
  • Arm Bars and Locks
  • Shouldering
    • SPINNING BACKHAND
      • Spinning backhand/fist was not listed on the approved techniques list of rules for the state of Florida.
        
        
• LEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE ON THE GROUND
  • All closed hand strikes to the legs and body.
    • FIGHTERS WITH 3 DOCUMENTED MMA FIGHTS OR MORE;
      • MAY "PUNCH" TO THE HEAD WHEN IN THE GROUND.
        
        
    • FIGHTERS WITH LESS THEN 3 DOCUMENTED MMA FIGHTS;
      • MAY NOT "PUNCH" TO THE HEAD WHEN IN THE GROUND.
        
        
  • All Submissions, Chokes/ Arm Bars & Locks: Straight Leg Locks Only! (No Heel Hooks & Toe Holds)
    • The Florida rules do not address:
      • If one (1) fighter is on the ground and the other is standing if or not both fighters are allowed to throw kicks to the legs.
        The Florida Rules also do not address Knees to the body and legs while on the ground.
        This being said, we are left to believe that these would fouls.
        
        
• ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE STANDING (FOULS)
  • Elbows
  • Knees to the head
  • Linear/ straight kicks to the knees
  • Stomps on the feet
  • Groin strikes
  • Intentionally hitting the back of the head
  • Spine or Kidney Strikes
  • Excessive Slamming ( Moving forward once an opponent is elevated in order to create more damage from the takedown.)
  • Throws onto the head or neck (spiking)
  • Throws against a joint
  • Throwing the opponent out of competition area: The ring or cage
  • Neck cranks (Turning the neck)
  • Holding ropes or cage
  • Pinching, Biting, Gouging and anything that might be considered "dirty fighting".
  • Fish hooking
  • Grabbing or holding the uniform or protective padding.
    • In addition to the above Rules, the following are ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES under ISCF Rules
      • Head Butting
      • Eye Gouging
      • Hair Pulling
      • Putting a finger into any orifice or into a cut.
      • NO Heel Hooks or Toe Holds (Twisting against the knee)
      • Choking with the hand on the throat or grabbing the trachea
      • Smothering (Hand over the mouth)
      • Small joint manipulation
      • Clawing, Twisting or pinching the flesh
      • Grabbing the clavicle
      • Spitting
        
        
• ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES WHILE WHILE ON THE GROUND (FOULS)
  • Any striking to the head FOR FIGHTERS WITH LESS THAN 3 DOCUMENTED MMA BOUTS.
  • Elbow strikes.
  • Neck cranks (Twisting the neck)
  • Heel hooks
  • Finger locks
  • Toe locks
  • Choking with hand on throat
  • Smothering (Hand over mouth)
  • Spine locks
  • fish hooks
  • Groin strikes
  • Spine strikes
  • Throwing the opponent out of competition area: The ring/ cage
  • Pinching, Biting, Gouging and anything that might be considered "dirty fighting".
  • Fish hooking
  • Grabbing or holding the uniform or protective padding.

PROMOTERS

• MEDICAL
  • There will be a minimum of one medical doctor (MD or DO) at cage-side or ringside during all bouts.
    • It is highly recommended that two physicians be in attendance so that if one must leave cage-side the event may continue.
      • 61K1-4.006 Physician and Emergency Medical Technician Requirements.
        • (2) Physician requirements:
          • (a) The physician shall be governed by the requirements of his licensure as an M.D. or D.O. The physician shall hold a license in good standing to practice medicine as an M.D. or D.O.
          • (b) All amateur sanctioning organizations shall ensure that the physicians they select as ringside physicians have obtained 6 hours of continuing medical education units relating to trauma or ringside medical treatment as part of their biennial continuing medical education requirements required by the Florida Board of Medicine. Amateur Sanctioning Organizations who utilize a ringside physician who does not comply with the continuing education requirements following January 1, 2014, shall be subject to disciplinary action.
          • (c) The physician shall carry proof of licensure on his person at all times during an event and provide it to commission representatives if requested.
            
            
  • Competition may not occur in the cage/ring if the physician is not present at ringside.
  • There will be a minimum of two licensed paramedics or EMT's in attendance at the event with at least one of these present at ring/cage-side while competition is occurring.
  • These paramedics/EMT will have in the facility, at cage-side all equipment necessary for treatment and or transportation of an injured athlete, including: Oxygen, Backboard and Neck Collar.
  • There will be an ambulance (mobile medical unit) on site at all times during the event.
  • If an athlete needs to use the ambulance for transport to the hospital another unit must arrive before the competition can continue.
    • Fighters OVER 35 YEARS OF AGE:
      • Fighters 35 and over will be subject to additional medical testing requirements; including a normal EKG less than six months old and a letter from the fighters personal physician clearing them to compete.
      • For additional age requirements see the ISCF FIGHTER MEDICAL TEST REQUIREMENTS PAGE - CLICK HERE.
        
        
• EVENT ADVERTISING
  • All advertising must make it clear that the event is an amateur competition. (61K1-4.004 Emergency Medical Equipment; Other Requirements.(2c)
    
    
• FIGHT CARD
  • The fight card must be submitted to the ISCF 1 week prior to the event for approval.
  • The matches will be evaluated to make certain that the matches are suitable, that all fighters are amateurs, and that none are under suspension.
  • Any changes to the fight card will be subject to the approval of the ISCF and/or their ISCF Event Representative.
  • The promoter is responsible for guaranteeing that each fight camp is fully informed regarding the following;
    • Their opponent.
    • The weight limit set for the match.
    • The length of the match.
    • The specific rules governing that match.
    • General event schedule to include mandatory report times for things such as pre fight rules meeting.
      
      
• EQUIPMENT
  • PROMOTER PROVIDES ALL GLOVES: Minimum of 7 ounces. Approved ISCF Gloves ONLY!
  • PROMOTER PROVIDES ALL SHIN & INSTEP PADS. Approved ISCF Gloves ONLY!
    • Must have several sets in Red and in Blue to designate corner colors.
      
      
• FIGHT AREA
  • OUTDOOR EVENTS
    • (h) If the match or program of matches is being held outdoors, the ring, apron and seating for all officials shall be protected from inclement weather by use of a heavy duty weatherproof tarpaulin or cover of similar material. The covering shall be erected in such a manner as to ensure that the ring, apron and seating do not become wet. Under no circumstances will the referee, amateur sanctioning organization representative, or the commission representative allow a match to continue if the condition of the ring floor deteriorates such that its condition poses a hazard to the amateurs or the referee.
      
      
  • CAGE OR RING REPAIR
    • It shall be the responsibility of the amateur sanctioning organization to ensure the presence of a person or persons capable of making emergency repairs, corrections and adjustments to the ring, lights and other necessary fixtures at all times during the progress of a program of matches. (61K1-4.004 Emergency Medical Equipment; Other Requirements (2a)
      
      
  • CAGE
    • Must be a minimum of 18' x 18'.
      
      
    • NO VINYL or plastic rubberized covering will be permitted.
      
      
    • Must be Canvas
      
      
    • Minimum 30 inches above the arena floor.
      
      
    • Must be swept, dry-mopped, or otherwise adequately cleaned before the event and prior to the fights.
      
      
  • RING
    • Must be a minimum of 18' x 18'. - nor more than 22 feet square inside the ropes.
      
      
    • Must have "5" Ropes.
      
      
    • Ring floor must extend beyond the ropes a minimum of 18 inches from the ropes to the outer edge of the ring floor.
      
      
    • NO VINYL or plastic rubberized covering will be permitted.
      
      
    • Must be Canvas
      
      
    • (e) Ring posts shall be made of metal with dimensions of not less than 3 inches nor more than 6 inches in diameter and shall extend from the floor of the building to a height of no less than 60 inches nor more than 84 inches above the floor of the fenced area. Ring posts must be properly padded in a manner approved by the commission. Ring posts padding shall not include abrasive, sharp or potentially injuring materials;
      
      
    • Minimum 30 inches above the arena floor.
      • (e) The ring platform shall not be more than 4 feet above the surrounding floor and shall be provided with steps for use of the amateur in each amateur's corner. Steps shall also be provided in a neutral corner for use by the announcer, referee, round card carrier and physicians.
      • (f) The ring platform shall not be less than twelve (12) feet below the surrounding ceiling.
        
        
    • Must be swept, dry-mopped, or otherwise adequately cleaned before the event and prior to the fights.
      • 61K1-4.005 Arena Equipment Requirements; Ring Requirements; and Fenced Area Requirements.
        (1) Ring Requirements:
        
        
  • SPECTATOR AREA
    • (i) The amateur sanctioning organization shall insure that the front row of spectator seating is no closer than six (6) feet from the back of the officials' seats.
    • The amateur sanctioning organization shall ensure that all food and beverages around the ring are dispensed in paper or plastic plates or cups and that only plastic utensils are provided. (61K1-4.004 Emergency Medical Equipment; Other Requirements (2b)
      
      
• LOCKER ROOM OFFICIALS
  • If locker rooms are provided, an amateur sanctioning organization representative shall supervise all locker-room activity according to the following minimum protocols;
    (61K1-4.004 Emergency Medical Equipment; Other Requirements (2d)
    • 1. Only water and approved electrolyte drinks in their sealed original container are permitted in the locker room. No food, vitamins, or supplements of any kind are permitted in the locker room, with the exception of produce.
    • 2. The presence of any alcohol, "energy" drinks, controlled substances or any illegal enhancing substance in the possession of amateurs, any representative of the amateurs or any representative of the amateur sanctioning organization is grounds for suspension of the amateur sanctioning organization's license and immediate cancellation of the match.
    • 3. Only amateurs scheduled to compete, individuals working their corners, and amateur sanctioning organization representatives working the event are permitted in locker room. Exceptions require prior permission of the sanctioning organization supervisor.
    • 4. Amateur sanctioning organizations shall ensure that amateurs are provided separate dressing rooms for male and female amateurs.
      
      

• FIGHTER INSURANCE
  
  
  • Health and Accidental Death Benefit Policy for Athletes: $10K minimum.
    • Claims forms with the promoter information and policy number already written in shall be provided to the ringside physician prior to the start of the event.
      The promoter is responsible for the payment of the deductible amounts for any injured athletes if their personal insurance doesn't cover said medical expense.
      
      
  • General Liability Insurance Policy naming sanction body as co-insured: $1 Million per claim / $2 Million aggregate minimum.
    • For More Insurance Info Click HERE.
      
      
  • (*) There are several different companies that do fighter and event liability insurance. It is always the promoters choice as to which insurance company they will purchase their event insurance from. The ISCF has always worked closely with FL Dean. For ISCF Sanctioned Event Insurance Fees using FL Dean Click HERE.

• Time Between Bouts
  This rule is to avoid a fighter, fighting on a "Different Promotional" event less then 10 days after a fight or a fighter fighting too soon after being defeated by a Knock Out or TKO by too many striking blows.
  • If the fighter is fighting in a TOURNAMENT within a 3 day time span and does not lose by KO/TKO and is not cut or injured during their bout, the "Time Between Bout" Rule does not apply.
    • Fighters in a TOURNAMENT MUST be checked by a Licensed MD after EACH BOUT to assure they are in good health to continue to the next round.
      
      
      
  • TIME BETWEEN BOUTS
    • 10 days or 240 Hours after their last bout ends before stepping into the ring or cage to fight again.
      • Example: If you fight on Friday night the 1st at 6:PM, you cannot fight again until the following MONDAY Night the 10th at 6:01 PM
        • There are other reasons for this rule as well. These reasons will also explain why a fighter can fight multiple times within 2-3 days if only on the SAME event. Such as;
          • It stops a fighter from booking back to back fights where as the second fight's promoter risks him not being on his event if injured the week before.
          • It gives the sanctioning bodies and the MMA Databases a chance to make sure all the fighters results are made public. An amateur fighter could fight as a pro and turn around and fight as an amateur a week later because the news had not gotten out yet he fought pro.
            
            
      • FINE & SUSPENSION: If ANY AMATEUR fighter is caught breaking this rule, by fighting for another organization or on an unsanctioned event within 7 days of an ISCF Sanctioned event, that fighter will be suspended from competing by the ISCF for a minimum of 60 days and fined a Medical Rest Period Fine of $250.00. Suspension will remain until fine is paid.
        
        
        
  • CHOKED UNCONSCIOUS
    • Minimum of 30 Day Medical Recovery Suspension.
      • It is the responsibility of the Events Licensed Medical Doctor - Ringside Physician to evaluate the severity of the issue and while still at the event, issue a medical suspension of a minimum of 30 days to the fighter who was choked unconscious.
        • FINE & SUSPENSION: If ANY Fighter is caught breaking this suspension rule, by fighting for another organization or on an unsanctioned event during their medical suspension, that fighter will be suspended from competing by the ISCF for a minimum of 60 days and fined a Medical Rest Period Fine of $250.00. Suspension will remain until fine is paid.
          
          
          
  • TKO - TECHNICAL KNOCK OUT
    • Minimum of 30 Day Medical Recovery Suspension.
      • It is the responsibility of the Events Licensed Medical Doctor - Ringside Physician to evaluate the severity of the TKO and while still at the event, issue a medical suspension of a minimum of 30 days to the fighter knocked out or stopped.
      • This is to assure that the fighter has time to recover from the blows suffered and be evaluated by a Licensed Medical Doctor to assure they are able to fight again and when.
        • FINE & SUSPENSION: If ANY Fighter is caught breaking this suspension rule, by fighting for another organization or on an unsanctioned event during their medical suspension, that fighter will be suspended from competing by the ISCF for a minimum of 60 days and fined a Medical Rest Period Fine of $250.00. Suspension will remain until fine is paid.
          
          
          
  • KO - KNOCK OUT
    • Minimum of 45 days to 90 Day Medical Recovery Suspension.
      • It is the responsibility of the Events Licensed Medical Doctor - Ringside Physician to evaluate the severity of the KO and while still at the event, issue a medical suspension of a minimum of 45 days to the fighter knocked out or stopped.
      • This is to assure that the fighter has time to recover from the Knock Out or blows suffered and be evaluated by a licensed Medical Doctor to assure they are able to fight again and when.
        • FINE & SUSPENSION: If ANY Fighter is caught breaking this suspension rule, by fighting for another organization or on an unsanctioned event during their medical suspension, that fighter will be suspended from competing by the ISCF for a minimum of 60 days and fined a Medical Rest Period Fine of $250.00. Suspension will remain until fine is paid.
          
          
          
  • FACIAL CUT
    • 60 Day Medical Recovery Suspension OR WHEN Cleared by Medical Doctor.
      • It is the responsibility of the Events Licensed Medical Doctor - Ringside Physician to evaluate the severity of the cut and while still at the event, issue a medical suspension of a minimum of 60 days to the fighter cut.
        • FINE & SUSPENSION: If ANY Fighter is caught breaking this suspension rule, by fighting for another organization or on an unsanctioned event during their medical suspension, that fighter will be suspended from competing by the ISCF for a minimum of 60 days and fined a Medical Rest Period Fine of $250.00. Suspension will remain until fine is paid.
          
          
          
  • LIMB OR JOINT INJURY
    • Minimum of 30 days to 120 Day Medical Recovery Suspension OR WHEN Cleared by Medical Doctor.
      • It is the responsibility of the Events Licensed Medical Doctor - Ringside Physician to evaluate the severity of the injury and while still at the event, issue a medical suspension of a minimum of 30 days to the fighter injured.
        • FINE & SUSPENSION: If ANY Fighter is caught breaking this suspension rule, by fighting for another organization or on an unsanctioned event during their medical suspension, that fighter will be suspended from competing by the ISCF for a minimum of 60 days and fined a Medical Rest Period Fine of $250.00. Suspension will remain until fine is paid.
          
          
          
  • BROKEN BONE
    • Minimum of 180 Day Medical Recovery Suspension OR WHEN Cleared by Medical Doctor.
      • FINE & SUSPENSION: If ANY Fighter is caught breaking this suspension rule, by fighting for another organization or on an unsanctioned event during their medical suspension, that fighter will be suspended from competing by the ISCF for a minimum of 60 days and fined a Medical Rest Period Fine of $250.00. Suspension will remain until fine is paid.
        
        
        
  • AMATEUR FIGHTER CONFIRMATION FORM
    • To assure honesty and accountability, every fighter will be required to sign a AMATEUR FIGHTER CONFIRMATION FORM.
    • This form can be found by clicking AMATEUR FIGHTER CONFIRMATION FORM.
    • Once filled out, each fighter on the ISCF Sanctioned event must give this completed and signed form to the ISCF Event Representative "BEFORE THEIR FIGHT" stating in truth about his/her personal info and fight info.
      
      
      

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