Note: see session law sections for effective dates.
Section | Headnote |
---|---|
341.01 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.02 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.03 | [Repealed, 1975 c 136 s 77] |
341.04 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.045 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.05 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.06 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.07 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.08 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.09 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.10 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.11 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.115 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.12 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.13 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.14 | [Repealed, 1975 c 136 s 77] |
341.15 | [Repealed, 1999 c 223 art 2 s 80 para (c)] |
341.21 | DEFINITIONS. |
341.22 | [Repealed, 2012 c 278 art 3 s 10] |
341.221 | ADVISORY COUNCIL. |
341.23 | LIMITATIONS. |
341.24 | [Repealed, 2012 c 278 art 3 s 10] |
341.25 | RULES. |
341.26 | [Repealed, 2012 c 278 art 3 s 10] |
341.27 | COMMISSIONER DUTIES. |
341.271 | GIFT AUTHORITY. |
341.28 | REGULATION OF COMBATIVE SPORT CONTESTS. |
341.29 | JURISDICTION OF COMMISSIONER. |
341.30 | LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS. |
341.31 | [Repealed, 2008 c 300 s 52; 2008 c 363 art 10 s 35] |
341.32 | LICENSE FEES; EXPIRATION; RENEWAL. |
341.321 | FEE SCHEDULE. |
341.322 | PAYMENT SCHEDULE. |
341.323 | EVENT APPROVAL. |
341.324 | AMBULANCE. |
341.33 | PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIRED; FEES. |
341.331 | PROHIBITED PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES AND TESTING. |
341.34 | INSURANCE. |
341.345 | CHALLENGING THE OUTCOME OF A COMBATIVE SPORT CONTEST. |
341.35 | UNLICENSED EVENTS; MISDEMEANOR. |
341.355 | CIVIL PENALTIES. |
341.37 | APPROPRIATION. |
"Boxing" means the act of attack and defense with the fists, using padded gloves, that is practiced as a sport under the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, or equivalent. Where applicable, boxing includes tough person contests.
"Combatant" means an individual who employs the act of attack and defense as a professional boxer, professional or amateur tough person, professional or amateur kickboxer, or professional or amateur mixed martial artist while engaged in a combative sport.
"Combative sport" means a sport that employs the act of attack and defense with the fists, with or without using padded gloves, or feet that is practiced as a sport under the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, unified rules for mixed martial arts, or their equivalent. Combative sports include professional boxing, professional and amateur tough person, professional or amateur kickboxing, and professional and amateur mixed martial arts contests.
"Combative sports contest" means a professional boxing, a professional or amateur tough person, a professional or amateur kickboxing, or a professional or amateur mixed martial arts contest, bout, competition, match, or exhibition.
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of labor and industry or a duly designated representative of the commissioner who is either an employee of the Department of Labor and Industry or a person working under contract with the department.
"HBV" means the hepatitis B virus with the e-antigen present in the most recent blood test.
"Martial art" means a variety of weaponless disciplines of combat or self-defense that utilize physical skill and coordination, and are practiced as combat sports. The disciplines include, but are not limited to, Wing Chun, Tae kwon do, savate, karate, sanshou, Jiu Jitsu, judo, ninjitsu, kung fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, grappling, tai chi, and other weaponless martial arts disciplines.
"Mixed martial arts contest" means a combat sport in which combatants are permitted to use a wide range of fighting techniques and is a contest between two or more individuals consisting of any combination of two or more full contact martial art disciplines.
"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, organization, or other business entity organized and existing under law, its officers and directors, or a person holding 25 percent or more of the ownership of a corporation that is authorized to do business under the laws of this state.
"Kickboxing" means the act of attack and defense with the fists using padded gloves and bare feet.
"Professional" means any person who competes for any money prize or a prize that exceeds the value of $50 or teaches, pursues, or assists in the practice of a combative sport as a means of obtaining a livelihood or pecuniary gain.
"Tough person contest," including contests marketed as tough man or tough woman contests, means a boxing match or similar contest where each combatant wears headgear and gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 13; 2007 c 135 art 3 s 30; 2008 c 300 s 20; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 1; 2013 c 85 art 2 s 37; 2015 c 54 art 3 s 1-5,14; 2023 c 53 art 4 s 1-6
(a) The commissioner must appoint a Combative Sports Advisory Council to advise the commissioner on the administration of duties under this chapter.
(b) The council shall have five members appointed by the commissioner. All five members must have knowledge of combative sports. The commissioner shall make serious efforts to appoint qualified women to serve on the council.
(c) The council shall annually elect from its membership a chair.
(d) Meetings shall be convened by the commissioner, or by the chair with the approval of the commissioner.
(e) Appointments to the council and the terms of council members are governed by sections 15.059 and 15.0597.
(f) Removal of members, filling of vacancies, and compensation of members shall be as provided in section 15.059.
(g) Meetings convened for the purpose of advising the commissioner on issues related to a challenge filed under section 341.345 are exempt from the open meeting requirements of chapter 13D.
No member of the council may directly or indirectly promote a contest, directly or indirectly engage in the managing of a combatant, or have an interest in any manner in the proceeds from a combative sport contest.
(a) The commissioner may adopt rules that include standards for the physical examination and condition of combatants and referees.
(b) The commissioner may adopt other rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the conduct of all combative sport contests and their manner, supervision, time, and place.
(c) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, as promulgated by the Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this chapter except as qualified by this chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 2202. In the event of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
(d) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Boxing, as promulgated by the Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this chapter except as qualified by this chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 2201. In the event of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
(e) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Kickboxing, as promulgated by the Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this chapter except as qualified by this chapter and any applicable Minnesota Rules. In the event of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 17; 2007 c 135 art 3 s 32; 2008 c 300 s 23; 2008 c 370 s 13; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 9; 2017 c 68 art 2 s 1; 2018 c 182 art 1 s 94; 2023 c 53 art 4 s 8
The commissioner shall:
(1) issue, deny, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses;
(2) make and maintain records of its acts and proceedings including the issuance, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of licenses;
(3) keep public records of the council open to inspection at all reasonable times;
(4) develop rules to be implemented under this chapter;
(5) conform to the rules adopted under this chapter;
(6) develop policies and procedures for regulating boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts;
(7) approve regulatory bodies to oversee martial arts and amateur boxing contests under section 341.28, subdivision 5;
(8) immediately suspend an individual license for a medical condition, including but not limited to a medical condition resulting from an injury sustained during a match, bout, or contest that has been confirmed by the ringside physician. The medical suspension must be lifted after the commissioner receives written information from a physician licensed in the home state of the licensee indicating that the combatant may resume competition, and any other information that the commissioner may by rule require. Medical suspensions are not subject to section 326B.082 or the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57 to 14.69; and
(9) immediately suspend an individual combatant license for a mandatory rest period, which must commence at the conclusion of every combative sports contest in which the license holder competes and does not receive a medical suspension. A rest suspension must automatically lift after 14 calendar days from the date the combative sports contest passed without notice or additional proceedings. Rest suspensions are not subject to section 326B.082 or the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57 to 14.69.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 19; 2007 c 135 art 3 s 33; 2008 c 300 s 25; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 4,9; 2013 c 85 art 2 s 39; 2017 c 68 art 2 s 2; 2023 c 53 art 4 s 9
The commissioner may apply for, receive, and expend grants and gifts of money consistent with the powers and duties specified in section 341.27. The commissioner may accept gifts, bequests, grants, payments for services, and other public and private money to help finance the activities required under this chapter.
All combative sport contests within this state must be conducted according to the requirements of this chapter.
All professional boxing contests are subject to this chapter. Every combatant in a boxing contest shall wear padded gloves that weigh at least eight ounces. Officials at all boxing contests must be licensed under this chapter.
All professional and amateur tough person contests are subject to this chapter. All tough person contests are subject to the most recent version of the Unified Rules of Boxing, as promulgated by the Association of Boxing Commissions. Every contestant in a tough person contest shall have a physical examination prior to their bouts. Every contestant in a tough person contest shall wear headgear and padded gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces. Officials at all tough person contests shall be licensed under this chapter.
All professional and amateur mixed martial arts contests are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be licensed under this chapter.
All professional and amateur kickboxing contests are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be licensed under this chapter.
(a) Unless this chapter specifically states otherwise, contests or exhibitions for martial arts and amateur boxing are exempt from the requirements of this chapter and officials at these events are not required to be licensed under this chapter.
(b) Martial arts and amateur boxing contests, unless subject to the exceptions set forth in subdivision 6, must be regulated by a nationally recognized organization approved by the commissioner. The organization must have a set of written standards, procedures, or rules used to sanction the combative sports it oversees.
(c) Any regulatory body overseeing a martial arts or amateur boxing event must submit bout results to the commissioner within 72 hours after the event. If the regulatory body issues suspensions, the regulatory body must submit to the commissioner a list of any suspensions resulting from the event within 72 hours after the event. Regulatory bodies that oversee combative sports or martial arts contests under subdivision 6 are not subject to this paragraph.
Combative sports or martial arts contests regulated by the Minnesota State High School League, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, or any similar organization that governs interscholastic athletics are not subject to this chapter and officials at these events are not required to be licensed under this chapter.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 20; 2007 c 135 art 3 s 34,35; 2008 c 300 s 27; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 6; 2015 c 54 art 3 s 6; 2023 c 53 art 4 s 10-14
The commissioner shall:
(1) have sole direction, supervision, regulation, control, and jurisdiction over all combative sport contests that are held within this state unless a contest is exempt from the application of this chapter under federal law;
(2) have sole control, authority, and jurisdiction over all licenses required by this chapter;
(3) grant a license to an applicant if, in the judgment of the commissioner, the financial responsibility, experience, character, and general fitness of the applicant are consistent with the public interest, convenience, or necessity and the best interests of combative sports and conforms with this chapter and the commissioner's rules;
(4) deny, suspend, or revoke a license using the enforcement provisions of section 326B.082, except that the licensing reapplication time frames remain within the sole discretion of the commissioner; and
(5) serve final nonlicensing orders in performing the duties of this chapter which are subject to the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57 to 14.69.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 21; 2008 c 300 s 28; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 9; 2013 c 85 art 2 s 40; 2015 c 54 art 3 s 7
All referees, judges, promoters, trainers, timekeepers, ringside physicians, combatants, and seconds are required to be licensed by the commissioner. The commissioner shall not permit any of these persons to participate in any matter with any combative sport contest unless the commissioner has first issued the person a license.
Before participating in the holding, promoting, or conducting of any combative sport contest, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity organized and existing under law shall obtain a license from the commissioner and must be authorized to do business under the laws of this state.
The commissioner may require referees, judges, promoters, and combatants to furnish fingerprints and background information under commissioner rules before licensure. The commissioner shall charge a fee for receiving fingerprints and background information in an amount determined by the commissioner. The commissioner may require referees, judges, promoters, and combatants to furnish fingerprints and background information before license renewal. The fee may include a reasonable charge for expenses incurred by the commissioner or the Department of Public Safety. For this purpose, the commissioner and the Department of Public Safety may enter into an interagency agreement.
(a) Before the commissioner issues a promoter's license to an individual, corporation, or other business entity, the applicant shall complete a licensing application on the Office of Combative Sports website or on forms prescribed by the commissioner and shall:
(1) show on the licensing application the owner or owners of the applicant entity and the percentage of interest held by each owner holding a 25 percent or more interest in the applicant;
(2) provide the commissioner with a copy of the latest financial statement of the applicant;
(3) provide proof, where applicable, of authorization to do business in the state of Minnesota; and
(4) deposit with the commissioner a surety bond in an amount set by the commissioner, which must not be less than $10,000. The bond shall be executed in favor of this state and shall be conditioned on the faithful performance by the promoter of the promoter's obligations under this chapter and the rules adopted under it.
(b) Before the commissioner issues a license to a combatant, the applicant shall:
(1) submit to the commissioner the results of current medical examinations on forms prescribed by the commissioner that state that the combatant is cleared to participate in a combative sport contest. The applicant must undergo and submit the results of the following medical examinations, which do not exempt a combatant from the requirements in section 341.33:
(i) a physical examination performed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic medicine, advance practice nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. Physical examinations are valid for one year from the date of the exam;
(ii) an ophthalmological examination performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist that includes dilation designed to detect any retinal defects or other damage or a condition of the eye that could be aggravated by combative sports. Ophthalmological examinations are valid for one year from the date of the exam;
(iii) blood work results for HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), HCV (Hepatitis C antibody), and HIV. Blood work results are good for one year from the date blood was drawn. The commissioner shall not issue a license to an applicant submitting positive test results for HBsAg, HCV, or HIV; and
(iv) other appropriate neurological or physical examinations before any contest, if the commissioner determines that the examination is desirable to protect the health of the combatant;
(2) complete a licensing application on the Office of Combative Sports website or on forms prescribed by the commissioner; and
(3) provide proof that the applicant is 18 years of age. Acceptable proof is a photo driver's license, state photo identification card, passport, or birth certificate combined with additional photo identification.
(c) Before the commissioner issues a license to a referee, judge, or timekeeper, the applicant must submit proof of qualifications that may include certified training from the Association of Boxing Commissions, licensure with other regulatory bodies, professional references, or a log of bouts worked.
(d) Before the commissioner issues a license to a ringside physician, the applicant must submit proof that they are licensed to practice medicine in the state of Minnesota and in good standing.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 22; 2008 c 300 s 29; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 9; 2013 c 85 art 2 s 41; 2015 c 54 art 3 s 8-10; 1Sp2019 c 7 art 9 s 14; 2023 c 53 art 4 s 15
The commissioner may establish and issue annual licenses subject to the collection of advance fees by the commissioner for promoters, judges, referees, ringside physicians, timekeepers, combatants, trainers, and seconds.
Licenses issued on or after January 1, 2023, shall expire one year after the date of issuance. A license may be applied for each year by filing an application for licensure and satisfying all licensure requirements established in section 341.30, and submitting payment of the license fees established in section 341.321. An application for a license and renewal of a license must be on a form provided by the commissioner.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 24; 2007 c 135 art 3 s 36; 2008 c 300 s 30; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 9; 2013 c 85 art 2 s 42; 2015 c 54 art 3 s 11,12; 1Sp2019 c 7 art 9 s 15; 2023 c 53 art 4 s 16
(a) The fee schedule for professional and amateur licenses issued by the commissioner is as follows:
(1) referees, $25;
(2) promoters, $700;
(3) judges and knockdown judges, $25;
(4) trainers and seconds, $40;
(5) timekeepers, $25;
(6) professional combatants, $70;
(7) amateur combatants, $35; and
(8) ringside physicians, $25.
All license fees shall be paid no later than the weigh-in prior to the contest. No license may be issued until all prelicensure requirements in section 341.30 are satisfied and fees are paid.
(b) A promoter or event organizer of an event regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry must pay, per event, a combative sport contest fee of $1,500 per event or four percent of the gross ticket sales, whichever is greater. The fee must be paid as follows:
(1) $500 at the time the combative sport contest is scheduled;
(2) $1,000 at the weigh-in prior to the contest;
(3) if four percent of the gross ticket sales is greater than $1,500, the balance is due to the commissioner within 14 days of the completed contest; and
(4) the value of all complimentary tickets distributed for an event, to the extent they exceed five percent of total event attendance, counts toward gross tickets sales for the purposes of determining a combative sports contest fee. For purposes of this clause, the lowest advertised ticket price shall be used to calculate the value of complimentary tickets.
(c) All fees and penalties collected by the commissioner must be deposited in the commissioner account in the special revenue fund.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 25; 2007 c 135 art 3 s 37; 2008 c 300 s 31; 1Sp2011 c 4 art 2 s 5; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 9; 2013 c 85 art 2 s 43; 1Sp2015 c 1 art 5 s 5; 2017 c 68 art 2 s 3; 1Sp2019 c 7 art 9 s 16; 2023 c 53 art 4 s 17
The commissioner may establish a schedule of payments to be paid by a promoter to referees, judges and knockdown judges, timekeepers, and ringside physicians.
Before the commissioner approves a combative sports contest, the promoter shall provide the commissioner, at least six weeks before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur, information about the time, date, and location of the contest and at least 72 hours before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur:
(1) a copy of any agreement between a combatant and the promoter that binds the promoter to pay the combatant a certain fixed fee or percentage of the gate receipts;
(2) a copy or other proof acceptable to the commissioner of the insurance contract or policy required by this chapter;
(3) proof acceptable to the commissioner that the promoter will provide, at the cost of the promoter, at least one uniformed security guard or uniformed off-duty member of law enforcement to provide security at any event regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry. The commissioner may require a promoter to take additional security measures to ensure the safety of participants and spectators at an event; and
(4) proof acceptable to the commissioner that the promoter will provide an ambulance service as required by section 341.324.
Before the commissioner approves a combative sport contest, the commissioner must ensure that the promoter is properly licensed under this chapter. The promoter must maintain proper licensure from the time it schedules a combative sports contest through the date of the contest.
Nothing in this section limits the commissioner's discretion in deciding whether to approve a combative sport contest or event.
A promoter must ensure, at the cost of the promoter, that a licensed ambulance service with two emergency medical technicians is on the premises during a combative sports contest.
All combatants must be examined by a physician licensed by this state within 36 hours before entering the ring, and the examining physician shall immediately file with the commissioner a written report of the examination. The physician's examination may report on the condition of the combatant's heart and general physical and general neurological condition. The physician's report may record the condition of the combatant's nervous system and brain as required by the commissioner. The physician may prohibit the combatant from entering the ring if, in the physician's professional opinion, it is in the best interest of the combatant's health. The cost of the examination is payable by the promoter conducting the contest or exhibition.
A promoter holding or sponsoring a combative sport contest shall have in attendance a physician licensed by Minnesota.
2006 c 282 art 11 s 26; 2008 c 300 s 32; 2012 c 278 art 3 s 9; 2015 c 54 art 3 s 13; 2023 c 53 art 4 s 21
All combatants are prohibited from using the substances listed in the following classes contained in the World Anti-Doping Code published by the World Anti-Doping Agency, unless a combatant meets an applicable exception set forth therein:
(1) S0, nonapproved substances;
(2) S1, anabolic agents;
(3) S2, peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances and mimetics;
(4) S3, beta-2 agonists;
(5) S4, hormone and metabolic modulators; and
(6) S5, diuretics and masking agents.
The commissioner may administer drug testing to discover violations of subdivision 1 as follows:
(a) The commissioner may require a combatant to submit to a drug test to determine if substances are present in the combatant's system in violation of subdivision 1. This testing may occur at any time after the official weigh-in, on the day of the contest in which the combatant is participating, or within 24 hours of competing in a combative sports contest in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may require testing based on reasonable cause or random selection. Grounds for reasonable cause includes observing or receiving credible information that a combatant has used prohibited performance enhancing drugs. If testing is based on random selection, both combatants competing in a selected bout shall submit to a drug test.
(b) Specimens may include urine, hair samples, or blood. Specimens shall be tested at a facility acceptable to the commissioner. Results of all drug tests shall be submitted directly to the commissioner.
(c) The promoter shall pay the costs relating to drug testing combatants. Any requests for follow-up or additional testing must be paid by the combatant.
(a) If a combatant fails to provide a sample for drug testing when required, and the request is made before a bout, the combatant shall not be allowed to compete in the bout. If the request is made after a bout, and the combatant fails to provide a sample for drug testing, the combatant shall be subject to disciplinary action under section 341.29.
(b) If a combatant's specimen tests positive for any prohibited substances, the combatant shall be subject to disciplinary action under section 341.29.
(c) A combatant who is disciplined and was the winner of a bout shall be disqualified and the decision shall be changed to no contest. The results of a bout shall remain unchanged if a combatant who is disciplined was the loser of the bout.
The commissioner shall:
(1) require insurance coverage for a combatant to provide for medical, surgical, and hospital care for injuries sustained in the ring in an amount of at least $10,000 and payable to the combatant as beneficiary; and
(2) require life insurance for a combatant in the amount of at least $10,000 payable in case of accidental death resulting from injuries sustained in the ring.
The cost of the insurance required by this section is payable by the promoter.
(a) If a combatant disagrees with the outcome of a combative sport contest regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry in which the combatant participated, the combatant may challenge the outcome.
(b) If a third party makes a challenge on behalf of a combatant, the third party must provide written confirmation that they are authorized to make the challenge on behalf of the combatant. The written confirmation must contain the combatant's signature and must be submitted with the challenge.
A challenge must be submitted on a form prescribed by the commissioner, set forth all relevant facts and the basis for the challenge, and state what remedy is being sought. A combatant may submit photos, videos, documents, or any other evidence the combatant would like the commissioner to consider in connection to the challenge. A combatant may challenge the outcome of a contest only if it is alleged that:
(1) the referee made an incorrect call or missed a rule violation that directly affected the outcome of the contest;
(2) there was collusion amongst officials to affect the outcome of the contest; or
(3) scores were miscalculated.
A challenge must be submitted within ten days of the contest.
(a) For purposes of this subdivision, the day of the contest shall not count toward the ten-day period. If the tenth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then a combatant shall have until the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday to submit a challenge.
(b) The challenge must be submitted to the commissioner at the address, fax number, or email address designated on the commissioner's website. The date on which a challenge is submitted by mail shall be the postmark date on the envelope in which the challenge is mailed. If the challenge is faxed or emailed, it must be received by the commissioner by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on the day the challenge is due.
If the requirements of subdivisions 1 to 3 are met, the commissioner shall send a complete copy of the challenge documents, along with any supporting materials submitted, to the opposing combatant by mail, fax, or email. The opposing combatant has 14 days from the date the commissioner sends the challenge and supporting materials to submit a response to the commissioner. Additional response time is not added when the commissioner sends the challenge to the opposing combatant by mail. The opposing combatant may submit photos, videos, documents, or any other evidence the opposing combatant would like the commissioner to consider in connection to the challenge. The response must be submitted to the commissioner at the address, fax number, or email address designated on the commissioner's website. The date on which a response is submitted by mail is the postmark date on the envelope in which the response is mailed. If the response is faxed or emailed, it must be received by the commissioner by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on the day the response is due.
The commissioner may, if the commissioner determines it would be helpful in resolving the issues raised in the challenge, send a complete copy of the challenge or response, along with any supporting materials submitted, to any licensed official involved in the combative sport contest at issue by mail, fax, or email and request the official's views on the issues raised in the challenge.
The commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 60 days after receiving the opposing combatant's response. If the opposing combatant does not submit a response, the commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 75 days after receiving the challenge.
If the requirements of subdivisions 1 to 3 are not met, the commissioner must not accept the challenge and may send correspondence to the person who submitted the challenge stating the reasons for nonacceptance of the challenge. A combatant has no further appeal rights if the combatant's challenge is not accepted by the commissioner.
After the commissioner issues an order under subdivision 6, each combatant under section 326B.082, subdivision 8, has 30 days after service of the order to submit a request for hearing before an administrative law judge.
Any person or persons who send or cause to be sent, published, or otherwise made known, any challenge to fight what is commonly known as a prize fight, or engage in any public combative sport match or contest, with or without gloves, for any prize, reward, or compensation, or for which any admission fee is charged directly or indirectly, or go into training preparatory for the fight, exhibition, or contest, or act as a trainer, aider, abettor, backer, umpire, referee, second, surgeon, assistant, or attendant at the fight, exhibition, or contest, or in any preparation for same, and any owner or lessee of any ground, building, or structure of any kind permitting the same to be used for any fight, exhibition, or contest, is guilty of a misdemeanor unless the licenses required for the holding of the fight, exhibition, or contest have been issued by the commissioner in compliance with the rules adopted by it.
When the commissioner finds that a person has violated one or more provisions of any statute, rule, or order that the commissioner is empowered to regulate, enforce, or issue, the commissioner may impose, for each violation, a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation, or a civil penalty that deprives the person of any economic advantage gained by the violation, or both. The commissioner may also impose these penalties against a person who has violated section 341.28, subdivision 5, paragraph (b) or (c).
A combative sports account is created in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of conducting its statutory responsibilities and obligations under this chapter.
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes