§ 10-4. Permit requirements.

In order to receive a permit for an amateur boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts match or exhibition, the promoter shall pay a permit application fee and certify the following:

(a)

The match is governed and authorized under the rules of USA boxing (boxing), the International Federation of Kickboxing (kickboxing), the International Sports Combat Federation (mixed martial arts) or another sanctioning body approved by the County Administrator or designee.

(b)

In addition to following the rules of any sanctioning organization, the promoter must certify:

1.

There will be a licensed physician, either a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), ringside.

2.

There will be a waiting ambulance on the premises with at least two certified emergency medical technicians.

3.

A portable defibrillator with all additional equipment necessary for its operation will be available ringside.

4.

The contestants, and any alternates, will be registered and matched at least two days before the match.

5.

The contestants, and any alternates, shall be matched according to the weight classes and rules of the sanctioning body, as recognized by the County Administrator, for the particular sport in which the contestant is competing.

6.

A licensed physician shall conduct a prematch physical of all contestants to insure that the contestants are fit to participate and that they have not consumed any alcohol or illegal drugs.

7.

A licensed physician shall conduct a post-match physical of all contestants to insure that the contestants do not require emergency medical attention.

8.

The contestants will wear protective headgear approved by the sanctioning body, as recognized by the County Administrator, for the particular sport in which the contestant is competing.

9.

The contestants will each wear custom-made or individually fitted mouthpieces.

10.

The contestants will wear boxing gloves that correspond with the weight class of the contestants as established by the sanctioning body, as recognized by the County Administrator, for the particular sport in which the contestant is competing.

11.

That the promoter has arranged with a local law enforcement agency, with jurisdiction over the premises where the regulated match or exhibition will be held, for the presence of an adequate number of sworn law enforcement officers at the premises where the match or exhibition will be held. The head of the respective law enforcement agency or designee shall determine the number of officers required to provide adequate security. In addition, the promoter shall be responsible for paying the local law enforcement agency for providing the security required under this section.

(c)

The match or exhibition must be held in compliance with the Sarasota County Zoning Code or the applicable zoning code of any incorporated municipalities in Sarasota County where the match or exhibition is held.

(d)

The match or exhibition shall be controlled by officials and referees recognized by the sanctioning body, as recognized by the County Administrator, for the particular sport in which the contestant is competing.

(e)

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any boxing, kickboxing or mixed martial arts match or exhibition conducted as part of an interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic program, or as part of an amateur athletic program sponsored by or under the supervision of the national Amateur Athletic Union or the American Olympic Association in which all contestants are amateurs, or to any boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts match or exhibition conducted under the control or supervision of the U.S. Armed Forces.

(Ord. No. 2003-064, § 4, 9-23-2003)