(2) The fighting-area floor shall be no smaller than 18 feet in diameter and no larger than 36 feet in diameter.
(3) The fighting-area floor shall be padded in a manner approved by the department, with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the platform.
(4) The fighting-area floor shall not be more than 4 feet above the floor of the building and shall have 2 sets of suitable steps or ramps for use by the contestants.
(5) Posts shall be made of metal not more than 6 inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the fighting-area floor and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the department.
(6) The fighting area shall be enclosed by a fence made of material, such as vinyl-coated chain-link fencing, that will not allow a contestant to fall out or break through it onto the building floor or spectators.
(7) All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the department and may not be abrasive to the contestants.
(8) The cage shall have 2 separate entries onto the fighting-area floor.
SPS 192.70 Requirements for ring. Unless otherwise approved by the commissioner or department representative, the ring in which a bout is conducted shall meet the following requirements:
(1) The ring shall be a square of not less than 16 nor more than 20 feet on a side within the ropes. The apron of the ring floor shall extend at least 18 inches beyond the ropes. The ring may not be more than 4 feet above the floor of the building or grounds of an outdoor arena and shall have 3 sets of suitable steps for the use of boxers, coaches, and officials, one in each boxer’s corner and one in a neutral corner or area for use by ringside physicians and referees.
(2) The ring shall be circumscribed with at least 4 ropes. Ropes may not be less than one inch in diameter or more than 2 inches in diameter. Ropes may not be made of metal. Ropes shall be wrapped securely with soft material. The lowest rope shall be 18 inches above the ring floor, the second rope 30 inches, the third rope 42 inches, and the fourth rope 54 inches above the ring floor. The ropes shall be secured with 2 spacer ties on each side of the ring. The ring floor shall be padded with a one−inch layer of padding of felt, rubber or other similar material, placed on a one−inch base of building board or similar supporting base. Padding shall be covered with canvas duck, or similar material tightly stretched and laced securely in place, preferably under the apron.
(3) Ring posts shall be at least 3 inches in diameter, extending from the floor to the height of 58 inches above the ring floor. Ropes shall be connected to posts with the extension not shorter than 18 inches. Turn−buckles shall be covered with a protective padding. Full−length vertical corner pads shall be secured in place.
SPS 192.71 Number, type, and duration of rounds and bouts.
(1) Professional bouts shall be a minimum of 3 rounds and a maximum 12 rounds of no more than 3 minutes each. Each round shall have a one minute rest period that includes a 10 second warning signal.
(2) Amateur bouts shall be a minimum of 3 rounds and a maximum of 5 rounds of no more than 2 minutes each. Each round shall have a one minute rest period that includes a 10 second warning signal.
(3) A minimum of 24 rounds shall be scheduled for an event unless waived by the commissioner or department representative.
SPS 192.72 Types of bout results. A kickboxing bout may end under any of the following results:
(1) Knock-out, or KO, which occurs when a contestant is down for at least 10 seconds as determined by the referee.
(2) Technical knock-out, or TKO, which occurs under any of the following circumstances:
(a) The referee stops the bout because the contestant can no longer defend himself or herself.
(b) The ringside physician advises the referee to stop the bout.
(c) An injury as a result of a legal strike or series of legal strikes is severe enough to terminate the bout.
(d) The referee stops the bout because a contestant is injured by a legal strike or series of legal strikes and cannot continue.
(e) The referee stops an amateur bout because of a combination of 3 knockdowns and standing 8 counts.
(3) Decision via scorecards, which may be of any of the following types:
(a) Unanimous, which occurs when all 3 judges score the bout for the same contestant.
(b) Split decision, which occurs when 2 judges score the bout for one contestant and one judge scores for the opponent.
(4) Disqualification, which occurs under any of the following circumstances:
(a) An injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul as determined by the referee is severe enough to terminate the bout.
(b) A contestant commits multiple fouls or a flagrant foul as determined by the referee.
(c) A contestant who has been knocked out of the ring does not, as determined by the referee, return to the ring before the count of 20.
(d) A contestant’s mouthpiece is repeatedly dislodged or it is determined by the referee the mouthpiece has purposely been spit out. As provided under s. SPS 192.64, disqualification under this paragraph is at the referee’s discretion. (e) A contestant’s second leaves the designated area.
(5) Forfeit, which occurs when a contestant fails to begin competition or prematurely ends the bout for reasons other than injury.
(6) Technical draw, which occurs under any of the following circumstances:
(a) An injury from an intentional foul later becomes aggravated by legal strikes, the referee stops the bout before completion of a majority of the scheduled rounds because of the injury, and the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of the stoppage.
(b) Both contestants are down as described in s. SPS 192.60 (6) for at least 10 seconds as determined by the referee. (7) Technical decision, which occurs when an injury from an intentional foul later becomes aggravated by legal strikes, the referee stops the bout before completion of a majority of the scheduled rounds because of the injury, and the injured contestant is ahead on the score cards at the time of the stoppage.
(8) No contest, which occurs when the referee determines either from their observation or that of the ringside physician that the bout may not continue because of an unintentional foul or accidental injury and stops the bout before completion of a majority of the scheduled rounds.
SPS 192.73 Rule meetings. All contestants shall attend pre-bout meetings with the referee and a department representative to review the bout rules, fouls, and department requirements. Seconds and other individuals approved by the department may attend meetings under this section.
Subchapter VII — Conducting Muay Thai At Events
SPS 192.74 General provisions.
(1) A male contestant may not compete against a female contestant in a bout.
(2) Each contestant shall present all required physical examination forms and laboratory reports to the ringside physician at the pre-bout examination.
(3) All professional and amateur bouts shall be conducted under the supervision of the department.
(4) Only licensed participants or individuals approved by the department may be allowed in the ring or cage or designated locker rooms.
(5) Amateur contestants may not currently or have ever been a professional fighter in any combative sport. This includes mixed martial arts, boxing, karate or any other form of a combative sport. Any contestant found in violation will be subject to disciplinary action.
(6) Debut amateur contestants shall complete a department-approved form detailing the contestant's experience and training for unarmed combat sports competitions. The trainer of a debut contestant shall certify that the contestant is skilled enough to compete and has never engaged in any form of unarmed combat as a professional.
Note: Forms are available from the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Professional Credentialing, 1400 E. Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708, or from the department's website at: http://dsps.wi.gov. (7) A bout in which more than 2 contestants participate is prohibited.
(8) Bouts shall take place in a cage meeting the requirements under s. SPS 192.86 or ring meeting the requirements under s. SPS 192.87. (9) Improper use of or tampering with equipment by a contestant or contestant’s second is prohibited. Any violation of this subdivision may result in a point reduction or disqualification of the contestant.
(10) Contestants may perform a Ram Muay inside the ring or cage prior to the beginning of a bout. If both contestants in a bout choose to perform a Ram Muay, the contestants shall perform their Ram Muay at the same time. A Ram Muay may not exceed 3 minutes in duration. After completion of a Ram Muay, a contestant shall remove all attire and accessories not required or allowed under s. SPS 192.79. SPS 192.75 Weigh-in and weight classes.
(1) Contestants shall weigh in no more than 36 hours prior to the start time of the event in which they will compete. The weigh-in shall be conducted under the supervision of an inspector or department representative at a place designated by the promoter in an area with ample lighting to observe contestants and conduct the weigh-in.
(2) Contestants may wear a shirt, a pair of shorts and socks at the weigh-in. Contestants may not wear any additional apparel or jewelry.
(3) The scale shall be provided by the promoter and approved by the inspector or department representative.
(4) The weight allowance is the difference in weight permitted between contestants in 2 different weight classes.
(5) Contestants may not participate in a bout where the weigh-in weight difference of opposing contestants exceeds the weight allowance shown in Table A.
(6) After having communicated with the promoter, the commissioner or department representative shall have the sole discretion as to whether to cancel a bout if a contestant does not make weight.
(7) There may not be a difference of more than 3 pounds between weight classes from mini flyweight up to the bantamweight class for contestants competing in two different weight classes.
(8) There may not be a difference of more than 4 pounds between weight classes from super bantamweight up to the super featherweight class for contestants competing in two different weight classes.
(9) There may not be a difference of more than 5 pounds between weight classes from lightweight up to the super lightweight class for contestants competing in two different weight classes.
(10) There may not be a difference of more than 7 pounds between weight classes from welterweight up to the light heavyweight class for contestants competing in two different weight classes.
(11) There may not be a difference of more than 12 pounds between a contestant in the cruiserweight class competing against a contestant in the heavyweight class.
Note: Examples of the difference between weight classes: A contestant weighing 134 pounds in the bantamweight class may not compete against an opponent who weighs more than 137 pounds in the featherweight class. A contestant weighing 184 pounds in the middleweight class may not compete against an opponent who weighs more than 191 pounds in the light heavyweight class.
(12) A one-pound weight variance is allowed for all weight classes for all bouts except title bouts and catch-weight bouts.
(13) A contestant in the welterweight class or lower may not lose more than 2 pounds within 1 hour. A contestant above the welterweight class may not lose more than 3 pounds within 1 hour.
(14) Weight allowances between weight classes do not apply to contestants in a title bout.
(15) The final agreement between a contestant and a promoter shall be provided to the department no later than 4 business days before the official weigh-in.
(16) Contestants who fail to arrive at their report time for weigh-in will be subject to a suspension of up to 120 days, as reported in the Association of Boxing Commissions’ national database.
(17) Contestants who fail to make their contracted weight within 1 hour of their official weigh-in will be subject to a suspension of up to 120 days, as reported in the Association of Boxing Commissions’ national database.
Table A
Weight Class | Weight | Allowance |
Mini Flyweight | up to and including 105 lbs. | not more than 3 lbs. |
Light Flyweight | over 105 lbs. to 108 lbs. | not more than 3 lbs. |
Flyweight | over 108 lbs. to 112 lbs. | not more than 3 lbs. |
Super Flyweight | over 112 lbs. to 115 lbs. | not more than 3 lbs. |
Bantamweight | over 115 lbs. to 118 lbs. | not more than 3 lbs. |
Super Bantamweight | over 118 lbs. to 122 lbs. | not more than 5 lbs. |
Featherweight | over 122 lbs. to 126 lbs. | not more than 4 lbs. |
Super Featherweight | over 126 lbs. to 130 lbs. | not more than 4 lbs. |
Lightweight | over 130 lbs. to 135 lbs. | not more than 5 lbs. |
Super Lightweight | over 135 lbs. to 140 lbs. | not more than 5 lbs. |
Welterweight | over 140 lbs. to 147 lbs. | not more than 7 lbs. |
Super Welterweight | over 147 lbs. to 154 lbs. | not more than 7 lbs. |
Middleweight | over 154 lbs. to 160 lbs. | not more than 7 lbs. |
Super Middleweight | over 160 lbs. to 168 lbs. | not more than 7 lbs. |
Light Heavyweight | over 168 lbs. to 175 lbs. | not more than 7 lbs. |
Cruiserweight | over 175 lbs. to 200 lbs. | not more than 12 lbs. |
Heavyweight | over 200 lbs. | no limit |
SPS 192.76 Judging and scoring. (1) All bouts shall be scored by 3 judges.
(2) The ten-point must scoring system shall be the standard system of scoring a bout. The winner of the round shall be awarded 10 points. The loser of the round shall be awarded 6, 7, 8, or 9 points. If the round is determined to be an even round, each contestant shall be awarded 10 points.
(3) Effective striking is judged by determining the total number of effective legal strikes landed. A strike resulting in a flash knockdown under s. SPS 192.78 (2) shall be judged less effective than a strike resulting in a knockdown requiring a count under s. SPS 192.78 (4). (4) Effective control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location, and position of the bout.
(5) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing legal strikes.
(6) Only the referee may assess a foul or any point deductions. Judges may not deduct points for what they interpret is a foul.
SPS 192.77 Fouls.
(1) The referee may caution, warn, or penalize a contestant for committing a foul.
(2) The penalty for a foul may be a deduction of points or disqualification. Any points deducted for a foul shall be deducted in the round in which the foul occurred. Disqualification may occur after multiple fouls or if the referee determines a foul is flagrant.
(3) If an injury results from an intentional foul and is severe enough to terminate the bout, the contestant causing the injury loses by disqualification.
(4) If an injury from an intentional foul later becomes aggravated by legal strikes and the referee stops a bout before completion of a majority of the scheduled rounds because of the injury, the injured contestant shall win by a technical decision, if they are ahead on the score cards. If the injured contestant is even or behind on the score cards at the time of the stoppage, the bout shall be declared a technical draw.
(5) If an injury from an intentional foul later becomes aggravated by legal strikes and the referee stops a bout after completion of a majority of the scheduled rounds because of the injury, the outcome shall be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the partial round at which the referee stopped the bout.
(6) If an accidental foul occurs before the completion of a majority of the scheduled rounds of a bout and the injured contestant is not able to continue the fight, the fight shall be declared a no contest. If the accidental foul occurs after the completion of a majority of the scheduled rounds of a bout and the fouled contestant is not able to continue, the judges shall score the bout as a technical knock-out and the contestant who is ahead on points shall be declared the winner. In determining the points, the judges shall score the completed rounds and the incomplete round. If no action has occurred in an incomplete round, the round shall be scored as an even round. When a contestant is not able to continue fighting, the referee shall stop the action and inform the department's inspector, the judges and both contestants that the foul was accidental. If in the later rounds the injury has worsened as a result of legal blows, and the injured contestant is not able to continue, the judges shall score the bout based on the completed rounds and the incomplete round. A referee, in consultation with the ringside physician, shall allow the injured contestant up to 5 minutes to recover from the foul. A contestant who is hit with an accidental low blow shall continue after a reasonable amount of time, not exceeding 5 minutes, or the contestant shall lose the bout. If a contestant is hit with an accidental low blow, the referee shall stop the action in a bout and inform the judges of any deduction of points made by the referee.
(7) Types of fouls in a Muay Thai bout include all of the following:
(a) Butting with the head.
