Citations Affected: IC 25-9.
Synopsis: Unsanctioned fighting matches. Makes it a Class A
misdemeanor for a person to knowingly or intentionally arrange, hold,
conduct, or participate in an extreme fighting contest, match,
competition, or exhibition.
Effective: July 1, 2000.
January 10, 2000, read first time and referred to Committee on Public Policy.
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
professions and occupations.
SECTION 1.
IC 25-9-0.5
IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2000]:
Chapter 0.5. Definitions
Sec. 1. The definitions in this chapter apply throughout this
article.
Sec. 2. "Boxing exhibition", "boxing match", "sparring
exhibition", or "sparring match" means a contest:
(1) in which contestants fight with their fists protected by
gloves or mittens fashioned of leather or similar material;
(2) that is limited to a stated number of rounds separated by
rest periods of equal duration; and
(3) that is officially recognized or sanctioned by the state
boxing commission.
The term includes kickboxing. The term does not include extreme
fighting.
Sec. 3. "Extreme fighting" means a contest:
(1) that involves at least two (2) contestants who use any
combination of fighting skills with or without gloves;
(2) that is intended to produce serious injury;
(3) in which contestants compete for a financial prize or an
item of pecuniary value; and
(4) that is not officially recognized or sanctioned by the state
boxing commission.
Sec. 4. "Kickboxing" means a form of boxing in which blows are
delivered with any part of the arm below the shoulder, including
the hand, and any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot.
SECTION 2.
IC 25-9-1-5
IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2000]: Sec. 5. (a) Except as provided in
section 30.5 of this chapter, boxing and sparring matches or
exhibitions for prizes or purses may be held in Indiana.
(b) The commission:
(1) has the sole direction, management, control, and jurisdiction
over all boxing and sparring matches, semiprofessional
elimination contests, or exhibitions to be conducted, held, or
given in Indiana; and
(2) may issue licenses for those matches, contests, or exhibitions.
(c) A boxing or sparring match or an exhibition that is:
(1) conducted by any school, college, or university within Indiana;
(2) sanctioned by United States Amateur Boxing, Inc.; or
(3) without a prize or purse;
shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter requiring a license.
The term "school, college, or university" does not include a school or
other institution for the principal purpose of furnishing instruction in
boxing, or other athletics.
(d) No boxing or sparring match, or exhibition, except as provided
in this article, shall be held or conducted within Indiana except under
a license and permit issued by the state boxing commission in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted
under this chapter.
SECTION 3.
IC 25-9-1-30.5
IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2000]: Sec. 30.5. (a) A person shall not knowingly or
intentionally:
(1) arrange;
(2) hold;
(3) conduct; or
(4) participate in;
an extreme fighting contest, match, competition, or exhibition.
(b) A person who violates this section commits a Class A
misdemeanor. Notwithstanding IC 35-50-3-2, in addition to the
penalties imposed under IC 35-50-3-2, the court shall order the
person's license or permit revoked if the person possesses a license
or permit issued under this article.
(c) A person convicted for a violation of this section is
permanently ineligible for a license or permit issued under this
article.
SECTION 4.
IC 25-9-1-31
IS AMENDED TO READ AS
FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2000]: Sec. 31. A person who
violates a provision of this chapter for which a specific penalty is not
otherwise provided commits a Class B misdemeanor.