Guidelines for MMA Gear and Fighting Area
Information on this page was provided from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. Most states do not have current rules for sanctioning mixed martial arts matches and these rules can be used as a guideline for MMA fights and the appropriate MMA gear.
These rules are not the same for youth MMA.
The Fighting Area
The fighting area canvas for MMA matches shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 18 feet and no larger than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting area canvas shall be padded in a manner as approved by the Commissioner, with at least one inch layer of foam padding. Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the platform. No vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall be permitted.
It shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use by the participants. Posts shall be made of metal not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the fighting area canvas and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the Commissioner.
It shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a fighter to fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators, including, but not limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing. All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the Commissioner and shall not be abrasive to the contestants.
The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting area canvas.
Stools
A ring stool of a type approved by the Commissioner shall be available for each contestant. An appropriate number of stools or chairs, of a type approved by the Commissioner, shall be available for each contestant’s seconds. Such stools or chairs shall be located near each contestant’s corner. All stools and chairs used must be thoroughly cleaned or replaced after the conclusion of each bout.
MMA Gear and Equipment Rules
For each bout, the promoter shall provide a clean water bucket and a clean plastic water bottle in each corner.
Bandages
In all weight classes, the bandages on each contestant’s hand shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than 13 yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than 10 feet of surgeon’s tape, one inch in width, for each hand.
Surgeon’s adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand for protection near the wrist. The tape may cross the back of the hand twice and extend to cover and protect the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist.
The bandages shall be evenly distributed across the hand.
Bandages and tape shall be placed on the contestant’s hands in the dressing room in the presence of the inspector and in the presence of the manager or chief second of his or her opponent.
Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of a contestant until the approval of the inspector is received.
Mouth pieces
All contestants are required to wear a mouthpiece during competition. The mouthpiece shall be subject to examination and approval by the attending physician.
The round cannot begin without the mouthpiece in place.
If the mouthpiece is involuntarily dislodged during competition, the referee shall call time, clean the mouthpiece and reinsert the mouthpiece at the first opportune moment, without interfering with the immediate action.
Protective equipment
Male mixed martial artists shall wear a groin protector of their own selection, of a type approved by the Commissioner.
Female mixed martial artists are prohibited from wearing groin protectors.
Female mixed martial artists shall wear a chest protector during competition. The chest protector shall be subject to approval of the Commissioner.
MMA Gloves
The MMA gloves shall be new for all main events and in good condition or they must be replaced.
All contestants shall wear either four, five or six ounce gloves, supplied by the promoter and approved by the commission. No contestant shall supply their own gloves for participation.
Apparel
Each contestant shall wear mixed martial arts shorts, biking shorts, or kick-boxing shorts.
Gi’s or shirts are prohibited during competition.
Shoes are prohibited during competition.
Appearance
All contestants shall be cleanly shaven immediately prior to competition, except that a contestant may wear a closely cropped mustache.
Hair shall be trimmed or tied back in such a manner as not to interfere with the vision of either contestant or cover any part of a contestant’s face.
Jewelry or piercing accessories are prohibited during competition.
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