When the UFC enters markets that don’t have compulsive drug tests some questions spring to mind such as what, if any, performance enhancing drugs are outlawed for such shows? Are Therapeutic Use Exemptions ever granted and if so who is in charge of granting these? The UFC’s latest event in Ontario provided an opportunity to … More “The UFC Does Not Grant TUE’s” When Entering Unregulated Markets?
Update October 7, 2013 – MMAJunkie just published an article with Dr Benjamin calling for specific weight cut reforms as follows: Multiple, official, random year-round weigh-ins to establish every fighter’s “normal” weight Fighters barred from competing in a weight class that’s lighter than 90 percent of their established normal weight Short-notice (less than 30 days) … More With Tragedy At Hand, Weight Cut Reform Takes the Spotlight in MMA
When it comes to “Professional” combat sports, Section 83 of the Criminal Code makes them all illegal except a “boxing contest or mixed martial arts contest held in a province with the permission or under the authority of an athletic board, commission or similar body established by or under the authority of the province’s legislature … More Professional Muay Thai and Kickboxing Will Remain Illegal in BC
The live stream of the BC Government’s presentation addressing combat sports in the Province has now been uploaded. You can watch here:
Update June 24, 2014 – The criminal charges have apparently come to end by way of conditional discharge _____________________________________________________________ Update January 30, 2014– it is now reported that Criminal Charges are being pressed as a result of this event _____________________________________________________________ Update October 15, 2013 – Marlo Pritchard, Chief of Police for the City of Weyburn, … More Let’s Find Out What Happens To Unsanctioned Canadian MMA in a Post S-209 World…
Given the new changes in BC’s combat sports landscape the Province is hosting “an online technical briefing for all amateur combat sport groups to help interpret and apply these new regulations to their programming.” This QandA session will be live streamed on Wednesday September 25, 2013 from 11:00 – 12:00. … More BC To Host Combat Sports Events Briefing
Earlier this month I discussed the bizarre landscape for Performance Enhancing Drug tests in Ontario for professional MMA contests. The folks at MiddleEasy took notice and highlighted this situation as only they can do. For those of you visiting this site for the first time, welcome! The PED situation is … More Welcome Middle Easy Readers
Imagine if pro hockey was legal but all amateur games were against the law. That is foolish and would never happen right? Of course not but that’s exactly what’s happening in Ontario with other sports, namely MMA along side many traditional martial arts. The UFC is making its fourth appearance in Ontario this week. Despite … More With the Big Show in Town, Amateur MMA and Other Martial Arts Still Illegal in Ontario
Earlier this year I commended Canada’s TJ Grant for doing the right thing by stepping away from a scheduled UFC title shot due to a concussive injury sustained during practice. Brain health should not be taken lightly and his choice, as difficult as it must have been, was worth positively highlighting. A second title shot … More TJ Grant Goes 2-0 When it Comes To Concussion Management
Earlier this month I analyzed the law of facial hair in MMA pointing out that New Jersey has perhaps the most extreme requirements outright banning any beard and only permitting a “closely cropped mustache. “ Section 81 of the Ontario Athletics Control Act specifically adopts the New Jersey Rules for professional MMA. I reached out to … More Ontario Softens Up Their “Cleanly Shaven” MMA Requirement
Combat Sports Law 