Month: January 2014

Drug Testing in MMA “Fraught With Obvious and Glaring Weaknesses”

January 31, 2014

It has been quite the week for doping headlines in MMA.  Starting with the Association of Ringside Physicians call for banning Testosterone Replacement Therapy to the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s admission of the influence of money there has been no shortage of publicity. To cap it all off individuals from one of the most prominent athletic commissions, … More Drug Testing in MMA “Fraught With Obvious and Glaring Weaknesses”

Criminal Charges Follow Unsanctioned Saskatchewan Amateur MMA Event

January 30, 2014

Last September I highlighted an amateur MMA event which took place in Weyburn Saskatchewan without SMAA sanctioning.  (The SMAA is the body designated by Order in Council 479/2013 with the power to sanction and oversee amateur combat sports in Saskatchewan in compliance with the Criminal Code). In a move that should come as no surprise … More Criminal Charges Follow Unsanctioned Saskatchewan Amateur MMA Event

Athletic Commissions Would Be Wise To Remember “Safety Over Profit”

January 29, 2014

I previously highlighted why Athletic Commissions can be vulnerable to lawsuits if they implement negligent PED tests which allow cheats to easily slip through the cracks. Random out of competition testing would catch more cheaters but also derail more events.  This is harmful to the economic interests from those who profit from the sport, however, … More Athletic Commissions Would Be Wise To Remember “Safety Over Profit”

More Combat Sport Safety Advice from the Association of Ringside Physicians

January 28, 2014

Education is key when it comes to the sensible regulation of combat sports.  To this end the Association of Ringside Physicians is doing a good job addressing some of the key issues in combat sports, namely PED use, weight cut practices and issues related to head trauma. In addition to their highly publicized consensus statement … More More Combat Sport Safety Advice from the Association of Ringside Physicians

Association of Ringside Physicians Says “Eliminate” TRT TUE’s in Combat Sports

January 27, 2014

          If doctors are to blame for bringing Testosterone Replacement Therapy into combat sports perhaps they will also be the ones to take TRT TUE’s out.  The American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians has issued a press release calling for a ban of  TRT TUE’s in combat sports.  Given the integral role … More Association of Ringside Physicians Says “Eliminate” TRT TUE’s in Combat Sports

Illegal PED’s And Science Based Suspensions In MMA

January 27, 2014

Caught doping in an Olympic Sport?  WADA will hit you with a 4 year ban for the first offence.   If you get caught doping a second time you face a lifetime ban.  Major professional sports, on the other hand, start with the equivalent of a slap on the wrist before moving to escalating suspensions. What … More Illegal PED’s And Science Based Suspensions In MMA

The Problem with Karate…

January 23, 2014

Last year I highlighted that Bill S-209 criminalized many traditional martial arts combative competitions but allows Provinces to overrule this default position. Since then Provinces have been slow to pass appropriate laws and the expected problems are now surfacing.  Last November the PEI government shut down an amateur kickboxing event which ran in previous years without … More The Problem with Karate…

Forget TUE’s, Can Belfort Even Be Licensed Under The NSAC Rules?

January 22, 2014

        Vitor Belfort’s controversial use of Testosterone Replacement Therapy will be in the spotlight again if his title shot takes place, as rumoured, in Nevada.  Belfort has never been granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption by the State with NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer stating it is doubtful one would be granted.  This is a … More Forget TUE’s, Can Belfort Even Be Licensed Under The NSAC Rules?

Ontario Reviewing Legal Change For Amateur MMA / Combat Sports

January 16, 2014

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport has replied to my requests regarding the Province’s intentions now that Bill S-209 has passed. The Ministry advises that the Government is “reviewing the changes in the law and considering the best approach for the province“. The Ministry is seeking feedback from the combat sports industry and … More Ontario Reviewing Legal Change For Amateur MMA / Combat Sports