Combat Sports Law

The New York State Athletic Commission has formally adopted an Instant Replay Policy for Mixed Martial Arts contests in the State.

The New York Policy is consistent with the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports policy on instant replay passed at the associations 2017 annual conference.

Earlier this month  Commission Bulletin 2017-3 was released by the NYSAC providing the following details of the policy.

 All professional mixed martial arts contests and exhibitions in New York State shall be contested according to the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts as adopted and amended by the ABC, unless otherwise authorized or directed by the Commission. The authority to render final determinations based on the application and interpretation of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts rests with the Commission. See generally, 19 NYCRR § 212.1.
Pursuant to the above-cited authority, the Commission has adopted the instant replay, as
described below:

1. When adequate technology is available, instant replay may be used by the in-ring referee to examine the fight ending sequence to determine the correct outcome of a bout.
2. Instant replay may be used after the fight has officially concluded and before the final
official outcome of the fight is announced in the ring.
3. Only the in-ring referee is authorized to initiate instant replay review.
4. The in-ring referee him/herself must watch the instant replay footage of the fight ending sequence on a video monitor provided for such purpose.
5. The in-ring referee may consult with the alternate referee to determine the correct
outcome of a bout.

6. Only the in-ring referee is authorized to make the final official in-ring determination of the outcome of the bout following the instant replay review.
7. The fight cannot be resumed after the instant replay review.
8. Nothing in this policy shall restrict the Commission’s authority to review video evidence to determine the correct outcome after the final official outcome of a bout has been announced in the ring.
Implemented by vote of the Commissioners October 4, 2017