This week the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) brought forth a proposed codification to referee practices after they stop a bout to take a foul.
There is presently inconsistency about how referees position fighters after breaking for a foul. In short the new clarification notes that no fighter should be rewarded by committing a foul. The new clarifying language notes as follows:
CREATING GREATER CONSISTENCY CONCERNING POSITIONING FIGHTERS FOR A RESTART
A fighter should never be allowed to improve their position based on fouling
When a fighter who is in a disadvantaged position fouls and the referee must stop the action – if it can be reasonably accomplished, the fighters should be returned to their positions after the time is taken for the warning, physician’s examination, rest/recovery period or point deduction.
When a fighter who is in position of advantage fouls and the referee must stop the action for a warning, physician’s examination, rest/recovery period or a point deduction, the fouling fighter should lose his position of advantage when the bout resumes.
Note that the terms “advantaged” or “disadvantage” do not always equate with top or bottom. An example would be a fighter whose strategy is to avoid stand-up and pull his opponent into guard to increase the chances of gaining a submission. If the top fighter fouls, it may be more appropriate to return them to the grounded position.
Combat Sports Law 