There is room for improvement when it comes to appeal rights in combat sports.
In most jurisdictions fighters can only successfully appeal a bout result if they could prove there was collusion (ie crooked officiating), the scorekeeper made a mathematical error in adding up the judges scores, or there was an error in interpreting the rules (ie an official outright not understanding a basic rule and therefor misapplying it).
The major omission? No recognition that officials are human and sometimes can make major errors (like missing a tap out or missing fouls during a fight ending sequence).
Colorado, in an upcoming commission hearing on May 8, 2024 will be reviewing a potential expansion of these limited rights. Specifically they are looking to let fighters appeal if “improper referee mechanics contributed to an incorrect stoppage“. And during such an appeal the commission could “consider any information submitted…..(and) may also use any additional outside opinions or resources to determine the modification of any results.“.
This is progressive. This is good for fighters. And this will even allow the commission to outsource the process to a third party body that does not have the inherent conflict of interest that a commission has reviewing the actions of their own officials.
Its worth pointing out this is exactly the type of reform fighters advocated for through the first ever ABC’s Athletes’ Voice Committee and it is promising to see that some jurisdictions are listending.
Below is the exact wording of Colorado’s proposed reforms.
Combat Sports Law 