Athletics Commissioner of Ontario – Page 2

Willful Blindness Remains Ontario Government Response to Amatuer MMA

April 22, 2014

This past weekend the Canadian Amateur Mixed Martial Arts National Championships (an event affiliated with the IMMAF) took place in Ontario and the Province, apparently aware of the well publicized event, appears content to look the other way instead of passing appropriate laws to allow such events to be hosted in compliance with the Criminal Code. … More Willful Blindness Remains Ontario Government Response to Amatuer MMA

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

Is Ontario Selectively Prosecuting MMA Events?

January 3, 2014

I have previously highlighted why there is no proper framework for amateur MMA in Ontario and until appropriate post Bill S-209 laws are passed amateur MMA events cannot comply with section 83 of the Criminal Code. Despite this it appears that some amateur Combat Sports events are taking place without government repercussions. Pecker’d Promotions discusses … More Is Ontario Selectively Prosecuting MMA Events?

One More From the Vault – Amateur Combat Sports Outside of OAC Jurisdiction

December 20, 2013

Adding to this site’s archives addressing combat sports prosecutions in Canada, useful reasons for judgement were recently shared with me addressing charges under the Ontario Athletics Control Act dealing with an amateur kickboxing event. In the unreported 2010 case (Her Majesty the Queen v. McNamara) the Defendants held two kickboxing bouts and were charged with … More One More From the Vault – Amateur Combat Sports Outside of OAC Jurisdiction

One From The Vault – Transcript from “Prizefighting” Guilty Plea Sentencing

December 19, 2013

Prosecutions under section 83 of the Criminal Code are few and far between and published reasons for judgement addressing such prosecutions are even more scarce. Recently unpublished reasons for judgement were shared with me addressing proceedings on a guilty plea during a section 83 prosecution in Ontario in 2003. I highlight these here for the … More One From The Vault – Transcript from “Prizefighting” Guilty Plea Sentencing

Ontario Responds to Section 83 of the Criminal Code With Silence…

December 10, 2013

Earlier this year I wrote to the Government of Ontario asking if they will use the powers section 83 of the Criminal Code gives them to legalize amateur combat sports. So far they have replied with silence. Until the Government acts it is worth noting that not only is amateur MMA technically illegal in Ontario but … More Ontario Responds to Section 83 of the Criminal Code With Silence…

With the Big Show in Town, Amateur MMA and Other Martial Arts Still Illegal in Ontario

September 19, 2013

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

Ontario Softens Up Their “Cleanly Shaven” MMA Requirement

September 13, 2013

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

“Remain Seated and Silent” – No Advice From Seconds Under Ontario Law

September 10, 2013

(Image via Wikimedia) Yesterday I highlighted the legal black hole which creates the possibility of having no PED tests when the UFC comes to Ontario. Today I highlight another peculiarity of Ontario MMA law, the restrictions on behavior for seconds. While most jurisdictions place some general limitations on the conduct of seconds such as New … More “Remain Seated and Silent” – No Advice From Seconds Under Ontario Law

No Compelled Drug Tests for UFC 165?

September 9, 2013

Update September 19, 2013 – After writing the below article Ontario’s Office of the Athletics Commissioner advises me that “UFC’s contract with fighters provides for random drug testing at events. At UFC 165, an OAC physician will oversee the collection of samples for the tests.” I have asked the AC’s office for a copy of the … More No Compelled Drug Tests for UFC 165?