Concussions in Combat Sports and Government Regulation Efforts

December 21, 2012

If you are looking for a quick introduction to concussive injuries (or if you need an aid for explaining concussions to others), this video by Dr. Mike Evans from the Sport Concussion Library,  is a great starting point. Given the problems that concussions in sports can create members of Parliament and BC’s Legislature have introduced Bills … More Concussions in Combat Sports and Government Regulation Efforts

Overall Risk of Injury in Amateur Boxing “Lower Than Football, Hockey, Wrestling and Soccer”

December 19, 2012

With findings that may catch many opponents of MMA and other striking sports off guard, the Canadian Paediatric Society recently published an article discussing injury risks of youth boxing participation. The article’s final recommendation opposing boxing for youth is not surprising given the Canadian Medical Association’s view that “all boxing be banned in Canada“.  The Canadian Paediatric Society’s opposition appears more grounded … More Overall Risk of Injury in Amateur Boxing “Lower Than Football, Hockey, Wrestling and Soccer”

Boxing Glove Coupled With Headgear Found Best Combination to Reduce Concussive Impacts For Striking Sports

December 18, 2012

The Journal of Neurosurgery recently published a useful study addressing  Traumatic Brain Injury exposure from the following five padding combinations: 1.  unpadded (control), 2. MMA glove-unpadded head, 3.  boxing glove unpadded head, 4.  unpadded pendulum-boxing headgear, 5.  boxing glove-boxing headgear. The study went on to review a total of 17 injury risk parameters.  Unsurprisingly, the study concluded … More Boxing Glove Coupled With Headgear Found Best Combination to Reduce Concussive Impacts For Striking Sports

Canadian MMA Legalization a Step Closer to Reality

November 30, 2012

Bill S-209, the law seeking to amend the Canadian Criminal Code to permit the legalization of MMA is now one step closer to reality.   (You can click here for background information). The Parliament of Canada’s website confirms that Bill S-209 has now passed second reading and has been referred to the Committee of the House of … More Canadian MMA Legalization a Step Closer to Reality

More on Regulating Canadian MMA – Can City Governments Outlaw Consensual Fighting?

November 22, 2012

I have spent a lot of time highlighting the Federal Government’s effort to amend the Criminal Code to legalize MMA in Canada, I have also spent time highlighting Provincial obligations to ensure amateur contests do not slip between the cracks, this leaves the last level of government – the Municipal.  Can municipalities outlaw consensual fighting?  Reasons for judgement were … More More on Regulating Canadian MMA – Can City Governments Outlaw Consensual Fighting?

BC Government Sets Up Training Course for MMA Judges

November 7, 2012

Today the BC Government issued a press release announcing a COMMAND training course being set up in BC with a view towards the eventual certification of MMA judges under the Athletic Commissioner Act. As previously discussed, this legislation will regulate promoters, fighters and officials for professional MMA contests.  The regulations under this legislation are still being worked out but … More BC Government Sets Up Training Course for MMA Judges

Canada’s MMA Law Passes First Reading in the House of Commons

October 25, 2012

Further to my efforts to keep track of Canada’s progress in formally legalizing MMA, Bill S-209 has now passed first reading in the House of Commons.  Below is the official Hansard transcript: Mr. Massimo Pacetti (Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, Lib.)  moved for leave to introduce Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (prize fights).     He said: Mr. … More Canada’s MMA Law Passes First Reading in the House of Commons

BC Cabinet Shuffle Results in New Minister of Sport

September 6, 2012

With the recent introduction of BC’s Athletic Commissioner Act the BC Government needs to create a Province Wide Athletic Commissioner to regulate “professional contests or exhibitions” . Yesterday the BC Government announced a cabinet shuffle appointing Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett as the Province’s new Minister of Sport.  BC’s Athletic Commission will now fall on Mr. Bennett’s watch.   I will continue … More BC Cabinet Shuffle Results in New Minister of Sport

Minister of Justice’s Office to Review Concerns Regarding Bill S-209 and Amateur Martial Arts/MMA

August 20, 2012

A brief update for those of you who have been following my concerns regarding Bill S-209 potentially criminalizing currently lawful amateur martial arts contests. As previously reported, BC’s Minister of Sport has responded to my concerns and is aware that appropriate Provincial legislation will need to be introduced if/when Bill S-209 passes.  I am pleased to report … More Minister of Justice’s Office to Review Concerns Regarding Bill S-209 and Amateur Martial Arts/MMA