Chapter 139

2009 -- S 0283

Enacted 07/16/09

 

A N A C T

RELATING TO SPORTS, RACING, AND ATHLETES - BOXING     

     

     Introduced By: Senator Francis T. Maher

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2009   

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

     SECTION 1. Section 41-5-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 41-5 entitled "Boxing and

Wrestling" is hereby amended to read as follows:

 

     41-5-8. Referees -- Powers. -- At every boxing or sparring match or exhibition there

shall be in attendance a referee, duly licensed under the provisions of this chapter, who shall

direct and control the boxing match, sparring match, or exhibition. The referee shall have full

power to stop the match whenever he or she deems it advisable because of the physical condition

of any contestants, or when one of the contestants is clearly outclassed by his or her opponents, or

for other sufficient reason and that no fighter who has been knocked down shall be allowed to

continue until he or she has taken a mandatory eight (8) count. The referee shall stop a match

when any boxer suffers three (3) knockdowns in any one round. The referee shall have power in

his or her discretion to declare forfeited any prize, remuneration, or purse or any part thereof

belonging to any contestants if, in his or her judgment, the contestant or contestants are not or

were not competing in good faith. The physician in attendance shall examine the referee prior to

each bout or event and certify whether he or she is capable of performing his or her duties based

upon the examination. In all championship bouts held in Rhode Island first consideration shall be

given to referees in good standing residing in Rhode Island. The referee has the right to award a

boxer injured by a foul or inappropriate action from one to five (5) minutes to recover after time

has been called.

 

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC01305

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