West Virginia Code 29-5A-17 – Referee and judges; appointment by commission; powers, payment
(a) The chief official of the boxing match or exhibition shall be the referee. The referee and judges shall be appointed by the commission and shall receive from the commission a card authorizing them to act as such and no club may employ or permit anyone to act as referee except one holding a card of authorization from the commission. The referee has general supervision and control over the match or exhibition and shall be paid by the promoter a minimum of $75 for each day or night's services. The referee is limited to refereeing a maximum of thirty rounds per day or night unless special consent is given by the commission.
Terms Used In West Virginia Code 29-5A-17
- boxing: includes any fighting event that includes or permits the striking of an opponent with a closed fist, even if wrestling moves, elements of martial arts, or striking an opponent with the feet are also permitted. See West Virginia Code 29-5A-3
- mixed martial arts: means a combative sporting contest, the rules of which allow two competitors to attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, striking, grappling, and the application of submission holds. See West Virginia Code 29-5A-3a
- State: when applied to a part of the United States and not restricted by the context, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" also include the said district and territories. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10
(b) Once appointed by the commission, the promoter bears the responsibility for ensuring the attendance of referee and judges at events. The commission shall provide promoters with advance notice of the person(s) appointed as referee and judges. A promoter, at his or her own expense, may request alternate referee(s) and judge(s) be appointed by the commission to serve in the event a first appointed referee or judge is unable to satisfy the role. Under no circumstances may a member of the commission or any employee of the commission serve as a referee or judge for a boxing or mixed martial arts contest conducted in this state.