West Virginia Code 29-5A-8 – Issuance of license; qualification for licenses; application of other provisions of chapter; hearings
(a) The commission may issue a license to promote, conduct, or hold professional, semiprofessional or amateur boxing, or professional or amateur mixed martial arts sparring matches and exhibitions to any person, corporation, association, club, or organization eligible for a license under this article. In the case of a corporate applicant, the requirements for licensure shall pertain to its officers, directors, principal stockholders, and employees.
Terms Used In West Virginia Code 29-5A-8
- 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
- Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
- 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
Before being granted a license or the renewal of a license under this subsection, the applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the commission that he or she:
(A) Possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and ability to promote, hold, and conduct a boxing or mixed martial arts contest, exhibition, or match;
(B) Is of good moral character;
(C) Has executed and filed a surety bond with the commission as required in § 29-5A-15 of this code;
(D) Will conduct his or her business in a manner that furthers the public welfare, preserves the safety and health of participants, and advances the reputation and interests of the sports of boxing and mixed martial arts;
(E) Will adhere to and comply with all the rules of the commission pertaining to the license.
(b) The commission may issue a license to engage as a combatant in a boxing or mixed martial arts contest, exhibition, or match to any person eligible for a license under this article.
Before being granted a license or a renewal of a license issued under this subsection, the applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the commission that he or she:
(A) Possesses the requisite fitness, skill, knowledge, and ability to compete as a professional, semiprofessional or amateur boxer, or a professional or amateur mixed martial artist;
(B) Is of good moral character;
(C) Will act in a manner that furthers the public welfare and advances the reputation and interests of the sports of boxing and mixed martial arts;
(D) Will adhere to and comply with all the rules and regulations of the commission pertaining to the license.
(c)(1) The commission may issue any other license required under this article including any license of a referee, judge, other official, manager, matchmaker, or trainer. In the case of a corporate applicant, the requirements for licensure shall pertain to its officers, directors, principal stockholders, and employees.
(2) Before being granted a license or the renewal of a license under this subsection, the applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the commission that he or she:
(A) Possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and ability in boxing and mixed martial arts;
(B) Is of good moral character;
(C) Will adhere to and comply with all the rules and regulations of the commission pertaining to the license;
(D) Will act in a manner that furthers the public welfare, preserves the safety and health of participants, and advances the reputation and interests of the sports of boxing and mixed martial arts.
(d) Every license and licensee is subject to such rules, and amendments thereof, as the commission may prescribe.