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Torres wants mixed martial arts regulated
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Posted on Dec 23 2008
Rep. Stanley T. Torres has filed a local bill that seeks to regulate on Saipan the sport of mixed martial arts, which he described as “too brutal and very violent.”
Local Bill 16-26 will establish the Unarmed Combat Sport Act and create the Athletic Commission.
Torres said the sport of mixed martial arts has grown in popularity over the past few years. Collectively, there were reportedly over 10 mixed martial arts competition events on Saipan over the years.
“Such activities should be regulated and be licensed. [There is] neither a statute nor a promulgated rules and regulations in the book to take into account the sport of mixed martial arts,” said Torres in the bill.
In the interest of protecting the contestants, the lawmaker said, it is necessary to establish statutes and rules and regulations to incorporate the sport of mixed martial arts, as well as updating any existing provisions related to boxing or wrestling.
Under the proposed Commission, a Medical Advisory Board will be created and it shall consist of three members to be appointed by the governor.
The Medical Advisory Board will prepare and submit to the Commission appropriate standards for the physical and mental examination of contestants.
“The Commission shall ensure that applicable tests for HIV/AIDS, TB, and other communicable diseases, and the mandatory requirement of a CT scan, are included in the standards to be promulgated and approved,” according to the bill.
