West Virginia Code of State Rules › Agency 177 - Athletic Commission › Title 177 - LEGISLATIVE RULE STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION › Series 177-01 - Administrative Rules of the West Virginia State Athletic Commission › Section 177-1-42 - Combat Area

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 28, July 12, 2024
42.1. The ring
				shall be not less than 16 nor more than 24 feet square within the ropes, the
				ring floor to extend beyond the ropes not less than 18 inches. The ring posts
				shall not be nearer to the ring ropes than 18 inches. The ring shall be padded
				with felt, corrugated paper, matting or other soft material to a thickness of
				not less than 1 inch padding extending 1 foot beyond the ring ropes, with a top
				covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the
				ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps or ridges shall not be
				used.
42.2. The ring shall not be
				more than 4 feet above the floor of the building or ground of an outdoor arena
				and shall be provided with suitable steps for the use of contestants. Ring
				posts shall not be more than 3 inches in diameter, extending from the floor of
				the building or ground to a height of 58 inches above ring floor.
42.3 The Commission shall determine all
				seating arrangements at ringside necessary to effectuate the match. A promoter
				may submit a proposed seating arrangement to the Commission one week before the
				event.
42.4. Matches may also take
				place in a cage that has been approved by the Commission. The cage shall meet
				the requirements set forth by the Commission and is subject to inspection prior
				to each match by a Commission representative such as a referee.
42.4.a. Cages. -The cage specifications shall
				meet the following requirements.
42.4.a.1. The
				fighting area floor shall be no smaller than 18 feet by 18 feet and no larger
				than 32 feet by 32 feet. The fighting area floor shall be padded in a manner as
				approved by the Commission, with at least one inch layer of foam padding.
				Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the
				platform. The floor must be covered with canvas, vinyl or other plastic
				rubberized material. The Commission shall have discretion to approve the
				flooring materials prior to use at the event. The fighting area floor shall not
				be more than four feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable
				steps or ramp for use by the participants.
42.4.a.2. Post shall be made of metal not
				more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a
				minimum height of 58 inches above the fighting area floor and shall be properly
				padded in a manner approved by the Commission. The fighting area floor shall be
				enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a contestant to
				fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators, including, but not
				limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing. All metal parts shall be covered
				and padded in a manner approved by the Commission and shall not be abrasive to
				the contestants. The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting
				area floor.