Regulation - Minister
Consultation on Proposed Minister's Regulations made under the Combative Sports Act, 2019
Regulation Number(s):
n/a
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Combative Sports Act, 2019
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry of Sport is proposing new Minister's regulations to support the implementation of the Combative Sports Act, 2019 (CSA), which was passed and received Royal Assent by the Legislature in 2019. The proposed Minister's regulations are intended to address concerns raised by the combative sports sector about Ontario's outdated rules governing combative sport.
Specifically, new Minister's regulations would prescribe rules and/or requirements in respect of matters such as:
1. Updated officials' fees and eligible expenses for professional combative sport events
2. Modernized rule sets for professional combative sports including boxing, boxing with hands and feet (i.e., kickboxing) and mixed martial arts (MMA)
3. New rule sets for amateur mixed martial arts. Existing rule sets for the following sports will be incorporated by reference:
• Kickboxing
• Judo
• Muaythai
• Wrestling
• Jiu Jitsu
• Karate
• Wushu
• Grappling
• Taekwondo
• Boxing
4. Exemptions from rule sets and approvals for new rule sets
5. Appeals of professional combative sport contest or exhibition bout results
Development of the proposed draft rule sets for professional combative sports was informed by the Association of Boxing Commissions' (ABC) Unified Rules for professional boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
Development of the proposed draft rule set for amateur mixed martial arts was informed by the ABCs' Unified Rules for professional mixed martial arts and the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).
The Ontario Combative Sport Advisory Council endorses proposed officials' fees and rule sets that will be in Minister's Regulations.
Once fully proclaimed, the CSA along with the proposed new Minister's and Lieutenant Governor-in-Council (LGIC) regulations, if approved, would replace the existing Athletics Control Act, and its regulations, as well as provincial Order-in-Council 1087/2017.
Once the CSA is proclaimed in its entirety, the Ministry would open lines of business for the combative sport sector by modernizing rules for professional combative sports while providing a new legal framework for amateur combative sport businesses to grow. This approach positions the province well to protect the health and safety of athletes while also ensuring promoters are not deterred from hosting events in Ontario by red tape and barriers to business.
Consultation drafts of the proposed new Minister's regulations are included as attachments. The Ministry invites stakeholder feedback on key elements of the proposed regulations before the period closing date.
Specifically, new Minister's regulations would prescribe rules and/or requirements in respect of matters such as:
1. Updated officials' fees and eligible expenses for professional combative sport events
2. Modernized rule sets for professional combative sports including boxing, boxing with hands and feet (i.e., kickboxing) and mixed martial arts (MMA)
3. New rule sets for amateur mixed martial arts. Existing rule sets for the following sports will be incorporated by reference:
• Kickboxing
• Judo
• Muaythai
• Wrestling
• Jiu Jitsu
• Karate
• Wushu
• Grappling
• Taekwondo
• Boxing
4. Exemptions from rule sets and approvals for new rule sets
5. Appeals of professional combative sport contest or exhibition bout results
Development of the proposed draft rule sets for professional combative sports was informed by the Association of Boxing Commissions' (ABC) Unified Rules for professional boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
Development of the proposed draft rule set for amateur mixed martial arts was informed by the ABCs' Unified Rules for professional mixed martial arts and the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).
The Ontario Combative Sport Advisory Council endorses proposed officials' fees and rule sets that will be in Minister's Regulations.
Once fully proclaimed, the CSA along with the proposed new Minister's and Lieutenant Governor-in-Council (LGIC) regulations, if approved, would replace the existing Athletics Control Act, and its regulations, as well as provincial Order-in-Council 1087/2017.
Once the CSA is proclaimed in its entirety, the Ministry would open lines of business for the combative sport sector by modernizing rules for professional combative sports while providing a new legal framework for amateur combative sport businesses to grow. This approach positions the province well to protect the health and safety of athletes while also ensuring promoters are not deterred from hosting events in Ontario by red tape and barriers to business.
Consultation drafts of the proposed new Minister's regulations are included as attachments. The Ministry invites stakeholder feedback on key elements of the proposed regulations before the period closing date.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
If approved, the proposed Minister's regulations would enhance participant health and safety and modernize Ontario's combative sports sector which would make Ontario a more attractive business environment to host combative sport events.
Direct compliance costs are related to:
1) Proposed fee changes for professional combative sport officials appointed by the Athletics Commissioner. The Ministry is proposing a 30% increase in officials' fees to support the attraction and retention of professional officials. Officials' fees have not been revised in 20 years. A professional combative sport event cannot proceed without officials.
2) Minimal one-time administrative costs associated with the time and effort combative sport participants would need to familiarize themselves with the proposed new Minister's regulations.
Direct compliance costs are related to:
1) Proposed fee changes for professional combative sport officials appointed by the Athletics Commissioner. The Ministry is proposing a 30% increase in officials' fees to support the attraction and retention of professional officials. Officials' fees have not been revised in 20 years. A professional combative sport event cannot proceed without officials.
2) Minimal one-time administrative costs associated with the time and effort combative sport participants would need to familiarize themselves with the proposed new Minister's regulations.
Further Information:
CSA Minister's Regulation (OFFICALS' FEES) - CONSULTATION DRAFT
CSA Minister's Regulation (RULES) - CONSULTATION DRAFT
Proposal Number:
24-MTCS003
Posting Date:
July 25, 2024
Comments Due Date:
September 8, 2024
Contact Address:
Ministry of Sport - Sport, Recreation and Recognition Division, 400 University Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M7A 2R9