Establishes protocols for combative sports; authorizes mixed martial arts events in this state

Summary of specific provisions

Section One of the bill amends subdivisions 2-6 of section 4 of chapter 912 of 1920 to give the NYSAC medical advisory board jurisdiction over professional combative sports participants.

Section Two of the bill amends subdivision 1 of section 5-a of chapter 922 of the Laws of 1920 by expanding the term "martial arts" to include any professional match or exhibition that is sanctioned by an organization approved by the commission. Professional mixed martial arts is separated from single discipline martial arts and defined mixed martial arts and the jurisdiction of the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) in relation to holding mixed martial arts exhibitions or bouts is set forth. This section also specifies that no nonprofessional or amateur bout, exhibition, or participant will be authorized by this bill.

Section Three of the bill amends Chapter 912 of the laws of 1920 to add a new section 5-B to create a New York mixed martial arts injury compensation fund. Further, it shall be presumed any Professional mixed martial artist who participates in a New York state sanctioned event and receives any form of neurological damage during the course of his or her lifetime, that the damage was the direct causation of the sanctioned match and is entitled to the full benefits of the fund over the course of his or her lifetime for all necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Section Four of the bill amends chapter 912 of the Laws of 1920 as it relates to the jurisdiction of the NYSAC as it relates to mixed martial for MMA contestants who sustain physical injury as a result of participating in a New York State-sanctioned MMA event regardless of the length of time between the match and the discovery of the injury. The fund would be administered in a manner that is similar to the horse jockey fund and would be funded by the industry.

Under current proposals to legalize professional MMA in New York, promoters are required to provide only $50,000 worth of health insurance, which is available to fighters only while they are still active. There is no consideration for the long-term consequences of MMA fighters' long-term injuries, including the possibility of CTE.

This bill recognizes that businesses that profit from professional MMA should take financial responsibility for its health consequences by mandating that promoters contribute to a state-coordinated fund to cover any long-term injuries sustained by fighters.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law; provided that section three of this act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, further, that this act shall expire and be redeemed repealed 5 years after it shall take effect; provided, however, further, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of this act on its effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.