• Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board

    The Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board offers guidance to the DPOR Director for regulation of promoters and events involving professional boxing, martial arts, and professional wrestling. The Advisory Board is composed of representatives of each discipline and two citizen members.  

    Telephone  (804) 367-0186
    FAX  (877) 264-8691
    Email  boxing@dpor.virginia.gov 
    Media Inquiries  Contact 

    ATTENTION – UPCOMING EVENTS 

    Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Virginia, all Boxing, Martial Arts and Professional Wrestling events have been canceled until further notice.      

    IMPORTANT NOTE:

    Cornermen, managers, and fighters who fail to submit their application AND $40 fee by noon the day before weigh-ins are subject to an additional $35 on-site processing fee. In effect since July 1, 2016 (see 2016 announcement), the administrative fee is charged the day of weigh-ins or the day of the event for licenses issued on-site to individuals who did not submit their application and regular fee by noon the day before weigh-ins.

     

  • FORMS & APPLICATIONS

    BEFORE YOU BEGIN . . .

    Which application format is right for you? Tips on how to choose. 

    AMATEUR MMA EVENT FORMS

    • For Sanctioning Organizations (not contestants or promoters)
    • FAQs about the application and approval process 
    Application for Sanctioning Organization Approval (v05/11/2020) Interactive  Static 
    Experience Verification Form | Amateur Sanctioning Organization (v11/01/2016) Interactive  Static 

    PROFESSIONAL EVENT FORMS (Boxing/Martial Arts)

    • Amateur boxing and amateur wrestling are exempt from licensing requirements. 
    • Cornermen, managers, and fighters who fail to submit their application AND $40 fee by noon the day before weigh-ins are subject to an additional $35 on-site processing fee. Learn more about policy effective July 1, 2016.

    For Contestants and Other Pro Event Participants

    Pro Boxer/Limited Boxer License Application (v04/11/2017)  Interactive  Static 
    Application for Boxer Federal ID Card  Interactive  Static 
    Pro Martial Artist/Limited Martial Artist License Application  Interactive  Static 
    Application for National MMA ID Card  Interactive  Static 
    Pro Wrestler/Limited Wrestler License Application   Interactive  Static 
    Trainer/Cutman/Second License Application (pro events) Interactive  Static 
    Manager License Application (pro events)      Interactive  Static 
    Matchmaker License Application (pro events) Interactive  Static 

    For Promoters

    Promoter License Application  (v05/11/2020)
    • for professional boxers, martial artists, and wrestlers
         		 Interactive  Static 
    Professional BOXING/MARTIAL ARTS EVENT Application
    • Not for pro wrestling events
         		 Interactive  Static 
    Professional WRESTLING EVENT Application
    • Not for pro boxing/martial arts events
         		 Interactive  Static 
    Cash Bond Form for Professional Event  Interactive  Static 
    Surety Bond Form for Professional Event  Interactive  Static 
    Gate Fee Report Form  Interactive  Static 
    Payout Report Form  Interactive  Static 
    Proposed Bout Card for Pro BOXING/MARTIAL ARTS Event
    • Additions/subtractions/deletions
    • Not for pro wrestling event
         		 Interactive  Static 
    Proposed Bout Card for Pro WRESTLING Event
    • Additions/subtractions/deletions
    • Not for professional boxing/martial arts event
         		 Interactive  Static 

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    Laws & Regulations

    Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
    Pending regulatory action (proposed changes, public hearings, etc.) 

    Meetings & Minutes

    Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

    The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to DPOR board meeting schedules, agenda, and past meeting minutes.

    • NOTE: DPOR Advisory Boards (e.g. Boxing, Martial Arts & Pro Wrestling and Polygraph Examiners) are grouped under one listing on the Town Hall website.

    Visit the Town Hall: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewboard.cfm?boardid=70&display=meetings. 

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    GO HERE for list of Approved Amateur Sanctioning Organizations 
    UPDATED! Amateur MMA FAQs: Answers about changes to law effective July 1, 2016 
    1. How do I contact the Board office? 
    2. When I call the Board office, will I be able to speak directly with a Board member? 
    3. What are the qualifications for licensure? 
    4. When does my license expire? 
    5. How do I renew my license? 

    How do I contact the Board office?

    You may reach the Board office by phone at 804-367-0186, by FAX at (877) 264-8691, or by e-mail at boxing@dpor.virginia.gov. Additionally, if you have information that you would like to mail to the Board, please send it to:
    Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board
    Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
    9960 Mayland Drive
    Richmond, VA 23233

    When I call the Board office, will I be able to speak directly with the Director or a Board member?

    No. The Advisory Board members do not work in the agency office. They come into the DPOR offices for meetings and hearings, but are not here on a daily basis.

    Program staff can answer your questions and are trained to process all information that comes into the Advisory Board office. Please do not contact Advisory Board members directly.

    What are the qualifications for licensure?

    All applicants must disclose information about prior disciplinary actions or criminal convictions. (Criminal history is not a barrier to licensure, but must be considered in accordance with Section 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.) More detailed information for each type of license follows:

    Promoter and Event

    Applicants for licensure as a promoter must submit a complete application and required fees. In addition, each event must be licensed. The event application must include a card of the contests to be exhibited; the date, location, and time of the event; evidence of a surety bond in an amount equal to the sum of the total gate fee required plus the total amount due to all boxers, martial artists, and wrestlers; a copy of the contract by the promoter for the sale of rights to distribute the event by video, telephonic, or other electronic means; and a statement that the applicant has read and understands the laws and regulations.

    In addition, boxing/MMA event applications must include evidence that all boxers and martial artists are covered by a health insurance policy with minimum coverage amounts of $50,000 for medical expenses and $50,000 for accidental death benefits, as well as an acknowledgement that the promoter will provide a copy of the contract between the promoter and each licensed boxer and martial artist at weigh-in. THE PROMOTER MUST APPLY FOR AN EVENT LICENSE AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT AND MAY NOT ADVERTISE THE EVENT UNTIL THE LICENSE HAS BEEN ISSUED.

    Professional Boxer and Martial Artist

    Applicants must submit the fee and application, including a satisfactory record of professional boxing and a list of all ring names. In addition, a boxer must obtain a federal ID.

    Professional Wrestler

    Applicants must submit the fee and application.

    Manager

    Applicants must submit the application and fee.

    Matchmaker

    Applicants must submit the fee and application, including a statement that the applicant does not employ and does not otherwise have a financial interest in, or commercial connection to, any wrestler, boxer, martial artist, manager, trainer, or second, except that which may be necessary to arrange a fighter's participation in a specific event.

    Trainer, Second, or Cutman

    Applicants must submit the fee and application, including a statement evidencing knowledge of the laws and regulations; the treatment of injuries; physical conditioning, health care nutrition, training, first aid, and the effects of alcohol as it relates to boxing; and the bandaging of a boxer's hand.

    When does my license expire?

    Event licenses are valid only for the duration of the event. All other licenses expire on December 31 of the year in which the license was issued; however, licenses issued during the last 45 days of any calendar year shall expire on December 31 of the following year.

    How do I renew my license?

    The renewal process is the same as the application process.

    Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board

    Board Executive Director

    Kathleen (Kate) R. Nosbisch

    Program Administrator

    David Holland 

    Advisory Board Member Roster

    Roze Merditaj
    Citizen Member
    First Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2023    		 Mark D'Attilio 
    Representative of the Sport of Boxing
    Second Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2022
    Brian Costello | CHAIR
    Representative of the Sport of Martial Arts
    Second Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2022    		 Dr. Daniel M. Hardy
    Citizen Member
    Second Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2024
    David McCloud
    Representative of the Sport of Wrestling
    Second Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2023    		 Scott L. Howard
    Representative of the Sport of Martial Arts
    First four-year term ends June 30, 2020
    Delvis O. McCadden | VICE-CHAIR
    Representative of the Sport of Boxing
    Second Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2023    		  

    Advisory Board members are appointed by the DPOR Director. 

    Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Program

    Amateur Martial Arts/MMA

    • Promoters, fighters, and other event participants in amateur martial arts/MMA must work through an approved Amateur Sanctioning Organization and comply with its standards and operations.
    • ALL amateur events MUST be pre-registered with the national database registry: Mixed Martial Arts LLC. It is the event promoter's responsibility and ongoing duty to register their events in advance directly with Mixed Martial Arts LLC online and pay any applicable fees.
    • Promoters may want to designate a member of an approved Amateur Sanctioning Organization as an authorized user of their account, for purposes of reviewing match-ups and suspensions.
    • State law prohibits DPOR from reporting fight results from amateur events conducted by a non-approved Sanctioning Organization to the official national database registry.

    Approved Amateur Sanctioning Organizations   

     

    United Combat Arts

    2957 Reed Creek Dr.
    Draper, VA 24324

    Global Combat Alliance

    6415 Jahnke Rd.
    Richmond, VA 23225

    Virginia Combat
    Sports Sanction

    7612 Leeds Manor Rd.
    Marshall, VA 20115
     www.unitedcombatfights.com   www.gcafights.com   www.facebook.com/
    Virginia-Combat-Sports-
    Sanctioning-180829048641317     
    Approval Expires:
    Dec. 31, 2019         		 Approval Expires:
    Dec. 31, 2019         		 Approval Expires:
    Dec. 31, 2019      
         

    *Approved sanctioning organizations must file an annual report by Feb. 1, pursuant to subsection F of § 54.1-829.1.  

    • Use License Lookup for the most up-to-date credential verification. 
    • Learn more about changes to the law effective July 1, 2016.
     

    Military and Veterans Services

    DPOR stands ready to assist veterans and active-duty military personnel as they maintain or transition to civilian careers requiring professional credentials.

    Active-duty military personnel and their spouses having served outside the U.S., as well as certain diplomatic service members and veterans, may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension for meeting license renewal requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-117 of the Code of Virginia).

    Spouses of active-duty military personnel assigned to a duty station in Virginia are eligible for expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application (PDF). A temporary, non-renewable 12-month license for certain military spouses licensed in another state who need more time to meet Virginia-specific requirements is also an option if necessary. [Section 54.1-119] 

    • Military spouses also can get help covering the costs of transferring their professional licenses or certifications when they experience a permanent-change-of-station move with their service member spouse.

     

    For honorably discharged veterans, “substantially equivalent” military training, education, or experience may be credited toward certain license requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-118). In addition, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services may reimburse veterans for the cost of license or certification exams. 

    Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling 

    Upcoming Events Listing

    DPOR licenses promoters and participants involved in professional wresting, boxing, and martial arts events. The list of upcoming events includes only approved, licensed, professional events. 

    Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Virginia, all Boxing, Martial Arts and Professional Wrestling events have been canceled until further notice.     

    Amateur martial arts/MMA must be conducted under an approved Amateur Sanctioning Organization. (Amateur boxing and amateur wrestling are not regulated.)

    Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Virginia, all Amateur Martial Arts/MMA events have been canceled until further notice.