BOXING, MARTIAL ARTS, AND WRESTLING

RCW 67.08
in effect

RCW 67.08.002 Definitions.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Amateur" means a person who has never received nor competed for any purse or other article of value, either for expenses of training or for participating in an event, other than a prize of fifty dollars in value or less. (2) "Amateur event" means an event in which all the participants are "amateurs" and which is registered and sanctioned by: (a) United States Amateur Boxing, Inc.; (b) Washington Interscholastic Activities Association; (c) National Collegiate Athletic Association; (d) Amateur Athletic Union; (e) Golden Gloves of America; (f) Any similar organization nationally recognized by the United States Olympic Committee; (g) United Full Contact Federation and any similar amateur sanctioning organization, recognized and licensed by the department as exclusively or primarily dedicated to advancing the sport of amateur mixed martial arts, as those sports are defined in this section and where the promoter, officials, and participants are licensed under this chapter; or (h) Local affiliate of any organization identified in (a) through (f) of this subsection. (3) "Boxing" means the sport of attack and defense which uses the contestants fists and where the contestants compete with the intent not to injure or disable an opponent, but to win by decision, knockout, or technical knockout, but does not include professional wrestling. (4) "Chiropractor" means a person licensed under chapter 18.25 RCW as a doctor of chiropractic or under the laws of any jurisdiction in which that person resides. (5) "Combative fighting," also known as "toughman fighting," "toughwoman fighting," "badman fighting," and "so you think you're tough," means a contest, exhibition, or match between contestants who use their fists, with or without gloves, or their feet, or both, and which allows contestants that are not trained in the sport to compete and the object is to defeat an opponent or to win by decision, knockout, or technical knockout. (6) "Department" means the department of licensing. (7) "Director" means the director of the department of licensing or the director's designee. (8) "Elimination tournament" means any contest in which contestants compete in a series of matches until not more than one contestant remains in any weight category. The term does not include any event that complies with the provisions of RCW 67.08.015 (2). (9) "Event" includes, but is not limited to, a professional boxing, wrestling, or martial arts or an amateur mixed martial arts contest, sparring, fisticuffs, match, show, or exhibition. (10) "Event chiropractor" means the chiropractor licensed under RCW 67.08.100 and who is operating in a supporting role to the event physician who is responsible for the activities described in RCW 67.08.090 . (11) "Event physician" means the physician licensed under RCW 67.08.100 and who is responsible for the activities described in RCW 67.08.090 . (12) "Face value" means the dollar value of a ticket or order, which value must reflect the dollar amount that the customer is required to pay or, for a complimentary ticket, would have been required to pay to purchase a ticket with equivalent seating priority, in order to view the event. (13) "Gross receipts" means the amount received from the face value of all tickets sold and complimentary tickets redeemed. (14) "Kickboxing" means a type of boxing in which blows are delivered with the fist and any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot and where the contestants compete with the intent not to injure or disable an opponent, but to win by decision, knockout, or technical knockout. (15) "Martial arts" means a type of boxing including sumo, judo, karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, pankration, muay thai, or other forms of full-contact martial arts or self-defense conducted on a full-contact basis where weapons are not used and the participants utilize kicks, punches, blows, or other techniques with the intent not to injure or disable an opponent, but to defeat an opponent or win by decision, knockout, technical knockout, or submission. (16) "Mixed martial arts" means a combative sporting contest, the rules of which allow two mixed martial arts competitors to attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, striking, grappling, and the application of submission holds. "Mixed martial arts" is a type of martial arts that does not include martial arts such as tae kwon do, karate, judo, sumo, jujitsu, and kung fu. (17) "No holds barred fighting," also known as "frontier fighting" and "extreme fighting," means a contest, exhibition, or match between contestants where any part of the contestant's body may be used as a weapon or any means of fighting may be used with the specific purpose to intentionally injure the other contestant in such a manner that they may not defend themselves and a winner is declared. Rules may or may not be used. (18) "Physician" means a person licensed under chapter 18.57 , 18.36A, or 18.71 RCW as a physician or a person holding an osteopathic or allopathic physician license under the laws of any jurisdiction in which the person resides. (19) "Professional" means a person who has received or competed for any purse or other articles of value greater than fifty dollars, either for the expenses of training or for participating in an event. (20) "Promoter" means a person, and includes any officer, director, employee, or stockholder of a corporate promoter, who produces, arranges, stages, holds, or gives an event in this state involving a professional boxing, martial arts, or wrestling event or amateur mixed martial arts event, or shows or causes to be shown in this state a closed circuit telecast of a match involving professional or amateur mixed martial arts participants whether or not the telecast originates in this state. (21) "Theatrical wrestling" means the performance of sports entertainment in which: (a) Two or more participants work together in a performance of mock combat in a ring for the purpose of entertainment; and (b)(i) The outcome is predetermined; and/or (ii) The participants do not necessarily strive to win. (22) "Theatrical wrestling school" means a facility that offers training in theatrical wrestling. (23) "Training facility" means a facility that: (a) Offers training in one or more of the mixed martial arts; and (b) Holds exhibitions in which all the participants are amateurs and where an admission fee is charged. (24) "Wrestling exhibition," "wrestling show," or "wrestling event" means a demonstration of theatrical wrestling presented to the public. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Amateur" means a person who has never received nor competed for any purse or other article of value, either for expenses of training or for participating in an event, other than a prize of fifty dollars in value or less. (2) "Amateur event" means an event in which all the participants are "amateurs" and which is registered and sanctioned by: (a) United States Amateur Boxing, Inc.; (b) Washington Interscholastic Activities Association; (c) National Collegiate Athletic Association; (d) Amateur Athletic Union; (e) Golden Gloves of America; (f) Any similar organization nationally recognized by the United States Olympic Committee; (g) United Full Contact Federation and any similar amateur sanctioning organization, recognized and licensed by the department as exclusively or primarily dedicated to advancing the sport of amateur mixed martial arts, as those sports are defined in this section and where the promoter, officials, and participants are licensed under this chapter; or (h) Local affiliate of any organization identified in (a) through (f) of this subsection. (3) "Boxing" means the sport of attack and defense which uses the contestants fists and where the contestants compete with the intent not to injure or disable an opponent, but to win by decision, knockout, or technical knockout, but does not include professional wrestling. (4) "Chiropractor" means a person licensed under chapter 18.25 RCW as a doctor of chiropractic or under the laws of any jurisdiction in which that person resides. (5) "Combative fighting," also known as "toughman fighting," "toughwoman fighting," "badman fighting," and "so you think you're tough," means a contest, exhibition, or match between contestants who use their fists, with or without gloves, or their feet, or both, and which allows contestants that are not trained in the sport to compete and the object is to defeat an opponent or to win by decision, knockout, or technical knockout. (6) "Department" means the department of licensing. (7) "Director" means the director of the department of licensing or the director's designee. (8) "Elimination tournament" means any contest in which contestants compete in a series of matches until not more than one contestant remains in any weight category. The term does not include any event that complies with the provisions of RCW 67.08.015 (2). (9) "Event" includes, but is not limited to, a professional boxing, wrestling, or martial arts or an amateur mixed martial arts contest, sparring, fisticuffs, match, show, or exhibition. (10) "Event chiropractor" means the chiropractor licensed under RCW 67.08.100 and who is operating in a supporting role to the event physician who is responsible for the activities described in RCW 67.08.090 . (11) "Event physician" means the physician licensed under RCW 67.08.100 and who is responsible for the activities described in RCW 67.08.090 . (12) "Face value" means the dollar value of a ticket or order, which value must reflect the dollar amount that the customer is required to pay or, for a complimentary ticket, would have been required to pay to purchase a ticket with equivalent seating priority, in order to view the event. (13) "Gross receipts" means the amount received from the face value of all tickets sold and complimentary tickets redeemed. (14) "Kickboxing" means a type of boxing in which blows are delivered with the fist and any part of the leg below the hip, including the foot and where the contestants compete with the intent not to injure or disable an opponent, but to win by decision, knockout, or technical knockout. (15) "Martial arts" means a type of boxing including sumo, judo, karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, pankration, muay thai, or other forms of full-contact martial arts or self-defense conducted on a full-contact basis where weapons are not used and the participants utilize kicks, punches, blows, or other techniques with the intent not to injure or disable an opponent, but to defeat an opponent or win by decision, knockout, technical knockout, or submission. (16) "Mixed martial arts" means a combative sporting contest, the rules of which allow two mixed martial arts competitors to attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, striking, grappling, and the application of submission holds. "Mixed martial arts" is a type of martial arts that does not include martial arts such as tae kwon do, karate, judo, sumo, jujitsu, and kung fu. (17) "No holds barred fighting," also known as "frontier fighting" and "extreme fighting," means a contest, exhibition, or match between contestants where any part of the contestant's body may be used as a weapon or any means of fighting may be used with the specific purpose to intentionally injure the other contestant in such a manner that they may not defend themselves and a winner is declared. Rules may or may not be used. (18) "Physician" means a person licensed under chapter 18.57 , 18.36A, or 18.71 RCW as a physician or a person holding an osteopathic or allopathic physician license under the laws of any jurisdiction in which the person resides. (19) "Professional" means a person who has received or competed for any purse or other articles of value greater than fifty dollars, either for the expenses of training or for participating in an event. (20) "Promoter" means a person, and includes any officer, director, employee, or stockholder of a corporate promoter, who produces, arranges, stages, holds, or gives an event in this state involving a professional boxing, martial arts, or wrestling event or amateur mixed martial arts event, or shows or causes to be shown in this state a closed circuit telecast of a match involving professional or amateur mixed martial arts participants whether or not the telecast originates in this state. (21) "Theatrical wrestling" means the performance of sports entertainment in which: (a) Two or more participants work together in a performance of mock combat in a ring for the purpose of entertainment; and (b)(i) The outcome is predetermined; and/or (ii) The participants do not necessarily strive to win. (22) "Theatrical wrestling school" means a facility that offers training in theatrical wrestling. (23) "Training facility" means a facility that: (a) Offers training in one or more of the mixed martial arts; and (b) Holds exhibitions in which all the participants are amateurs and where an admission fee is charged. (24) "Wrestling exhibition," "wrestling show," or "wrestling event" means a demonstration of theatrical wrestling presented to the public.

RCW 67.08.007 Officers, employees, inspectors.

The department may employ and fix the compensation of such officers, employees, and inspectors as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this chapter as amended. The department may employ and fix the compensation of such officers, employees, and inspectors as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this chapter as amended.

RCW 67.08.010 Licenses for boxing, martial arts, and wrestling events — Telecasts.

The department shall have power to issue and take disciplinary action as provided in RCW 18.235.130 against a license to conduct, hold, or promote boxing, martial arts, or wrestling events or closed circuit telecasts of these events as provided in this chapter and chapter 18.235 RCW under such terms and conditions and at such times and places as the department may determine. The department shall have power to issue and take disciplinary action as provided in RCW 18.235.130 against a license to conduct, hold, or promote boxing, martial arts, or wrestling events or closed circuit telecasts of these events as provided in this chapter and chapter 18.235 RCW under such terms and conditions and at such times and places as the department may determine.

RCW 67.08.015 Duties of department — Exemptions — Rules.

(1) In the interest of ensuring the safety and welfare of the participants, the department shall have power and it shall be its duty to direct, supervise, and control all boxing, martial arts, and wrestling events conducted within this state and an event may not be held in this state except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The department may, in its discretion, issue and for cause, which includes concern for the safety and welfare of the participants, take any of the actions specified in RCW 18.235.110 against a license to promote, conduct, or hold boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling events where an admission fee is charged by any person, club, corporation, organization, association, or fraternal society. (2) All boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling events that: (a) Are conducted by any common school, college, or university, whether public or private, or by the official student association thereof, whether on or off the school, college, or university grounds, where all the participating contestants are bona fide students enrolled in any common school, college, or university, within or without this state; or (b) Are entirely amateur events as defined in *RCW 67.08.002 (18), excluding events described in *RCW 67.08.002 (18)(g); are not subject to the provisions of this chapter. A boxing, martial arts, kickboxing, or wrestling event may not be conducted within the state except under a license issued in accordance with this chapter and the rules of the department except as provided in this section. (3) The director shall prohibit events unless all of the contestants are licensed or otherwise exempt from licensure as provided under this chapter. (4) No amateur or professional no holds barred fighting or combative fighting type of contest, exhibition, match, or similar type of event, nor any elimination tournament, may be held in this state. Any person promoting such an event is guilty of a class C felony. Additionally, the director may apply to a superior court for an injunction against any and all promoters of a contest, and may request that the court seize all money and assets relating to the competition. (1) In the interest of ensuring the safety and welfare of the participants, the department shall have power and it shall be its duty to direct, supervise, and control all boxing, martial arts, and wrestling events conducted within this state and an event may not be held in this state except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The department may, in its discretion, issue and for cause, which includes concern for the safety and welfare of the participants, take any of the actions specified in RCW 18.235.110 against a license to promote, conduct, or hold boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling events where an admission fee is charged by any person, club, corporation, organization, association, or fraternal society. (2) All boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling events that: (a) Are conducted by any common school, college, or university, whether public or private, or by the official student association thereof, whether on or off the school, college, or university grounds, where all the participating contestants are bona fide students enrolled in any common school, college, or university, within or without this state; or (b) Are entirely amateur events as defined in *RCW 67.08.002 (18), excluding events described in *RCW 67.08.002 (18)(g); are not subject to the provisions of this chapter. A boxing, martial arts, kickboxing, or wrestling event may not be conducted within the state except under a license issued in accordance with this chapter and the rules of the department except as provided in this section. (3) The director shall prohibit events unless all of the contestants are licensed or otherwise exempt from licensure as provided under this chapter. (4) No amateur or professional no holds barred fighting or combative fighting type of contest, exhibition, match, or similar type of event, nor any elimination tournament, may be held in this state. Any person promoting such an event is guilty of a class C felony. Additionally, the director may apply to a superior court for an injunction against any and all promoters of a contest, and may request that the court seize all money and assets relating to the competition.

RCW 67.08.017 Director — Powers.

In addition to the powers described in RCW 18.235.030 and 18.235.040 , the director or the director's designee has the following authority in administering this chapter: (1) Adopt, amend, and rescind rules as deemed necessary to carry out this chapter; (2) Adopt standards of professional and amateur conduct or practice; (3) Enter into an assurance of discontinuance in lieu of issuing a statement of charges or conducting a hearing. The assurance shall consist of a statement of the law in question and an agreement not to violate the stated provision. The applicant or license holder shall not be required to admit to any violation of the law, and the assurance shall not be construed as such an admission. Violation of an assurance under this subsection is grounds for disciplinary action; (4) Establish and assess fines for violations of this chapter that may be subject to payment from a contestant's purse; (5) Establish licensing requirements; and (6) Adopt rules regarding whether or not specific martial arts are mixed martial arts for the purpose of applying licensing provisions. In addition to the powers described in RCW 18.235.030 and 18.235.040 , the director or the director's designee has the following authority in administering this chapter: (1) Adopt, amend, and rescind rules as deemed necessary to carry out this chapter; (2) Adopt standards of professional and amateur conduct or practice; (3) Enter into an assurance of discontinuance in lieu of issuing a statement of charges or conducting a hearing. The assurance shall consist of a statement of the law in question and an agreement not to violate the stated provision. The applicant or license holder shall not be required to admit to any violation of the law, and the assurance shall not be construed as such an admission. Violation of an assurance under this subsection is grounds for disciplinary action; (4) Establish and assess fines for violations of this chapter that may be subject to payment from a contestant's purse; (5) Establish licensing requirements; and (6) Adopt rules regarding whether or not specific martial arts are mixed martial arts for the purpose of applying licensing provisions.

RCW 67.08.030 Promoters — Bond — Medical insurance.

(1) Every promoter, as a condition for receiving a license, shall file with the department a surety bond in an amount to be determined by the department, but not less than ten thousand dollars, to cover all of the event locations applied for within the state during the license period, conditioned upon the faithful performance by such licensee of the provisions of this chapter, the payment of the taxes, officials, and contracts as provided for herein and the observance of all rules of the department. (2) Boxing promoters must obtain medical insurance in an amount set by the director, but not less than fifty thousand dollars, to cover any injuries incurred by participants at the time of each event held in this state and provide proof of insurance to the department seventy-two hours before each event. The evidence of insurance must specify, at a minimum, the name of the insurance company, the insurance policy number, the effective date of the coverage, and evidence that each participant is covered by the insurance. The promoter must pay any deductible associated with the insurance policy. (3) In lieu of the insurance requirement of subsection (2) of this section, a promoter of the boxing event who so chooses may, as a condition for receiving a license under this chapter, file proof of medical insurance coverage that is in effect for the entire term of the licensing period. (4) The department shall cancel a boxing event if the promoter fails to provide proof of medical insurance within the proper time frame. (1) Every promoter, as a condition for receiving a license, shall file with the department a surety bond in an amount to be determined by the department, but not less than ten thousand dollars, to cover all of the event locations applied for within the state during the license period, conditioned upon the faithful performance by such licensee of the provisions of this chapter, the payment of the taxes, officials, and contracts as provided for herein and the observance of all rules of the department. (2) Boxing promoters must obtain medical insurance in an amount set by the director, but not less than fifty thousand dollars, to cover any injuries incurred by participants at the time of each event held in this state and provide proof of insurance to the department seventy-two hours before each event. The evidence of insurance must specify, at a minimum, the name of the insurance company, the insurance policy number, the effective date of the coverage, and evidence that each participant is covered by the insurance. The promoter must pay any deductible associated with the insurance policy. (3) In lieu of the insurance requirement of subsection (2) of this section, a promoter of the boxing event who so chooses may, as a condition for receiving a license under this chapter, file proof of medical insurance coverage that is in effect for the entire term of the licensing period. (4) The department shall cancel a boxing event if the promoter fails to provide proof of medical insurance within the proper time frame.

RCW 67.08.040 Issuance of license.

Upon the approval by the department of any application for a license, as hereinabove provided, and the filing of the bond the department shall forthwith issue such license. Upon the approval by the department of any application for a license, as hereinabove provided, and the filing of the bond the department shall forthwith issue such license.

RCW 67.08.050 Statement and report of event — Event fee — Complimentary tickets.

(1) Any promoter shall within seven days prior to the holding of any event file with the department a statement setting forth the name of each licensee who is a potential participant, his or her manager or managers, and such other information as the department may require. Participant changes regarding a wrestling event may be allowed after notice to the department, if the new participant holds a valid license under this chapter. The department may stop any wrestling event in which a participant is not licensed under this chapter. (2) Upon the termination of any event the promoter shall file with the designated department representative a written report, duly verified as the department may require showing the number of tickets sold for the event, the price charged for the tickets and the gross proceeds thereof, and such other and further information as the department may require. The promoter shall pay to the department at the time of filing the report under this section an event fee to be determined by the director pursuant to RCW 67.08.105 . However, the event fee may not be less than twenty-five dollars. A promoter is not required to pay an event fee for promoting an amateur event as defined in *RCW 67.08.002 (18)(g). The event fee and license fees collected under this chapter shall be paid by the department into the business and professions account under RCW 43.24.150 . (1) Any promoter shall within seven days prior to the holding of any event file with the department a statement setting forth the name of each licensee who is a potential participant, his or her manager or managers, and such other information as the department may require. Participant changes regarding a wrestling event may be allowed after notice to the department, if the new participant holds a valid license under this chapter. The department may stop any wrestling event in which a participant is not licensed under this chapter. (2) Upon the termination of any event the promoter shall file with the designated department representative a written report, duly verified as the department may require showing the number of tickets sold for the event, the price charged for the tickets and the gross proceeds thereof, and such other and further information as the department may require. The promoter shall pay to the department at the time of filing the report under this section an event fee to be determined by the director pursuant to RCW 67.08.105 . However, the event fee may not be less than twenty-five dollars. A promoter is not required to pay an event fee for promoting an amateur event as defined in *RCW 67.08.002 (18)(g). The event fee and license fees collected under this chapter shall be paid by the department into the business and professions account under RCW 43.24.150 .

RCW 67.08.055 Simultaneous or closed circuit telecasts — Report — Event fee.

Every licensee who charges and receives an admission fee for exhibiting a simultaneous telecast of any live, current, or spontaneous boxing or sparring match, or wrestling exhibition or show on a closed circuit telecast viewed within this state shall, within seventy-two hours after such event, furnish to the department a verified written report on a form which is supplied by the department showing the number of tickets issued or sold, and the gross receipts therefor without any deductions whatsoever. Such licensee shall also, at the same time, pay to the department an event fee to be determined by the director pursuant to RCW 67.08.105 . In no event, however, shall the event fee be less than twenty-five dollars. The event fee shall be immediately paid by the department into the business and professions account under RCW 43.24.150 . Every licensee who charges and receives an admission fee for exhibiting a simultaneous telecast of any live, current, or spontaneous boxing or sparring match, or wrestling exhibition or show on a closed circuit telecast viewed within this state shall, within seventy-two hours after such event, furnish to the department a verified written report on a form which is supplied by the department showing the number of tickets issued or sold, and the gross receipts therefor without any deductions whatsoever. Such licensee shall also, at the same time, pay to the department an event fee to be determined by the director pursuant to RCW 67.08.105 . In no event, however, shall the event fee be less than twenty-five dollars. The event fee shall be immediately paid by the department into the business and professions account under RCW 43.24.150 .

RCW 67.08.060 Inspectors — Duties — Fee and travel expenses for attending events.

The department may appoint official inspectors at least one of which, in the absence of a member of the department, shall be present at any event held under the provisions of this chapter. Such inspectors shall carry a card signed by the director evidencing their authority. It shall be their duty to see that all rules of the department and the provisions of this chapter are strictly complied with and to be present at the accounting of the gross receipts of any event, and such inspector is authorized to receive from the licensee conducting the event the statement of receipts herein provided for and to immediately transmit such reports to the department. Each inspector shall receive a fee and travel expenses from the promoter to be set by the director for each event officially attended. The department may appoint official inspectors at least one of which, in the absence of a member of the department, shall be present at any event held under the provisions of this chapter. Such inspectors shall carry a card signed by the director evidencing their authority. It shall be their duty to see that all rules of the department and the provisions of this chapter are strictly complied with and to be present at the accounting of the gross receipts of any event, and such inspector is authorized to receive from the licensee conducting the event the statement of receipts herein provided for and to immediately transmit such reports to the department. Each inspector shall receive a fee and travel expenses from the promoter to be set by the director for each event officially attended.

RCW 67.08.080 Rounds and bouts limited — Weight of gloves — Rules.

A boxing event held in this state may not be for more than ten rounds and no one round of any bout shall be scheduled for longer than three minutes and there shall be not less than one minute intermission between each round. In the event of bouts involving state, regional, national, or world championships, the department may grant an extension of no more than two additional rounds to allow total bouts of twelve rounds. A contestant in any boxing event under this chapter may not be permitted to wear gloves weighing less than eight ounces. The director shall adopt rules to assure clean and sporting conduct on the part of all contestants and officials, and the orderly and proper conduct of the event in all respects, and to otherwise make rules consistent with this chapter, but such rules shall apply only to events held under the provisions of this chapter. The director may adopt rules with respect to round and bout limitations and clean and sporting conduct for kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling events. A boxing event held in this state may not be for more than ten rounds and no one round of any bout shall be scheduled for longer than three minutes and there shall be not less than one minute intermission between each round. In the event of bouts involving state, regional, national, or world championships, the department may grant an extension of no more than two additional rounds to allow total bouts of twelve rounds. A contestant in any boxing event under this chapter may not be permitted to wear gloves weighing less than eight ounces. The director shall adopt rules to assure clean and sporting conduct on the part of all contestants and officials, and the orderly and proper conduct of the event in all respects, and to otherwise make rules consistent with this chapter, but such rules shall apply only to events held under the provisions of this chapter. The director may adopt rules with respect to round and bout limitations and clean and sporting conduct for kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling events.

RCW 67.08.090 Physician's attendance — Examination of contestants — Urinalysis.

(1) Each contestant for boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts events shall be examined within twenty-four hours before the contest by an event physician licensed by the department. The event physician shall report in writing and over his or her signature before the event the physical condition of each and every contestant to the inspector present at such contest. No contestant whose physical condition is not approved by the event physician shall be permitted to participate in any event. Blank forms for event physicians' reports shall be provided by the department and all questions upon such blanks shall be answered in full. The event physician shall be paid a fee and travel expenses by the promoter. (2) The department may require that an event physician be present at a wrestling event. The promoter shall pay the event physician present at a wrestling event. A boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event may not be held unless an event physician licensed by the department is present throughout the event. In addition to the event physician, an event chiropractor may be included as a licensed official at a boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event. The promoter shall pay the event chiropractor present at a boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event. (3) Any physician licensed under RCW 67.08.100 may be selected by the department as the event physician. The event physician present at any contest shall have authority to stop any event when in the event physician's opinion it would be dangerous to a contestant to continue, and in such event it shall be the event physician's duty to stop the event. (4) The department may have a participant in a wrestling event examined by an event physician licensed by the department prior to the event. A participant in a wrestling event whose condition is not approved by the event physician shall not be permitted to participate in the event. (5) Each contestant for boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling events may be subject to a random urinalysis or chemical test within twenty-four hours before or after a contest. In addition to the unprofessional conduct specified in RCW 18.235.130 , an applicant or licensee who refuses or fails to submit to the urinalysis or chemical test is subject to disciplinary action under RCW 18.235.110 . If the urinalysis or chemical test is positive for substances prohibited by rules adopted by the director, the applicant or licensee has engaged in unprofessional conduct and disciplinary action may be taken under RCW 18.235.110 . (1) Each contestant for boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts events shall be examined within twenty-four hours before the contest by an event physician licensed by the department. The event physician shall report in writing and over his or her signature before the event the physical condition of each and every contestant to the inspector present at such contest. No contestant whose physical condition is not approved by the event physician shall be permitted to participate in any event. Blank forms for event physicians' reports shall be provided by the department and all questions upon such blanks shall be answered in full. The event physician shall be paid a fee and travel expenses by the promoter. (2) The department may require that an event physician be present at a wrestling event. The promoter shall pay the event physician present at a wrestling event. A boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event may not be held unless an event physician licensed by the department is present throughout the event. In addition to the event physician, an event chiropractor may be included as a licensed official at a boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event. The promoter shall pay the event chiropractor present at a boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event. (3) Any physician licensed under RCW 67.08.100 may be selected by the department as the event physician. The event physician present at any contest shall have authority to stop any event when in the event physician's opinion it would be dangerous to a contestant to continue, and in such event it shall be the event physician's duty to stop the event. (4) The department may have a participant in a wrestling event examined by an event physician licensed by the department prior to the event. A participant in a wrestling event whose condition is not approved by the event physician shall not be permitted to participate in the event. (5) Each contestant for boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling events may be subject to a random urinalysis or chemical test within twenty-four hours before or after a contest. In addition to the unprofessional conduct specified in RCW 18.235.130 , an applicant or licensee who refuses or fails to submit to the urinalysis or chemical test is subject to disciplinary action under RCW 18.235.110 . If the urinalysis or chemical test is positive for substances prohibited by rules adopted by the director, the applicant or licensee has engaged in unprofessional conduct and disciplinary action may be taken under RCW 18.235.110 .

RCW 67.08.100 Annual licenses — Fees — Qualifications — Revocation — Exceptions.

(1) The department upon receipt of a properly completed application and payment of a nonrefundable fee, may grant an annual license to an applicant for the following: (a) Promoter; (b) manager; (c) boxer; (d) second; (e) wrestling participant; (f) inspector; (g) judge; (h) timekeeper; (i) announcer; (j) event physician; (k) event chiropractor; (l) referee; (m) matchmaker; (n) kickboxer; (o) martial arts participant; (p) training facility; (q) amateur sanctioning organization; and (r) theatrical wrestling school. (2) The application for the following types of licenses includes a physical performed by a physician, as defined in RCW 67.08.002 , which was performed by the physician with a time period preceding the application as specified by rule: (a) Boxer; (b) wrestling participant; (c) kickboxer; (d) martial arts participant; and (e) referee. (3) An applicant for the following types of licenses for the sports of boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts must provide annual proof of certification as having adequate experience, skill, and training from an organization approved by the department, including, but not limited to, the association of boxing commissions, the international boxing federation, the international boxing organization, the Washington state association of professional ring officials, the world boxing association, the world boxing council, or the world boxing organization for boxing officials, and the united full contact federation for kickboxing and martial arts officials: (a) Judge; (b) referee; (c) inspector; (d) timekeeper; or (e) other officials deemed necessary by the department. (4) No person may participate or serve in any of the above capacities unless licensed as provided in this chapter. (5) The referees, judges, timekeepers, event physicians, chiropractors, and inspectors for any boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event must be designated by the department from among licensed officials. (6) The referee for any wrestling event must be provided by the promoter and must be licensed as a wrestling participant. (7) The department must immediately suspend the license or certificate of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license or certificate is automatic upon the department's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order. (8) A person may not be issued a license if the person has an unpaid fine outstanding to the department. (9) A person may not be issued a license unless they are at least eighteen years of age. (10)(a) This section does not apply to: (i) Contestants or participants in events at which only amateurs are engaged in contests; (ii) Wrestling participants engaged in training or a wrestling show at a theatrical wrestling school; and (iii) Fraternal organizations and/or veterans' organizations chartered by congress or the defense department, excluding any recognized amateur sanctioning body recognized by the department. (b) Upon request of the department, a promoter, contestant, or participant must provide sufficient information to reasonably determine whether this chapter applies. (1) The department upon receipt of a properly completed application and payment of a nonrefundable fee, may grant an annual license to an applicant for the following: (a) Promoter; (b) manager; (c) boxer; (d) second; (e) wrestling participant; (f) inspector; (g) judge; (h) timekeeper; (i) announcer; (j) event physician; (k) event chiropractor; (l) referee; (m) matchmaker; (n) kickboxer; (o) martial arts participant; (p) training facility; (q) amateur sanctioning organization; and (r) theatrical wrestling school. (2) The application for the following types of licenses includes a physical performed by a physician, as defined in RCW 67.08.002 , which was performed by the physician with a time period preceding the application as specified by rule: (a) Boxer; (b) wrestling participant; (c) kickboxer; (d) martial arts participant; and (e) referee. (3) An applicant for the following types of licenses for the sports of boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts must provide annual proof of certification as having adequate experience, skill, and training from an organization approved by the department, including, but not limited to, the association of boxing commissions, the international boxing federation, the international boxing organization, the Washington state association of professional ring officials, the world boxing association, the world boxing council, or the world boxing organization for boxing officials, and the united full contact federation for kickboxing and martial arts officials: (a) Judge; (b) referee; (c) inspector; (d) timekeeper; or (e) other officials deemed necessary by the department. (4) No person may participate or serve in any of the above capacities unless licensed as provided in this chapter. (5) The referees, judges, timekeepers, event physicians, chiropractors, and inspectors for any boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event must be designated by the department from among licensed officials. (6) The referee for any wrestling event must be provided by the promoter and must be licensed as a wrestling participant. (7) The department must immediately suspend the license or certificate of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license or certificate is automatic upon the department's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order. (8) A person may not be issued a license if the person has an unpaid fine outstanding to the department. (9) A person may not be issued a license unless they are at least eighteen years of age. (10)(a) This section does not apply to: (i) Contestants or participants in events at which only amateurs are engaged in contests; (ii) Wrestling participants engaged in training or a wrestling show at a theatrical wrestling school; and (iii) Fraternal organizations and/or veterans' organizations chartered by congress or the defense department, excluding any recognized amateur sanctioning body recognized by the department. (b) Upon request of the department, a promoter, contestant, or participant must provide sufficient information to reasonably determine whether this chapter applies.

RCW 67.08.105 License, renewal, and event fees.

The department shall set license, renewal, and event fees by rule in amounts that, pursuant to the fee policy established in RCW 43.24.086 , when combined with all license and fee revenue under this chapter, are sufficient to defray the costs of the department in administering this chapter. The department shall set license, renewal, and event fees by rule in amounts that, pursuant to the fee policy established in RCW 43.24.086 , when combined with all license and fee revenue under this chapter, are sufficient to defray the costs of the department in administering this chapter.

RCW 67.08.110 Unprofessional conduct — Sham or fake event.

(1) Any person or any member of any group of persons or corporation promoting events who shall participate directly or indirectly in the purse or fee of any manager of any participants or any participant and any licensee who shall conduct or participate in any sham or fake event has engaged in unprofessional conduct and is subject to the sanctions specified in RCW 18.235.110 . (2) A manager of any boxer, kickboxer, or martial arts participant who allows any person or any group of persons or corporation promoting boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts events to participate directly or indirectly in the purse or fee, or any boxer, kickboxer, or martial arts participant or other licensee who conducts or participates in any sham or fake boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event has engaged in unprofessional conduct and is subject to the sanctions specified in RCW 18.235.110 . (1) Any person or any member of any group of persons or corporation promoting events who shall participate directly or indirectly in the purse or fee of any manager of any participants or any participant and any licensee who shall conduct or participate in any sham or fake event has engaged in unprofessional conduct and is subject to the sanctions specified in RCW 18.235.110 . (2) A manager of any boxer, kickboxer, or martial arts participant who allows any person or any group of persons or corporation promoting boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts events to participate directly or indirectly in the purse or fee, or any boxer, kickboxer, or martial arts participant or other licensee who conducts or participates in any sham or fake boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event has engaged in unprofessional conduct and is subject to the sanctions specified in RCW 18.235.110 .

RCW 67.08.130 Failure to make report — Additional tax — Hearing — Disciplinary action.

Whenever any licensee shall fail to make a report of any event within the time prescribed by this chapter or when such report is unsatisfactory to the department, the director may examine the books and records of such licensee; he or she may subpoena and examine under oath any officer of such licensee and such other person or persons as he or she may deem necessary to a determination of the total gross receipts from any event and the amount of tax thereon. If, upon the completion of such examination it shall be determined that an additional tax is due, notice thereof shall be served upon the licensee, providing the licensee with an opportunity to request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW. The failure to request a hearing within twenty days of service of the notice constitutes a default, whereupon the director will enter a decision on the facts available. Failure to pay such additional tax within twenty days after service of a final order constitutes unprofessional conduct and the licensee may be subject to disciplinary action against its license and shall be disqualified from receiving any new license. Whenever any licensee shall fail to make a report of any event within the time prescribed by this chapter or when such report is unsatisfactory to the department, the director may examine the books and records of such licensee; he or she may subpoena and examine under oath any officer of such licensee and such other person or persons as he or she may deem necessary to a determination of the total gross receipts from any event and the amount of tax thereon. If, upon the completion of such examination it shall be determined that an additional tax is due, notice thereof shall be served upon the licensee, providing the licensee with an opportunity to request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW. The failure to request a hearing within twenty days of service of the notice constitutes a default, whereupon the director will enter a decision on the facts available. Failure to pay such additional tax within twenty days after service of a final order constitutes unprofessional conduct and the licensee may be subject to disciplinary action against its license and shall be disqualified from receiving any new license.

RCW 67.08.140 Penalty for conducting events without license — Penalty.

Any person, club, corporation, organization, association, fraternal society, participant, or promoter conducting or participating in boxing or wrestling events within this state without having first obtained a license therefor in the manner provided by this chapter is in violation of this chapter and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor excepting the events excluded from the operation of this chapter by RCW 67.08.015 . Any person, club, corporation, organization, association, fraternal society, participant, or promoter conducting or participating in boxing or wrestling events within this state without having first obtained a license therefor in the manner provided by this chapter is in violation of this chapter and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor excepting the events excluded from the operation of this chapter by RCW 67.08.015 .

RCW 67.08.150 General penalty.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter for which no penalty is herein provided shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter for which no penalty is herein provided shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

RCW 67.08.160 Ambulance or paramedical unit at location.

(1) A promoter must have an ambulance or paramedical unit present at the event location. (1) A promoter must have an ambulance or paramedical unit present at the event location.

RCW 67.08.170 Security — Promoter's responsibility.

A promoter shall ensure that adequate security personnel are in attendance at an event to control fans in attendance. The size of the security force shall be determined by mutual agreement of the promoter, the person in charge of operating the arena or other facility, and the department. A promoter shall ensure that adequate security personnel are in attendance at an event to control fans in attendance. The size of the security force shall be determined by mutual agreement of the promoter, the person in charge of operating the arena or other facility, and the department.

RCW 67.08.180 Unprofessional conduct — Prohibited acts.

In addition to the unprofessional conduct specified in RCW 18.235.130 , the following conduct, acts, or conditions constitute unprofessional conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken: (1) Destruction of any ticket or ticket stub, whether sold or unsold, within three months after the date of any event, by any promoter or person associated with or employed by any promoter. (2) The deliberate cutting of himself or herself or other self mutilation by a wrestling participant while participating in a wrestling event. (3) A conviction under chapter 69.50 RCW. (4) Testing positive for illegal use of a controlled substance as defined in RCW 69.50.101 . (5) The striking of any person that is not a licensed participant at a wrestling event. In addition to the unprofessional conduct specified in RCW 18.235.130 , the following conduct, acts, or conditions constitute unprofessional conduct for which disciplinary action may be taken: (1) Destruction of any ticket or ticket stub, whether sold or unsold, within three months after the date of any event, by any promoter or person associated with or employed by any promoter. (2) The deliberate cutting of himself or herself or other self mutilation by a wrestling participant while participating in a wrestling event. (3) A conviction under chapter 69.50 RCW. (4) Testing positive for illegal use of a controlled substance as defined in RCW 69.50.101 . (5) The striking of any person that is not a licensed participant at a wrestling event.

RCW 67.08.200 Unprofessional conduct — Written complaint — Investigation — Immunity of complainant.

A person, including but not limited to a consumer, licensee, corporation, organization, and state and local governmental agency, may submit a written complaint to the department charging a license holder or applicant with unprofessional conduct and specifying the grounds for the complaint. If the department determines that the complaint merits investigation or if the department has reason to believe, without a formal complaint, that a license holder or applicant may have engaged in unprofessional conduct, the department shall investigate to determine whether there has been unprofessional conduct. A person who files a complaint under this section in good faith is immune from suit in any civil action related to the filing or contents of the complaint. A person, including but not limited to a consumer, licensee, corporation, organization, and state and local governmental agency, may submit a written complaint to the department charging a license holder or applicant with unprofessional conduct and specifying the grounds for the complaint. If the department determines that the complaint merits investigation or if the department has reason to believe, without a formal complaint, that a license holder or applicant may have engaged in unprofessional conduct, the department shall investigate to determine whether there has been unprofessional conduct. A person who files a complaint under this section in good faith is immune from suit in any civil action related to the filing or contents of the complaint.

RCW 67.08.220 Unprofessional conduct — Order upon finding — Penalties — Costs.

Upon a finding that a license holder or applicant has committed unprofessional conduct the director may issue an order providing for one or any combination of the following: (1) Revocation of the license; (2) Suspension of the license for a fixed or indefinite term; (3) Requiring the satisfactory completion of a specific program of remedial education; (4) Compliance with conditions of probation for a designated period of time; (5) Payment of a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars for each violation of this chapter; (6) Denial of the license request; (7) Corrective action, including paying contestants the contracted purse or compensation; or (8) Refund of fees billed to and collected from the consumer. Any of the actions under this section may be totally or partly stayed by the director. All costs associated with compliance with orders issued under this section are the obligation of the license holder or applicant. Upon a finding that a license holder or applicant has committed unprofessional conduct the director may issue an order providing for one or any combination of the following: (1) Revocation of the license; (2) Suspension of the license for a fixed or indefinite term; (3) Requiring the satisfactory completion of a specific program of remedial education; (4) Compliance with conditions of probation for a designated period of time; (5) Payment of a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars for each violation of this chapter; (6) Denial of the license request; (7) Corrective action, including paying contestants the contracted purse or compensation; or (8) Refund of fees billed to and collected from the consumer. Any of the actions under this section may be totally or partly stayed by the director. All costs associated with compliance with orders issued under this section are the obligation of the license holder or applicant.

RCW 67.08.240 Unprofessional conduct — What constitutes.

The following conduct, acts, or conditions constitute unprofessional conduct for a license holder or applicant under this chapter: (1) Conviction of a gross misdemeanor, felony, or the commission of an act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption whether the act constitutes a crime or not. If the act constitutes a crime, conviction in a criminal proceeding is not a condition precedent to disciplinary action. Upon such a conviction, however, the judgment and sentence is conclusive evidence at the ensuing disciplinary hearing of the guilt of the license holder or applicant of the crime described in the indictment or information, and of the person's violation of the statute on which it is based. For the purposes of this section, conviction includes all instances in which a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is the basis for the conviction and all proceedings in which the sentence has been deferred or suspended. This section does not abrogate rights guaranteed under chapter 9.96 RCW; (2) Misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact in obtaining a license or in reinstatement of a license; (3) Advertising that is false, fraudulent, or misleading; (4) Incompetence or negligence that results in injury to a person or that creates an unreasonable risk that a person may be harmed; (5) Suspension, revocation, or restriction of a license to act as a professional or amateur athletic licensee by competent authority in a state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction, a certified copy of the order, stipulation, or agreement being conclusive evidence of the revocation, suspension, or restriction; (6) Violation of a statute or administrative rule regulating professional or amateur athletics; (7) Failure to cooperate with the department's investigations by: (a) Not furnishing papers or documents; (b) Not furnishing in writing a full and complete explanation regarding a matter under investigation by the department; or (c) Not responding to subpoenas issued by the department, whether or not the recipient of the subpoena is the subject of the proceeding; (8) Failure to comply with an order issued by the director or an assurance of discontinuance entered into by the director; (9) Aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to act in a manner that requires a professional or amateur athletics license; (10) Misrepresentation or fraud in any aspect of the conduct of a professional athletics or amateur event; and (11) Interference with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by willful misrepresentation of facts before the department or by the use of threats or harassment against any person to prevent them from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or other legal action. The following conduct, acts, or conditions constitute unprofessional conduct for a license holder or applicant under this chapter: (1) Conviction of a gross misdemeanor, felony, or the commission of an act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, or corruption whether the act constitutes a crime or not. If the act constitutes a crime, conviction in a criminal proceeding is not a condition precedent to disciplinary action. Upon such a conviction, however, the judgment and sentence is conclusive evidence at the ensuing disciplinary hearing of the guilt of the license holder or applicant of the crime described in the indictment or information, and of the person's violation of the statute on which it is based. For the purposes of this section, conviction includes all instances in which a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is the basis for the conviction and all proceedings in which the sentence has been deferred or suspended. This section does not abrogate rights guaranteed under chapter 9.96 RCW; (2) Misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact in obtaining a license or in reinstatement of a license; (3) Advertising that is false, fraudulent, or misleading; (4) Incompetence or negligence that results in injury to a person or that creates an unreasonable risk that a person may be harmed; (5) Suspension, revocation, or restriction of a license to act as a professional or amateur athletic licensee by competent authority in a state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction, a certified copy of the order, stipulation, or agreement being conclusive evidence of the revocation, suspension, or restriction; (6) Violation of a statute or administrative rule regulating professional or amateur athletics; (7) Failure to cooperate with the department's investigations by: (a) Not furnishing papers or documents; (b) Not furnishing in writing a full and complete explanation regarding a matter under investigation by the department; or (c) Not responding to subpoenas issued by the department, whether or not the recipient of the subpoena is the subject of the proceeding; (8) Failure to comply with an order issued by the director or an assurance of discontinuance entered into by the director; (9) Aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to act in a manner that requires a professional or amateur athletics license; (10) Misrepresentation or fraud in any aspect of the conduct of a professional athletics or amateur event; and (11) Interference with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by willful misrepresentation of facts before the department or by the use of threats or harassment against any person to prevent them from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or other legal action.

RCW 67.08.300 Immunity of director and director's agents.

The director or individuals acting on the director's behalf are immune from suit in an action, civil or criminal, based on official acts performed in the course of their duties in the administration and enforcement of this chapter. The director or individuals acting on the director's behalf are immune from suit in an action, civil or criminal, based on official acts performed in the course of their duties in the administration and enforcement of this chapter.

RCW 67.08.310 Uniform regulation of business and professions act.

The uniform regulation of business and professions act, chapter 18.235 RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter. The uniform regulation of business and professions act, chapter 18.235 RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter.

RCW 67.08.320 Military training or experience.

An applicant with military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements of this chapter unless the director determines that the military training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state. An applicant with military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements of this chapter unless the director determines that the military training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state.

RCW 67.08.321 Spouses of military personnel — Licensure.

The director shall develop rules consistent with RCW 18.340.020 for the licensure of spouses of military personnel. The director shall develop rules consistent with RCW 18.340.020 for the licensure of spouses of military personnel.

RCW 67.08.330 Theatrical wrestling schools — Wrestling shows.

(1) A theatrical wrestling school may hold wrestling shows at the school facility for training purposes and may charge an admission fee without a promoter license. (2) A theatrical wrestling school may hold a limited number of wrestling shows for training purposes off the school premises and may charge a fee without a promoter license. (3) Any wrestling show presented by a theatrical wrestling school must feature at least eighty percent amateur participants and must have an ambulance or paramedical unit or an emergency medical technician licensed under RCW 18.73.081 at the event location. (4) The department must promulgate rules to implement this section. (1) A theatrical wrestling school may hold wrestling shows at the school facility for training purposes and may charge an admission fee without a promoter license. (2) A theatrical wrestling school may hold a limited number of wrestling shows for training purposes off the school premises and may charge a fee without a promoter license. (3) Any wrestling show presented by a theatrical wrestling school must feature at least eighty percent amateur participants and must have an ambulance or paramedical unit or an emergency medical technician licensed under RCW 18.73.081 at the event location. (4) The department must promulgate rules to implement this section.

RCW 67.08.902 Effective date — 1993 c 278.

This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1993. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1993.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=67.08&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026

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