Reforms affecting Combatants, Industry Participants, Promoters, Attending Medical Practitioners and Approved Amateur Bodies
The Combat Sports Amendment Act 2024 became law on 3 April 2024 and some reforms affecting combatants, industry participants and promoters started on 1 July 2024.
These reforms will make changes to the Combat Sports Act 2013 (Act) and Combat Sports Regulation 2014 (Regulation). Changes to the online version of the Act and Regulation on the NSW Legislation website will reflect these changes shortly after they come into effect on 1 July 2024.
The reforms are being introduced via a series of four separate phases. Phase 1 and Phase 2 were implemented in the latter half of 2024. Phase 3 changes will occur from 23 May 2025 and Phase 4 changes will occur from 27 June 2025.
Below highlights the reforms that will affect you or be relevant to your role in the Combat Sports sector. It is important to carefully read the changes outlined in the sections below relating to your registration category.
All Combat Sports registered participants will be advised of these reforms by email and will be directed to this website for further details.
If you have questions regarding these reforms, please email combatsports@sport.nsw.gov.au
Combatants
There are several reforms which will affect you when applying for registration and during the period of your registration.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- A registered combatant may apply to add 1 or more classes of combatant. The application requirements and determination conditions remain as per the normal criteria under the Act. If the added class(es) are granted, the added class(es) will expire on the same day as the previous registration expiry date before the additional class(es) were added.
- Section 16 of the Act is being inserted to enable the Authority to determine guidelines for assessing applications from combatants to transition from professional to amateur for the same style of combat sport.
- The Authority must refuse to register an applicant as a combatant of a specified registration class if it is not in the interests of the combatant’s health and safety; they are currently suspended, or in the Authority’s opinion, it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
- Combatants must notify the Authority about results of combat sport contests held outside NSW (clause 9D of the Regulation)
- A combatant that engages in a combat sport contest in a jurisdiction outside NSW (i.e. in another Australian State / Territory or overseas) must, within 5 days after the contest, give the Authority written notice, in the approved form, of the following:
- the results of the contest;
- the details of any medical suspensions imposed on the combatant under the laws or rules relating to combat sports in the other jurisdiction.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
Three additional grounds on which the Authority may take disciplinary action against a registered person are being introduced:
- If the Authority is satisfied that it would be contrary to the public interest for the person to be or remain registered.
- If a combatant has not complied with any conditions imposed on the combatant’s registration.
- If a registered person has been convicted of an offence relating to using, manufacturing, trafficking or supplying drugs during the period of the person’s registration.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
There are a number of reforms which relate to medical examinations and medical suspensions:
- A combatant must not engage in a contest unless they have been examined by a medical practitioner as part of a pre-contest medical examination undertaken:
- on the day of the contest; and
- after any previous contests (if they have engaged in any other approved contest earlier that day).
- If the attending medical practitioner certifies that the combatant is not medically fit to engage in a contest for health and safety reasons, they will certify in the combatant’s medical record book that in their opinion, the combatant must not engage in any contests or sparring:
- unless they have been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports, or
- before a specified date, or
- before a specified date unless the combatant has been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports.
- The Authority may make a health and safety prohibition order against a person if they are of the opinion that it is in the interests of the health and safety of the person, or any other person, to do so.
- If a combatant has been directed to submit to a medical examination or investigation by a qualified person recommended by the medical practitioner, they may receive a notice in writing by the Authority directing them to submit to an examination or investigation on or before a specified date. The combatant must give the Authority written notice about the results of the examination.
- A certificate of fitness is a current certificate of fitness if the certificate was signed by the medical practitioner not more than 28 days before the certificate is sought to be relied upon by the person.
- For the purposes of registration, the combatant must give the Authority a current serological clearance no later than 12 months after the date of the previous certificate (as prescribed within the period prescribed in clause 63(2) of the Regulation).
- A serological clearance is a current serological clearance if the tests referred to in the clearance were carried out within:
- for a serological clearance relating to a person who is aged under 18 years—the period of 12 months before the date when the certificate is sought to be relied on, or
- otherwise—the period of 6 months before the date when the certificate is sought to be relied on.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
- There are a number of reforms relating to medical examinations and medical suspensions:
A combatant who is deemed medically unfit must not participate in contests or sparring, as outlined in section 50 of the Act.- A combatant must not engage in a combat sport contest or sparring if a medical practitioner certifies them as unfit and they are notified of the certification.
- A combatant who has been declared unfit must be examined and cleared by a medical practitioner before engaging in combat sports.
- A combatant must not engage in a combat sport or sparring before a specified date if a medical practitioner has imposed such a restriction.
- A combatant may only participate before the specified date if they have been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner.
- This restriction does not apply if the Authority, based on medical advice, directs that it should not apply to a specific case.
- A combatant must notify the Authority in writing as soon as practicable after receiving a medical certification unless it is issued under this specific part of the regulation.
- Combatants must notify the Authority if a medical practitioner refuses to issue a Certificate of Fitness, as required under clause 9B of the Regulation.
- If an annual medical check results in a refusal to issue a Certificate of Fitness, the combatant must submit written notice of the refusal to the Authority in the approved form.
- Combatants must inform the Authority about the results of any directed medical examinations under clause 9C of the Regulation and section 61 of the Act.
- If directed to undergo an examination, combatants must notify the Authority if the medical practitioner refuses to certify them as fit or recommends they refrain from combat sports for a specified period.
- Combatants must notify the Authority about the results of combat sport contests held outside NSW within 5 days, as required under clause 9D of the Regulation.
- The notification must include contest results and any medical suspensions imposed under the laws of the other jurisdiction.
- Combatants must undergo a pre-contest medical examination to complete the Pre-Contest Medical Examination form, as required under clause 33 of the Regulation and section 57(1) of the Act.
- If a medical suspension is imposed after the examination, the attending medical practitioner must record details of the suspension and any conditions required for reinstatement.
- The Pre-Contest Medical Examination form includes a verbal declaration by the combatant confirming they are not subject to a medical suspension, are not suspended from participation, and have not experienced concussion or related symptoms in the last 30 days.
- Combatants must also undergo a post-contest medical examination, sufficient to complete the Post-Contest Medical Examination form, as required under clause 34 of the Regulation and section 57(3) of the Act.
- If a medical suspension is imposed following the examination, the attending medical practitioner must document the suspension details and any conditions required for lifting the suspension.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Definitions of “exhibition contest” and “sparring” are being included in section 4(1) of the Act as follows:
- exhibition contest means a combat sport contest in which each combatant knowingly engages in the contest on the basis that:
a) there is no adjudication of the contest for the purposes of determining or declaring a winner, and
b) there is no intention of determining or declaring a winner of the contest. - sparring means a training or practice activity in a combat sport between 2 people in relation to which there is no adjudication for the purposes of determining or declaring, nor an intention of determining or declaring, a winner at the end of the activity.
- exhibition contest means a combat sport contest in which each combatant knowingly engages in the contest on the basis that:
- It is required that all combatants (both amateur and professional) comply with the rules in relation to standard post-contest rest periods. There is a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units for non-compliance.
- A public register is being created and will provide details for combatants, including their name, registration number, registration class(es), eligible to fight to date and the combatant’s ring name.
- The Authority may, on application made by or on behalf of a registered combatant, give a “registration status certificate” (formerly a “clearance certificate”) for the combatant for the purposes of engaging in a proposed combat sport contest to be held outside NSW (whether in Australia or overseas).
Promoters
There are several reforms which will affect your registration when you apply for registration and during the period of your registration.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- The Act is being amended to require that an application for registration as an industry participant or promoter must be refused by the Authority if it is of the opinion that it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
Clause 19 of the Regulation is being amended to include two additional conditions being imposed on your registration as follows:
a) For a matchmaker or promoter – the matchmaker or promoter must not act as matchmaker or promoter of any combat sports contest for which the matchmaker or promoter is a judge, referee or timekeeper.
b) For a judge, referee or timekeeper – the judge, referee or timekeeper must not act as judge, referee or timekeeper at any contest for which the judge, referee or timekeeper is a matchmaker or promoter.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Section 27(5) of the Act is being inserted to create a new offence where an industry participant does not comply with all conditions imposed on their registration – this offence will carry a maximum penalty for individuals of 50 penalty units or could be dealt with by penalty notice.
- Two additional grounds on which the Authority may take disciplinary action against a registered person are being introduced:
- where the Authority is satisfied that it would be contrary to the public interest for the person to be or remain registered [new section 30(1)(e) of the Act]; and
- where a registered person has been convicted of an offence relating to using, manufacturing, trafficking or supplying drugs during the period of the person’s registration [new clause 21(d) of the Regulation].
- The Authority or a combat sport inspector may before, at or after the weigh-in for a combat sport contest, give a direction under this section if the Authority or inspector is of the opinion that there is likely to be a contravention of the Act, the Regulations or Rules if the direction is not given.
- Clause 50 has been amended and clauses 50A and 50B inserted to make clear the obligation of the promoter of a combat sport contest to ensure that at least one:
- combat sport inspector,
- attending medical practitioner, and
- representative of the relevant approved amateur body is present in the contest area for the whole of the contest. Any breach carries a maximum penalty for individuals of 20 penalty points or otherwise 40 penalty points.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
- Weigh-ins before combat sport contests.
- Attendance of combat sport inspectors, other persons and police officers at weigh-in [clause 25(3)]
- The promoter of an amateur combat sport contest must ensure that a representative of the relevant approved amateur body attends the weigh-in. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
There are a number of reforms relating to medical examinations and medical suspensions:
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- A combatant must not engage in a contest unless they have been examined by a medical practitioner as part of a pre-contest medical examination undertaken:
- on the day of the contest; and
- after any previous contests (if they have engaged in any other approved contest earlier that day).
- For the purposes of registration, the combatant must give the Authority a current certificate of fitness no later than 12 months after the date of the previous certificate, stating that in the medical practitioner’s opinion the combatant does not have any disqualifying conditions and is fit to engage in combat sports.
- A certificate of fitness is a current certificate of fitness if the certificate was signed by the medical practitioner not more than 28 days before the certificate is sought to be relied upon by the person (as prescribed in section 7A of the Act).
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- In Schedule 3 of the Regulation, the words ‘tickets are to be sold’ have been changed to ‘tickets are to be issued’.
- Clause 22A is being inserted, to require promoters to pay any difference in the permit fee should the number of tickets actually issued for a combat sport contest exceed the number for which the permit fee was calculated. The Authority will issue an invoice for the balance which must be paid within 14 days. The maximum penalty for the offence is 20 penalty units for an individual or 40 penalty units otherwise.
- Section 40 of the Act is being amended to require the permit fee applicable for the contest to accompany the application for permit.
- Under a condition imposed on all permits, the matchmaker for the combat sport contest must not be listed as a combatant on the fight card for the contest for which the matchmaker has acted as matchmaker.
- Section 42(4) is being inserted, to require the holder of a permit to comply with any conditions imposed on the permit. The maximum penalty for a breach is 20 penalty units for an individual or 40 penalty units otherwise.
- Clause 23 of the Regulation is being amended to require the promoter to:
- engage an attending medical practitioner for the combat sport contest, and give the name of the practitioner to the Authority, not less than 5 days before the contest, or within any shorter period approved by the Authority, and
- notify the Authority as soon as practicable if the promoter needs to change the attending medical practitioner or engage an additional practitioner for the contest.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
- Amateur and professional combat sport contests (section 5 of the Act)
- A combat sport contest is an ‘Amateur’ combat sport contest if:
- the contest has been approved by a relevant approved amateur body, and
- the contest is held in accordance with the approved amateur sports rules for the contest, and
- the matchmaker for the contest is a person nominated or approved by the relevant approved amateur body for the contest, and
- none of the combatants engaging in the contest are registered in NSW or elsewhere in a professional class for the same style of combat sport, and
- the contest satisfies any other criteria prescribed by the Regulations.
- A combat sport contest is a ‘Professional’ combat sport contest unless the contest is:
- an amateur combat sport contest’ or
- an exhibition contest.
- Additional conditions imposed on permits for amateur combat sport contests [clause 24(b) of the Regulation]
The promoter of the amateur combat sport contest must ensure that all promotional material for the contest:
- Clearly states that the contest is an amateur combat sport contest, and
- Does not use images that are inconsistent with:
- the rules made by the Authority that apply to amateur combat sport contests (section 107 of the Act)
- the sports rules for the combat sport contest.
These other reforms may affect you as a promoter:
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Definitions of “exhibition contest” and “sparring” are being included in section 4(1) of the Act as follows:
- exhibition contest means a combat sport contest in which each combatant knowingly engages in the contest on the basis that:
a) there is no adjudication of the contest for the purposes of determining or declaring a winner, and
b) there is no intention of determining or declaring a winner of the contest. - sparring means a training or practice activity in a combat sport between 2 people in relation to which there is no adjudication for the purposes of determining or declaring, nor an intention of determining or declaring, a winner at the end of the activity.
- exhibition contest means a combat sport contest in which each combatant knowingly engages in the contest on the basis that:
- The Authority must refuse to register an applicant as a combatant of a specified registration class if it is not in the interests of the combatant’s health and safety; they are currently suspended, or in the Authority’s opinion, it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
- Section 16 of the Act is being inserted to enable the Authority to determine guidelines for assessing applications from combatants seeking to transition from professional to amateur for the same style of combat sport
- It is required that all combatants (both amateur and professional) comply with the rules in relation to standard post-contest rest periods. There is a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units for non-compliance.
- A public register is being created and will provide details for combatants, including their name, registration number, registration class(es), “eligible to fight to” date and the combatant’s ring name.
- A public register is being created for industry participants and promoters. The register will contain their name, registration class(es) and registration expiry date along with any conditions imposed on their registration.
- The Authority may, on application made by or on behalf of a registered combatant, give a “registration status certificate” (formerly a “clearance certificate”) for the combatant for the purposes of engaging in a proposed combat sport contest to be held outside NSW (whether in Australia or overseas).
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Functions of combat sport inspectors (Part 7 of the Act - Enforcement Powers)
- Powers of combat sport inspectors to enter premises without warrant (section 85A)
- A combat sport inspector may enter any of the following premises for the purposes of monitoring compliance with the Act, the Regulations or Authority Rules, or generally administering the Act:
- premises at which a combat sport contest, a weigh-in or another activity associated with the holding of a contest, or sparring is being carried out on,
- premises at which the inspector reasonably believes a combat sport contest, a weigh-in or another activity associated with the holding of a contest, or sparring is about to be carried out on.
- However, if the purpose of the combat sport inspector’s entry to the premises is to monitor compliance with the conditions of a permit issued for a combat sport contest, the inspector must not enter the premises more than 24 hours before the earlier of:
- the scheduled start of the combat sport contest, or
- the weigh-in for the combat sport contest.
- This section does not empower a combat sport inspector to enter any part of premises used only for residential purposes without:
- the consent of the occupier, or
- a search warrant.
- Powers of combat sport inspectors to enter premises with warrant (section 85B)
- A combat sport inspector may apply to an authorised officer for a search warrant for premises if the inspector reasonably believes the Act, the Regulations or the Authority Rules are being, or have been, contravened on the premises.
- The authorised officer may issue a search warrant authorising any combat sport inspector to enter and search the premises if the authorised officer is satisfied there are reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant.
- A combat sport inspector executing a search warrant issued under this section may:
- enter the premises specified in the warrant,
- search the premises for evidence of a contravention of the Act, the Regulations or the Authority Rules, and
- exercise any function of a combat sport inspector under Part 7 of the Act ‘Enforcement Powers’.
- In this section, an authorised officer has the same meaning as in the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002.
- Powers that can be exercised by combat sport inspectors on entry to premises (section 85C)
- A combat sport inspector who lawfully enters premises under the Act for the purposes of exercising a function mentioned in section 85 may do any of the following:
- inspect, make copies of, or take extracts from, any document on the premises.
- require any person on the premises to produce, make copies of or take extracts from, any document on the premises.
- require a person on the premises to answer any question relating to any documents on the premises or any other relevant matter.
- take any document from the premises for the purpose of copying the document.
- take photographs, film and audio, video and other recordings of any part of the premises:
- used, or to be used, for a combat sport contest, weigh-in, sparring, or related activity, or
- that are set aside for the use of combatants, promoters or industry participants.
- seize any document, or any other thing, the combat sport inspector reasonably believes is connected with an offence against the Act, the Regulations or the Authority Rules.
- The power to seize any document or thing connected with an offence includes a power to seize anything that will provide evidence of an offence being committed.
- A document taken only for the purposes of copying the document must be returned when the copying is completed.
Attending Medical Practitioners
There are several reforms affecting the registration of combatants relating to their health and safety.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- A definition of certificate of fitness is being inserted into Section 7A(1) of the Act. A certificate of fitness for a person, means a certificate by a medical practitioner, in the approved form, certifying that, on the date specified in the certificate, the person:
- does not have any medical, health or other physical condition prescribed by the regulations as being a condition that disqualifies a person from being registered as a combatant for the registration class of combatant in which the person is, or has applied to be, registered (a disqualifying condition), and
- satisfies any other health requirements determined by the Authority or specified in the rules as being required to be met by the person for registration as a combatant for the registration class of combatant in which the person is, or has applied to be, registered, and
- is, in the medical practitioner’s opinion, otherwise fit to engage in combat sport.
- A definition of a current certificate of fitness is being inserted into section 7A(2) of the Act. A certificate of fitness will be “current” if the certificate was signed by the medical practitioner not more than 28 days before the certificate is sought to be relied upon by the person.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
There are a number of reforms relating to pre and post-contest medical examinations.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Section 57 is being amended to clarify that the attending medical practitioner, during a pre-contest or post-contest medical examination may certify that a combatant must not engage in any contests or sparring:
- unless they have been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports, or
- before a specified date, or
- before a specified date unless they have been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports.
- Section 58 is being amended to now require a combatant to undertake a pre-contest medical examination on the day of the contest or before each contest, if they are competing in more than one contest in a day (for example, a same day eliminator).
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
- An unfit combatant must not engage in contests or sparring (section 50 of the Act)
- A combatant must not engage in a combat sport contest or sparring where a medical practitioner certifies:
- that in their opinion, the combatant is not medically fit to engage in the contest or sparring and the combatant is notified of the certification;
- the combatant must first be examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports and:
- the combatant is notified of the certification, and
- the combatant has not been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports or sparring.
- the combatant must not engage in a combat sport or sparring before a specified date, and:
- the combatant is notified of the certification, and
- the contest or sparring is held before the specified date.
- the combatant must not engage in a combat sport or sparring before a specified date unless the combatant has been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports and:
- the combatant is notified of the certification, and
- the contest or sparring is held before the specified date and the combatant has not been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports before the contest or sparring.
- This section does not apply in relation to a matter certified by a medical practitioner, other than an Attending Medical Practitioner (ringside doctor), to the extent that the Authority, on the advice or recommendation of a medical practitioner or after considering the report of a medical practitioner, directs that it is not to apply.
- The combatant must give the Authority written notice of the medical practitioner’s certification as soon as practicable after being notified of the certification unless the certification is given under this part. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Combatants have an obligation to notify the Authority if the medical practitioner refuses to issue a Certificate of Fitness (clause 9B of the Regulation)
This requirement applies if a medical practitioner carries out an annual medical check of a combatant and then refuses to issue a Certificate of Fitness based on the outcomes of the examination.
If this occurs, the combatant must give the Authority written notice, in the approved form, of the refusal. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Combatants must notify the Authority about the results of directed examinations (clause 9C of the Regulation and section 61 of the Act)
A combatant has an obligation to notify the Authority if they have been directed to undergo an examination by the Authority or a medical practitioner (including a general practitioner, medical specialist or other qualified person) and:
- Based on the outcome of the examination the medical practitioner refuses to certify that, in their opinion, the combatant is fit to engage in combat sport, or
Recommends that the combatant not engage in combat sports or sparring for a fixed period or until particular conditions are met.
The combatant must give the Authority written notice, in the approved form, of the refusal or recommendation. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Combatants must notify the Authority about the results of combat sport contests held outside NSW (clause 9D of the Regulation)
If a combatant engages in a combat sport contest outside NSW (i.e. in another Australian State or Territory or overseas), they have an obligation to advise the Authority, in the approved form within 5 days after the contest of the following:
- The results of the contest,
- The details of any medical suspensions imposed on the combatant under the laws or rules relating to combat sports in the other Australian State or Territory or overseas jurisdiction.
Penalties apply for non-compliance.
- Pre-contest medical examinations of combatants [clause 33 of the Regulation, section 57(1) of the Act]
- The prescribed examination is sufficient to enable the attending medical practitioner (ringside doctor) to complete the Pre-Contest Medical Examination of a Combatant form.
- If the attending medical practitioner imposes a medical suspension on the combatant following the examination, the attending medical practitioner must include the following information in the form:
- details of the medical suspension,
- any conditions the attending medical practitioner recommends must be met before the suspension ends.
- The new Pre-Contest Medical Examination form requires the combatant to make a verbal declaration to the attending medical practitioner that, at the time of the contest, the combatant:
- is not subject of a medical suspension (in NSW or elsewhere), and
- is not suspended from engaging as a combatant in a combat sport contest or sparring, and
- has not suffered a concussion, or had signs and symptoms associated with concussion, within the last 30 days before the contest.
- The attending medical practitioner must give the completed form to the combat sport inspector at the end of the contest.
- Post-contest medical examinations of combatants [clause 34 of the Regulation, section 57(3) of the Act]
- The prescribed examination is sufficient to enable the attending medical practitioner to complete the Post-Contest Medical Examination of a Combatant form.
- If the attending medical practitioner imposes a medical suspension on the combatant following the examination, the attending medical practitioner must include the following information in the form:
- details of the medical suspension,
- any conditions the attending medical practitioner recommends must be met before the suspension ends.
- The attending medical practitioner must give the completed form to the combat sport inspector at the end of the contest.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Clause 9C of the Regulation has been inserted to make clear the obligation of combatants to notify the Authority about the results of directed examinations. This clause applies if:
- a medical practitioner or a qualified person carries out a directed examination of a combatant, and
- based on the examination, the medical practitioner or qualified person:
- refuses to certify that, in the medical practitioner’s or qualified person’s opinion, the combatant is fit to engage in combat sport, or
- recommends that the combatant not engage in combat sports or sparring for a fixed period or until particular conditions are met.
- The combatant must give the Authority written notice, in the approved form, of the refusal or recommendation. If notice is not provided, the offence will carry a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units.
- Clause 50 has been amended and clause 50A inserted to make clear the obligation of the promoter of a combat sport contest to ensure that at least one attending medical practitioner is present in the contest area for the whole of the contest. Any breach carries a maximum penalty for individuals of 20 penalty points or otherwise 40 penalty points.
- Clause 23 of the Regulation is being amended to require the promoter to:
- engage an attending medical practitioner for the combat sport contest, and give the name of the practitioner to the Authority, not less than 5 days before the contest, or within any shorter period approved by the Authority, and
- notify the Authority as soon as practicable if the promoter needs to change the attending medical practitioner or engage an additional practitioner for the contest.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
Approved Amateur Bodies
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- For a matchmaker or promoter – the matchmaker or promoter must not act as matchmaker or promoter of any combat sports contest for which the matchmaker or promoter is a judge, referee or timekeeper.
- For a judge, referee or timekeeper – the judge, referee or timekeeper must not act as judge, referee or timekeeper at any contest for which the judge, referee or timekeeper is a matchmaker or promoter.
- The is an obligation for the promoter of a combat sport contest to ensure that at least one representative of the relevant approved amateur body is present in the contest area for the whole of the contest. Any breach carries a maximum penalty for individuals of 20 penalty points or otherwise 40 penalty points.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Approval of amateur combat sport bodies [section 8(4A) of the Act]
An approved amateur body must comply with any conditions to which the body’s approval is subject. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Approved amateur bodies [section 20(6)(c)]
Approved amateur bodies are no longer able to act as a matchmaker for an amateur combat sport contest.
Functions of an approved amateur body at an amateur combat sport contest [clause 47(h)]
The functions of an approved amateur body at an amateur combat sport contest include ensuring the contest is held in accordance with the approved sports rules for the contest.
Weigh-ins before combat sport contests.
Attendance of combat sport inspectors, other persons and police officers at weigh-in [clause 25(3)]
The promoter of an amateur combat sport contest must ensure that a representative of the relevant approved amateur body attends the weigh-in. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Functions of an approved amateur body at an amateur weigh-in [clause 30(b)]
The functions of an approved amateur body at a weigh-in for an amateur combat sport contest include recording the weight of each combatant in the contest, taken at the weigh-in, in the combatant’s medical record book.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- For the purposes of registration, the combatant must give the Authority a current certificate of fitness no later than 12 months after the date of the previous certificate, stating that in the medical practitioner’s opinion the combatant does not have any disqualifying conditions and is fit to engage in combat sports.
- A certificate of fitness is a current certificate of fitness if the certificate was signed by the medical practitioner not more than 28 days before the certificate is sought to be relied upon by the person.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Definitions of “exhibition contest” and “sparring” are being included in section 4(1) of the Act as follows:
- exhibition contest means a combat sport contest in which each combatant knowingly engages in the contest on the basis that:
a) there is no adjudication of the contest for the purposes of determining or declaring a winner, and
b) there is no intention of determining or declaring a winner of the contest. - sparring means a training or practice activity in a combat sport between 2 people in relation to which there is no adjudication for the purposes of determining or declaring, nor an intention of determining or declaring, a winner at the end of the activity.
- exhibition contest means a combat sport contest in which each combatant knowingly engages in the contest on the basis that:
- The Authority must refuse to register an applicant as a combatant of a specified registration class if it is not in the interests of the combatant’s health and safety; they are currently suspended, or in the Authority’s opinion, it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
- Section 16 of the Act is being inserted to enable the Authority to determine guidelines for assessing applications from combatants seeking to transition from professional to amateur for the same style of combat sport.
- It is required that all combatants (both amateur and professional) comply with the rules in relation to standard post-contest rest periods. There is a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units for non-compliance.
- A public register is being created and will provide details for combatants, including their name, registration number, registration class(es), “eligible to fight to” date and the combatant’s ring name.
- A public register is being created for industry participants and promoters. The register will contain their name, registration class(es) and registration expiry date along with any conditions imposed on their registration.
- The Authority may, on application made by or on behalf of a registered combatant, give a “registration status certificate” (formerly a “clearance certificate”) for the combatant for the purposes of engaging in a proposed combat sport contest to be held outside NSW (whether in Australia or overseas).
Manager / Matchmaker
There are several reforms which will affect your registration when you apply for registration and during the period of your registration.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Section 25(2) of the Act is being amended to require that an application for registration as an industry participant or promoter must be refused by the Authority if it is of the opinion that it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
- The conditions of your registration imposed by the Combat Sports Regulation 2014 will now be referred to as “standard conditions” of registration.
- Clause 19 of the Regulation is being amended to include two additional conditions being imposed on your registration as follows:
a) For a matchmaker or promoter – the matchmaker or promoter must not act as matchmaker or promoter of any combat sports contest for which the matchmaker or promoter is a judge, referee or timekeeper.
b) For a judge, referee or timekeeper – the judge, referee or timekeeper must not act as judge, referee or timekeeper at any contest for which the judge, referee or timekeeper is a matchmaker or promoter.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Combatants must notify the Authority about results of combat sport contests held outside NSW (clause 9D of the Regulation)
A combatant that engages in a combat sport contest in a jurisdiction outside NSW (i.e. in another Australian State / Territory or overseas) must, within 5 days after the contest, give the Combat Sports Authority of NSW (Authority) written notice, in the approved form, of the following:
- the results of the contest;
- the details of any medical suspensions imposed on the combatant under the laws or rules relating to combat sports in the other jurisdiction.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Section 27(5) of the Act is being inserted to create a new offence where an industry participant does not comply with any conditions imposed on their registration – this offence will carry a maximum penalty for individuals of 50 penalty units or could be dealt with by penalty notice.
- Two additional grounds on which the Authority may take disciplinary action against a registered person are being introduced:
1. where the Authority is satisfied that it would be contrary to the public interest for the person to be or remain registered [new section 30(1)(e) of the Act]; and
2. where a registered person has been convicted of an offence relating to using, manufacturing, trafficking or supplying drugs during the period of the person’s registration [new clause 21(d) of the Regulation].
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- For the purposes of registration, the combatant must give the Authority a current certificate of fitness no later than 12 months after the date of the previous certificate, stating that in the medical practitioner’s opinion the combatant does not have any disqualifying conditions and is fit to engage in combat sports.
- A certificate of fitness is a current certificate of fitness if the certificate was signed by the medical practitioner not more than 28 days before the certificate is sought to be relied upon by the person (as prescribed in section 7A of the Act).
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- A definition of “exhibition contest” is being included in section 4(1) of the Act as follows:
exhibition contest means a combat sport contest in which each combatant knowingly engages in the contest on the basis that:
a) there is no adjudication of the contest for the purposes of determining or declaring a winner, and
b) there is no intention of determining or declaring a winner of the contest.
- Under a condition imposed on all permits, the matchmaker for the combat sport contest must not be listed as a combatant on the fight card for the contest for which the matchmaker has acted as matchmaker [new clause 23(n1)].
- The Authority must refuse to register an applicant as a combatant of a specified registration class if it is not in the interests of the combatant’s health and safety; they are currently suspended, or in the Authority’s opinion, it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
- Clause 45 of the Regulation is being broadened to require all combatants (amateur and professional) to comply with the rules in relation to standard post-contest rest periods. There is a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units for non-compliance.
- Section 16 of the Act is being inserted to enable the Authority to determine guidelines for assessing applications from combatants to transition from professional to amateur for the same style of combat sport.
- A public register is being created and will contain:
- for each registered industry participant - their name, registration class(es) and registration expiry date.
- for each registered combatant - their name, registration number, registration class(es), ring name and “eligible to fight to” date (based on expiry of their registration, certificate of fitness and serological clearance).
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
- Amateur and professional combat sport contests (section 5 of the Act)
- A combat sport contest is an ‘Amateur’ combat sport contest if:
- the contest has been approved by a relevant approved amateur body, and
- the contest is held in accordance with the approved amateur sports rules for the contest, and
- the matchmaker for the contest is a person nominated or approved by the relevant approved amateur body for the contest, and
- none of the combatants engaging in the contest are registered in NSW or elsewhere in a professional class for the same style of combat sport, and
- the contest satisfies any other criteria prescribed by the Regulations.
- A combat sport contest is a ‘Professional’ combat sport contest unless the contest is:
- an amateur combat sport contest’ or
- an exhibition contest.
- Matchmaking requirements and fight cards.
Requirements for combatants included on a fight card [clause 24A, section 106(2)(b) of the Act]
- The matchmaker for a combat sport contest must not include a combatant on the fight card for the contest unless:
- the combatant is:
- registered as a combatant in an appropriate registration class,
- exempt from the requirement to be registered as a combatant for the appropriate registration class, and
- the combatant has given the Authority:
- a current serological clearance, and
- a current certificate of fitness, and
- the combatant is matched against another combatant on the fight card for the contest.
- the combatant is:
- Notwithstanding the point above, the matchmaker may include on the fight card a combatant who is not matched against another combatant if:
- the contest is an amateur combat sport contest comprising at least one bout and the combatant is listed on the fight card as a reserve, or
- the contest is an amateur eliminator contest for which only the combatants for each contest in the first round are listed.
- In this clause, an amateur eliminator contest means an amateur contest that:
- comprises 2 or more bouts in which the winners of each bout progress to the next round of bouts in the contest, and
- will be conducted in accordance with any policies relating to the conduct of amateur eliminator contests approved by the Authority from time to time.
Referee / Judge / Timekeeper
There are several reforms which will affect your registration when you apply for registration and during the period of your registration.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Section 25(2) of the Act is being amended to require that an application for registration as an industry participant or promoter must be refused by the Authority if it is of the opinion that it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
- The conditions of your registration imposed by the Combat Sports Regulation 2014 will now be referred to as “standard conditions” of registration.
- Clause 19 of the Regulation is being amended to include two additional conditions being imposed on your registration as follows:
- For a matchmaker or promoter – the matchmaker or promoter must not act as matchmaker or promoter of any combat sports contest for which the matchmaker or promoter is a judge, referee or timekeeper.
- For a judge, referee or timekeeper – the judge, referee or timekeeper must not act as judge, referee or timekeeper at any contest for which the judge, referee or timekeeper is a matchmaker or promoter.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Certain industry participants are exempt from registration requirements [section 106(2)(c) of the Act and clause 60 of the Regulation]
A person who ordinarily resides in another Australian State or Territory is exempt from the requirement to be registered as a Judge, Referee or Timekeeper in NSW if they are registered or licensed as a Judge, Referee or Timekeeper by an equivalent Australian regulatory body.
A person who ordinarily resides outside Australia is exempt from the requirement to be registered as a Judge, Referee or Timekeeper in NSW if:
- they are appointed by an international sporting organisation (recognised by the Authority) to carry out an activity as a Judge, Referee or Timekeeper at a combat sport contest; and
- the Authority has determined, by order published on the Authority’s website, that the contest is significant.
A person exempt from these registration requirements:
- must give the Authority or Combat Sport Inspector (CSI) evidence of their registration, licence or affiliation if requested by the Authority or CSI.
- must not carry out an activity as a Referee unless they have undertaken, and successfully completed, any training or education programs required by the Authority (e.g. online concussion and other serious head injury identification training).
Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Section 27(5) of the Act is being inserted to create a new offence where an industry participant does not comply with all conditions imposed on their registration – this offence will carry a maximum penalty for individuals of 50 penalty units or could be dealt with by penalty notice.
- Two additional grounds on which the Authority may take disciplinary action against a registered person are being introduced:
- where the Authority is satisfied that it would be contrary to the public interest for the person to be or remain registered [new section 30(1)(e) of the Act]; and
- where a registered person has been convicted of an offence relating to using, manufacturing, trafficking or supplying drugs during the period of the person’s registration (new clause 21(d) of the Regulation).
There are a number of reforms affecting your registration, at the application stage and during your period of registration.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- Section 25(2) of the Act is being amended to require that an application for registration as an industry participant or promoter must be refused by the Authority if it is of the opinion that it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
- The conditions of your registration imposed by the Combat Sports Regulation 2014 will now be referred to as “standard conditions” of registration.
- Clause 19 of the Regulation is being amended to include two additional conditions being imposed on your registration as follows:
- For a matchmaker or promoter – the matchmaker or promoter must not act as matchmaker or promoter of any combat sports contest for which the matchmaker or promoter is a judge, referee or timekeeper.
- For a judge, referee or timekeeper – the judge, referee or timekeeper must not act as judge, referee or timekeeper at any contest for which the judge, referee or timekeeper is a matchmaker or promoter.
Trainer / Second
There are reforms which will affect your registration when you apply for registration and during the period of your registration.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- An application for registration as an industry participant or promoter must be refused by the Authority if it is of the opinion that it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
- The Authority may determine guidelines for assessing applications from combatants to transition from professional to amateur for the same style of combat sport.
- The Authority must refuse to register an applicant as a combatant of a specified registration class if it is not in the interests of the combatant’s health and safety; they are currently suspended, or in the Authority’s opinion, it would be contrary to the public interest to grant the registration.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Combatants must notify the Authority about results of combat sport contests held outside NSW (clause 9D of the Regulation)
A combatant that engages in a combat sport contest in a jurisdiction outside NSW (i.e. in another Australian State / Territory or overseas) must, within 5 days after the contest, give the Combat Sports Authority of NSW (Authority) written notice, in the approved form, of the following:
- the results of the contest;
- the details of any medical suspensions imposed on the combatant under the laws or rules relating to combat sports in the other jurisdiction.
Certain industry participants are exempt from registration requirements [section 106(2)(c) of the Act and clause 60 of the Regulation]
A Trainer or Second who ordinarily resides in another Australian State or Territory is exempt from the requirement to be registered as a Trainer or Second in NSW if they are:
- registered or licensed as a Trainer or Second by an equivalent Australian regulatory body; or
- registered or affiliated with an approved sporting organisation (recognised by the Authority) and not required to be registered or licensed as a Trainer or Second by an equivalent Australian regulatory body in the other State or Territory.
A Trainer or Second who ordinarily resides outside Australia is exempt from the requirement to be registered as a Trainer or Second in NSW if they are registered or licensed to carry out an activity as a Trainer or Second by:
- an equivalent Australian regulatory body; or
- an approved sporting organisation (recognised by the Authority).
A person exempt from these registration requirements:
- must give the Authority or Combat Sport Inspector (CSI) evidence of their registration, licence or affiliation if requested by the Authority or CSI.
- must not carry out an activity as a Referee unless they have undertaken, and successfully completed, any training or education programs required by the Authority (e.g. online concussion and other serious head injury identification training).
Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
Three additional grounds on which the Authority may take disciplinary action against a registered person are being introduced:
- Where the Authority is satisfied that it would be contrary to the public interest for the person to be or remain registered.
- Where a combatant has not complied with all conditions imposed on the combatant’s registration.
- Where a registered person has been convicted of an offence relating to using, manufacturing, trafficking or supplying drugs during the period of the person’s registration.
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
Nil.
There are several reforms relating to medical examinations and combatant health and safety.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- It is required that all combatants (both amateur and professional) comply with the rules in relation to standard post-contest rest periods. There is a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units for non-compliance.
- For the purposes of registration, the combatant must give the Authority a current certificate of fitness no later than 12 months after the date of the previous certificate, stating that in the medical practitioner’s opinion the combatant is fit to engage in combat sports.
- A certificate of fitness is a current certificate of fitness if the certificate was signed by the medical practitioner not more than 28 days before the certificate is sought to be relied upon by the person (as prescribed in section 7A of the Act).
Phase 3 Changes (effective 23 May 2025)
- An unfit combatant must not engage in contests or sparring (section 50 of the Act)
- A combatant must not engage in a combat sport contest or sparring where a medical practitioner certifies:
- that in their opinion, the combatant is not medically fit to engage in the contest or sparring and the combatant is notified of the certification;
- the combatant must first be examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports and:
- the combatant is notified of the certification, and
- the combatant has not been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports or sparring.
- the combatant must not engage in a combat sport or sparring before a specified date, and:
- the combatant is notified of the certification, and
- the contest or sparring is held before the specified date.
- the combatant must not engage in a combat sport or sparring before a specified date unless the combatant has been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports and:
- the combatant is notified of the certification, and
- the contest or sparring is held before the specified date and the combatant has not been examined and cleared by a medical practitioner as being fit to engage in combat sports before the contest or sparring.
- This section does not apply in relation to a matter certified by a medical practitioner, other than an Attending Medical Practitioner (ringside doctor), to the extent that the Authority, on the advice or recommendation of a medical practitioner or after considering the report of a medical practitioner, directs that it is not to apply.
- The combatant must give the Authority written notice of the medical practitioner’s certification as soon as practicable after being notified of the certification unless the certification is given under this part. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Combatants have an obligation to notify the Authority if the medical practitioner refuses to issue a Certificate of Fitness (clause 9B of the Regulation)
This requirement applies if a medical practitioner carries out an annual medical check of a combatant and then refuses to issue a Certificate of Fitness based on the outcomes of the examination.
If this occurs, the combatant must give the Authority written notice, in the approved form, of the refusal. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Combatants must notify the Authority about the results of directed examinations (clause 9C of the Regulation and section 61 of the Act)
A combatant has an obligation to notify the Authority if they have been directed to undergo an examination by the Authority or a medical practitioner (including a general practitioner, medical specialist or other qualified person) and:
- Based on the outcome of the examination the medical practitioner refuses to certify that, in their opinion, the combatant is fit to engage in combat sport, or
Recommends that the combatant not engage in combat sports or sparring for a fixed period or until particular conditions are met.
The combatant must give the Authority written notice, in the approved form, of the refusal or recommendation. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Combatants must notify the Authority about the results of combat sport contests held outside NSW (clause 9D of the Regulation)
If a combatant engages in a combat sport contest outside NSW (i.e. in another Australian State or Territory or overseas), they have an obligation to advise the Authority, in the approved form within 5 days after the contest of the following:
- The results of the contest,
- The details of any medical suspensions imposed on the combatant under the laws or rules relating to combat sports in the other Australian State or Territory or overseas jurisdiction.
Penalties apply for non-compliance.
- Pre-contest medical examinations of combatants [clause 33 of the Regulation, section 57(1) of the Act]
- The prescribed examination is sufficient to enable the attending medical practitioner (ringside doctor) to complete the Pre-Contest Medical Examination of a Combatant form.
- If the attending medical practitioner imposes a medical suspension on the combatant following the examination, the attending medical practitioner must include the following information in the form:
- details of the medical suspension,
- any conditions the attending medical practitioner recommends must be met before the suspension ends.
- The new Pre-Contest Medical Examination form requires the combatant to make a verbal declaration to the attending medical practitioner that, at the time of the contest, the combatant:
- is not subject of a medical suspension (in NSW or elsewhere), and
- is not suspended from engaging as a combatant in a combat sport contest or sparring, and
- has not suffered a concussion, or had signs and symptoms associated with concussion, within the last 30 days before the contest.
- Post-contest medical examinations of combatants [clause 34 of the Regulation, section 57(3) of the Act]
- The prescribed examination is sufficient to enable the attending medical practitioner to complete the Post-Contest Medical Examination of a Combatant form.
- If the attending medical practitioner imposes a medical suspension on the combatant following the examination, the attending medical practitioner must include the following information in the form:
- details of the medical suspension,
- any conditions the attending medical practitioner recommends must be met before the suspension ends.
Phase 1 & 2 changes
- A definition of “exhibition contest” and “sparring” are being included in section 4(1) of the Act as follows:
exhibition contest means a combat sport contest in which each combatant knowingly engages in the contest on the basis that:
a) there is no adjudication of the contest for the purposes of determining or declaring a winner, and
b) there is no intention of determining or declaring a winner of the contest.
- sparring means a training or practice activity in a combat sport between 2 people in relation to which there is no adjudication for the purposes of determining or declaring, nor an intention of determining or declaring, a winner at the end of the activity.
- A public register is being created and will contain:
- for each registered industry participant - their name, registration class(es) and registration expiry date along.
- for each registered combatant - their name, registration number, registration class(es), ring name and “eligible to fight to” date (based on expiry of their registration, certificate of fitness and serological clearance).
Quick Links
Combat Sports Amendment Act 2024
If you have further questions regarding these reforms, please email combatsports@sport.nsw.gov.au