SB174 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Wrestling, regulation by Alabama Athletic Commission, act renamed as Alabama Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts Act,, Secs. 41-9-1020, 41-9-1021,41-9-1022, 41-9-1023, 41-9-1024, 41-9-1025, 41-9-1027, 41-9-1028, 41-9-1029, 41-9-1030, 41-9-1031, 41-9-1032, 41-9-1033, 41-9-1034, 41-9-1035, 41-9-1036, 41-9-1037, 41-9-1038 am'd

Summary

SB174 renames the Alabama Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Act to the Alabama Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts Act and gives the Alabama Athletic Commission authority to regulate professional wrestling and tough man contests the same as boxing and mixed martial arts.

What This Bill Does

It defines professional wrestling and tough man contests and extends regulatory power to regulate these activities like boxing and MMA. It creates licensing, permitting, and registration systems for promoters, sanctioning bodies, managers, and competitors, and sets safety, medical, and oversight requirements. It establishes registries and identification for boxers and fighters, outlines enforcement and penalties for violations, and broadens the Commission’s jurisdiction to events held or filmed in Alabama with age and safety protections for participants and spectators.

Who It Affects

• Promoters, matchmakers, wrestling and MMA sanctioning organizations, managers, and athletes (boxers, wrestlers, MMA competitors, and tough man contestants) in Alabama who must obtain licenses, permits, register, and comply with safety and medical rules.
• The general public, event venues, and state regulators who benefit from stronger safety standards, on-site medical coverage, building safety compliance, age restrictions for participants, and statewide regulatory oversight.

Key Provisions

• Renames the act from Alabama Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Act to Alabama Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts Act.
• Defines terms including professional wrestling and tough man contests and places them under the Commission's regulation alongside boxing and MMA.
• Designates the Alabama Athletic Commission as the sole regulator of professional boxing, wrestling, tough man contests, amateur MMA, and professional MMA, with authority to license and oversee those activities.
• Authorizes the Commission to license promoters, wrestling sanctioning organizations, and participants; requires match permits for events and may impose fees and performance bonds.
• Creates and regulates boxing, wrestling, and MMA registries and identification cards for residents and non-residents; sets registration requirements and fees.
• Imposes safety and medical requirements for events, including pre-fight medical exams, ringside physicians, inspectors, health insurance for participants, and on-site ambulances.
• Pursues enforcement through civil actions by the Attorney General and outlines criminal penalties (Class C felonies for certain violations by managers/promoters and licensees; Class B misdemeanors for participants; civil fines up to $25,000 and purse penalties).
• Prohibits participation by anyone under 18 in professional matches and establishes the Commission’s jurisdiction over in-state, filmed, or broadcast events.
• Includes conflict-of-interest safeguards for Commission members and staff, and creates a medical advisory panel to assist with medical safety decisions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Sports