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09/24/2008 Archived Entry: "Minutes from the ABC Annual Conference"
Minutes from the ABC Annual Conference
By Joseph Miller
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
JULY 2-5, 2008
DELTA MONTREAL HOTELMONTREAL, (QUEBEC) CANADA
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Welcome by Montreal Boxing Commission – Mario Latraverse (Quebec)
President’s Welcome – Tim Lueckenhoff (MO)
• Bruce Spizler outlined ABC by-laws for allowing the president to appoint officers for vacated positions. Tim Lueckenhoff (MO) appointed Joe Miller (OK) ABC Secretary due to the resignation of Joanna Aguilar.
• Introduction of representatives of Member Commissions
• Voter Authority Forms
• Presidents Report (including number of shows per jurisdiction – See attached report
Approval of Minutes for 2007 Conference
Motion to Approve Minutes made by Paul Herman (Miccosukee) and seconded by Joseph Mason (CO). Elaine Smith (Mille Lac Band of Ojibwe Tribe) noted that the tribe was spelled incorrectly in the minutes. Herman amended his motion to include the change, which was seconded by Joe Mason (CO) (See attached minutes) Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report – Buddy Embanato (LA)
Treasurer’s report submitted by Treasurer Buddy Embanato (LA) for 2008 Fiscal Year (See attached report).
Motion to Approve Treasurer’s Report made by Paul Herman (Miccosukee) and seconded by Aaron Davis (KS). Motion passed unanimously
Buddy Embanato presented a budget for the upcoming year (See attached report). Motion to approve the budget made by Paul Herman, (Miccosukee) and seconded by Aaron Davis. (KS) Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of New Commissions:
A. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Boxing Commission
Motion to Accept the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Boxing Commission as a Member of the ABC was made by Mike Mazzulli (Mohegan) and seconded by Mike Kostrzewa (CT). Motion passed unanimously.
B. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Athletic Commission
Jack Barrett [CPN) spoke regarding the history of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and its Commission. Joe Miller (OK) gave report regarding the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Athletic Commission supervised events he observed over the past 3 years on behalf of the ABC.
Motion to accept the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Athletic Commission as a Member of the ABC was made by Anibal Miramontes (Mille Lac Band of Ojibwe Tribe), and seconded by Richard Anderson (AR). Motion passed unanimously.
C. Seneca Nation of Indians Athletic Commission
Motion to Accept the Seneca Nation of Indians Athletic Commission as a Member of the ABC contingent upon them successfully regulating two more events observed by an ABC representative. Motion was made by Peter Timothy (MASH) and seconded by Anibal Miramontes (Mille Lac Band of Ojibwe Tribe). Motion passed unanimously.
Verification of Registered Commissions:
Voter Authority Forms (31):
Jason Turner – Washington DC Boxing & Wrestling
Karen Ben – Choctaw Boxing Commission
Aaron Davis – Kansas Athletic Commission
A.L. “Buddy” Embanato, Jr. – Louisiana Boxing and Wrestling Commission
Jim Erickson – North Dakota Athletic Commission
Andy Foster – Georgia Athletic Commission
Ernie Gallardo – Pascua Yaqui Tribe Boxing Commission
Paul Herman – Miccosukee Athletic Commission
Tom Katsilometes – Idaho State Athletic Commission
Michael Kostrzewa – CT Department of Public Safety/Boxing Commission
Tim Lueckenhoff – Missouri Office of Athletics
Hilda Burch– Southern Ute Indian Boxing Commission
Josef Mason – Colorado State Boxing Commission
Michael Mazzulli – Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation
Joe Miller – Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission
Anibal Miramontes – Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Patrick Pannella – Maryland State Athletic Commission
Bernie – Profato – Ohio Athletic Commission
Greg Sirb – Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission
Melvina Lathan – New York State Athletic Commission
Susan Colard – Washington State Athletic Commission
Peter Timothy – Mashantucket Pequot Athletic Commission
Michael Tyler – South Carolina Boxing Commission
Jack Barrett, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Boxing Commission
Bill Colbert, Pete Suazo Utah Athletic Commission
Gary Litchfield, Massachusetts Athletic Commission
Nick Lembo, New Jersey State Athletic Commission
Johnny Mattingly, Arkansas State Athletic Commission
John Montano, Arizona Boxing Commission
Martin Seneca, Seneca Nation Boxing Commission
Alan Taniguchi, Hawaii State Boxing Commission
MMA Record Keeper Committee Report – Dale Kliparchuk (River Cree Athletic Commission)
Dale Kliparchuk (River Cree Athletic Commission) discussed the goal of the committee, which was to ultimately select an “official MMA record keeper,” designated as such by the ABC. Dale reported that, following numerous communications by the various members of the Committee, the Committee prescribed the criteria which would have to be met by an MMA record keeper seeking the ABC designation as its “official” MMA record keeper and which would constitute terms of a contract with the ABC in such regard. After engaging in a preliminary screening process, the Committee met in Kansas City, MO with the two groups that met all of the required criteria to hear their proposals. The committee selected MMA, LLC as the official MMA record keeper. See attachment for the MMA, LLC’s: (1) result sheet, (2) ID Application Card, and (3) ID issuance Instructions.
• Kirik Jenness, of MMA, LLC, gave an overview and history of the company
• Gabe Smallman, of MMA, LLC, gave overview of the technical capabilities of the company and answered questions.
• Tim Lueckenhoff read names of Commissions who had turned in email addresses for issuance of the MMA, LLC password which enable the Commission to report its results and access records.
Discussion of Official MMA records – Bernie Profato (OH)
• What MMA records will be accepted and from whom
• Problems accepting records of non-sanctioned events
• Problems not accepting records of non-sanctioned events
• Explanation by MMA, LLC how results were sent in by promoters prior to their proposed contract with the ABC.
Motion made by Bernie Profato (OH) that each commission consider all non-sanctioned bouts, as well as “Commission-reported information,” prior to determining the status of the fighter for purposes of scheduling or approving fights. Second by Mike Mazzulli (Mohegan) Motion passes [Buddy Embanato (LA) votes no].
Refereeing Guidelines – Tim Lueckenhoff (MO) (See Attachment)
Tim Lueckenhoff thanked Armando Garcia for his hard work in putting the document together. Tim stated that these guidelines should be used as a guide for each commission’s referees.
Motion made by Bernie Profato (OH) to accept this document; second by Joseph Mason (CO). Motion passed unanimously.
Drug Testing Detection Limits – Pat Pannella (MD)
• What detection levels are Commissions using as a baseline
• What is the appropriate cut off levels
• A committee will be appointed to study detection levels and cut off levels
A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury (CTBI) in Professional Boxers – Dr. John W. Stiller (MD)
• When to tell a fighter it is time to stop fighting
• Study began in 2003
• Estimate 20% of fighters will develop CTBI
• Early signs of CTBI are not known
• Need for a quick test conducted during weigh-in
• Anticipate 5 years of testing to get an answer
Fight Fax Report – Anabal Miramontes (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe)
• Overview of procedures concerning suspensions
Disciplinary Committee Report – Mike Mazzulli (Mohegan)
• 7 states have allowed fighters to fight while on medical suspension this past year
• Letters sent to states and tribes that allowed fighters on medical suspension to fight. Letter to Tennessee not answered.
Legal Committee Report – Bruce Spizler (MD)
• A report of the issues, advice and actions provided by the ABC Legal Committee throughout the year was presented by Bruce Spizler (MD), Chairman of the ABC Legal Committee; and a report of the same was distributed to the membership in attendance (See Attachment)
Code of Conduct Report – Aaron Davis (KS) (See Attachment)
• Guidelines will be sent out to membership for comments and voted on at the 2009 ABC convention.
Update on 2009 Convention, New Orleans, LA – Buddy Embanato (LA)
• Dates- July 26th to August 1st 2009
• Hotel- Royal Sonesta Hotel, New Orleans
• Room Rate < $125.00
• Possible UFC or Boxing match
• Send suggestions to Buddy Embanato (LA)
CovGloves – David Price (Price Products)
• Overview of product
• Eliminates loose tape on boxing glove
• Eliminates facial cuts due to loose tape
• Attractive look, eliminates unsightly tape
Commissions Role in Enforcement of Bout and Management Agreements – Jim Erickson (ND)
• Bout contracts are between boxer and promoter
• Insure all information is complete and correct; i.e, weight, number of rounds, pay• Penalize fighters who sign more than one contract
• Disputes with bout agreements settled by Commission or Civil Court
• Disputes with management contracts settled by Commission or Civil Court.
Regulation of Professional Wrestling – Michael Mazzulli (Mohegan), Moderator; Craig Jenkins [TNA,]; Rich Hering [WWE]; Pat Pannella (MD)
• Why regulate wrestling? Entertainment vs. Competition
• Club level shows are the primary reason for regulation
• Wrestlers trying to get to the next level
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Round Table Discussion of Tribes Seeking Membership in the ABC – Jim Erickson (ND) and Mike Mazzulli (Mohegan)
Tim Lueckenhoff (MO) appointed a committee to set procedures for evaluation of commissions, State and Tribal, desirous of membership in the ABC. Committee will provide report at the 2009 convention in New Orleans. Committee members are as follows:
Mike Mazzulli (Mohegan) – Chair
Anabal Miramontes [Mille Lac Band of Ojibwe Tribe)
Jim Erickson (ND)
Paul Herman (Miccosukee)
Ernie Gallardo (Pascua Yaqui)
Joe Miller (OK)
Aaron Davis (KS)
Reyes Boxing Gloves – Alberto Reyes (Translated by Anibal Miramontes)
• Overview of the manufacture of the glove- Magdalena Reyes
• Technology, engineering and selection of materials
• Purpose behind the procedures, techniques and materials
Combat Sports, Ringside Corporation – Joe Taylor
• Presented MMA and grappling gloves
• Training and competition gear (Amateur vs. Professional)
• Materials used in manufacturing
Century, LLC, Adidas Professional Boxing Gloves – Ian R. Fried, Eldon Woods
• Overview of amateur gloves and pro gloves (Addidas gloves)
• 3 types of gloves to choose – gloves made in Pakistan
Full Contact, Inc. – Patrick Ireland
• Overview of mouth guards – OPRO Shield
• Company – OPRO – Technology behind their mouth guards, upper only 24.99.
Development of Equipment Approval Committee (See Attachment #10)
Annual Meeting with Sanctioning Organizations (IBF only sanctioning organization in attendance)
• Open scoring – Pat Pannella (MD) motioned for no change to ABC’s opposition to open scoring. Paul Herman (Miccosukee) seconded. Motion passed.
• Review of Suspension List before Title Fights – Tim Lueckenhoff (MO) reminded the membership to make sure to check the Fight Fax suspension list prior to title fights (as well as all other bouts)
• Sanctioning Organization Soliciting Sponsorships from Promoters – Bruce Spizler (MD) – sanctioning organization soliciting sponsorships from promoters constitutes a violation of the federal law.
• Unified Championship Rules - Sirb (PA) – Make sure they are followed. Intentional foul – IBF asks to enforce point deduction or change the rule. Sirb – leave to the discretion of the referee.
Discussion of meeting with FECOMBOX (Attachment #4)
• The issuance of a boxer identification card to a Mexican boxer by FECOMBOX does not eliminate, usurp or supplant the requirement that a foreign boxer (including a Mexican boxer) obtain a US issued boxer identification card and present the US issued boxer identification card to the appropriate state or tribal boxing commission not later than the time of the weigh-in, as required by US law.
• ABC member boxing commissions will not require a Mexican boxer to present an authorization permit issued by FECOMBOX as a condition of the Mexican boxer being authorized to participate in a boxing contest in the US.
• Cooperation between ABC member boxing commissions and FECOMBOX member boxing commissions are in the best interests of both organizations.
• All ABC member boxing commissions and FECOMBOX member boxing commissions shall report all bout results, including suspensions, to FightFax.
• FightFax shall provide its suspension list to all FECOMBOX member-boxing commissions at no cost.
• All ABC member boxing commissions and all FECOMBOX member boxing commissions shall reciprocally enforce boxer suspensions imposed by a boxing commission belonging to either organization if the suspension is:
1) Medically related (including suspensions related to KO’s and TKO’s)
2) Drug related; or
3) Unsportsmanlike conduct-related
• There shall be no reciprocal enforcement of an “administrative” suspension imposed by an ABC member boxing commission or a FECOMBOX member boxing commission.
• FECOMBOX shall provide “contact information” to the ABC for each boxing commission operating in Mexico.
• Mike Mazzulli, (Mohegan) motioned for approval. Tom Katsilometes, (ID) seconded the motion. Motion passed.
AAPRP Update – Dr. Domenic Coletta
• Annual Conference – Las Vegas, October 16-19, 2008
o Medical concerns MMA
o Drugs MMA
o MMA Injuries
o Malpractice
o Four to five physicians to serve as an “ABC Medical Advisory Board”
o Certification process
o Possible affiliation with American College of Sports Medicine
Role of a Commissioner in Matchmaking – Greg Sirb (PA)
• Overview
• Susan Colard (WA) – written criteria for matchmaking
• A Committee to be appointed to develop written matchmaking guidelinesBoxing
o Dan Fitzgerald (MA) – Chair
o Patrick Pannella (MD)
o Michael Kostrzewa (CT)
o Alfred Grant (DC)
o Greg Sirb (PA)
MMA
o Nick Lembo (NJ) – Chair
o Bernie Profato (OH)
o Melvina Lathan (NY)
o Andy Foster (GA)
o David Adamo (Calgary)
“Cross Promotion and Title Unification: The Next Phase of MMA Evolution” – Dave Szady and Michael Lynch, WAMMA
Dave Szady thanked Nick Lembo (NJ) for inviting WAMMA to the ABC Conference.; noting that Nick Lembo has done more than anyone for the safety of the MMA fighter and to ensure that adherence to the rules and regulations which protect the fighter.
• Dave Szady –
o Retired from FBI 33 years
o Supervised violent crime squads and organized crime squads.
o Most of his career was spent in counter intelligence section.
o Special Agent in charge of the Portland, Oregon office.
o Appointed by the President to be the first counter intelligence Executive.
o Spent 2 years as head of the espionage division in CIA
• Full Overview of WAMMA
o Corporation for profit
o Founded by approximately 50 “angel” investors
o Not a promoter
o No sanctioning fees
o One of the primary functions of the WAMMA is to rank fighters and sanction World Title Fights in MMA.
o The idea when WAMMA was formed was to ensure the integrity, legitimacy and longevity of this sport.
o Formed a Fighter Advisory Group made up of nine fighters, including Randy Couture and Pat Millitage. The group will discuss problems fighters face.
• Mike Lynch – Multi-faceted sports organization
o What is needed for MMA is an undisputed champion; instead of multiple promotional titles, but no single title.
o WAMMA’s goal is to crown undisputed champion by way of cross promotions.
o Explained their rankings procedure. Not limited to any promotional entity. Do no discriminate against any promotional entity.
o Affliction Band Fights - July 19th in Anaheim – 1st Title Fight
o Three more title fights planned in 2008.
Discussion of Canadian Commissions being extended Full Membership (Tim Dunlap, Yellowknife Boxing Commission and Legal Counsel to the Canadian Boxing Federation)
• Tim Dunlop provided an overview of the formation of Canadian boxing commissions, and the background of the Canadian Boxing Federation (“CBF”) which, currently, rates boxers, collects sanctioning fees, and awards a championship belt for the “National Canadian Boxing Titles.”
• CBF first evolved in 1924 in response to a “push” by the New York State Boxing Commission which wanted to bring all boxing in North America under its policies; the CBF serving as a “distinct identity” for the Canadian boxing commissions.
• As it developed, the CBF became an all-encompassing sanctioning body.
• Canadian boxing commissions are “associate” members, and not full, voting members, of the ABC, because many of the Canadian boxing commissions and their members belong to one or more sanctioning organizations, including the CBF – a “conflict of interest” under U.S. law
• Proposed “reformulation” of the CBF from a sanctioning organization into an entity which will serve strictly as an a non-profit association of all Canadian boxing commissions (similar to the ABC); and, at the same time, CBF to create a “legally distinct” National Championship Committee (“NCC”) responsible for all aspects of the Canadian National Titles (including the ranking of boxers, the receiver of sanctioning fees, and the awarding of championship belts )
• In response to questions posed by Bruce Spizler (MD), Chairman of the ABC Legal Committee, Tim Dunlop advised that there will be a “license agreement” between the “reformulated” CBF and the newly-created “National Championship Committee”; that the Officers and Directors of the “National Championship Committee” would be designated by the CBF; and that the Officers and Directors of the “National Championship Committee” may include the Officers and Directors of the CBF
• The CBF will relinquish all responsibilities for the Canadian titles to the NCC in an effort to avoid a conflict of interest on the part of a Canadian boxing commission and its members who belong to the CBF.
• Tim Lueckenhoff suggested that these matters be referred to a committee
• Gary Litchfield (MA) motioned to table the discussion until next year. Anabal Miramontes (Mille Lac Band of Ojibwe Tribe) seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Proposed Professional MMA Unified Rule Changes – (Attachment #11) Dale Kliparchuk (River Cree), Nick Lembo (NJ), John McCarthy (former MMA referee), Tim Lueckenhoff (MO)
• Clarification on what constitutes the back of the head.
As stated in attachment #12, the back of the head is considered from the crown of the head down the centerline of the skull into the spine, with a 1 inch variance to each side, similar to a Mohawk haircut. Strikes that are thrown to areas behind the ears but not within the Mohawk limitation are legal strikes.
- John McCarthy gave clarification
• Removal of the foul “striking downward using the point of the elbow”
Historically significant, the rule making it a foul to “strike downward using the point of the elbow” was based on a technique that was targeted to the back of an opponent’s head. Instead of identifying that the actual target location (back of the head) was at issue and a cause for concern, the consensus was to prohibit the technique itself. However, there is already a rule prohibiting strikes to the spine and the back of the head, which is significant in that it prohibits ALL strikes to spine and the back of the head, bringing clarity to this issue in a single rule. Downward elbow strikes are no more or less damaging than any other elbow strike, (and elbow strikes are considered legal techniques).
• Gary Litchfield (MA) made a motion to accept the document and both rule changes. Bill Colbert (UT) seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Proposed Amateur MMA Unified Rules – (Attachment #12) Dale Kliparchuk (River Cree), Nick Lembo (NJ), John McCarthy (former referee), Tim Lueckenhoff (MO).
• Bernie Profato (OH) made a motion to table the amateur rules until next year and form a committee with Nick Lembo (NJ) as Chair. Andy Foster (GA) seconded the motion. Motion failed.
• Joe Mason (CO) – Suggested 2 minute rounds would be better for amateurs versus 3 minute rounds.
• Bernie Profato (OH) – Stated if we have too many categories such as novice, beginner etc., we are muddying up the waters.
• Bernie Profato (OH) made a motion that all amateur bouts be 3 rounds of 3 minutes each with a 90 second rest period between rounds. Bill Colbert (UT) seconded the motion. Mike Mazzulli (Mohegan) abstained from the vote. Colbert (UT) made a motion to adopt; and Gary Litchfield (MA) seconded the motion. Motion passed
• Bernie Profato (OH) motioned to accept document as amended. Aaron Davis (KS) seconded the motion. Motion passed.
[Secretary’s Note: In the aftermath of the discussions regarding proposed changes to the Professional MMA Unified Rules and the Amateur MMA Rules, it was determined that, in light of the desired result of uniformity and unification, the above measures are to be considered “Guidelines” and not formal changes to the existing Professional MMA Unified Rules. Further, to more fully study the foundation and propriety of any changes to the current Professional MMA Unified Rules and the Amateur MMA Rules, the ABC has created a newly-formed MMA Committee. The ABC’s MMA Committee will be Chaired by Nick Lembo (NJ) and include Dale Kilparchuk (River Cree); Jim Erickson (ND); Keith Kizer (NV); Armando Garcia (CA); Bernie Profato (OH); Michael Mazzulli (Mohegan); Chad Kurle, (ND) Josef Mason (CO); and Andy Foster (GA). The MMA Committee will solicit comments from the entire MMA industry including commissions, physicians, officials, promoters, managers, fighters, and the press; and the MMA Committee will report its findings at the 2009 conference of the ABC.]
Friday July 4, 2008
John McCarthy provided Mixed Martial Arts Training for Judges.
Saturday July 5, 2008
John McCarty provided Mixed Martial Arts Training for Referees.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Miller (OK)
Secretary
