Section I: The ring

1) The ring should be a regulation Boxing ring not less then 17 feet square within the ropes. The ring floor should be extend beyond the ropes not less than 18 inches.

The ring floor should be padded. A one-inch (1″) layer of Ethafoam is recommended. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform. The ring must have a canvas covering. No vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering permitted.

2) Height of the ring – the ring platform should not be more than four feet (4′) above the floor of the building and should be provided with suitable steps for use by fighters. Ring side tables must be no higher than ring platform level on elevated rings; no ringside tables should be permitted next to floor level on non-elevated rings. Ring posts should be metal not more than four inches (4″) in diameter extending from the floor of the building to a height of 58 inches (1.6m) (4’10”) above the ring floor, and should be properly padded.

3) The ring ropes should be a minimum of four (4) in number and not less than one inch (1″) in diameter. The lower rope should be 18 inches above the ring floor, the middle rope 35 inches above the floor, the upper rope 52 inches above the floor. The lowest rope should have applied around it padding of a thickness not less than one-half inch (1/2″) and of approved type and construction. All rope ties should be vertical approximately 6 feet apart, made of a soft material.

4) The Promoter of the event should provide all necessary ring equipment including stools for use by fighters and seconds, except for those items to be supplied by the fighters and those items to be supplied by the seconds. There should be a bell at the ring, no higher than the floor level of the ring. The bell should be clear in tone so that the referee and fighters may easily hear it when it is sounded.

5) Satiation – All promoters are held responsible for ensuring acceptable statutory standards be met. With respect to dressing rooms, showers, water bottles towels and/or/not only other equipment. Physicians and WKN representatives are to make a particular examination at every event for violations of these rules. The ring must be swept, dry-mopped, or otherwise adequately cleaned before the event and prior to each bout.

Section II: Fighter’s eligibility

1) Pre-conditions for professional status

All fighters seeking a professional status with WKN must obtain an approval in writing. Requirements for approval include an accurate listing of all fighter’s previous bouts that include event date and place, name of promotion (promoter), style including scheduled number of rounds, weight division, name of opponent, result.

In order to apply for a professional qualification, the fighter is required to complete a minimum of ten (10) amateur bouts at three (3) or four (4) rounds bouts at rounds at two (2) minutes long with a one (1) minute break. *Subject to be verified and approved.

2) Association membership

The WKN licensing is mandatory for all fighters, promoters, matchmakers, timekeepers, and others directly involved in the competition. Please contact WKN to obtain more information.

3) Suspended fighters

Any suspended fighter is not permitted to participate in any WKN event for the duration of the suspension. The reason of suspension includes (not only) medical condition, breach of code of conduct, breach of contract. Each case is subject to a particular verification.

4) Exhibition bouts

All and any exhibition bouts are not to be considered as sanctioned bouts by WKN. In order to include exhibition bouts on the program of the event sanctioned by WKN, promoter is required to receive, in advance, an approval from WKN representative.

The WKN representative may decline a request due to conditions that may be considered as unsafe for participants e.g. a miss-match due to weight spread and/or/not only experience; or inconsistent with the general standards.

Section III. Pre-fight regulations

1. Examination of fighters

Any fighter applying for eligibility to compete in WKN event must be examined by a registered physician, to establish both physical and mental fitness for competition. Such examination must be taken not later than 36 hours prior the event. Additionally, fighters must be examined at the weigh-in, and may be examined again on the day of the event.

Serological Clearance is required. Serology Clearance must be obtained every 6 months. The medical conditions or diseases specified by the regulations are:

• HIV
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required.

Doping control (drug testing) may be required.

*An immediate post-fight examination of each fighter by physician is compulsory.

2. Weight distribution

The current Ratings should be consulted for current weight categories and weight spreads.

3. Weigh-in

The weigh-in procedure should be held a day before the event, at least 24 hrs before the start time of the event. The used scales are subject to approval by WKN representative and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission).

4. Making weight – non-title bouts

In non-title professional bouts, if a fighter fails to make the specified in his contract weight, he will forfeit, according to the following:

• 1-2 lbs over = 15% penalty
• 3-4 lbs over = 30°/ penalty
• 5-7 lbs over = 40% penalty
• 8 lbs or over = 50% penalty

*1 lbs equals approx 0.453kg

The forfeited prize money will be distributed 50% to the opponent and 50% to the promoter. If both fighters are overweight, both are subject to penalties according to the above, with the fighter’s share of the forfeited prize money to be distributed according to WKN.

For each bout, all professional fighters must sign a WKN overseen contract with the promoter of that event.

In amateur bouts, where a fighter fails to make weight, WKN representative may permit the bout to take place if the weight spread is permissible. However, should the overweight fighter win, the bout will not be credited to their or their opponent’s record. If the overweight fighter loses, the loss will go on their record and the win will be credited to their opponent’s record.

If both fighters are overweight or much-underweight but the weight spread falls within the permissible range, the WKN representative may permit the bout to continue and the outcome will be recorded on the records of both fighters. Amateur fighters, who repeatedly weigh-in overweight or much-underweight, are subject to disciplinary action.

5. Making weight – title bouts

In title bouts, both professional and amateur (incl pro-amateur), if a fighter cannot make weight at the scheduled time of the official weigh-in 24 hours, he will be allowed to weigh-in for the second time within a period of two (2) hours. If the fighter fails to make weight at the second attempt within two (2) hours from the official weigh-in time, he may be allowed to weigh-in on the day of the event, not later then eight (8) hours before the starting time of the event.

If a fighter cannot make weight at the final weigh-in attempt on the day of the event and this fighter is a current champion, the title is declared vacant.

a) Should the challenger win the bout – he becomes the champion. Should the former champion win the bout, the title remains vacant.

b) If the fighter, who cannot make weight, is the challenger, and wins the bout, the title remains vacant.

In either case, the bout may or may not proceed – subject to approval by WKN representative. The fighter, who cannot make weight, will also be subject to the purse penalties. Run off for the title will be established.

6. Maximum allowance of weight cut

The WKN prohibits excessive weight cut. The fighters take on their own responsibility for cutting weight. If physician, WKN representative, head official, and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission) decides that the fighter is not fit to compete due to weight cut, this fighter must be suspended from the bout.

7. Minimum age of fighters

The minimum age for professional fighters competing in the title bouts is eighteen years old plus (18+).

Amateur and junior (under eighteen (-18) years old) bouts are subject for determination in each particular match.

Alternation may be made in each particular case – subject to approval by WKN representative and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission).

8. Advanced appearance of main event fighters

In World, Intercontinental, Continental and International title bouts both fighters should present in the place (city) where the event takes its’ place no later than three (3) days before the event.

All parties participating in title bouts, including the promoter of the event, will enter an agreement via WKN contract. The WKN has the right to modify the terms of the contract. No rematch clauses, agreements between the promoter and the fighter, including officials, or clauses that interfere beyond established guidelines, with a fighter’s availability to other promoters and/not only, allowed in the contract.

Breach of the contract by either party may lead to fines or suspension levied by WKN, in addition to any legal remedies.

9. Appearance bonds and forfeits

All fighters, both amateur and professional may be required to post appearance bonds with a promoter for whom they are to appear. In the event the fighter fails to appear, this bond is to be forfeited and divided 50% to the promoter and 50% to the fighter’s opponent for training expenses. The amount of the forfeit money must be specified in the fighter’s contract.

In professional bouts appearance bonds should not exceed 50% of the purse. Fighter’s bonds may be required only with the express permission of WKN.

10. Pre-fight rule meeting

All fighters, head trainers, representative-seconds, and/not only officials must attend the pre-fight rule meeting organized by the promoter, head official and WKN representative. This meeting typically follows the weigh-in ceremony, or may be held on the day of the the event, not later then eight (8) hours before the starting time of the event. The meeting includes the final rule talk, including safety regulations and fair play.

11. Fighter’s Appearance

All fighters must be clean and present a tidy appearance. It is at the discretion of referee, physician, WKN representative, head official, and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission) to determine whether facial adornments (mustaches goatees, excessive sideburns and/or/not only) and length of hair present any potential hazard to the safety of the fighter or the opponent, or will interfere with the supervision or conduct of the bout.

The excessive use of grease or any foreign substance is not permitted. The referee, or WKN representative, should insist upon removal of any such excessive grease or foreign substance. Non-compliance by the contestant shall be sufficient cause for disciplinary action, such as purse deduction, or disqualification.

12. Fighter is disqualified or declared ineligible

Fighters who are declared ineligible for their bouts due to excessive weight cut, misrepresented age, physical incapacitates pre-known to the fighter, or other willful violation of regulations, will be subject to fines and suspension. Unless otherwise specified in the fighter’s contract, the promoter has no obligation to the ineligible fighters, and may demand reimbursement from the fighter for any expenses or purse pre-paid by the promoter. The promoter will, however, be obligated to pay the expenses of the opposing fighter, who presents themselves properly, plus any cancellation settlements if provided for in that fighter’s contract.

Fighters who are disqualified during their bout for willful gross rule violations, or unprofessional performance, or who represent themselves improperly following their bout, may be subject to the same penalties.

Section IV: Fighter’s equipment and seconds

1. Uniform: All fighters upon entering the ring must wear approved uniforms. For Full Contact matches, the uniform must include long pants that reach the ankle and these should be neat, clean and not torn. The pants should be of the lace-up or elastic type, rather than drawstring type. Appropriate approved shorts must be worn for all matches under Kickboxing, Oriental rules and Muay Thai matches. Any exception to the dress code must be requested from in advance. Fighters provide their own uniforms.

Fighters, who present themselves in improper uniforms, may be fined up to 10% of their purse, and are not allowed to compete in their bout until they present themselves according to regulations. Prior to the start of a contest, the fighters will remove their uniform jackets or gowns and any other adornments that is not a required equipment for the actual bout. Black belts may be worn at the option of the fighter in Full Contact matches only, and must be tied securely around the waist. Referee should make a final examination ahead of the start of the bout.

2. Gloves, foot-pads, shin-pads, elbow-pads, groin protectors, mouthpieces (mouth-guards), head-guard, body-gear.

All fighters should wear approved boxing gloves. Protective foot-pads may be worn in Full Contact bouts.. If the gloves and foot-pads have been previously used (not new), they must be in a proper condition e.g. clean and damage free – subject to inspection and approval by referee, WKN representative and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission). If found imperfect, they must be immediately replaced before the start of the bout. No breaking, roughing, or twisting of gloves or foot pads is permitted.

Approved shin-guards of soft substance, head-guard, body-gear, may be worn in amateur and junior bouts. In bouts fought under professional rules, shin-guards and body-gear are not used. Head-guard and, in Muay Thai bouts, elbow-pads may be applied.

All male fighters must wear an approved groin protector. A plastic cup with an athletic supporter is adequate, or a metal guard if preferable.

All female fighters may wear approved foul-proof breast protection.

Mouthpiece (mouth-guard) is mandatory for every fighter.

Fighters must supply their own mouthpieces (mouth-guard), groin protectors, breast protectors.

Gloves, foot-pads, shin-guards, elbow-pads, head-guard, body-gear must be supplied by the promoter.

All promoters must have several extra full sets of equipment of common sizes to be used in any case of damage and/or beyond use during the course of a bout. Fighters who do not present themselves properly equipped at the start time of their bout may be subject to fines, and may be penalized by the referee including being counted out of the match. Any problems with the equipment are required to be resolved immediately.

No rings, jeweler, or/not only other items may be worn other than those authorized.

3. Gloves – standard specification

All gloves must be of a professional quality and must be approved. All gloves must be made so as to fit the hands of any fighter whose hands may be unusual in size.

8 oz for 154 lbs and under, 10 oz for all weight divisions over 154 lbs.

In all amateur and junior bouts 10 oz gloves may be applied.

*1 lbs equals approx 0.453kg.

The referee, WKN representative, head official, and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission) must inspect and approve any tape used on the gloves prior the bout. Referee must additionally inspect and approve any tape used on the gloves before the beginning of the bout.

4. Gloves – additional main event stipulations

Gloves for all professional World title bouts must be new. Gloves for pro-amateur, amateur and junior title bouts or non-title main event bouts must be new, or of an approved in advance standard.

5. Hand and foot wrapping

The head official, WKN representative and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission) must inspect hand and foot wrapping, and sign the hand wrapping across the knuckles before the gloves are secured on the hands. Referee must additionally inspect and approve the foot wrapping before the beginning of the bout.

Hand wrapping may not exceed one winding of surgeon’s adhesive tape of a 5.08cm (2″) wide maximum. It must be placed directly on the hand to protect the part of the hand near the wrist.

The tape may cross the back of the hand twice, but may not extend within approx 2cm (3/4″) of the knuckles when the hand is formed in a fist.

For each hand, a soft surgical bandage of a 5.08cm (2″) wide maximum, held in place by a surgeon’s adhesive tape of 305cm (10ft) maximum.

For each hand, up to one 18m (20yd) roll of bandage may be used to complete the hand wrapping. Strips of tape may be used between the fingers to secure the bandages.

Hand wrapping must be done in the dressing room. WKN representative, head official, and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission) may present. Either of the fighters may witness the bandaging of their opponent’s hands.

Foot wrapping to secure the ankle on each leg may be applied. Surgeon’s adhesive tape of a 5.08cm (2″) wide maximum may be used. Approved ankle holders may be used.

6. Number of seconds and their appearance

In non-title bouts each fighter may have three (3) seconds of his choice. In title bouts four (4) seconds may be allowed. The seconds must present a neat and tidy appearance, preferably team uniform. The seconds provide a bucket, spittoon, tape, water bottle and other equipment necessary to perform their function. The seconds must keep the corner of their fighter neat.

Seconds may not sit stand on, lean on, touch or/not only the ropes of the ring and the canvas, nor otherwise interfere (physically or verbally) the bout or the duties of the referee or officials.

During the rest periods two (2) seconds may be inside the ring.

Referee, at his discretion, may levy penalty points for improper and unprofessional conduct (physical or verbal) by the seconds.

7. Throwing water prohibited

Any excessive or undue spraying of water on a fighter during the break between rounds is prohibited. Seconds must wipe dry the ring canvas in their corner before the start of each round. Fighters must spit only in the spittoon.

8. Throwing in the towel

Trainer, chief second or fighter’s manager may toss a towel into the ring in token of the defeat of their fighter. They must then follow the towel into the ring as soon as possible.

Section V: Conduct of Bouts

1. Duration of rounds and breaks

Full Contact – rounds are two (2) minutes long with a one (1) minute break. No extra rounds. Professional title bouts are five (5), six (6), seven (7), ten (10) and twelve (12) rounds respectfully for regional, national, continental, intercontinental and world championships. Non-title bouts are maximum of ten (10) rounds.

Kickboxing – In a five (5) round title bouts the rounds are three (3) minutes long with a two (2) minute break. In three (3) round title bouts the rounds are three (3) minutes long with two (2) minute break. Non-title bouts may be of five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes long with a one (1) minute break. No extra rounds.

Oriental Rules – In a five (5) round title bouts the rounds are three (3) minutes long with a two (2) minute break. In three (3) round title bouts the rounds are three (3) minutes long with two (2) minute break. Non-title bouts may be of five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes long with a one (1) minute break. No extra rounds.

Muay Thai – In a five (5) round title bouts the rounds are three (3) minutes long with a two (2) minute break. In three (3) round title bouts the rounds are three (3) minutes long with two (2) minute break. Non-title bouts may be of five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes long with a one (1) minute break. No extra rounds.

Pro-Amateur, Amateur and Junior bouts consist of three (3) rounds of two (2) minutes with a one (1) minute break. Title bouts may consist of four (4) or five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes with a one (1) minute break.

The time of each round runs continuously and may be stopped (time out) at the discretion of the referee (*) only, due to situations such as equipment or uniform adjustment, harmful injury, commitment of a foul and/or/not only.

*Physician or WKN representative can stop the bout at any time if they have a concern about health and/or safety of the fighter (s) participating.

2. Referee instruction

Before the start of the bout the referee should check the entire ring to ensure no damage is done to the ring floor, ring ropes and/not only.

Before the start of the bout the referee should greet the corner and ascertain the name of the chief second of each fighter. The referee should advise them with the responsibility for the conduct of all of their assistants during the bout.

The referee should make a final inspection of all equipment of each fighter. Includes (if applicable / not only) gloves, tape used above the gloves, foot wrapping, shin-guards, foot-pads, groin protector, breast protector, elbow-pads, body-gear, head-guard. The referee may also sniff the gloves and any other piece of equipment to ensure no any kind of ointment (oil, cream /not only) used on the top of the equipment. The referee may inspect the equipment before the start of any round and timeout during the round to fix any piece of the equipment if required.

The referee should check each fighter for excessive use of Vaseline and/or/not only.

In Full Contact, Kickboxing and Oriental Rules matches, before the bout commences, traditional bow should be done. The referee should bow to each fighter and each fighter should return the bow to the referee. Each fighter should then bow to each other.

In Muay Thai matches, Wai Khru Ram Muay and the bow should be done. During the ritual the referee should stay in the neural corner.

Before starting the bout, the referee should call fighters together and give them the final rules instruction and ‘touch gloves’. The fighter may be accompanied by their chief second.

The referee should then send both fighters to their corner and wait for chief second to leave the ring.

The referee should make sure each fighter has a mouthpiece (mouth-guard) in place before the start of each round.

Before each round the referee should get a verbal confirmation from each fighter and their corner that they are ready to start the round.

The referee should check all ringside judges to be ready for the round to commence. The referee should check the timekeeper and physician to be ready, and signals that the round starts.

3. Way of giving commands

The referee should use loud, understandable, firm and concise commands. The commands should be given in English; or in the boxer’s own language if possible.

4. Persons allowed in the ring during the bout

No persons other than the fighters and the referee may be inside the ring during the progress of a round. Judges cannot enter the ring for any reason throughout the bout. The referee may penalize or disqualify any fighter, whose corner personnel or fans break this rule.

5. Authorized offensive techniques

All offensive techniques such as punches, kicks, knees and elbows are authorised, with the exception of those techniques specified as ‘Fouls’. Permitted techniques include those techniques in various Boxing, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai and similar systems of stand up fighting. The various offensive techniques may be executed according to the individual fighter’s style or discipline of fighting of each particular bout.

6. Fouls

Fouls may be classified at the discretion of the referee according to the discipline that each particular bout is competed under, into two categories: 1-point and 2-point fouls, with a limit of two points fouls for either competitor. The referee should base their decision as to the severity of the penalty on the intent of the fighter committing the foul and the result of the foul. At the time of the infraction, the referee should indicate to the judges the number of points that are to be subtracted from each scorecard at the end of the round, or they may simply issue a warning to the fighter, wherein no points is subtracted.

The fouls may include a violation of the rules of the discipline that each particular bout is competed under. The list of general fouls below may not include a prohibited technique of each particular discipline. The Rules of the Bouts must be considered.

General fouls

1. Head butting.

2. Striking or kicking to the groin – low blow.

3. Intentional striking or kickboxing to the back of the head.

4. Linear or straight-in striking or kicking to the spine.

5. Attacking a fighter when they are down. A fighter is considered down when any part of their body other than their feet touches the floor. If a fighter is on their way to the floor their opponent may continue to attack until they have touched the floor; with any part of the body other than the feet.

8. Take downs, other than legal sweeps. Intentionally, pushing, shoving or wrestling an opponent to the canvas or out of the ring with any part of the body.

9. Illegal sweeping.

10. Attacking on the ‘break’ when both fighters have been instructed to take a step back by the referee.

11. Attacking after the bell has sounded to end the round.

12. Holding the ropes with one hand while striking or defending with the other hand or the legs.

13. Leg checking in Full Contact – extending the leg to check an opponent’s leg to prevent them from kicking. (The fighter’s kick which was checked, will be counted by the judge as an attempted kick).

14. Purposely going down without being hit, which will result in referee automatically administering an 8-count.

15. The use of abusive language in the ring or corner, as determined by the referee.

16. Hitting or flicking with an open glove or thumb, or striking with the inside, or bottom of the glove.

17. Intentionally evading contact (avoiding the bout).

18. Intentionally delaying the contest through improper equipment, seconds remaining in the ring after the start of the round, beginning a round without a mouthpiece or by intentionally dropping or spitting out the mouthpiece, and/or/ not only.

Note: A fighter who uses a technique that is considered as a foul, and is deemed malicious (with the intent of causing injury to his opponent and beyond the scope reasonably expected in a sport competition), may be a subject to a responsibility on the medical as well as related recovery and recuperation expenses of the fighter who is injured as a result of such a fouling technique.

If a fighter is injured from a fouling technique and is though allowed to continue the bout by a decision of physician, but, if the bout is stopped later due to further damage to the injury, the scorecards should be consulted. If the fighter, who did the fouling, is ahead, a technical draw should be awarded. If the fighter, who was fouled is ahead, they should be awarded the win of the bout by technical decision.

7. Scoring the fouls

When the referee determines that a foul has been committed, though the fight continues, the judges should automatically deduct the appropriate number of points on each scorecard.

When both fighters commit fouls, the appropriate points should be deducted on each scorecard for each fighter. In the event that a fighter commits two two-point fouls in one round, or commits the same foul two or more times during the course of the bout, the referee may disqualify the fighter. The referee may also let the fight continue if they feel that no malicious intent was involved, and instruct the judges to deduct the appropriate points for each foul. No fighter can be scored less than zero in a round.

8. Fouling, stopping the bout

If the referee determines that the fouled fighter needs time to recover, they may stop the bout (and the time) and give the injured fighter a reasonable amount of time to recover, up to a maximum of five (5) minutes under normal circumstances. At the end of this reasonable rest period the referee and physician should determine if the fouled fighter can continue the bout. If they can, the time in that round should be resumed, and the bout continues.

The scoring of the foul is based on the following determination by referee.

a) If the referee determines that the foul was obviously committed by one of the fighters, and that the fouled fighter did not contribute to the injury (by ducking into a knee, moving into an oncoming forehead etc.) The referee should instruct the judges to deduct the appropriate number of points from the scorecards of the fighter committing the foul.

b) If the referee determines that the injured fighter was responsible for their own injury, the referee will not penalize their opponent in any manner. In this case, if the referee or physician determine that the injured fighter is unable to continue, they will lose by technical knockout.

c) If the referee determines that there was no fault attributable to either fighter (that the injury was caused by both fighters e.g. accident), the referee will allow the injured fighter time to recover, but will not penalize either fighter. If, at the end of the recovery period, the referee or physician determine that the fouled fighter cannot continue, the scores should be added prior to that round and the bout awarded to the fighter leading at that time. This foul is referred to as a ‘no fault’ foul and the decision is a ‘technical decision’. If the ‘no fault’ foul occurs in the first round of any fight the referee will declare a technical draw. An amateur bout must last at least one full round, a non-world title professional bout must last at least two full rounds, and a professional world title bout must last at least three full rounds for a ‘technical decision’ to be awarded. Otherwise, a ‘technical draw’ is awarded.

d) Blind fouls – If an injury occurs due to a suspected foul, that the referee was unable to see (blind foul), the referee may confide with the judges and WKN representative to determine were the fault may be placed. They may consider any, all, or none of the opinions expressed by these officials in making determination. In World title bouts that are televised live, the referee may ask for a replay of the technique in question before rendering their decision. At the ringside, the decision of the referee may be overseen and overruled only by WKN representative, or a supervisor in attendance, and then, only in the instance of a clear error or misapplication of the rules.

9. Sweeping

In Full Contact matches, sweeps must be executed with the arch of the foot and delivered to the outside part of the leg, and only to the lower portion of the calf or ankle. The sweeping technique must be an obvious attempt to unbalance the opponent’s front leg, and must clearly not be an attempt to injure the leg. Sweeps will be permitted to the inside part of the leg, front part of the leg, or to the rear leg only in matches fought under Kickboxing, Oriental or Muay Thai rules.

It is the fighter’s choice whether or not to follow-up their legal sweeping attempt. Follow-up techniques must land on the opponent prior to any part of their body touching the floor (other than their feet). As always, striking a downed opponent is illegal. A successful sweep is not considered a knockdown.

10. Minimum kicking requirement – MKR Rules

In all Full Contact bouts, each fighter must deliver at least eight legal kicks per round. Legal kicks are considered those that are attempts to land hard on a target area of the opponent’s body, with the intent to do damage or any legitimate attempt to kick the head.

A. The kicking judges determining as to which kicks will be counted, may be overseen and overruled only by WKN representative, or a supervisor in attendance, and only in the instance of a clear error or misapplication of the rules.

B. For each kick less than eight thrown by a fighter, a half point penalty will be assessed. This penalty will be subtracted by the judges from each scorecard if a fighter does not fulfill their MKR in any two rounds of a bout three, four, five or six rounds in length; or any three rounds of a bout seven, eight, nine, ten or eleven rounds in length or any four rounds of a twelve round World title bout, they will immediately be disqualified.

C. The disqualification rule for missing kicks in multiple rounds may be waived by WKN representative or supervisor in attendance., for good cause.

If both fighters should simultaneously fail to meet their MKR as described above, the bout would be stopped and declared a technical draw.

For each standing eight-count, or mandatory eight-count, in any given round, the MKR will be reduced for both fighters by one kick. For example if a round has one knockdown, the minimum kick requirement would be 7 for that round. Each judge will drop a card for each fighter during the standing or mandatory eight-count, to compensate for this MKR reduction.

In all matches fought under Kickboxing, Oriental and Muay Thai Rules, there will be no minimum kicking requirement.

11. Intentional evasion of contest

A fighter intentionally avoiding physical contact with their opponent will receive a warning from the referee. It a fighter continues to do so after receiving a warning during that round, they may be penalised by the referee. If the fighter continues to do so either in the same round or in any round, the referee may award more penalties, or stop the bout and declare a technical knockout.

12. The power to stop the contest

Either the referee, physician, WKN Representative or supervisor in attendance, shall have the power to stop the contest. The referee and physician shall have the power to stop a bout at any stage during the bout, including the rest periods, if they consider it too one-sided, or that either fighter is in such condition that to continue might be subject for them to be seriously injured.

In either case, the referee and physician shall have the power to render a decision. Should both fighters be in such condition that to continue might subject for them to serious injury; the referee will declare the match a technical draw.

In cases where a fighter receives a cut from a fair blow or an accidental foul, or any other injury which the referee believes may incapacitate the fighter, the referee may call the attending physician into the ring for examination of the fighter before they decide to stop the bout. Time will be called during the examination. The ringside physician shall have the power to enter the ring, whether or not the referee summons him, to ascertain the extent of any injury they believe may have occurred, or any serious injury they believe may have been suffered by a fighter. The physician shall express their desire to enter the ring, by instructing WKN representative to have the bell rung. The ringing of a bell, thus ordered mid-round, shall signal the referee to temporarily stop the bout for an examination. Time will be stopped during the examination.

Either the referee or physician shall have the power to stop the bout, but should the physician request termination for medical reasons, the referee will automatically stop the bout. The referee shall have the sole power to render the decision in the event of termination.

13. Mouthpieces

No fighter will be permitted to begin any round without a mouthpiece. Failure to begin a round with the mouthpiece inserted shall be deemed by the referee to be “delay of bout” foul, and shall draw a warning or penalisation as determined by the referee. In either professional or amateur bouts whenever the mouthpiece is knocked out by a fair blow or a foul tactic or however the mouthpiece is dropped or spit out by the fighter, the referee shall stop the bout, call time out, and replace the mouthpiece, allowing the fighters’ seconds to clean off the mouthpiece if necessary. Willful dropping, or spitting out of the mouthpiece by a fighter, shall also be deemed as a “delay of bout” foul, and the fighter shall be penalised accordingly by the referee.

In both amateur and professional bouts, the mouthpiece is replaced whenever it is lost for any reason. All fighters must bring two mouthpieces to the ringside for use during their match.

14. Procedure for failure to compete

In any case where the referee decides that either of the fighters (or both) is not honestly competing, e.g. that a knockout is a “Dive”, or a foul is actually prearranged, they will nor finish the eight-count, nor disqualify a fighter for fouling, nor render a decision – they will stop the fight and declare it ended, not later than before the end of the last round. The ring announcer shall inform the audience that a “no decision” is applied. The purses of both fighters will be held pending upon investigation concludes.

The WKN representative will have the final authority in making a decision on the match.

15. Failure to resume bout

No fighter shall leave the ring during the one-minute rest period between rounds. Should a fighter not come out of his corner when the bell sounds at the commencement of a round, the referee will begin counting as though the fighter were knocked down, and the judges will consider the situation as an actual knockdown when scoring the round. At the conclusion of the count, should the fighter fail or refuse to resume fighting, the referee will award a technical knockout to their opponent, unless the circumstances indicate to the referee the need for an investigation or disciplinary action, in which event the referee will not make a decision on the “fight result”. The purses of both fighters will be held pending upon investigation concludes.

16. Wiping hand pads

Before a fallen fighter resumes fighting after having been knocked down, or having slipped or fallen to the canvas, the referee will wipe this fighter’s gloves free of any dirt or moisture.

17. Method of counting over a fighter who is down

When a fighter is knocked down, the referee will open the count announcing “one”, and then send the standing fighter to the furthest neutral corner of the ring, pointing to that corner. The timekeeper will immediately begin holding up fingers to determine how many seconds have passed. The referee will look to the timekeeper to pick up the count. He will audibly announce the passing of the seconds, and continue the count holding up fingers in front of the fighter who was knocked down.

If a fighter is knocked down, the referee will begin a mandatory eight count. If the fighter then appears able to continue, he will allow the bout to resume.

The referee’s count is the only official count.

The referee shall not count past eight if a fighter has risen to his feet, raised his hands up in fight stance.

The bell, even in the last round, may not save a fighter. However, if the bell sounds, ending a round before a fighter begins to fall, the fighter will be allowed to return to his corner, being helped, if necessary, by only one of his seconds.

Should the opponent fail to stay in the furthest neutral corner, the referee will cease counting until they have returned to it, and then resume the count at the point from which it was interrupted.

If the fighter does not rise before the count of ten, they will be declared knocked out and the bout will be awarded to their opponent.

If, in the referee’s opinion, the downed fighter will not be able to rise by the count of ten, and they believe the fighter requires more immediate attention, they may signal the end of the bout before the count of ten by waving their arms and immediately summoning the physician, fighter’s corner personnel to attend the down fighter.

A fighter will be declared knocked down if any portion of their body, other than their feet, touch the floor. A fighter will not be declared knocked down if they are pushed or accidentally slips to the floor. The decision as to whether a fighter has been pushed or slipped to the floor, rather than being knocked down, will be made by the referee.

If the fighter taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of ten, the referee will wave both arms to indicate that they as been knocked out, and will signal that the opponent is the winner.

A round’s ending before the referee reaches the count of ten, will have no bearing of the count; there is no saving by the bell. In all bouts, the fallen fighter must rise before the count of ten to avoid being knocked out.

The referee may determine during the rest period between rounds, that a fighter is unable to continue the bout safely and is thus the loser of the bout by technical knockout.

The referee may request the physician to examine a fighter during the bout. Should the examination occur during the course of a round, the clock shall be stopped until the examination is completed.

If both fighters go down simultaneously, counting will be continued as long as one of them is down. If both fighters remain down until the count of ten, the bout will be stopped, and the decision will be a technical draw. If one fighter rises before the count of ten, and the other fighter remains down, the first fighter to rise shall be declared the winner by knockout. If both fighters rise before the count of ten, the round will continue.

18. Resuming count

Should a fighter who is knocked down rise before the count of ten is reached, and go down immediately without being struck, the referee shall resume the count where it was left off. If the fighter is standing for more than two seconds, or is in some way touched by his opponent before going down, the referee will begin a new count.

19. Counting for knockdowns

As soon as a fighter has been knocked down, the timekeeper begins calling the count (from one to ten while the referee directs the opponent to the farthest neutral corner. When the referee has fished directing the standing fighter, he returns to the fallen fighter and counts over him, picking up the count from the timekeeper. In other words, if the timekeeper has reached the count of four by the time the referee returns to the fallen fighter, the referee begins counting with the number “five”. The referee continues to check the timekeeper’s signal to make sure their (the referee’s) timing of the count is correct.

20. Standing count

In all amateur and professional bouts, the referee may administer a standing eight-count to a fighter who is in trouble, but who is still standing. He shall direct the opponent to a neutral corner, then begin counting from one to eight, visually examining the fighter in trouble during counting. If, after completing the eight-count, the referee determines the fighter is able to continue, the fight will be resumed. If the referee determines the fighter is not able to continue, the fight will be stopped and the opponent will be declared as the winner by technical knockout.

21. When a fighter falls from the ring during a round

When a fighter has been wrestled, pushed, or has fallen over or through the ropes during a bout, the referee will call time out. If the fallen fighter’s ability to return to the ring seems at all questionable, the referee may ask the physician to examine the fighter. If, in the opinion of physician and referee, the fallen fighter is able to continue the bout, they will be allowed assistance back into the ring. The chief corner will do no more than assist the fallen fighter, and if found performing any other task such as trying to stop a bleeding etc., the referee will immediately penalise or disqualify the fallen fighter.

A fighter who deliberately wrestles, pushes, or throws an opponent from the ring, or who hits them when they are partly out of the ring and prevented by the ropes from assuming a position of defence, will be penalised by the referee. If the tactic results in injury, the guilty fighter may be disqualified according to the appropriate ruling under Fouls.

When a fighter intentionally falls through the ropes, or was knocked from the ring by a fair blow (that is to say not wrestled, pushed, or otherwise shoved through the ropes by their opponent), the referee will begin counting the fallen fighter as though they have been knocked out in the ring. The fighter’s seconds, in this instance, will not be allowed to assist the fighter back into the ring.

Once standing on the ring platform outside the ropes, the fighter must enter the ring immediately, where they may either resume the bout, or the referee may finish the count. When the fighter has fallen over or through the ropes, the other fight shall stay in the farthest neutral corner until instructed to continue the bout by the referee.

22. Three knockdown rule

The referee will in all circumstances have the authority to stop a contest or allow it to continue, regardless of the number of knockdowns or standing eight counts not being more than three.

Section VI: Physical examination and safety regulations

1. Physical examination and fees

The attending physician must be provided with a suitable place or room to make examination of each competitor. His fees shall include temporary or emergency treatment to any injured. The fees for such examination will be borne by the promoter. The physician, to be retained, must have been the recipient of an M.D or D.O. degree, or recognised international equivalent.

2. Time and Examination

The attending physician will give a thorough physical and eye examination to each fighter at the time of weigh-in.

3. Examination ordered

Fighter who has been signed to a contract for a fight at any event may be ordered by to appear at any time to be weighed-in or to be examined by a physician.

Any fighter who participates in a WKN sanctioned event, may be required to submit to a pre-fight or post-fight blood and/or urine examination for foreign substances. Any fighter who refuses to submit to the examination will be immediately suspended, and will be subject to disciplinary action and penalties as provided in contractual agreements.

4. Rejections and reports

Should any fighter examined prove unfit for competition, the fighter must be rejected, and an immediate report of the fact made to the promoter and WKN representative. One hour before the start of the event, the physician will advise WKN representative in writing that the fighters are in good physical condition.

5. Reports of illness

Whenever a fighter, because of injury or illness, is unable to take part in a bout for which he is under contract, this fighter or their manager must immediately report the fact to WKN. The fighter will then submit to an examination by a physician. The examination fee of the physician is to be paid by the fighter, or the promoter, if the latter requests an examination.

6. Continuous presence of physician and emergency mobile UT

At least one licensed physician, possessing an MD or equivalent degree, and one standby emergency mobile must be in attendance at all WKN sanctioned events. The mobile must include a full range of resuscitation equipment and accessories and be parked inside or adjacent to an entrance of the building hosting the event. The physician must sit at immediate ringside throughout the duration of the bouts. A stretcher and oxygen tank, and containers of “instant ice”, must be readily available at ringside.

No bout will be allowed to proceed unless the physician is present ringside. The physician will not leave until after the decision in the final bout. The physician will be prepared to assist if any serious emergency arises, and will render temporary or emergency treatments for cuts or minor injuries sustained by the fighters.

Under no circumstances are the fighters seconds permitted to enter the ring, or to attend to a fighter in any manner whatsoever, during the course of a round. The ringside physician cannot attend to an injured fighter during the course of a fight, but can only render a professional opinion as to whether or not an injured fighter can resume the bout.

7. Report of injury

All attending physicians must report all cases in which the fighters have been injured during a bout, or have applied for medical aid after an event. If a fighter has suffered a knockout, or any other severe injuries, whether in or out of the ring, and whether or not connected with kickboxing, or has on such account been treated by their personal physician, or has been hospitalised, the fighter and their manager must promptly submit to WKN a full report from such physician or hospital.

8. Fighters knocked out

Fighters who have been knocked out will be kept lying down until they have recovered. When a fighter is knocked out, no one will touch the fighter except the referee or chief second, who will remove the fighter’s mouthpiece, until the ringside physician enters the ring and personally attends the fallen fighter and issues such instructions as they (physician) see fit to the fighter’s handlers.

If a fighter suffers an injury, has been knocked out, or has participated in an unusually pushing bout, or if a technical knockout decision has been rendered against them by the referee, such fighter will be placed on the ill and unavailable list. A fighter, who loses by knockout will be suspended from competition. A fighter, who loses by technical knockout may be also suspended. The fighter must be examined by a physician in order to be given medical permission (clearance) to return to competition.

9. Suspension for disability

Any fighter rejected (not cleared to compete) by an examining physician will be suspended until it is shown that this fighter is fit for further competition. Any fighter suspended for 30 days for their medical protection (health and safety), or suspended after a hard fight will take the same examination as required for the physical and mental eligibility to return to competition. The physician may require any other procedures in order to determine the current condition of a fighter.

10. Time between bouts

If a fighter has competed in a bout lasting one full round or more, this fighter will not be allowed to compete again until one full week has elapsed.

In case of a “one-night tournament” consisting of four or eight participants competing two or three times during one evening in order to win such tournament an examination by physician and clearance must be provided before and after each bout and is subject to approval by WKN representative and/or local sports regulating authority (Commission).

11. Use of prohibited substances, drugs

Any use by a fighter of any of prohibited substances and/or drugs will result in disqualification, fines and suspension.

Section VII: Ringside officials, personnel and duties

1. Ringside officials

A referee, three judges, one timekeeper, WKN representative and a physician must present during the bout. The kicking judges may be required for Full Contact. All officials must be qualified and registered. The WKN will appoint to each event the official WKN representative, who will be responsible for the assignment of the referee and the judges. The WKN representative will work with the promoter in the assignment of the other ringside officials, but the final authority for the selection and appointment of all ringside officials will rest with WKN. If the event falls within the jurisdiction of local sports regulating authority (Commission), and its regulations require any alteration, the decision will be by WKN representative with the respect of such regulations.

2. Countries, States (Territories) governed by local sports regulating authority (Commission)

In those territories where the sport is regulated by Commission, the Commission will usually supply an on-site inspector (Commissioner), who will assist the promoter in the operation of the event. In these cases, WKN representative will work closely with the inspector in the performance of their duties.

3. Timekeeper’s equipment

The promoter will provide all necessary sounding and recording equipment to the timekeeper. In those territories regulated by Commission, a second timekeeper may be supplied by the Commission, in which case, they will bring their own equipment.

4. Timekeeper’s duties

The timekeeper will give the appropriate signal for the starting and ending of each round. The timekeeper will keep the time during each round, starting and stopping the official clock, for time-outs designated by the referee. The timekeeper will keep the time during the rest period for each round according to the fight schedule. Ten seconds before the beginning of each round, the timekeeper will give warning to the seconds (cornermen) of the fighters by suitable signal.

5. Kicking judges duties

For Full Contact matches, there will be two kicking judges positioned at ringside, whose responsibility is to determine the legality of the kicks executed by the fighters, and to keep count of the number of kicks determine to be legal. The kicking judge assigned to fighter A, will sit opposite fighter A’s corner, and the kicking judge assigned to fighter B, will sit opposite fighter B’s corner.

Both kicking judges will keep track of the number of kicks executed by their assigned fighters with hand held cards containing 8 flip cards numbered 1,2,3,4, through to 8. When the first legal kick is thrown, the kicking judge will drop a card to show the number 7. As each subsequent legal kick is thrown, the kicking judge will hold up the appropriate number until all 8 kicks have been thrown. At that time, the kicking judge will continue to count the kicks, and will write down the number of kicks thrown by his assigned fighter during the round on the kicking judges tally sheet to be picked up as soon as the bout is over.

A knockdown or standing eight count will be counted as a kick for both fighters. If a fighter executes less than the minimum number of required legal kicks in any one round, the kicking judge will immediately notify the referee of the number of kicks thrown. The referee will in turn notify the judges, who will record the appropriate penalty. Violations of the minimum kick requirement will not be announced to the audience, unless directed by WKN representative.

The promoter of the event shall supply all flip cards for the kicking judges.

6. Method of scoring for judges

The three scoring judges of a bout will select a winner of each round at the end of each round, marking their scorecards accordingly. These scorecards will be collected by the referee, and tabulated at the end of each round by WKN representative (supervisor). Once the respective judges have marked their scorecards, no changes of these scorecards will be allowed except at direction of WKN representative. Judges score all rounds by recording a score of ten points for the winner of each round, and a score of not less than eight points for the loser of each round, according to the following qualifications:

10.10 indicates and even round. Neither fighter distinguished himself as being a more effective fighter than the other. In addition, the fighters appeared equal in the other areas that may be used to break an even round, such as opponent control, ring strategy, and overall conditioning and abilities.

10.9 Indicates one fighter distinguished himself as the more effective fighter during the round, as described above. This score is used often, and indicates an obvious margin between the fighters.

10.8 indicates a round in which one fighter was in constant control, and unquestionably outclassed his opponent. This fighter must also have obviously stunned his opponent. Usually including at least one knockdown or one standing eight count, or a cut (s).

10.7 Indicates more than one standing eight count.

Conclusion to the match

Points shall be totaled on each particular scorecard to determine each judge’s selection of a winner. Each judge’s selection will count as one vote towards determining the overall winner of the bout.

If a judge’s scorecard, when totaled, reflects an equal number of points for both fighters, that judge will have voted for a draw. If two judges have an equal number of points for both fighters, the bout will be declared a draw. If one judge has an equal number of points for both fighters and the other judges’ scores each favor a different fighter, the match shall be declared a draw. If two judges’ scores favor one fighter, and the other judge votes for a draw, the fighter receiving two votes shall be declared the winner by majority decision. If all three judges’ scores favor one fighter, that fighter will be declared the winner by unanimous decision. If one judge votes for a fighter, and the other two judges vote for the other fighter, the fighter receiving the two votes shall be declared the winner by split decision.

In all title bouts for a vacant title – there will be no draws. At all such title matches, a tiebreak card will have been distributed to all three judges prior to the start of the match. All judges will indicate a winner on the tie-breaker card based upon their overall perception of the match from start to fish (rather than round by round). The tie-breaker card will be collected along with the scorecards for the final round. These tiebreaker cards will only be used to break a tie. Where a judge’s score already determines their vote, their tiebreaker card will be ignored.

Should it be necessary to substitute a judge during a match due to sickness, the scores will stand for the rounds already completed. A substitute judge, appointed by WKN representative, will score the remaining rounds of the match. Should a tiebreaker card be required, WKN representative will make the tie breaking vote on the basis of their perception of the match as a whole.

This vote will only be used when the score of the substituted judge turns out to be a draw.

7. Scorekeeper’s duties

At the end of each round, the scorekeeper will take the scorecards from the assistant scorekeeper or the WKN Supervisor who will have collected them from the three scoring judges, and will take the number of kicks from the two kicking judges cards, and then he will tabulate the results onto his master score card.

The scorekeeper shall tally all foul points having been instructed by the referee at the end of each round as to the amount of penalty points, deducting these appropriately from each judges score under the ten-point scoring system, and entering the results on the master scorecard. If the match should end in a knockout or a technical knockout, the scorekeeper shall enter the exact time of the KO/TKO on the master scorecard.

At that time, the scorekeeper shall make the final tallies and deliver the totals to the WKN Supervisor, who will verify the accuracy of the scores. Where appropriate he will check the tiebreaker ballots. The Representative will then report the results of the bout to the referee and the announcer, making sure the scorekeeper has also tallied MKR score sheets showing the total legal kicks executed by each fighter in Full Contact matches.

8. ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS

After the WKN SUPERVISOR has completed verifying the accuracy of the final scores of each bout, the Supervisor will give the ring announcer the results on “Announcer’s Final Result Sheet”. The announcer shall then, inform the audience of the decision over the public address system. The referee will indicate the winner as the announcer gives the winner’s name.

In the event of a draw, the announcer and the referee will make appropriate designation. In the event of a knockout, a technical knockout, disqualification or forfeit, the announcer and referee will officially designate the winner and give the time at which the bout was stopped. In the event of a technical draw, the announcer will give the time at which the bout was stopped and will detail for the audience the nature of the decision.

9. CHANGE OF DECISION

A decision rendered at the termination of any bout is final, and cannot be changed unless the WKN Representative at the event, or subsequently the WKN Supervisor determines that any one of the following occurred:

a There was collusion affecting the results of any bout.

b. The compilation of the score card of the judges shows an error which

would indicate that the official decision had been given to the wrong fighter.

c. There was a clear violation of the rules or regulation governing WKN –

bouts which affected the result of any bout.

If the WKN Supervisor determines that any of the above occurred with regard to any bout, then the decision rendered shall be changed as the WKN Supervisor may direct.

d. In the event that there would be a scoring error (bad count on the part of the coordinator or supervisor) officially proven by the commission of attribution of titles in an official count and that one of the fighter is unfairly given loser or winner, the office can exceptionally name two champions in the category. However, the two parties must agree within six months for an official rematch. If however no rematch is established the world rules apply and after 6 months the title is automatically promoted vacant.

10. PROTESTS

All protests over the decision of a match shall be verbally registered only by the protesting fighter and/or his trainer to the WKN Representative prior to the end of the event, who will note the nature of the protest in his Representative’s report. All protests must be received at the appropriate WKN office, in writing and accompanied by all pertinent evidence (videotapes, affidavits, etc.), no later than 10 days following the bout in question.

All decisions by the WKN Supervisor are final.

All parties should recognise that the WKN has NO authority over local athletic commissions and cannot change their rules. The standard for review is “clear” evidence, which would justify a change of decision, or “clear” circumstances, which in the best interest of the sport, would justify a change in decision.

Appendix I: Title defense policy

ARTICLE I -TITLES, IN GENERAL

Section 1 Types of Titles

A. Each of the weight divisions authorised by the WKN World Office shall have the following title positions in all disciplines

(1) One world champion;

(2) One intercontinental champion;

(3) Multiple international champions;

(4) One continental champion for each active continent (champion and challengers must reside on the corresponding continent)

(5) One national champion for each active nation (champion and challengers must reside in the corresponding nation);

(6) One regional champion for each active region (champion and challengers must reside or primarily fight in the corresponding region);

(7) One state or provincial champion for each active state or province (champion and challengers must reside or primarily fight in the corresponding state or province).

B. All WKN Titles are exclusively and solely the property of the WKN, and as such are subject to alteration in name, weight limits, or otherwise- and may be granted to, or removed from, fighters at any time at the sole discretion of the WKN. Neither a champion, nor directors, nor any other entity other than the WKN itself may claim express or implied property rights in any WKN title.

Section 2 Regulation of Titles

A. Regulatory authority over WKN titles shall be as follows

(1 ) The Executive Committee of the WKN World Office, through the office of the President, shall have regulatory authority over all world, Intercontinental and continental titles.

(2) The WKN Continental Directors shall have regulatory authority over all continental titles.

(3) The WKN national Directors shall have regulatory authority over all national, regional, and state titles. National directors may delegate the authority over regional belts to Regional Directors, and the authority over state or provincial titles to state or Provincial Directors.

B. The regulatory powers enunciated in A(1-3) above shall include the authority to:

(1) Grant approval for the matchmaking of title fights

(2) Determine priority status of contenders for titles

(3) Determine validity of offers made by Promoters to the Champion and Challengers;

(4) Enforce the provisions of the applicable WKN title defence policy, including authority to strip Champions of their belts (requires concurrence of next higher WKN office) and/or to suspend from activity both champions and challengers;

(5) Determine under what circumstances and to what extent a waiver of any provisions of the applicable WKN Title Defence Policy shall be extended to a champion or challenger

(6) Draft an official WKN title defence policy, if the title is that of continental title or below (until such time as such title defence policy is drafted, the analogous portions of this title defence policy shall control over the title in question, with such deviations as the director shall see fit to impose).

C. The actions of all WKN Directors shall be subordinate to those of the WKN Executive Committee, which may review, alter, or overrule such actions. A Champion or Contender may appeal the action of any WKN director to the next higher WKN office, whose Director shall either affirm or reverse the decision, or certify the matter to the next higher WKN Office. To be considered, such appeal by a champion or contender must be in writing and accompanied by any other evidence the appellant wishes to have considered, must be postmarked within 10 days after the appellant is made aware of the decision; and must be accompanied by the appropriate non-refundable filing fee.

Section 3 Champion May Not Hold Two Titles

A. No champion may hold more than one title at a time under the same rules. The lesser title held will be considered vacant upon the expiration of the following 24-hour period.

B. A champion acquiring a second title in a different weight class, whether an equal, greater, or lesser title, shall have five (5) days in which to decide which title he will hold. If he does not decide within this time limit, and clearly communicate this to the appropriate regulatory office, the WKN Director with authority shall make the choice based on the preference of the WKN.

ARTICLE ll RATINGS AND CHALLENGER PRIORITY

Section 1- Updating Ratings

A. Once each sixty days, at a time to be determined by the World Council Executive Committee, each National Director shall submit an updated ratings list to the WKN Headquarters. The ratings list shall clearly list who the national champions are in each division, the top contenders for each national title, and the fighters to be listed in The Honourable Mention category of each division. All names shall include first

names and surnames, and shall list the city in which the fighter resides.

B. At the request of the World Council Executive Committee, the continental offices shall collect these national ratings and compose continental ratings, meeting the above criteria, which shall then be forwarded to the World Council Western Headquarters by the required date.

C. The World Council Executive Committee may require such other ratings, by geographic location, as it may deem necessary.

D. The national directors may require of the WKN regional, state, and provincial directors such information as is necessary to properly compose the national ratings. The National Directors may also require that the Regional, State, and Provincial Directors under their jurisdiction maintain ratings for their areas that meet the same qualifications as the national ratings.

E. The World Council Executive Committee shall be responsible for compiling and publishing the World Ratings, at intervals no greater than sixty days.

Section 2 Inclusion in Ratings

A. The decision as to which fighters will be included in the WKN ratings will rest with the director responsible for compiling those ratings, subject to the approval of the higher WKN offices.

B. Any fighter may be excluded from any WKN ratings or placed lower ranking, for reasons including but not limited to:

(1) Inactivity;

(2) Suspension from activity

(3) Excessive or severe losses

(4) Refusal to accept valid offers

(5) Participation in non-WKN-sanctioned fights

(6) Indication that a contender is not seriously pursuing an offer to fight for a title;

(7) Indications that it is not in the best interest of the WKN to include the fighter in the WKN ratings;

(8) Inability to compete due to injury or disability:

(9) Lack of competitive skill.

The decision as to whether any of these reasons, or any others, are present, rests with the WKN Director responsible for the compilation of the applicable ratings. Suspension from any set of WKN ratings will result in the fighter suspension from all WKN ratings.

C. A fighter who competes in a non-WKN sanctioned fight risks any or all

of the following:

(1) A lowering of his priority as a contender for title fight opportunities

(2) A lowering of his ranking in the WKN ratings;

(3) Suspension from the WKN ratings;

(4) Loss of WKN title. The decision as to whether any or all of these penalties should be invoked shall rest with the Director responsible for the ratings in which the tighter appears, subject to approval of the next-higher WKN office. D. A fighter may not be rated in two weight divisions simultaneously

Section 3 Priority of Challengers for titles

A. “Challenger priority” as herein used, refers to the order in which contenders must be approached by matchmakers and made valid offers for the challenger position in a particular title fight.

B. Challenger priority, subject to any exceptions listed in this policy, will be determined by the contender ranking of the most recent WKN ratings applicable to that title, therefore, challenger priority for a world or international title will be determined by the order of contenders in that division in the world ratings. Challenger priority for a Continental title will follow the contender order for that division in the applicable continental ratings (or world ratings if continental ratings are not produced in that jurisdiction). National title priority will follow the national ratings. Regional, state, or provincial title priority will follow the corresponding ratings; or, if such ratings are not produced, by the appropriate national ratings.

C. It the champion is obligated to a mandatory defence (see Article lll, Section 1), and the mandatory challenger is unavailable or declines a valid offer, priority will be held by the top five contenders in that division, who must be approached in order of number. If these contenders are all unavailable or otherwise decline valid offers, priority will shift to the remainder of the numbered contenders listed in that division, who may be approached in any order. The top five contenders in the weight divisions immediately above will hold equal priority at this point and below the title division and these contenders may be approached in any order. If these contenders are all unavailable or all decline valid offers, the matchmaker may now approach any fighter who is listed in any honourable mention category, provided the fighter can make the required weight, and is approved in advance of the offer by the WKN Director with regulatory authority over those ratings and that title.

D. If the champion is not obligated to a mandatory defence, priority shall be held first by the contenders in that division and the divisions immediately adjacent who may be approached in any order; and next by fighters listed in the honourable mention category of any division, provided the fighter can make the required weight, and is approved in advance of the offer by the WKN Director with regulatory authority over those ratings and that title.

Section 4 Valid Offers, Challengers Guidelines

A. For the purposes of this title defence policy, a valid offer for a challenger is judged on individual merit and situation, in relation to geography, status and event size.

Section 5 Vacant Titles

A. If a title is declared vacant for any reason, challenger priority to fill the belt will go to the top five contenders of the division, who must be approached in order, with valid offers equal to the provisions of Article ll Section 4.

B. If these contenders are all unavailable or decline valid offers, the remaining numbered contenders in that division, who may be approached in any order, will hold priority. The top five numbered contenders in the adjoing divisions, who may be also approached in any order, will hold equal priority. The WKN Director with regulatory authority over the title must approve any contender in these categories, prior to the offer being made by the matchmaker,

C. Fighters listed in the honourable mention categories will not normally be approved to fight for vacant titles.

Section 6 Title Fights Between Equal Champions

A world, intercontinental, continental, or national champion may fight another champion from a different division with an equal title only with the express special permission of the WKN Director with regulatory authority over that title. If granted, the WKN will specify what special procedures will govern the fight, what weight will be mandatory for each fighter, what officials will be used, and all other aspects which the WKN determines should be different from normal procedures.

ARTICLE lll OBLIGATIONS OF CHAMPIONS

Section 1 Mandatory and Non-Mandatory Defences

A. The WKN may, at any time, require that a champions next fight be a mandatory defence. If such is the case, the champions next fight must be a title defence, and the challenger shall be a mandatory challenger as chosen by the WKN Normally this mandatory challenger will be the number one contender in the champions division. If the mandatory challenger proves unavailable or declines a valid challengers offer (see Article ll, Section 4), the matchmaker may secure a challenger according to the formula listed in Article ll, Section 3(C).

B. If the WKN does not require a mandatory defence, the champion may fight any challenger qualifying under the formula listed in Article ll, Section 3(D): or a non-title fight if approved by the WKN pursuant to subsection D of this section

C. World Champions shall have at least one mandatory defence per year, but under normal circumstances not more than two will be required. Intercontinental, Continental, and National Champions shall have at least two mandatory defences per year, but under normal circumstances not more than three will be required. Titles lesser than national titles shall have mandatory defences at the discretion of the WKN director with regulatory authority over the title, subject to the approval of the next higher WKN Office.

World, Intercontinental, or Continental champion, who has not defended WKN title during the previous six (6) months shall be declared an inactive champion. The title becomes vacant.

Continental, National, Regional, State and Provincial champions shall also be declared inactive and the title becomes vacant if they have not defended their titles during six (6) months.

An inactive champion who is successful in a mandatory defense will regain active status.

E. (1) Champions may fight in non-title fights only with the express approval of the WKN with regulatory authority over that title. Such non-title fights, if approved, may not be against a numbered contender in the champion’s division, or a top-five contender in an adjoining division. If the champion in question is a world champion, the non-title bout must be at least eight rounds in length.

(2) A loss by a champion in a non-title fight shall result in his next fight being a mandatory defence, regardless of the number of mandatory defences the champion has had during the preceding year; and the fighter to whom he loses may be declared the mandatory challenger for this next mandatory defence.

Section 2 Valid Offers, Champions

1. For the purposes of this title defence policy, a valid offer for a champion is judged on individual merit and situation, in relation to geography, status and event size.

Section 3 Loss of Title

A. A champion may be declared by the WKN to have forfeited his title upon the occurrence of one or more of the following:

(1) The champion being placed on inactive status by the WKN –

(2) The champion being suspended from activity by the WKN or a governmental agency or athletic commission

(3) Refusal by the champion to accept a valid offer or participate in a mandatory defence (4) indicators that the champion is discouraging promoters from making valid offers, or otherwise attempting to avoid mandatory defences, or defences against a particular challenger;

(5) Participation by the champion in a non-WKN sanctioned fight, or a sanctioned fight that he has not received WKN permission to participate;

(6) An injury which may preclude the champion from defending his title for a period of three months or more, or a recurring injury or injuries which may interfere with the champion making regular, timely defences.

(7) Conduct or performance unbecoming an WKN champion

(8) The champion entering into or the pre-existence of, a contracted obligation which may interfere with the champion making title defences in the manner anticipated and enforced by this WKN Title Defence Policy, including but not limited to, regular, timely defences mandatory defences against WKN specified challengers, the acceptance of valid offers; the ability and willingness to fight for any promoter who meets WKN qualifications;

(9) Indications that it is not in the best interest of the WKN for the champion to continue to hold an WKN title (or the particular title the champion holds);

(10) A loss by the champion in a bout scheduled for the same number of rounds as a title defence, but in which the champions WKN title is not at risk.

B. A champion forfeits any title he may hold when he changes weight classes in the WKN ratings.

C. A champion who is injured or declared disabled, after contracting for a title defence, and is unable to meet his contracted commitment, will forfeit his title, and the scheduled title bout will continue with two challengers, as specified by the WKN, fighting for the vacant title, so long as:

the promoter wishes to continue on with the event after becoming aware of the injury or disability

(2) the injury or disability occurs within 30 days of the scheduled title defence if the champion is tenured; or 45 days if he is non-tenured;

(3) Appropriate contenders can be contracted in a timely fashion to fight for the title if vacated.

If a title is declared vacant under this rule, the contenders fighting for the vacant title shall be entitled to the usual valid offers for contenders. The contender who becomes the new champion will be required to defend to the former champion in a mandatory defence within 90 days of the former champion regaining fitness to fight. The purse amounts to be received by the new champion and the former champion in such a fight shall be one half to each, of the combined champion and challenger purses, originally contracted, on the fight that was pre-empted by the champions injury or disability, or as otherwise mandated by the WKN -. If the new champion refuses, for any reason, this requirement, the WKN may declare the title returned to the former champion; or may declare the title vacant.

D. Any title forfeited under this Policy shall become immediately vacant, and the appropriate WKN Director shall have full authority to fill the vacant title.

E. The decision to declare any title vacant or forfeited shall rest with the WKN director having regulatory authority over that title subject to obtaining the concurrence, pre-forfeit of the next-higher WKN office.

F. Failure of the WKN to promptly enforce the above rules concerning forfeit of titles does not constitute an express or implied temporary or permanent waiver if that rule provision, or of its applicability to the title in question. All WKN titles always remain the exclusive property of the WKN -, and may be revoked at the discretion of the WKN.

G. A Champion choosing to retire with his title must request such in writing, addressed to the WKN Director with regulatory authority over that title. Failure to do so may result in the champion being found to have forfeited the title if he becomes inactive, or otherwise refuses any mandatory title detains offers.

7. OFFICIALS. The WKN will assign all officials for the Event, including WKN Representatives, Referees, Scoring Judges, Alternate Scoring Judges Kicking Judges, a Scorekeeper, a Timekeeper and any other personnel the WKN may determine are necessary for the proper functioning of the Event. The WKN will provide all materials to be used by the officials, with the exception of numbered kick cards; a hand calculator, for use by the scorekeeper: a stopwatch and bell for use by the timekeeper, and ball-point pens for use by the Judges and Scorekeeper cont.

8. OFFICIALS EXPENSES. Promoter will pre-pay the following expenses for each official: all transportation costs to the Event; hotel rooms for all nights in the Event location, and food expense of £25 . for each day spent in the Event location or travelling £15 for each day travelling by aeroplane). All travel arrangements for the officials will be made by the Promoter, unless otherwise directed by the WKN.

9. MEDICAL PERSONNEL. Promoter will arrange and pay for the following medical personnel and equipment to be present at the Event: a doctor holding a MD or D.O. degree and trained in emergency trauma care- a paramedic or EMT with full trauma equipment- and a mobile medical ut standing by at the Event or within 5 minutes arrival time. The WKN will provide the examination and insurance forms to be used by the doctor.

10. EVENT PERSONNEL. Promoter will arrange and pay for personnel adequate to produce a high-quality Event, including glove runners for each dressing room, a qualified ring announcer. assistants for the scorekeeper and timekeeper, and all other personnel as deemed necessary by the promoter, the WKN, or any athletic commissions having jurisdiction over the Event.

11. RULES & POLICIES. All WKN rules and policies will be strictly followed by Promoter and the Event personnel before, during, and after the Event. The WKN will provide written copies of all rules and policies applicable to the Event to Promoter. Promoter will insure that all personnel scheduled for the Event by Promoter are familiar with these rules and policies.

12. PRE-EVENT MEETINGS. Promoter will arrange a time and place for the following pre-Event meetings; and official weigh-in for all fighters;

Physicals for all fighters conducted by the Event doctor; officials check meeting conducted by the WKN Representative; and a fighters/seconds meeting conducted by the WKN Representative Promoter will consult the WKN rule book for the time each of these meetings is required to be held. Promoter will schedule such additional meetings as may be requested by the WKN. Promoter may schedule press conferences at promoters discretion. Promoter will inform all persons required to be present of the time and place of each meeting, and will provide transportation for all persons to each meeting. Promoter will meet with the WKN Representative at the request of the Representative.

13. REGISTRATION OF ALL FIGHTERS. Promoter will deliver to the WKN Representative before the Event a completed WKN Registration Form for each fighter participating in the Event, accompanied by the appropriate cash fee for each fighter. The Promoter may then deduct this fee from the purse or expenses to be paid to each fighter after the Event. The registration forms will be provided to Promoter by the WKN.

14. SUSPENDED FIGHTERS. Promoter will not schedule any fighter for the Event who is currently under suspension by the WKN or any athletic commission having jurisdiction over the Event. Promoter will list the name and phone number of each fighter scheduled for the Event on the Schedule of Bouts form accompanying this contract. Promoter will immediately inform the WKN of any changes in the bout schedule. All bouts are subject to the approval of the WKN.

15. ADVERTISING OF SANCTION. Promoter will not advertise sanctioning of the Event through use of voice, print, logos, innuendo, or other method, until Promoter pays all fees, and receives a copy of this contract signed by the WKN. After sanction is authorised by this method, Promoter will prominently display the logo of the WKN on all posters, press kits, tickets,

15a. programmes, and other materials of the Event; include mention of the WKN in all verbal advertising and interviews; and otherwise use best efforts to inform both the media and the public that the Event is sanctioned by the WKN. The WKN will publicise the Event to the martial arts public and media through the normal channels utilised by the WKN -.

16. EVENT INSURANCE. Promoter will arrange and pay liability insurance coverage for the Event, to cover any claims brought for personal injury, property damage, or general liability, in an aggregate claim benefit amount of £1,000,00000., or the coverage amount required by the Event facility, whichever is greater. Promoter will include the WKN as an additional insured on this insurance policy, and will provide the WKN with a copy of the certificate of insurance no later than 7 days before the Event.

17. INDEMTY. Promoter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the WKN from all claims which may arise in connection with the Event, including but not limited to, claims by spectators, participants, officials, personnel, the facility, advertisers, vendors, and local authorities. The WKN will provide Promoter with liability release forms to be signed by all participants in the Event. Promoter will have each participant sign a form, and will present the signed forms to the WKN Representative prior to the Event.

18. FIGHTER CONTRACTS. Promoter will have a valid signed contract with each professional fighter participating in the Event. Promoter will provide the WKN with a copy of these contracts upon request. Promoter will use the WKN Agreement as Promoters contract for all title fights, and will submit a copy signed by both parties to the WKN no later than 30 days before the date of the Event (30 days for world or intercontinental title fights). Promoter will honour all terms of these contracts.

19. FIGHTER PURSES. Promoter will have a contract with each fighter, and will pay the WKN representative in the terms of the contract between the promoter and the WKN. All competitors purses will then be paid immediately following the event by the WKN representative. The promoter will not pay any fighter any portion of his or her purse until that fighters bout has concluded. All payments to fighters will be made by cashiers cheque, money order or cash and will only be made in the presence of, and at the direction of, the WKN Representative If the Representative indicates the purse is being withheld pending an investigation of collusion, drug use by the fighter, or any other violation by the fighter of WKN regulations.

20. CHAMPIONSHIP PURSES. All purses for fighters participating in continental, intercontinental, or world title bouts, will be held by the WKN Representative during the Event, in accordance to the promoters contract to the WKN.. The Representative and Promoter will sign the WKN Purse Escrow/Transfer Statement, and the Representative will transfer the purses to the appropriate fighters immediately following the Event.

21. FIGHTER INFORMATION. The WKN. will provide Promoter with any information concerning available fighters which it has in its possession. The WKN may assist Promoter in obtaining publicity materials, but availability of such materials is not an official function of the WKN nor a provision of this contract.

22. MATCHMAKING. Promoter will match all bouts according to WKN policies. Promoter will strictly adhere to the WKN Ranges and Title Defence Policy when matching title bouts! and will obtain pre-approval by the WKN before contacting any fighters for title bouts.

22a. Promoter will match all Continental, Intercontinental or World title, or any bouts International in nature, only through the WKN World office by Email.

23. ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS. Promoter will not attempt to obtain sanction for the Event from any other organisation without the express written consent of the WKN.

24. VIDEOTAPING AND BROADCAST RIGHTS. Promoter will provide the WKN with a copy of any videotape made of the Event within 10 days following the Event, whether such videotape is made by Promoter or a third party. Promoter will definitely arrange for all title bouts of national level or higher to be videotaped. The WKNs copy of the tape will in VHS format unless otherwise requested by the WKN. Promoter grants the WKN perpetual and unrestricted rights to use the tape for any purpose unless otherwise provided for by addendum to this contract. Promoter will not allow the Event to be recorded for broadcast or home video sale without the express written permission of the WKN.

25 SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. Any provisions found to be unenforceable by law will be considered severed from this contract, which will otherwise remain in full force and effect.

26. BREACH OF CONTRACT Substantial breach by either party of any of the provisions of this contract will entitle the other party to declare this contract terminated. If this contract is terminated by the WKN, Promoter will immediately inform all media, fighters, and advertisers that the Event will not be sanctioned by the WKN, and Promoter will cease to produce or distribute any advertising and media materials which contain references to the WKN. If legal remedies become necessary to enforce this agreement or recover- damages for its breach, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover costs and a reasonable attorneys fee from the non-prevailing party.

27. WAIVER OF BREACH. The waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this contract, will not operate as a waiver of either partys right to declare this contract terminated upon future breach of the same or any other provision.

Appendix II: Weight divisions

• Flyweight 53.5 kg / 117.9 lb
• Super Flyweight 54.9 kg / 121 lb
• Bantamweight 56.7 kg / 125 lb
• Super Bantamweight 58.5 kg / 129 lb
• Featherweight 60.3 kg / 132.9 lb
• Super Featherweight 62.1 kg / 136.9 lb
• Lightweight 64.4 kg / 142 lb
• Super Lightweight 66.7 kg / 147 lb
• Welterweight 69.9 kg / 154.1 lb
• Super Welterweight 72.6 kg / 160.1 lb
• Middleweight 76.2 kg / 168 lb
• Super Middleweight 79.4 kg / 175 lb
• Light Heavyweight 82.1 kg / 181 lb
• Super Light Heavyweight 85.5 kg / 188.5 lb
• Cruiserweight 88.5 kg / 195.1 lb
• Super Cruiserweight 92.5 kg / 203.9 lb
• Heavyweight 96.6 kg / 213 lb
• Super Heavyweight +96.6 kg / +213 lb
• Super Heavyweight II +105 kg / +231.4 lb

ALL RULES CAN BE ALTERED ONLY BY THE DISCRETION OF THE WKN NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN AGREEMENT WITH NATIONAL OR REGIONAL COMBAT SPORT COMMISSION IF REQUIRED BY LAW.