Learn the requirements for holding professional combative sports events and amateur mixed martial arts events overseen by the Department of Licensing.
There are 2 different sets of requirements to hold combative sports events overseen by the Department of Licensing:
- Requirements for professional boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, and amateur mixed martial arts events
- Requirements for professional wrestling events
Follow the steps below to hold one of these events.
Event requirements for professional boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, and amateur mixed martial arts
1. Get licensed
You must be licensed as a promoter before requesting an event date.
These people also must be licensed:
- Matchmakers (must be licensed before you submit advance notice)
- Participants in professional boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts (must be licensed by the last day before the weigh-in)
- Participants in amateur mixed martial arts (must be licensed by the last day before the weigh-in)
- Seconds, managers, and announcers (must be licensed by the last day before the weigh-in)
2. Request an event date
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to request a date online, or email us at dolcombativesports@dol.wa.gov. You must be licensed and submit your request 2 months in advance.
3. Submit the required forms
Before the event
You must submit these forms to dolcombativesports@dol.wa.gov before the event:
- Combative Sports Program Advance Notice (at least 7 days before the event)
- Contracts Between Promoter and Professional Combative Sports Participant (at least 5 days before the event)
- Medical insurance for all participants (at least 72 hours before the event)
You must submit these reports and fees at the event before the start time:
- Pay for fighters and officials
- All licensing fees
After the event
You must submit your Event Fee Report to us by the next business day after your event.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to submit your report online, or mail your report to the address on the form.
4. Attend the weigh-in
Before the weigh-in, make sure we've approved the bouts. Report any bout changes to us immediately.
Hold the weigh-in within 6 to 30 hours of the start time. A promoter or promoter's representative must attend the weigh-in and have the authority to sign contracts.
Provide the inspector's equipment
At the weigh-in, you must give these items to the inspector:
- Gloves and emergency backup gloves
- Red, blue, and white 2-inch tape for gloves and repairs
- A certified scale
5. Provide equipment at the event
At the event, you must provide equipment for seconds, boxers, and officials at ringside before the start time, including:
- Corner stools
- Spit buckets
- Ice
- Towels
- 3 bar stools for judges
- Tables and chairs around the ring/cage for the officials, inspector, and DOL
- Drinks in plastic or paper containers only
- Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer for the examination area and at ringside
- Other health and safety items
6. Ensure health and safety
Medical personnel
Make sure the ambulance or paramedical unit is:
- Staffed with 2 attendants
- Equipped with transport and resuscitation capabilities
- Licensed in Washington State and trauma-verified
- At the event location 30 minutes before the start time
- On-site during the entire event
Security
Have at least 2 security staff members on duty when the venue doors open. If you expect more than 200 people to attend, we recommend having 1 security staff member for every 100 attendees.
Ring and cage requirements
The ring or cage at the event must meet the legal requirements for the type of event you're holding:
Physical exams
Pre-fight physicals must be completed within 24 hours of the event start time. Post-fight physical must be completed after each bout.
Provide a suitable and private exam area for 2 physicians with plenty of light and low noise to conduct pre- and post-fight physicals. Provide disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.
Make sure a representative remains at the event location until all post-fight physicals are completed.
Event requirements for professional wrestling
1. Get licensed
You must be licensed as a promoter before requesting an event date.
Wrestlers and referees must be licensed as participants before the weigh-in. A participant is anyone engaged physically with another person in the event.
2. Request an event date
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to request a date online, or email us at dolcombativesports@dol.wa.gov. You must be licensed to request a date.
3. Submit the required forms
You must submit the Event Fee Report to us by the next business day after the event.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to submit your report online, or mail your report to the address on the form.
4. Ensure health and safety
Medical personnel
Make sure the ambulance or paramedical unit is:
- Staffed with 2 attendants
- Equipped with transport and resuscitation capabilities
- At the event location 30 minutes before the start time
- On-site during the entire event
Security
Have at least 2 security staff members on duty when the venue doors open. If you expect more than 200 people to attend, we recommend having 1 security staff member for every 100 attendees.
Legal requirements
You must follow the legal rules for promoters, as well as the ring and safety zone legal requirements.