RULES & REGULATIONS

ROYAL BOXING ORGANIZATION


RULES & REGULATIONS OF THE (RBO)


 

APPLICABILITY AND INTERPRETATION

 

Applicability and Interpretation of these Rules & Regulations. In all RBO-sanctioned championship and elimination contests, these Rules & Regulations, the RBO

Championship Rules as promulgated by the RBO from time to time, and all other rules, regulations and rulings issued by the RBO shall apply, unless a written modification or an

exception is issued by the RBO in its sole discretion on a case-by-case basis. The RBO  shall have sole authority and discretion to interpret these Rules & Regulations. All actions and positions of the shall be interpreted solely in accordance with these Rules & Regulations, which for the limited purpose of interpreting these Rules & Regulations shall supersede and control any conflict or inconsistency with any enforceable national or local law, or with any applicable regulation of a boxing commission.

Any reference in these Rules & Regulations to the masculine gender shall be taken to include the feminine gender, as applicable.

Interpretation of Rules and Power of RBO President to Act in the Best Interests of Boxing. As special and unique circumstances arise in the sport of boxing, not all of which can be

anticipated and addressed specifically in these Rules & Regulations, the RBO President  and Presidency, in consultation with the RBO Vice President and Director of Government Affairs , has full power and authority to interpret these Rules & Regulations, and to issue and apply such rulings as he shall in his sole discretion deem to be in the best interests of boxing.

President’s Authority to Act with Subsequent Ratification. Under special circumstances, if the approval of the RBO is required under these Rules & Regulations

for the RBO to take any action, but due to special circumstances it is not possible or

practical to obtain such prior approval in a timely manner, the RBO President may take any necessary action, subject to the ratification of such action by the Vice President.

No Course of Dealing. As circumstances arising in the sport of boxing are unique to each matter, no decision of the RBO in its discretion shall constitute a precedent or establish a

course of dealing upon which other parties may rely. The RBO shall retain the power and authority to issue rulings on a case-by-case basis in the exercise of its sole discretion.

All Parties Subject. By participating in any bout, promotion, or any other business dealings or activity involving the RBO’s exclusive trademarks and other intellectual property, each champion, challenger, promoter, and all other parties are deemed to and expressly hereby agree to be subject to these Rules & Regulations and all rulings and interpretations hereof

by the RBO.

 

GENERAL RULES APPLICABLE TO RBO CONTESTS

RBO Approval of Bouts      

Approval of  RBO Championship and Elimination Bouts. 

No bout shall be considered as officially sanctioned by RBO until the promoter

has received the written approval of  the RBO President or Vice President,  and  complies  fully with all terms and conditions of the RBO’s sanctioning, including payment when directed by

the RBO of all required fees and compliance with these Rules & Regulations and any applicable rulings.


RBO Discretion to Deny Sanction. The RBO reserves the right to deny its sanction of any bout, or to withdraw its sanction prior to a bout after it was initially granted, for cause as

the RBO shall determine in its sole discretion. Such instances may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Noncompliance with RBO  Rules & Regulations.  The RBO  may deny or withdraw its sanction of any contest to be held in a jurisdiction that does not recognize and

accommodate to the RBO’s satisfaction the RBO’s legitimate interest in the conduct

of RBO bouts, including these Rules & Regulations, implementation by the RBO of any of its programs or protocols (e.g., instant replay, electronic scoring, etc.),

and the RBO’s right to appoint and approve ring officials.

  • Violation of the RBO’ s Principles or Constitution. The RBO may deny or withdraw its sanction of any contest to be held in a jurisdiction that, by action or omission,

violates the RBO’s principles or Constitution.

The RBO may also deny a bout sanction to any bout involving a promoter whose actions might be detrimental to the RBO and boxing if the promoter acts in opposition  to the RBO’s expressed policies on safety and other measures to protect boxers, or for any other violations of the RBO’s Rules & Regulations, principles, or Constitution.


RBO’s Right to Revoke Sanction after a Contest. The RBO reserves the right to revoke its sanction of any bout that had been previously sanctioned or which the RBO had agreed to

sanction as a RBO contest under circumstances including, but not limited to, the following:

if all Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules, and rulings of the RBO are not complied with, I the result is that the decision in the contest is different from

what it would have been if all of the RBO’s Rules & Regulations, Championship

Rules, standards, and rulings had been properly applied, as determined by the RBO  in its sole and absolute discretion.


Under such circumstances, upon an affirmation vote of 2/3rd of the RBO President, Vice President and

the Director of Government Affairs may revoke its sanction as a RBO contest. In either circumstance, whether the decision would have been different under the RBO’s Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules, standards, and rulings is to be determined solely by the RBO in its sole discretion.

 

If the bout was a RBO title contest, the RBO’s revocation shall result in the bout being deemed to have been or be a non-title bout. If the bout was a RBO elimination contest, the effect of the RBO’s revocation shall be that neither boxer will gain any rights to a mandatory contest or final elimination bout, nor be eliminated from contention as a result. (The RBO may, in its discretion, consider the action and/or result of the bout in  determining its ratings of the boxers.)


In such cases, the ruling of the RBO does not control the final determination of the local boxing commission regarding the decision in the contest. However, the decision of a local boxing commission shall never interfere with the power and authority of the RBO to grant or withhold sanctioning any contest as a RBO F championship or elimination bout, or to recognize or withhold recognition of any boxer as a RBO Champion or Challenger.


If RBO sanctioning is revoked after a contest under this rule, the RBO will still have the right to collect, and/or retain all prior deposits or payments of, all applicable sanction fees, expenses, and any other forms of consideration provided for herein, as the promotion and the participants will have benefitted from the marketing and other value brought to the bout as a result of having been originally sanctioned by the RBO, and because the event was promoted using the RBO’s exclusive and proprietary trademarks and other intellectual property and goodwill, including but not limited to commercial designations, trade names, trademarks and copyrighted materials.


Disputes between a Boxer and a Boxer’ s Representative. In the event of a dispute in which a manager, promoter, or other representative claims contractual rights with respect to a

boxer, the RBO may order that the boxer may compete in the bout on the condition that a portion of the boxer’s purse shall be withheld and deposited in escrow until the time that the dispute is resolved.  In such cases the boxer must also agree in a  manner satisfactory to

the RBO to indemnify and hold the RBO harmless from any  and  all  claims, demands, causes of action, and liabilities of any kind in any way related to the dispute.


Notifications When Bouts Ordered. Upon ordering a title or elimination bout, the RBO shall provide notification to the boxers or their representatives at their last known contact information registered with  the RBO.  It is the sole responsibility of each boxer and the boxer’s representative(s) to provide the RBO Presidency with contact information specifically designated for all notices required under the RBO Constitution or these Rules

& Regulations.  The RBO is not and shall not be held liable for any result or outcome in

any way related to the failure of a boxer or any boxer’s representative to keep the RBO advised of their current contact information for such notices.

 

RBO Championship Belts

 

Belts  Provided  for  Each  Division.    The  RBO  will  award  championship  belts  to    the champions of each weight division. The promoter of any RBO championship  is expressly obligated to pay for a new title belt in the event that a new champion is crowned.


Ownership of Belt. Once a boxer wins a RBO championship, the physical belt becomes his property; provided, however, that the RBO retains the exclusive worldwide rights, interest, title and ownership of any and all copyright, trademark, trade name, design patent and all other intellectual property rights in any way associated with the utility, appearance, design, or ownership of the RBO title belts and any symbol or copyrighted material appearing therein. The RBO shall have the right to prohibit a boxer’s display of a RBO title belt at any time, including but not limited to circumstances that the RBO its sole discretion deems inappropriate or that otherwise brings dishonor upon the RBO or the sport of boxing. By accepting the title belt and the benefits associated with its possession, all boxers and their representatives are deemed to and expressly hereby agree to be bound by and comply with the RBO Rules & Regulations and any rulings of the RBO concerning the display of the boxer’s RBO title belt and with the RBO rights under governing trade name, copyright, trademark, design patent, and all other applicable intellectual property laws and regulations.


Champion Must Bring His Belt Into the Ring. A RBO champion must always bring, and wear or have prominently displayed, his championship belt when he enters the ring for  every defense of his title. If he does not bring his championship belt to the ring, he will be subject to a fine and other disciplinary measures by the RBO. The champion must give the championship belt to the RBO Supervisor before the beginning of  the bout, so that it may  be awarded to the winner.


Presentation of Belt. At the end of each championship contest, the RBO Supervisor(s), the RBO President if present, and the president of the local commission and local federation shall go into the ring to present the belt to the champion on behalf of the RBO. The  promoter of the contest is responsible to provide security, organize the ceremony for presentation of the championship belt, and require the boxers to reasonably assist so that such presentation can occur in an organized and efficient manner.


Subsequent Award of Belt to a New Champion. If a champion’s title belt is presented to a new champion and an additional title belt is not available, following the presentation ceremony the new champion must immediately return the former champion’s belt to the RBO Supervisor, who shall return the belt to the former champion. The RBO will later  award a new title belt to the new champion.

 

CHAMPIONSHIP OBLIGATIONS

 

Timing of Defenses.  The RBO’s policy is to offer opportunities to boxers to compete for   its titles, and thus the RBO seeks to prevent titles from being frozen due to inactivity by champions. Therefore, a RBO champion should strive to defend the title in mandatory or voluntary defenses at least three (3) times a year, unless a written exception or extension is granted by the RBO in its sole discretion. Therefore, a RBO champion should strive to defend his title at least every one hundred twenty (120) days unless otherwise permitted by the RBO in its sole discretion. Upon winning a  title,  a  RBO champion  must  defend the title within 90 to 120 days or as otherwise ordered by the RBO, unless otherwise ordered or permitted by the RBO in its sole discretion.


Recognition Subject to Forfeit.  A champion who does not defend his title within the  periods set forth herein shall forfeit his title, unless the RBO in its sole discretion otherwise permits. Further, the RBO may also withdraw recognition of a mandatory or qualifying challenger for inactivity or failure to engage in any bout ordered by the RBO. A RBO champion may not compete for hold a championship of another organization unless permitted by the RBO in its sole discretion.



Voluntary Defenses. In order to fulfill their requirement to defend the title regularly in a timely manner, champions shall propose voluntary defenses against Qualified Challengers  as defined above. No bout shall qualify as a voluntary defense other than as permitted by  the RBO in accordance with these Rules & Regulations or any RBO rulings. Any bout (voluntary or mandatory) in which a RBO American Boxing Federation would compete for or defend a title or status other than his RBO Championship, even if the RBO title is also at stake, is not permitted absent special circumstances, and then only following a prior written request to and approval by the RBO, which in its sole discretion may approve, deny, or impose such terms and conditions as it may determine appropriate under the facts and circumstances on a case-by-case basis.


Mandatory Defense Obligations. All RBO champions shall make at  least  one  (2) mandatory defense per year, unless an exception is granted by the RBO in its  sole discretion. A champion may be required to make more than one mandatory defense per

 

year, if the RBO has designated more than one mandatory challenger for any reason. No bout shall be considered a mandatory defense unless expressly approved as mandatory by the RBO, and made exclusively against an official mandatory challenger designated by the RBO. A challenger who wins the title inherits the mandatory defense obligations of the champion he defeated, unless the RBO in its sole discretion otherwise directs.


Timing and Extensions of Mandatory Defense Obligations. The time periods for mandatory defenses stated in these Rules may  be altered  by the RBO in its sole discretion under  special circumstances, including if a champion has defended the title in a voluntary defense against a contender the RBO may have deemed a mandatory challenger.  No mandatory  bout may be contested until such time as is required for a mandatory defense under these Rules & Regulations, including any extensions that may be granted by the RBO in its sole discretion.


Designation of Mandatory Challengers. The RBO shall always have the discretion to designate a mandatory challenger by:


  • ordering a final elimination bout of two qualified contenders;


  • designating a Qualified Challenger as the official mandatory challenger; or


  • ordering a unification bout with a champion of another organization recognized by the RBO.


For the avoidance of doubt, the highest rated (or the highest rated available) boxer in the RBO rankings is never, solely by virtue of such position, the official mandatory challenger. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, including any communications attributed to the RBO, no boxer shall be considered as, or claim any privileges associated with, being a mandatory challenger unless (i) the boxer has been officially designated as such by the  RBO President or the President’s designated representative, and (ii) the RBO President, Vice president and the Director of government affairs has voted to authorize or ratify the designation of such boxer as mandatory challenger.



Immediate Rematch Policy. The RBO does not recognize immediate rematch clauses in  bout agreements and will not sanction or authorize immediate rematches, unless it determines in its sole discretion, with the authorization of or ratification by two-third (2/3rd) of the President, Vice President and the Director of government affairs, that:


  • the conduct or result of the bout was controversial or irregular;


  • there is sufficient public demand; or


  • a direct rematch would otherwise be in the best interests of the division or boxing.



Withdrawal or Suspension of Recognition. The privilege, goodwill, trademarks, and other intellectual property associated with any RBO championship, the RBO belts, or RBO - sanctioned bout, and the RBO titles and designations, are each owned exclusively by the RBO. Therefore, the RBO may suspend or withdraw recognition of a boxer as a RBO champion, challenger, or contender, as it may determine in its sole discretion, for  any reason justifying suspension or withdrawal, including but not limited to violation of the RBO Constitution or these Rules & Regulations, holding the title of or fighting for another

 

organization without the approval or sanction of the RBO, or conviction and imprisonment for a crime involving moral turpitude or any other serious moral offense.


Petition for Reconsideration. In the event that the RBO suspends or withdraws its recognition of a boxer as a champion or challenger under these Rules, such action will be deemed final, and the RBO may undertake any action to fill a vacant title or establish challengers as it may deem appropriate in its sole discretion, provided, however, that the affected party may request reconsideration.


Filling a Vacant Title. If a title becomes vacant for any reason, the President or Vice President may in its discretion authorize whatever steps or actions it deems necessary or appropriate to fill the title.


Conditions upon New Champion. The RBO may, as it in its sole discretion deems proper and necessary, impose conditions upon a new champion filling a vacant title, including but not limited to ordering the first defense of the title as a mandatory defense against a RBO designated challenger (who may be any Qualified Challenger or a challenger selected through a final elimination bout  or a RBO -recognized  tournament).  Upon request, the  RBO may in its discretion approve one or more voluntary defenses prior to ordering a mandatory defense.


Inactivity of a Champion. If a RBO Champion is or may become inactive in a manner that may prevent or unduly delay him from fulfilling his voluntary and mandatory defense obligations in the timeframe determined by the RBO on a case by case basis, based upon the unique facts and circumstances existing at that time in the division, the RBO may declare the championship vacant and order one or more bouts to fill the vacant title. Such inactivity  may be either (i) a period of past and continuing inactivity or (ii) potential future inactivity that may prevent a champion from defending his title in a timely manner as required under these Rules.


The RBO may make such a determination based upon special circumstances, which may include, but not be limited to:


  • medical issues or injury;


  • legal issues or contractual impediments;


  • personal or family issues; or


  • other controversy or circumstances whether or not beyond the control of the boxer or the RBO.


It is the sole responsibility of a RBO Champion to notify the RBO in writing in a timely manner of any circumstances that may prevent him from complying with his title defense obligations. In the event that a champion fails to  notify the RBO in  a timely manner  of such circumstances, the RBO may take appropriate actions including vacating the title or imposing other penalties.


Champion in Recess. In certain cases under the preceding Rule, the RBO may in its discretion designate a Champion as a “Champion in Recess”, such that upon the boxer’s return, he   will qualify to box for the championship as an elite contender for the new champion, or as the returning champion. The RBO may order or permit a returning Champion in Recess to box directly for the title in a mandatory or voluntary contest, or to box one or more

 

Qualified Challengers in order to retain his status as Champion in Recess. A Champion in Recess may return as a mandatory challenger, but  only upon  the specific determination  and written approval of such status by the RBO, which may approve or deny such request in its sole discretion.


Interim Championship Rule. In special circumstances, including when the RBO in its sole discretion declares a RBO champion temporarily unavailable to defend his title, the RBO may sanction a bout between Qualified Challengers for an interim championship, or otherwise recognize an interim champion in the division.


In its sole discretion, the RBO shall subsequently determine the timing and terms of any  bout between a Champion and Interim Champion to determine a sole champion in the division, provided, however, that an Interim Champion shall never be deemed a mandatory challenger, or entitled to greater share of proceeds of any purse offer beyond that of a challenger, without a specific prior written order to that effect from the RBO President or  his designee.



Round Restriction. Title bouts between boxers shall be six (6), eight (8) , ten (10) or twelve rounds of three (3) minutes for males and two (2) minutes for females each in duration.

In order to ensure safety of all boxers, no RBO champion or challenger will be authorized

to compete at  any event  with any bout  of  over  twelve  (12) rounds.                                                                                                           Associated RBO titles may be competed at twelve (12) rounds or less, as ordered by the affiliated entity  or committee, or by agreement between the RBO and the local commission.



MEDICAL AND ANTI-DOPING REGULATIONS

 

Medical Regulations

 

 

 

RBO-Medical Examinations. Each boxer is also deemed to have consented and,  by accepting the benefits associated with their participation in the RBO, agrees to  the disclosure to the RBO of all the medical information  and  test  results  so  that  the  RBO may make a complete evaluation of all relevant  facts,  as  well as the disclosure  by the  RBO to other authorities or to the public of any medical  information  relevant  to  the  RBO’s decision to approve or disapprove the boxer, or to impose disciplinary sanctions in doping matters.


Examination for Licensing. All boxers shall submit themselves to a complete medical examination as may be required to obtain their licenses by their respective boxing commissions or in any jurisdiction in which they will compete.


Responsibility of Local Commission for Enforcement. It shall be the sole responsibility of the boxing commission where a RBO contest will occur to promulgate, implement, and conduct any and all medical tests or examinations as are necessary to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of boxers, with the RBO having the option, at its own discretion, of providing its advice and consent.



Compliance    Responsibilities.        The    responsibility    for    compliance    with            all                             medical requirements, standards, rules, and regulations rests with the boxers and their

 

representatives, trainers, managers, promoters, and with the boxing commissions where the boxers reside and/or where the contests may occur. Therefore, the RBO shall have no

responsibility or liability whatsoever for any consequence resulting from non-compliance  by any party with these medical rules, and shall be indemnified and held harmless by all parties.


Penalties for Failure to Comply. If a boxer fails to submit to any examination or test  required by these rules or ordered by the RBO, the RBO may take such actions as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion with respect to boxers, trainers, managers, promoters, etc., including but not limited to imposing fines, suspensions, removal from the ratings, revocation of challenger status and opportunities, or vacating a title.


Examination Prior to Bouts Outside Boxer’s Jurisdiction. For a boxer to travel outside his home boxing jurisdiction to participate in  a RBO contest, his local  boxing commission  shall have sole responsibility to administer medical exams and/or tests and to certify his fitness to compete.


Weigh-Ins. The official weigh-in of the boxers shall occur no less than 24 hours but not more than 30 hours prior to a RBO bout due to the possible adverse results of dehydration and subsequent rehydration of boxers to make the required weight limit for a bout.


In the event that a boxer exceeds any weight limitation, the RBO may, for the safety of the boxer or his opponent, revoke or deny its sanction of the bout, in addition to any other disciplinary action as it shall deem appropriate in its discretion.



Medical Examination at Weigh-In. The local boxing commission has the responsibility to arrange for and conduct physical examinations prior to all RBO-sanctioned bouts at the weigh-in ceremony, which shall occur for all weight divisions including heavyweight. The exams shall include:


  • blood pressure and heart rate; stethoscope examination of heart and lungs
  • thorough examination of the eyes, ears, and throat
  • tests for rombergism, reflexes, power, and coordination
  • direct questioning about the use of any medicines or drugs, or any artificial means for weight reduction
  • direct questioning about any recent medical symptoms, including headaches, visual disturbances, loss of concentration, general fatigue or other symptoms


The local commission medical panel and/or the RBO Supervisor(s) upon the advice of a licensed physician may arrange for the collection of blood and/or urine  samples  or any other exam if, in the pre-bout medical examination, signs of serious dehydration or drugs  are detected or are suspected.


Post-Bout Examinations. The local ringside doctors should follow the contestants back to the dressing rooms or to the anti-doping test designated area, if any, to check that both boxers are in satisfactory condition or institute any treatment or make any recommendation that may be required. The doctor(s) shall issue a written report of the post-bout examinations.



Post Knockout Examinations. In order to protect the health and welfare of boxers, a boxer who has been knocked-out should undergo a medical examination as quickly as possible

 

after the bout. Such examinations should be conducted under the authority of local commission where the bout occurred, the boxer’s local commission, or any medical authority approved by the RBO. The following examinations should be conducted on a  boxer who suffers a knockout, technical knockout, or other circumstance in which the boxer has sustained extraordinary severity of blows in a bout or in training:



Medical Facilities. The local boxing commission is responsible to ensure that its medical staff has made arrangements for any injured boxer to be taken to a local hospital equipped with a trauma, accident, emergency, or neurosurgical unit, as well as a neurosurgeon on  call. Further, the RBO recommends that at the boxing venue, the local boxing commission designate a room set aside for medical purposes only, which should be adequately lit, have an examination table, hot and cold running water, and a treatment trolley, and that the chief doctor and the promoter of the program be responsible for ensuring this on-site medical room has been designated and equipped to provide for an emergency.



Anti-Doping Testing

 

Doping in Boxers. Boxers rated or participating in any contest sanctioned by the RBO should not take, ingest, or have administered to him any substance, medicine, or drug, or engage in any artificial procedures such as blood doping transfusions, to or that  may enhance or reduce the boxer’s performance in the ring.


All Drugs and Procedures To Be Reported. If a boxer is taking any form of medication or other drug or substance, or has any oral, intravenous or other procedure prior to a RBO contest, he and his representatives shall report that fact immediately, but not later than the rules meeting for the bout, to the RBO, the local commission, and the attending doctors.



Competition Testing; Responsibilities of Local Commissions. In any jurisdiction in which the local commission performs anti-doping testing immediately after or before a RBO contest (“Competition Testing”), it shall be the sole and exclusive responsibility and obligation of the local commission, not the RBO, to arrange for such anti-doping testing, including hiring an outside qualified laboratory or arranging for a doctor(s), laboratory technician(s), or other qualified official(s) to collect the necessary samples, maintain the appropriate chain of custody and control over the samples to prevent errors or tampering, and conduct any and all such anti-doping testing. However, the RBO reserves the right to implement its own Competition Testing in addition to or in conjunction with such local commission testing.


In circumstances relating to a local commission’s own testing protocol, however, as the ultimate responsibility for coordinating, ordering, administering, and providing such Competition Testing results fall upon other parties and not upon the RBO, under no circumstances shall the RBO or any of its agents or representatives be responsible or liable in any way for compliance with, administration of, or any actions or omissions in any way related to such local commission Competition Testing.



Competition Testing by Local Commissions. The RBO may in its discretion accept Competition Testing by local commissions that is substantially in accordance with these guidelines, and may recognize suspensions or other penalties for Competition Testing

 

violations imposed by local commissions.



Failure to Submit to Local Commission Competition Testing. If a boxer, after receiving a local commission’s request, fails or refuses to submit to anti-doping testing  being  performed by the applicable local commission, he may be disqualified, fined, or suspended as the RBO may determine in its discretion.


Prohibited Substances and Procedures. No boxer should take substances or undertake procedures that may unfairly improve his performance, affect the conduct or outcome of the contest, or threaten the safety of either boxer. The RBO may from time to time promulgate or recognize categories and lists of prohibited drugs (and may specify prohibited or acceptable concentration levels thereof) and procedures, including, but not be limited to, the following:


  • Classes of Prohibited Substances:
  • stimulants (amphetamine, fencamfamine, cocaine, etc.)
  • diuretics (furosemide, thiazide, etc.)
  • steroids or other performance enhancing drugs as may be prohibited by the RBO
  • narcotic analgesics (heroine, morphine, etc.)
  • sedative hypnotics (barbiturates, phenobarbital, secobarbital, etc.)
  • hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline, etc.)


  • Banned Procedures:


  • infusions of blood, red blood cells, or plasma expanders
  • alterations in the integrity and validity of urine (substitution of urine provided in testing or the use of masking agents such as probenecid)


For the avoidance of doubt, since issues may arise as to whether or not: (i) a boxer’s exposure to prohibited substances was intentional; (ii) such substance(s) provided the boxer with an advantage; (iii) the testing procedure was reliable; (iv) other factors should be considered; therefore the RBO does not employ or adhere to a “strict liability” standard in anti-doping matters. In each case, the RBO may in its discretion consider all factors in making a determination regarding responsibility, relative fault, and penalties, if any.


Sanctions for Anti-Doping Violations. A boxer who has been found to have tested positive for banned substances or otherwise found to have engaged in prohibited procedures under these rules shall be subject to such penalties or treatment as the RBO may determine appropriate in its sole discretion. Such measures may include but are not limited to disqualification in the contest, a fine up to the amount of the boxer’s purse, imposition of medical treatment and further testing or investigation, suspension and removal from the ratings of up to one (1) year, and vacating the boxer’s status as a champion or challenger.


Vacating of Status. In addition to any other measures that may be imposed in accordance with the preceding rule, the RBO may, but is never required to, vacate a boxer’s status for violations of these anti-doping guidelines in RBO title and elimination contests as follows:


  • In a title bout, if the champion retains his title and is later found to have violated these anti-doping guidelines, the RBO may declare the title vacant. The RBO may then order any bout(s) or take such other action to fill the vacant title as it may determine in its sole discretion.

 

  • In a title bout, if the challenger wins and is later found to have violated these anti- doping guidelines, the RBO may declare the title vacant. The RBO may then order any bout(s) or take such other action to fill the vacant title as it may determine in its sole discretion.


  • In a title bout, if the challenger loses and is later found to have violated these anti- doping guidelines, the RBO may suspend the boxer for up to one (1) year from any RBO bout and from the RBO ratings.


  • In a title bout, if both boxers are later found to have violated these anti-doping guidelines, the RBO may declare the title vacant and order any bout(s) to fill the vacant title in its discretion, and the RBO may suspend either boxer for up to one
  • year from any RBO bout and from the RBO ratings.


  • In an elimination contest, if the winner is later found to have violated these anti- doping guidelines, the RBO may remove the boxer’s status as a challenger and

order any other contest(s) at its discretion to select a mandatory challenger or take such other action as it may determine in its sole discretion.


CLAIM & APPEAL PROCEDURES; DISCIPLINARY RULES

 

Claim & Appeal Procedures

 

Exclusivity of Remedies. Any boxer, promoter, manager, or other person or entity that participates in the activities or events of the RBO, does business with the RBO, or who claim any right or privilege arising from the RBO Constitution or these Rules & Regulations, agrees that their sole and exclusive remedies are the administrative remedies and the dispute resolution procedures provided for herein.


Administrative Remedies. Any grievance, claim, complaint, or protest against the RBO, or any controversy, appeal, or dispute concerning the RBO or any RBO contest, ruling, order, or action, or arising under the RBO Constitution, these Rules & Regulations, or any RBO ruling must first be presented to the RBO in writing, in which the claimant must  clearly  state that they are submitting the claim under the RBO’s claim and appeal procedures.


To be recognized and valid, any such grievance, claim, complaint, or protest must be submitted to the RBO President in writing by the aggrieved party or his authorized representative within fifteen (15) calendar days after the claim first arose. Each such claim, complaint, or protest must also be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $... to cover the initial costs and expenses of the RBO relating to the processing of any such grievance, claim, complaint, or protest.  The RBO may in its sole discretion grant a waiver  of all or a portion of such fee, but no such waiver shall apply unless it is granted in writing by the RBO and received by the protesting party.  In the event  of substantial additional  costs relating to the controversy, including but not limited to attorney’s fees or related costs and expenses, the RBO is also entitled to reimbursement from the petitioning party of all such additional related costs and expenses.  Failure to comply with the filing requirements set forth herein shall result in the grievance, claim, complaint or protest being deemed invalid, and render the matter closed and no longer subject to further appeal.


Upon receiving a properly filed and recognized claim, the President, in his discretion, may attempt to facilitate the resolution of the claim.

 

The RBO may institute such policies and procedures as it may deem appropriate from time  to time for the administration and processing of any recognized claim. In general, the RBO-appointed representative(s) addressing such a claim will first investigate the claim, seek such additional information as may be required, hold hearings (telephonic or in- person) if necessary, and then issue a decision to accept or reject the claim in whole or in part. The President or his designee(s) may notify all interested parties in writing of the

decision of the RBO.


Compulsory Mediation. Any open, unresolved claim, controversy, or dispute involving the RBO must be submitted to non-binding mediation in accordance with the following procedures within thirty (30) days after exhaustion of remedies OFFERED BY THE President.

The mediation process shall be as follows:


  • The parties must make best efforts in good faith to attempt to select a mediator mutually acceptable to both parties.


  • If the parties are unable to agree on a mediator, each party shall nominate two (2) qualified candidates from the List of Mediators of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”). The CAS shall then select a mediator at random from the four (4) CAS candidates selected by the parties.


  • The mediation shall be conducted in accordance with procedures prescribed by the selected mediator and at a convenient location designated by the mediator. The mediator’s expenses shall be shared equally by the parties to the mediation.


  • The mediation shall be conducted within thirty (30) days of the selection of the mediator, absent special circumstances.


  • The parties to the mediation must agree to mediate in good faith in a meaningful attempt to resolve the controversy, claim, or dispute, with a party or party’s representative(s) duly authorized to resolve the matter being present and/or  available at the mediation.


While the mediator selected may be a CAS mediator, the mediation shall be governed by these RBO Rules & Regulations, and not the CAS Mediation Rules (including with respect to disputes related to disciplinary matters, such as doping issues (including compliance or non-compliance with anti-doping testing), match-fixing and corruption, for which RBO mediation is mandatory), absent express prior written mutual consent of the parties  to permit the CAS Mediation Rules to be controlling.


Failure to timely seek compulsory mediation within the time guidelines allowed the claim shall automatically terminate and the claimant shall have no further rights to appeal, with  the matter deemed closed. No party may invoke or seek remedies

without first seeking, and providing the RBO the opportunity to provide, administrative relief or compulsory mediation.

Mandatory Arbitration. Any claim, controversy, or dispute that the parties  have  been unable to resolve pursuant to the procedures provided hereof must then be submitted to mandatory arbitration in accordance with the following procedures within thirty (30) days after exhaustion of remedies.

 

Each such claim must thereby be settled exclusively by mandatory arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (“CAS”), pursuant to the Code of Sports-Related Arbitration.


All elements relating to the relationship of the parties, any and all rulings in a division, the conduct of any bout or any ruling relating thereto, and any such dispute arising thereunder shall be governed by and, construed in accordance with the internal laws of the jurisdiction the dispute arises in, without regard to any conflicts of law principles thereof that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction, provided, however, that notwithstanding such choice of law for purposes of dispute resolution or anything herein or otherwise to the contrary, the communications of the RBO and any other party with its external or in-house counsel shall at all times be protected by absolute attorney-client privilege and absolute protection under the attorney work product doctrine, and all parties, including the RBO and all those doing business with the RBO, expressly agree not to challenge the assertion of attorney-client privilege, the attorney work product doctrine, or any other recognized privilege, protection, or doctrine under applicable law, by another party in any matter.


By participating in any bout, promotion, or any other business dealings  involving  the RBO’s exclusive trademarks, likeness and any other intellectual property, each champion, challenger, and all other parties expressly agree and are deemed to have agreed to be, subject to these Rules & Regulations, the RBO rulings, including specifically that these provisions concerning alternatives to dispute resolution are an essential part of the RBO Rules & Regulations.


All such parties also thereby agree and are deemed to have agreed that with respect to any past, present, or future disputes arising out of any dealings with the RBO, whether based in tort, contract, or statutory law of any jurisdiction, the arbitrator or arbitrators selected in accordance with these Rules & Regulations, and not any federal, state, provincial,  territorial, or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this agreement or these Rules & Regulations, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of  such agreement or these Rules & Regulations is void or voidable.


Waiver. Any person having a claim against the RBO expressly waives any and all proceedings, relief, remedies and courses of action other than those expressly provided hereof.


Indemnification. All parties expressly agree that, by doing business with the RBO,  they shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the RBO, any and all affiliated federations and committees, and all  officers,  members  of  the  RBO,  representatives,  attorneys, employees, and any individual or organization duly authorized to act on behalf of the RBO (each, a “RBO Indemnified Party”) thereof against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses, and disbursements (including the reasonable and actual fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any RBO Indemnified Party, incurred by any ABF Indemnified Party or asserted against any RBO Indemnified Party by any third party or by any person arising out of the actions of such RBO Indemnified Party or any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or

 

proceeding, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by any person directly, and regardless of whether any RBO Indemnified Party is a party thereto, AND INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION OR INACTION ARISING FROM ANY ABF INDEMNIFIED

PARTY’S NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY, such that no RBO Indemnified Party shall be held liable for or not be defended and indemnified for any action taken in good faith and not directly resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct of such RBO Indemnified Party, as determined by the CAS or any other court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment or ruling.


In order to attempt to hold the RBO liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct, or under any other theory of liability or damages, the complainant must prove their case by the standards of proof and law applied by the CAS.


Under any circumstances, should the RBO be found liable to any party, by doing business with the RBO all parties expressly agree that their sole and exclusive monetary remedy that may be recoverable from the RBO is limited to a maximum (but not a  minimum)  of sanction fees paid to the RBO relating to the last contest that gave rise to  their  claim  against the RBO.


All parties including boxers doing business with or otherwise associated with the RBO expressly waive any and all claims for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or compensatory damages) in connection with any claim against the RBO or any other RBO Indemnified Party. In no event shall the RBO be liable to for punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages, including, but not limited to,  lost profits, loss of earning capacity, loss of use of money, loss of opportunity, delay, interest or attorney fees, directly or indirectly related to any act or omission of the  RBO,  its employees, officers, affiliated Federations, Governors, or agents.


Reimbursement of RBO’ s Costs and Expenses. In the event of any grievance, claim, complaint, or protest against the RBO, and the RBO, the CAS, or any other authority determines that a party has failed to comply with the Rules & Regulations, standards, or rulings of the RBO, then such party shall promptly reimburse the RBO for any and all potential and actual damages, liabilities, costs, and reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, in addition to the initial $... fee incurred by the RBO or any related party in connection with any legal, arbitral, or administrative proceedings or otherwise.


Further, in the event that the RBO grants a special bout sanction or utilizes its authority to interpret these rules in the best interests of boxing to grant any other exception to its rules of general application based upon special circumstances, then the party that has requested or benefitted from such sanction or exemption shall be deemed to agree, and by doing business with the RBO expressly hereby agrees, to defend, indemnify, hold harmless, and otherwise reimburse each RBO Indemnified Party for any and all potential and actual damages, liabilities, costs, or other expenses related thereto (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses) incurred by the RBO as a result relating to any resulting dispute, mediation, arbitration, or other related litigation or otherwise.


Waiver of Claims. Any party (boxer, manager, promoter, agent, or other party in interest) that accepts, participates in, or benefits from any voluntary or mandatory bout, or who receives any other rating or status granted by the RBO following any protest or  dispute  shall be hereby deemed to have waived and settled all prior claims.

 

Disciplinary Rules

 

RBO Power and Authority in Disciplinary Matters. The RBO has the power and authority to impose disciplinary sanctions on any person or organization that violates any of the Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules, or  any  ruling of the  RBO.  The procedure of the RBO in disciplinary matters shall be as follows:


  • Any party may file with the RBO written charges regarding any violation of the RBO rules, or the RBO may independently take notice of and act upon any such violation.


  • Violations may include, but are not limited to, the following:


  • Failing to comply with any rule pertaining to any dealings with the RBO;
  • Intentional fouls or unsportsmanlike behavior in the ring or relating to a contest;
  • Violation of anti-doping or other safety measures imposed by the RBO; or
  • Slurring, insulting, or bringing disrepute to the RBO or the sport of boxing.


  • The RBO’s decision may include the imposition of penalties including fines and suspension or expulsion from any involvement in RBO

bouts, ratings, or vacating a championship or challenger status when appropriate.



ARTICLE VI – RATINGS

RBO Ratings. The RBO will maintain a Ratings Committee consisting of one or more chairmen. The Ratings Committee shall consist of members of absolute integrity, who shall be subject to the RBO Code of Ethics.


Reports and Recommendations. The members of the Committee will take notice of reports of boxing matches, reports from boxing commissions and the RBO, and shall review information and vote on recommendations.


Ratings Procedures. The Ratings Committee shall compile and publish ratings, typically on a monthly basis. The decisions of the Ratings Committee shall be based upon consensus of the committee. Once a year the Ratings Committee shall submit to its current ratings the President for final approval.


Ratings Principles. The RBO’s ratings principles are as follows:


  • The purpose of ratings is to determine eligible contenders to participate in elimination bouts and to challenge for RBO championships.


  • Ratings are and may be largely subjective.


  • Ratings are based primarily on merit.


  • Ten (10) boxers will be rated in each division.


  • Any boxer committed to box for another organization may be placed in the “Not Available” section of the ratings and may not be specifically numerically rated.


  • Any boxer that may have an impediment to compete may be placed in the Not

 

Available section of the ratings and may not be specifically numerically rated.


  • It shall be the responsibility of all boxers and their representatives to advise the RBO of their boxing activity.



Ratings Criteria. Boxers shall be evaluated for the RBO ratings based upon the following factors:


  • Record.


  • Activity.


  • Result and quality of performance in recent bouts.


  • Level of competition.


  • Significance of bouts.


  • Experience in championship or elimination bouts.


  • Accomplishments and record in amateur boxing, or in Muay Thai or other combat sports.


  • Competing at home or abroad.


  • Decisiveness of victories.


  • Style.


  • Losses in controversial decisions.


Ratings Consequences of Inactivity. The following circumstances may permit exclusion from the RBO ratings, as follows:


  • A rated boxer who does not compete in 9 months will be subject to being lowered in the rankings.


  • A rated boxer who does not compete in 12 months will be subject to being removed from the ratings absent special circumstances.


  • A boxer’s periods of inactivity due to legitimate medical, legal, and other extenuating circumstances will be considered. The RBO Ratings Committee may either continue  to rate an affected boxer, or may exclude such a boxer under subsections (a) and (b) hereof, based upon the boxer’s unique facts and circumstances.


  • A boxer may also be excluded from the ratings if any of the following occurs:


  • The boxer is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or the possession or consumption of any illegal substance.


  • The boxer is suspended indefinitely by a local commission, affiliated federation,

 

or the RBO.


  • For other extenuating circumstances.


 Not Available” Ratings Section . A boxer may  be  listed  in  the  “Not  Available”  section of the RBO Ratings if the boxer:

  • is committed or chooses to box for another organization.
  • is medically unfit or has not been medically cleared to compete. (c) has a legal issue or contractual impediment.

(d) is subject to other extenuating circumstances.

Website Posting.  The RBO shall publish and maintain its ratings on the RBO website.

Ratings Appeals. If in accordance with the RBO’s ratings appeals process a boxer or boxer’s representative wishes to make inquiry, protest, or appeal a  boxer’s  rating,  all  such requests shall be directed to the President.



FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF PROMOTERS AND BOXERS

 

Bout Sanction Fees. The following fees are established in conjunction with all title and elimination bouts sanctioned by the RBO, subject to modification.


RBO WORLD Title $... Sanctioning Fee, $... Belt fee, $... Supervisor Fee

RBO INTERCONTINENTAL Title $... Sanctioning Fee, $... Belt fee, $... Supervisor Fee

RBO EUROPA Title $ ... Sanctioning Fee, $... Belt fee, $... Supervisor Fee

RBO AFRICA Title $ ... Sanctioning Fee, $... Belt fee, $... Supervisor Fee


*Fees do not include travel and lodging expenses for supervisors or commission fees for judges or referees


EXPRESS AGREEMENT OF ALL PARTIES

 

All parties involved in reaching an agreement as to a RBO contest, shall sign an  agreement  stating their full acceptance and covenant to abide by the Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules, and all rulings of the RBO.


Regardless of whether or not such document has been executed and returned to the RBO, all boxers, managers, promoters, trainers, and all other parties transacting business with the RBO are deemed to and expressly hereby agree to be bound by and comply with the Rules & Regulations, Championship Rules, and all rulings of the RBO in all matters pertaining to the conduct of such business, in order to participate in any dealings with the RBO. The expression of any party of a lack of knowledge of  the  RBO  Rules  &  Regulations,  or Championship rules will not be a  cause for any exception in regard to this rule.


The RBO Rules & Regulations, and Championship Rules, and the forms of Boxers and Promoters Agreements are available on the RBO website on the Internet. Upon request to  the  RBO Executive Offices, a copy of the RBO Rules & Regulations, and Championship Rules will be furnished.