Commission Project.

[Mc6pack]

Any chance we can have a sub forum for this ?? Thats if anyone else is actually serious.....

[Mc6pack]

Ive started drafting a proposal.. dont know what u'll make of it but here's what i got so far...

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BMMAC (British Mixed Martial Arts Commission)


What is it ?

The British Mixed Martial Arts Commision (BMMAC) aims to be the governing body of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the British Isle. It is a committee made up of a select group of individuals from within the sports established infrastructure, these include gym owners, trainers, doctors and legal reprisentatives all of whom have a keen knowledge in their respective fields within the province of combat sports and namely Mixed Martial Arts.

What are its aims ?

The aims or the BMMAC are to provide the following services within Great Britiain in regard to Mixed Martial Arts :-

- Regualtion of contests and exhibitions.
- Licensing and supervision of fighters, promoters, ring officials, managers and matchmakers.
- Licensing and regulation of any premisis wishing to host an event.

Regulation of contests and exhibitions

Any proposed bouts will be submitted to the commission for certification, certification will be granted if the following criteria is met :-

The bout is deemed to be fair*.
The participants are proven to be of sound physical and mental health as certified by a qualified medical appointee.
The participants are legally covered for insurance purposes.

* both participants possess an acceptable level of skill and experience in relation to his/her opponent ( obviously this is one of the main points and needs discussion ! round table job )

Licensing and supervision of fighters, promoters, ring officials, managers and matchmakers

Combatants will register and apply for a license** to compete in competition sanctioned by the commission.
Promoters, Matchmakers and Managers, upon the submission of credentials, will be vetted, licensed*** and committed to operate officially within the confines of commission guidelines (round table job).
Ring officials will register and be licenced**** under the commission. (really no idea how ref's become ref's.. training etc, will we assign ref's ?).

** £Fee
*** £Fee
**** £Fee

Licensing and regulation of any premisis wishing to host an event

Any premisis which wishes to host a sanctioned event will apply for certification, upon satisfactory inspection*****, license****** will be granted. An appointed safety officer will attend to inspect constructs on the day of competition.

***** under the health and safety act
****** £Fee

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The Fee's would cover running costs of the Commission, a non profit organisation.

obviously just the start... feedback please.. am i wasting my time ?

[sweenytodd]

Good start.
A sub forum would be a big step. Then you will be able to see who really wants to move forward and who dosnt. Open debate between the "senior" players on different topics such as match-making, officials courses, fighter licensing, medical checks ect.. should be encouraged. Support from the whole community is essential Clubs, Promotions, Managers, Officials and of course Fighters.

[David Swann]

I am very keen to be involved, I will commit to it.

[DanCrase]

I really can't offer up anything worth adding to the creation or running of this, but you got my interest and support all the same

[ReD_mIst]

You are NOT wasting your time, however, don't for one minute assume that it's going to be easy. Muay Thai worked hard on trying to get IOC recognition and couldn't get there.... and that's much more organised than MMA.

I'm happy to be involved, especially in any face to face meetings. I work in sales and can definately 'pitch' this idea face to face, answer objections, etc

Any communications need to be based in "What is in it for me?" Anyone you are trying to get acceptance, needs to see that they are getting something back. if not, we could be faced with apathy.

[Plasticpaddy]

Whilst not involved with mma promotions or similar I have trained on and off and followed the uk and international scene since the 90's. More useful perhaps is that my work involves getting competing organisations and/or individuals to achieve common objectives despite personal and/or political vested interests or disputes. Sound familier? :-) I also have extensive sales, publishing (print and online) and senior management experience. And an MBA if that's relevent. Glad to help any way I can. When the sub forum is up I will submit my commercial observations.

[mickholdaway]

You have my support. There are some of your goals that need a lot of work though. Things like insurance are still very much an expensive luxury and far from satisfactory. This is something that will come later rather than sooner.

[Rich Austin]

Interesting it is, practical, I dont know, there are a lot of issues that would cause some people to be not involved in the sport anymore, but to me it is a step forward and I will be interested to see what develops.

[David Swann]

ttt for more interest??

[John@FightersOnly]

surely no promoters would voluntarily sign up to regulation which costs them money? As soon as you start talking £fee I reckon you have lost them, margins are tight enough as it is.

[ReD_mIst]

Pretty negative that, John. Thats how they work now in other sports and with MMA in America.

Promoters won't sign up if there is no benefit, but a governing body is supposed to provide the benefits of making the event 'official and licensed', imporving standards, rules, making it safer, etc, etc. The events that don't sign up become "unlicensed" in the same way that there is Professional Boxing and Unlicensed Boxing in the UK.... the only difference is professional are licenced by the BBBoC

[mickholdaway]

surely no promoters would voluntarily sign up to regulation which costs them money? As soon as you start talking £fee I reckon you have lost them, margins are tight enough as it is.

I would as i see the benefits of a controlling body actually saving money long term.

[Mc6pack]

surely no promoters would voluntarily sign up to regulation which costs them money? As soon as you start talking £fee I reckon you have lost them, margins are tight enough as it is.

You couldn't realisticaly have an active commission without charging fee's. Were not talking large amounts, just enough to cover costs. Where else would the funds come from ? Your not gonna get an invester that will pour money in with no return, thats just bad business, I doubt that the government would fund it, if the government did then it would be peoples taxes that are paying for it.

Lets say we charged promoters a £100 annual fee and a £100 event fee, the initial £100 is out of their pocket but it enables them to host licensed events under the flag of the governing body, the £100 event fee would mean an extra 1-2 pound on ticket prices. For example a ticket would cost £22.50 instead of £20.

So its not something that is going to effect their business financially but will give their promotions more credibility. More credibility form the viewpoint of prospective fighters, punters and sponsors. Not only that but they know they have healthy licensed fighters and safe licensed venue's.

Obviously if the commission supplied officials were probably talkin more that £100.. maybe £100 and a small percentage of the gate.. 5% or somet.. this would push the ticket prices up again slightly but I dont think people would have a problem paying an extra £4-£5 to see a fully licenced event at a fully licensed venue. I know i wouldnt. Especially if it was for the good of the sport in general.

The promoters would likely be able to make more from event sponsership, your not gonna get big name brands advertising themselves through unlicensed fighting.

[mickholdaway]

I think you need to re think your figures a bit. £2.50 for the licensing and £4-5 for commission supplied officials will not work. If you charged an additional £6.50 there would be box office commission and in some cases VAT to go on top making an increase of £8.00 or thereabouts. The spectators would not stand that and i can say as i would blame them.

[dunny]

the figures are obviously pulled out of the air for the purpose of this post for an explination, they arnt considered figures, i wouldnt read into them too much. i like the idea, but i doubt i could be of much help. will support it though

[Mc6pack]

I think you need to re think your figures a bit. £2.50 for the licensing and £4-5 for commission supplied officials will not work. If you charged an additional £6.50 there would be box office commission and in some cases VAT to go on top making an increase of £8.00 or thereabouts. The spectators would not stand that and i can say as i would blame them.

Question : how much do you pay your judges, ref and safety officials ? just a rough idea ?

You'd be paying this overhead to the commission. Making the officials completely neutural and under the employment of the commision. So realistically you wouldnt have to raise ticket prices further. This also means that you would have no sway over the officials and are bereft of any blame for bad reffing/decisions.. that would be our failure.

Its far too early to be talking figures in reality, another thing that requires more research and discussion later.

The figures I used are only for sakes of explination.

[mickholdaway]

Question : how much do you pay your judges, ref and safety officials ? just a rough idea ?

I would have felt more comfortable if you already knew such figures as you intend to manage this aspect.

You'd be paying this overhead to the commission. Making the officials completely neutural and under the employment of the commision. So realistically you wouldnt have to raise ticket prices further. This also means that you would have no sway over the officials and are bereft of any blame for bad reffing/decisions.. that would be our failure.

This is a bit diferent to what you wrote in an earlier post saying it would put £4-5 on a ticket. I do not consider that i have any sway over any of our officials and cringe at the thought that any promoter would. An official has to make his/her own decision and should be not swayed by a promoter or even a governing body. As for bad decisions, we choose our Ref and judges for their fairness and expertise and should their be a remote chance they did make a miss judgment we would not be burdened with the blame.

Its far too early to be talking figures in reality, another thing that requires more research and discussion later.

I quite agree but you were the one who offered figures even if they were plucked out of the sky.

The figures I used are only for sakes of explination.

I think you should do a lot more research before you use figures in any explanation.

In principle Prokumite is up for a governing body as it will afford many benefits to the fraternity as a whole but those who head the body must know the business inside out and that can only be achieved by having a representative from every aspect of the sport.

[Mc6pack]

Question : how much do you pay your judges, ref and safety officials ? just a rough idea ?

I would have felt more comfortable if you already knew such figures as you intend to manage this aspect.

You'd be paying this overhead to the commission. Making the officials completely neutural and under the employment of the commision. So realistically you wouldnt have to raise ticket prices further. This also means that you would have no sway over the officials and are bereft of any blame for bad reffing/decisions.. that would be our failure.

This is a bit diferent to what you wrote in an earlier post saying it would put £4-5 on a ticket. I do not consider that i have any sway over any of our officials and cringe at the thought that any promoter would. An official has to make his/her own decision and should be not swayed by a promoter or even a governing body. As for bad decisions, we choose our Ref and judges for their fairness and expertise and should their be a remote chance they did make a miss judgment we would not be burdened with the blame.

Its far too early to be talking figures in reality, another thing that requires more research and discussion later.

I quite agree but you were the one who offered figures even if they were plucked out of the sky.

The figures I used are only for sakes of explination.

I think you should do a lot more research before you use figures in any explanation.

In principle Prokumite is up for a governing body as it will afford many benefits to the fraternity as a whole but those who head the body must know the business inside out and that can only be achieved by having a representative from every aspect of the sport.

I really dont understand what your getting at, and this feels rather like an attack... I'm a fan and a lover of the sport, thats all, I have already stated that my knowledge and influence is severely limited, I have also stated that this is a job for a commitee and not for one man, I have not professed to being a manager, leader or head im just one guy using his initiative to do some basic research to get the ball rolling in hopes that people will get on board and help make this happen.

How will we get MMA regulated and sanctioned in the UK and what will that sanctioning consist of, what will it cost, how will we cover these costs, the questions I am trying to answer.

How will we get MMA regulated and sanctioned in the UK - the current question, anything past that is pure specualtion at the moment.

The question of promoters have sway over officials etc is not an attack on you in any way, shape or form, its just one of the many possibility of things that can go wrong or be in question with unsanctioned, unregulated events.

Prokumite is up for a governing body ? We'll this has been a complete waste of time and effort then eh.

[Mc6pack]

Is Pro Kumite not a promotion ?

[mickholdaway]

I think you have just pissed on your own bonfire. My input was constructive criticism and not meant as an attack on you or what you are doing. I think that my views are relevant if you are aiming to represent MMA as a governing body as this will ultimately affect Prokumite and all other Promoters.

I don't see too many other Promoters contributing to the thread and if it is going to work you have to consider their views. No promoters no fights and no need for a governing body.

You might do better to start with a committee so that a representation of the fraternity can decide the way forward.

[Matt T]

Has anyone thought about setting up an amateur organisation to at least get MMA recognised as a genuine sport?

The only thing I can compare what I mean to is TMA's. Where you pay a yearly fee (minimal) which then covers the club for insurance etc. When events are put on the competitors pay to compete (minimal) to cover the cost of the event. This could then get MMA recognised as a sport and the clubs paying get something in return e.g. insurance and recognition of being associated with an organisation.

If it was a success then it could be used as leverage for MMA being recognised as a pro sport as well and be the basis of a governing body.

The only down side is people would have to get away from the paid cage fighter image and actually think of it as a sport.

[Rich Austin]

My interest is suddenly starting to dwindle, I thought there may have been something in this one, but the cracks are already starting to show through, (waits for another attempt on the same old subject).......................

[Mc6pack]

I think you have just pissed on your own bonfire. My input was constructive criticism and not meant as an attack on you or what you are doing. I think that my views are relevant if you are aiming to represent MMA as a governing body as this will ultimately affect Prokumite and all other Promoters.

I don't see too many other Promoters contributing to the thread and if it is going to work you have to consider their views. No promoters no fights and no need for a governing body.

You might do better to start with a committee so that a representation of the fraternity can decide the way forward.

just emailed you.

Sorry but I didnt see any constructive criticism in your post

I simply asked what you pay your officials, a simple answer would have given me information on the matter, however instead you replied.

"I would have felt more comfortable if you already knew such figures as you intend to manage this aspect."

not constructive.

This is indicative of the replies to each statement.

You ended with :

"In principle Prokumite is up for a governing body as it will afford many benefits to the fraternity as a whole"

This is your promotion so your basically saying that I'm stepping on your toes.

"those who head the body must know the business inside out and that can only be achieved by having a representative from every aspect of the sport."

Constructive and also repeating my own thoughts on the matter which i have already portayed in a previous thread.

If you are going to make Pro Kumite a governing body and cease to operate as a promotion then fair enough, you have my support.

I see what your saying about a committee and agree but i think it would be better to have some sort of a business plan to approch prospective members with.

[Matt T]

Rich, you're interest is dwindling as is many other peoples. I guess that's why there is no governing body and won't be for a long time if ever. People get all hyped up about it and want to go all guns blazing. When it appears it may take alot of time to thoroughly plan out and think through then people lose interest.

If a governing body is ever set up it will take years to do and no one at the moment appears to be able to give that long term commitment to this project. Maybe in 5 - 10 years time when fighters are retiring they may have the time to commit to this. I think there was a thread by Reedy that was asking what to do with his time after retiring, well this could be it!

[mickholdaway]

I think you have it all wrong mate. When i wrote Prokumite is up for a governing body i meant that any governing body would have our support not that Prokumite was forming a governing body. I will rephrase, Prokumite will support a governing body or serious proposals to form one.

I think also that you misinterpret my posts as no being constructive.

[Mc6pack]

Rich, you're interest is dwindling as is many other peoples. I guess that's why there is no governing body and won't be for a long time if ever. People get all hyped up about it and want to go all guns blazing. When it appears it may take alot of time to thoroughly plan out and think through then people lose interest.

If a governing body is ever set up it will take years to do and no one at the moment appears to be able to give that long term commitment to this project. Maybe in 5 - 10 years time when fighters are retiring they may have the time to commit to this. I think there was a thread by Reedy that was asking what to do with his time after retiring, well this could be it!

Why not pave the way NOW ?

I'm gonna carry on regardless, I have spare time and its a worthy cause. those who CBA or are against this can easily ignore it, I dont really mind if this is a waste of time as after more thought I realise it cannot possibly be a waste of my own time. I enjoy learning and will find even more enjoyment learning more about the sport i love.

This may well fail but what the hey, its worth a try and im willing to try.

Rome wasnt built in a day.

[Mc6pack]

I think you have it all wrong mate. When i wrote Prokumite is up for a governing body i meant that any governing body would have our support not that Prokumite was forming a governing body. I will rephrase, Prokumite will support a governing body or serious proposals to form one.

I think also that you misinterpret my posts as no being constructive.

Apologies, the first reply u gave imediately put the post into a negative light in my own mind.

I must admit that my statements are uneduacated at the moment, I am really just trying to get to grips with the entire picture, i need advice and constructive critism.

[Matt T]

Why not pave the way NOW ?

I'm gonna carry on regardless, I have spare time and its a worthy cause. those who CBA or are against this can easily ignore it, I dont really mind if this is a waste of time as after more thought I realise it cannot possibly be a waste of my own time. I enjoy learning and will find even more enjoyment learning more about the sport i love.

This may well fail but what the hey, its worth a try and im willing to try.

Rome wasnt built in a day.

Rome wasn't built in a day which is what I was saying in my post. Stop reading every post as negative against you, I never said it was a waste of time I simply said it would take time. If you're committed to it and for the long term then you can succeed in creating a governing body. What you need to think about is how it's going to be paid for and why should people pay for it. I think most people support the idea of a governing body to protect promoters, clubs and fighters etc but how can it be done and why are the questions that need answering.

[iandean]

Just keep it going i'm reading with interest and i'm sure other people are too. Maybe research is needed on what Athletioc commissions in the USA do or what the BBBoC does

[mickholdaway]

Rome wasn't built in a day which is what I was saying in my post. Stop reading every post as negative against you, I never said it was a waste of time I simply said it would take time. If you're committed to it and for the long term then you can succeed in creating a governing body. What you need to think about is how it's going to be paid for and why should people pay for it. I think most people support the idea of a governing body to protect promoters, clubs and fighters etc but how can it be done and why are the questions that need answering.

I personally think a governing body could be set up quite quickly. Set the body up first to show that it can be done and then get it accepted.

I think that fighters, promoters, officials and other interested parties should put their names forward for a committee and get the ball rolling. It would be a simple thing to arrange a meeting somewhere to get things underway. If Mc6pack wants to do the organizational bit then what have we all got to looser. The difference between others who have a governing body and MMA is that they got together and done it.

[uk-1]

the big problem is us.
mma people are free thinkers and do not like to be told what to do by anyone.
if ego's could be swallowed?
maybe i just hit the nail on the head on the head there?
im very negative i know, but its the truth

[Matt T]

I personally think a governing body could be set up quite quickly. Set the body up first to show that it can be done and then get it accepted.

I think that fighters, promoters, officials and other interested parties should put their names forward for a committee and get the ball rolling. It would be a simple thing to arrange a meeting somewhere to get things underway. If Mc6pack wants to do the organizational bit then what have we all got to looser. The difference between others who have a governing body and MMA is that they got together and done it.

A governing body of sorts probably could be set up quite quickly, how effective it will be is another story. For example what happens when promoter A has last minute pull outs on his/her fight card? They try to get last minute replacements but for whatever reason these fighters aren't approved by the governing body. Does the promoter cancel fights and put on a poor show which can affect future shows of his/hers (and profits) or do they say f*ck the governing body, it's not recognised by anyone anyway so who cares?

[mickholdaway]

the big problem is us.
mma people are free thinkers and do not like to be told what to do by anyone.
if ego's could be swallowed?
maybe i just hit the nail on the head on the head there?
im very negative i know, but its the truth

If they are free thinkers then surely they will see the benefits of a governing body. At an event all in attendance have to abide by the rules, if they are able to do this then surely they could extend that to abiding by the rules of a governing body. I don't think egos should come into it all.

[mickholdaway]

A governing body of sorts probably could be set up quite quickly, how effective it will be is another story. For example what happens when promoter A has last minute pull outs on his/her fight card? They try to get last minute replacements but for whatever reason these fighters aren't approved by the governing body. Does the promoter cancel fights and put on a poor show which can affect future shows of his/hers (and profits) or do they say f*ck the governing body, it's not recognised by anyone anyway so who cares?

I think that i have covered this aspect exceedingly well with our fighter registration process. We have around 200 registered fighters now and growing, we do not have a problem when there is an injury or a fighter pull out. I think we had about 6 at the last event and yes it is frustrating but not a problem.

With regard to being not recognized by anyone, if the promoters are behind it then to fight at an event fighters must be registered. Prokumite have proved this can be done and the same was apparent with the BFC. Perhaps Kainer can shed some light on this aspect??

[uk-1]

ahhh if only you were right about the ego's. but your not.
;)

[uk-1]

but good luck, i hope it works out. and i will say i was wrong

[iandean]

I think that i have covered this aspect exceedingly well with our fighter registration process. We have around 200 registered fighters now and growing, we do not have a problem when there is an injury or a fighter pull out. I think we had about 6 at the last event and yes it is frustrating but not a problem.

With regard to being not recognized by anyone, if the promoters are behind it then to fight at an event fighters must be registered. Prokumite have proved this can be done and the same was apparent with the BFC. Perhaps Kainer can shed some light on this aspect??

in what sense

Everyone has databases and if their was a governing body the GB would have a central database of registered fighters (who i guess would have to re-apply again at the start of the calender year)

[Mc6pack]

ive prepared a mail shot for a bunch of clubs in the south....


should i send it ? or is this the wrong way to go about it ?

[iandean]

dont put ppls emails on here

it's a spam bot's dream!

[Mc6pack]

dont put ppls emails on here

it's a spam bot's dream!

A spam bot ? like a search engine spider that collects emails ?

[iandean]

Spider, same thing

I dont post my e-mail out now cos my old one was spammed to death

[Jza]

Sure that it doesn't mean much but am happy to support and give any (limited) help that I can.

[Mc6pack]

Well in the email, im basically tellin em what were attemping, asking for support or involvement and to come on CW an give their views.. ok ?

Or do u think it would be better to approach this individualistically, i.e try and get a few key members onboard ?

[Jza]

Personal opinion would be that you'd want as many people from as many promotions and gyms around the country involved as possible. Even if you don't have the head of each one jus getting input from all of them now is important, at the latter stages they would then hopefully become involved and help legitimise what you are doing.

[Mc6pack]

right, sent about 200 emails out to clubs and trainers/fighters all over the UK, first reply from a Mr Dave Hirst giving his support, what a fine fellow :)

Ive also emailed BBBoC asking for their help and advice, I hope they dont see the commission as a threat in any way, also the CCPR and uk.gov sport.

Emailed FOmag and MMAunltd.

Im sure BT are gonna love me :)

Gonna sit back now an have a good read of how existing Commission are active in the sport, NSAC etc as suggested by Kainer.

Can you guys post in anyone you feel i should be contacting as a priority.

[Dave Hirst]

Yeah I don't know what I can do in support of this but I think it's definitely something that needs to happen somewhere down the line and sooner rather than later, and this is the attitude needed to make it happen.

[Godders]

My gift to you all.

[Mc6pack]

THANKYOU oh mighty forumn god !

[Stumac]

For the last 18 months or so I have been looking into governing bodies for MMA in Scotland.
Some local authorities refuse to let MMA show's go ahead in their venues until they have a governing body and are recognised by Sport Scotland. Sounds easy but as usual it's not. A governing body must be able to satisfy Sport Scotland that they represent the majority of the clubs/gyms/teams before they will be recognised. The governing body must also have been established for 2 years prior to any application being accepted.

I dont know what the situation is in the rest of the UK, I would imagine that you will come up against the same sort of problems. I am happy to help in any way I can and share the information I have collected with any one who is serious about getting involved.

[David Swann]

Can we now place all items in the new sub forum, Thank you Godders.


Mc6pack, what is your real name? can you maybe hold off before contacting the world.

Their is lots to discuss (as a group) and we need to plan every stage of communication so that it is done correctly and in the right context.

[Stumac]

sorry wrong forum

[CraigSt.Clair]

I really can't offer up anything worth adding to the creation or running of this, but you got my interest and support all the same

I'm the same ball park, but as I said if I can help give me a shout :)

[Mc6pack]

Can we now place all items in the new sub forum, Thank you Godders.


Mc6pack, what is your real name? can you maybe hold off before contacting the world.

Their is lots to discuss (as a group) and we need to plan every stage of communication so that it is done correctly and in the right context.

My name is Alan :) I'll hold off with the emails for the minute then, although I have had nothing but positive replies thus far, any replies I get im directing them to the Sub Forum to sign the petition (that you beat me to "bloody baby scans").

[Mc6pack]

For the last 18 months or so I have been looking into governing bodies for MMA in Scotland.
Some local authorities refuse to let MMA show's go ahead in their venues until they have a governing body and are recognised by Sport Scotland. Sounds easy but as usual it's not. A governing body must be able to satisfy Sport Scotland that they represent the majority of the clubs/gyms/teams before they will be recognised. The governing body must also have been established for 2 years prior to any application being accepted.

I dont know what the situation is in the rest of the UK, I would imagine that you will come up against the same sort of problems. I am happy to help in any way I can and share the information I have collected with any one who is serious about getting involved.

That would be FANTASTIC stu, will save me hours of sifting through internet nonsence :D

Post any links u have for info on the INFO thread im about to create or you can email me (pm'd it to you).

[Mc6pack]

I dont suppose there's anyone on here that has access to a web server... free hosting ?

And i know there's a couple of WD's on here :)

[Matt T]

Mc6pack I just posted this on another thread but wanted you to see it. It may be worth trying to contact Nick Lembo for help and assistance.

Taken from the underground forum.


Here’s an excellent article on the importance of fighters going through the amateur ranks before turning pro. Written written by Nick Lembo, Counsel to the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board, and the man responsible for mixed martial arts being sanctioned in NJ, it details the value of amateur MMA.

The Value of an Amateur MMA Program
By Nick Lembo
July 2009

It was February 11, 2006 and promoter Kipp Kollar was presenting another installment of his professional mixed martial arts show, Reality Fighting, inside the Etess Arena at the Taj Mahal.

Chris Fanelli was making his professional debut on that card against a very good fighter, Chris Schlesinger of Bellmore Kickboxing. Schlesinger won that fight by submission.

After that bout ended, I approached Fanelli and spoke to him about the fight. Fanelli mentioned about the adreneline dump that he encountered during the fight and the emotions of fighting in front of so many friends and family in such a large venue.


While driving home back up the parkway to Ocean County that night, Fanelli’s words kept replaying in my mind. I started thinking how mixed martial artists go from jiu-jitsu or grappling tournaments to their first professional fight. The focus of one fight in one cage in a large venue is much different then a tournament with several mats and a crowd focusing on several different points of interest.

The next night, I was on the road again to another show. This night, I would be attending an amateur boxing event. I watched the trainer coaching these young fighters as they worked to develop their skills to enable them to have a successful professional future.

On that drive home, I decided that New Jersey needed an amateur mixed martial arts program.

After developing some rules and procedures and training officials, New Jersey held its first regulated approved amateur mixed martial arts event, in the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Since then, New Jersey hosts about thirty amateur mixed martial arts events a year, from Newark to Wildwood. Promoters like Lou Neglia, Kipp Kollar and Karriem Abdallah have held several amateur shows while New Breed Fighters has become a staple in Atlantic City and the Asylum Fight League regularly hosts shows in central New Jersey.

The amateur program allows competitors to test their skills in the cage for the first time and experience the emotions and adrenaline that comes along.

It allows returning competitors to test themselves further against tougher opponents and allows trainers to work on game plans that feature strengths. It allows competitors to be exposed to opponents with different strengths, skill sets and body types.

The amateur rules limit ground and pound and force the competitors to work on their jiu-jitsu, balance, positioning and defense. Sure, ground and pound is an integral part of mixed martial arts, but you must be technically proficient in jiu-jitsu to go anywhere in this sport.

It is an opportunity for fighters to hone their skills and try new manuevers without the attachment of a loss on their professional record which will affect their marketability and pay rate.

I recieved some flak from the mixed martial arts press in February after approving Tuan Pham this past February to make his pro debut against a fighter from a good school that had over 10 pro fights. I did not hesitate to approve the match because i had seen Tuan’s skills and demeanor in several amateur fights. Tuan ended up winning the fight by first round knockout. The amateur program provides me with a gauge to monitor match making of pro fighters when they make their transition to the professional level.

I am very pleased to see the number of amateur fighters who have made seamless transitions to the pro level.

I am also pleased when numerous pro fighters come up to me to say that they wish this program existed when they were starting out in mixed martial arts competitions.

At each event, new schools are having their fighters participate in the program and are joining the ranks of the many fight camps that have participated in our program since its inception.

In closing, I ask that trainers and amateurs také advantage of this amateur program. Do not rush to turn pro, once you do, there is no turning back. Use the amateur program to develop your skills and work on all your weaknesses. In the current state of the sport, it is very important to have a pristine record against seasoned opponents to get noticed by the bigger organizations which will pay you better purses and provide you with needed exposure.

[Mc6pack]

Mc6pack I just posted this on another thread but wanted you to see it. It may be worth trying to contact Nick Lembo for help and assistance.

Taken from the underground forum.

great idea, im on it.

[fishface]

Count me in on this, I'll help in anyway I can Alan, you have my email address now so just get in touch, I'll do my best to help out, it's high time something was put into plan. It's going to be a long hard path, but it needs to be done and the sooner the better.

F

[BBEMMA]

I think it is a great idea. I've worked as a commissioner/inspector for the UFC UK events. The NSAC trained the officials and the UFC follows the NASC regulations as a blue print fro their shows whenever they are not in a sanctioned jurisdiction. Having worked under these regulations, I believe it is an excellent system and believe implementing it in the UK would be a good thing for UK MMA.

In order for the commission to be efficient it needs to be ruled as a completely independent organisation. Everybody involved should not have any interest in any MMA organisations (such as promoters, managers, trainers, media, ...). I was a commissioner then I chose to manage a fighter therefore I had to stop being a commissioner because of the obvious conflict of interest. The commission needs to sanction promoters and fighters based on their respectability and not based on their relationship with the fighters or promoters. And again the commission may have to reprimand certain fighters and promoters and should feel free of doing it if needed.

It'd be more than happy to share my experience with you guys and based on what I said above, I would not be an active member of the commission. I would just like to help getting it up and running. I believe the regulations will bring safety, respectability and professionalism to our sport. I can also ask people at the NSAC to give us some tips (something that I have discussed many times with them before).

[theOutlaw]

this is a good idea, i would be more thah happy to be involved and help in any way. i have experience with a few different commissions over here in the US and i can see pros and cons to having one. im sure that if we get our heads together we can make it beneficial to everyone.

[David Swann]

this is a good idea, i would be more thah happy to be involved and help in any way. i have experience with a few different commissions over here in the US and i can see pros and cons to having one. im sure that if we get our heads together we can make it beneficial to everyone.

who are you? :p

[Mc6pack]

I think it is a great idea. I've worked as a commissioner/inspector for the UFC UK events. The NSAC trained the officials and the UFC follows the NASC regulations as a blue print fro their shows whenever they are not in a sanctioned jurisdiction. Having worked under these regulations, I believe it is an excellent system and believe implementing it in the UK would be a good thing for UK MMA.

In order for the commission to be efficient it needs to be ruled as a completely independent organisation. Everybody involved should not have any interest in any MMA organisations (such as promoters, managers, trainers, media, ...). I was a commissioner then I chose to manage a fighter therefore I had to stop being a commissioner because of the obvious conflict of interest. The commission needs to sanction promoters and fighters based on their respectability and not based on their relationship with the fighters or promoters. And again the commission may have to reprimand certain fighters and promoters and should feel free of doing it if needed.

It'd be more than happy to share my experience with you guys and based on what I said above, I would not be an active member of the commission. I would just like to help getting it up and running. I believe the regulations will bring safety, respectability and professionalism to our sport. I can also ask people at the NSAC to give us some tips (something that I have discussed many times with them before).

thankyou for getting onboard, your experience will be of great benefit to us, I think that it is pretty much agreed uopn that the BMMAC will be a non profit organisation with a commitee that consists of experienced MMA representatives that hold no outside interest. Im gonna put up a thread for candidates, even though were at an early stage I think considerating these things now while were waiting for other developments will save us alot of time in the long run.

[Mc6pack]

this is a good idea, i would be more thah happy to be involved and help in any way. i have experience with a few different commissions over here in the US and i can see pros and cons to having one. im sure that if we get our heads together we can make it beneficial to everyone.

speechless... my nagging payed off !

[BBEMMA]

Hi Mc6pack. Do not hesitate to pm me if you need. I'd be glad to contribute to such an important project.

[JJSFC]

Keep at it Mc6pack! You have my mere 18 year old support.

[kaizer]

In essence what you want is what the US has which is a state athletic commission.

I am on the fence with this as I can see the pros and cons.
For some it would be hard to be told what you can or can't do.
A lot of promotors won't pay a commision.
For so many different rules and promotions this whole thing would be very hard to police.
Who would decide who sits on the panel? You can't just select yourself as this would upset a lot of people.
A lot of fighters wouldn't pay for a licence.

A governing body is great but at this time I just can't see it working. There would be far too many rogue break away promotions.

[markjitsu]

but the us commissions are profit making organizations, are they not?
couldn't we create something more like an advisory council, no need for fighters/promoters to pay for licenses etc., just a commission of volunteers, who's sole purpose is to regulate, officiate, advise and generally try to push the sport forward and make it more and more professional.
get the officials to draw up guide lines together, with the support of fighters and promoters wherever possible, and try to have at least one official at each show, to see that guidelines are followed where possible, and also be there in an advisory capacity.

[markjitsu]

......................

[David Swann]

I think you made a good post Mark