Released on November 5, 2013
Today the Government of Saskatchewan introduced legislation to create a provincial athletics commission, a body with the authority to sanction professional mixed martial arts and boxing events.
The proposed commission will consist of five individuals: an athletics commissioner, an advisory committee comprised of three subject matter experts and an adjudicator.
The commission will approve event permits. These individuals will also be responsible for ensuring that competitors participate in appropriate pre- and post-fight medical examinations, that qualified medical staff, referees, judges and timekeepers are hired, that promoters and competitors have the proper licenses and that appropriate rules are adhered to.
“This commission is a positive step for our growing province,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. “It will help ensure athletes’ safety. Plus, the commission will give Saskatchewan communities the ability to hold legal professional MMA events.”
“The City Mayors’ Caucus of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association supports the Government of Saskatchewan’s decision to move forward on implementing a provincial athletics commission,” City of Humboldt Mayor and SUMA V.P. of Cities Malcolm Eaton said. “We believe a provincial commission will be the most effective method for sanctioning professional mixed martial arts competitions in Saskatchewan.”
“Athlete safety seems to be our government’s number one priority when it comes to mixed martial arts events and that’s great,” MMA facility owner and Jiu Jitsu instructor Anthony Scales said. “An athletics commission will help ensure that competitions are well-managed, that competitors are treated fairly, and most importantly, that everyone participating is as safe as possible.”
The Government of Saskatchewan has consulted with organizations and individuals impacted by the decision to create an athletics commission. The province will continue consultations to ensure that appropriate protocols and regulations are in place to operate a commission successfully by the summer of 2014.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152