The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 61, §61.10 and §61.110, regarding the Combative Sports program.
The adopted amendments recognize slap fighting as a martial arts discipline. This formal recognition allows the Department to extend the licensure and bonding requirements in Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2052, to promoters and contestants of slap fighting events. The adopted amendments add a definition in 16 TAC, Chapter 61, §61.10, to define the discipline of slap fighting. Additionally, the adopted rules add provisions to 16 TAC, Chapter 61, §61.110, to recognize that slap fighting is subject to the Department’s regulatory authority. Lastly, the adopted rules allow contestants in slap fighting events to participate without gloves.
The adoption justification was published in the August 9, 2024, issue of the Texas Register (49 TexReg 5949). The updated rule chapter will be available in the Texas Administrative Code upon its effective date of August 15, 2024.