Combative Sports
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Combative Sports is a full contact competition between two contestants.
The primary sport in this program is boxing. Other sports regulated by this program are kick boxing, shoot wrestling / fighting, pancration wrestling / fighting, mixed martial arts contests or any form of competition in which a blow is struck which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury.
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News and Updates
Notice of Intent to Review Rules
September 16, 2022
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) is reviewing the Combative Sports program rules located at Title 16, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 61 for re-adoption, revision, or repeal. This rule review is required every four years.
The Notice of Intent to Review was published in the Texas Register on September 2, 2022 (47 TexReg 5344), as part of a combined notice with several other rule chapters undergoing simultaneous review. The Department will determine whether the reasons for adopting or readopting these rules continue to exist by answering the following questions for each rule:
- Is it obsolete?
- Does it reflect current legal and policy considerations?
- Is it in alignment with the current procedures of the Department?
The Department encourages anyone interested in the Combative Sports program under Chapter 61 to review the Notice of Intent to Review online and the current chapter rules posted on the Department’s website.
Comments may be submitted electronically on the Department’s website (select the appropriate chapter name for your comment).
Comments received prior to October 17, 2022, may be considered by the Department.
Deregulation of Combative Sports Event Coordinators, Matchmakers, and Seconds
July 23, 2021
Effective September 1, 2021, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) will no longer license Combative Sports Event Coordinators, Matchmakers, or Seconds.
Texas House Bill 1560, passed during the 87th Regular Legislative Session (2021), removed the license requirement for these functions. All existing Event Coordinator, Matchmaker, and Second licenses expired on September 1, 2021. TDLR will no longer accept new or renewal applications for these license types.
Although a license is no longer required for Combative Sports Seconds, anyone serving as a Second must still meet the requirements listed in 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 61.
TDLR Discontinues COVID-19 Protocols for Combative Sports Events
July 1, 2021
TDLR has discontinued COVID-19 protocols for Combative Sports events in Texas until further notice, as of July 1, 2021.
Advisory Board Meetings
December 15, 2021
The Combative Sports Advisory Board met December 15, 2021 via videoconference. The meeting was archived and is available on TDLR’s YouTube channel. The agenda and staff reports are available online.