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BY-LAWS OF
THE
WORLD ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, INC. REVISED 01 JANUARY 2009 |
| The principal
office of the Corporation shall be located in the City of Atlanta, County of
Fulton and the State of Georgia. The
corporation may also have such offices as such other places within or
without the State as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
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| ARTICLE
I: TITLE:
The organization hereinafter constituted shall be known as the World Athletic Association, Inc.. The WAA is a for-profit corporation dedicated to assist and encourage the sport of boxing throughout the world, and shall strive to improve the safety and public relations of the sport. ARTICLE III: PHILOSOPHY AND COMMITMENT: The World Athletic Association, Inc. expands the possibilities for those athletes who participate in the sport of boxing. The WAA believes that more than a select few should be given a chance to win the coveted title of Champion. From the young upstart who has demonstrated his skills and ability to the seasoned veteran who has toiled for years in his craft and never won the highest honor. Our commitment is to provide that opportunity to all those who qualify. ARTICLE IV: OBJECTIVES: Let it be known that the WAA will not promote, organize, arrange or produce any boxing contest and is responsible solely for decisions regarding the WAA rules, it’s rankings, the designation of a fighter as Champion and his entitlement as said Champion. The WAA’s involvement is limited to sanctioning bouts and Championship Title fights in its World,. International, and Continental divisions. The WAA has structured a fee schedule that enables promoters with limited funds as well as those with sizable promotional budgets to participate on a level field. The affordable fees help turn any event into a profitable, exciting endeavor. The WAA does not collect a fee either whole or in a part from any boxer, only a yearly membership fee. We accept all officials assigned by the Local Boxing Commissions and follow all rules and regulations established by the Association of Boxing Commissioners (ABC) concerning Championship Contests. When outside the United States, the WAA will work with the appropriate boxing commission to find a "compromise" of rules for the championship bout. The WAA only sends one supervisor to insure the rules and regulations are indeed enforced, present the Championship belt to the winner, and report on the events proceedings to the President of the WAA. ARTICLE V: RATINGS CRITERIA: The waA ranks boxers in the following categories: World, International, and Continental. The Ratings Chairman shall rate boxers. The Chairman shall review and take notice of boxing results reported daily, weekly and monthly. Fight results reviewed will be taken from all media sources available. Newspapers of the world, internet compilations of boxing events held, and reports from Boxing Commissions will be used to rank active boxers. Records of fight reports from those who represent boxers from around the world will also be considered, but this information must be verified by the corresponding commissions and/or Fight Fax. No one who is under suspension, had his license revoked or is physically impaired will be considered. The WAA will then establish its rankings in each weight category, naming up to ten (10) boxers with the information gathered. Champions from other organizations will be included in these rankings because the WAA believes their accomplishments merit consideration. These rankings shall be complied monthly and shall be made available to boxing authorities, to the public in general, the news media and to all interested parties. ARTICLE VI: SANCTION FEE SCHEDULE 2009-2010
Note: Championship belt shall be provided to Promoter of Record at no cost for promotional purposes for the period that Promoter is a member in good standing of the WAA. The belt shall remain both the physical and intellectual property of the WAA and must be returned on request. The WAA championship belt shall not be used for "profit" in commercial applications without the written consent of the WAA. Additional costs incurred by the promoter shall be limited to the following: 2. Supervisors fee $400.00 3. Expense for travel and per diem for the Championship Supervisor including but not limited to airfare, deluxe hotel room, and meals. 4. Officials (judges, referees) fees as mandated by appropriate boxing commission. 1. The persons signing the Certificate of Incorporation as Incorporator shall be the first members of the Corporation, unless they shall have resigned as such members or unless membership shall otherwise have been terminated. There after, the eligibility and qualifications for membership, and the manner of and admission into by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or by such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. All such resolutions or rules and regulations relating to members adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be affixed to the by-laws of the Corporation, and shall be deemed to be a part thereof. Such resolutions or rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors may prescribe, with respect to all members, the amount and manner of imposing and collecting any initiation fees, dues or other fees, assessments, fines and penalties, the manner of suspension termination of membership, and for reinstatement of membership, and except as may hereinafter otherwise be provided, the rights, liabilities and other incidents or membership. (b). The right or interest of a member shall not terminate except upon the happening or any of the following events: death, resignation, expulsion, dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation. 2. (a). The annual meeting of members of the Corporation shall be held on such date or dates as shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The first Annual Meeting shall be held on a date within twelve months after the formation of the Corporation. Each successive Annual Meeting shall be held on a date not more than twelve months following the preceding Annual Meeting. Special Meetings of members may be held on such date or dates as may be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation from time to time and by the members on such date or dates as shall be permitted by law. (b). Any Annual or Special Meeting or Members may be held at such place within or without the State as the Board of Directors of the Corporation may from time to time fix. In the event the Board of Directors shall fail to fix such place or time, or in the event members are entitled to fall or convene a Special Meeting in accordance with the law, then, in such event, such meeting shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation. (C) Annual or Special Meetings of Members may be called by the Board of Directors or by any officer of the Corporation instructed to do so by the Board of Directors, except to the extent that directors may be required by law to call a meeting, and shall be called by the Secretary on behalf of the members, when required to do so by law. (d). Written notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting shall be given for all meetings. Such notice shall state the person or persons calling the meeting. Notice for an Annual Meeting shall state that the meeting is being called for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Notices of Special Meeting shall state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. At any Special Meetings, only the business stated in the Meeting shall be transacted thereat. Notice of Meeting shall be given either personally or by first call mail not less than ten (10) days nor more than fifty (50) days before the date of the meeting, to each member at his address recorded on the records of the Corporation, or at such other address which the member may have furnished in writing to the Secretary of the corporation. Notice shall be deemed to have been given when deposited with postage prepaid in a post office or other official depository under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States Post Office. Any meeting or members may be adjourned from time to time. In such event, it shall not be necessary to provide further notice of time and place of the adjourned meeting if announcement of the time and place of the adjourned meeting is given at the meeting so adjourned. In the event the Board of Directors fixed a new record date for an adjourned meeting, a new notice shall be given, in the same manner as herein provided. No notice need be given to any member who execrates and delivers a Waiver of Notice before or after the meeting. The attendance of a member in person or by proxy at the meeting without protesting the lack of notice of a meeting shall constitute a waiver or notice by such member. Any notice of meeting to members relating to the election of directors, shall set forth any amendments to the by-laws of the Corporation adopted by the Board of Directors, together with a concise statement of the changes made. (e) At every meeting of members, there shall be presented a list or record of members as of the record date. Certified by the officer responsible for its preparation, and upon request therefore, any member who has given written notice to the Corporation, which request shall be made at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting, shall have the right to inspect such list or record at the meeting. Such list shall be evidence of the right of the persons to vote as such meeting and all persons who appear on such list or record to be members may vote at such meeting. 3. At each Annual Meeting of Members, the Board of Directors shall present an Annual Report. Such report shall be filed with the records of the Corporation and entered in the minutes of the proceedings of such Annual Meeting of Members. 4. (a). Meetings of the members shall be presided over by the following officers, in order of seniority – the Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, President, Executive Vice-President, Vice-President or, if none of the foregoing is in office or present at the meeting, by a Chairman to be chosen by a majority of the members in attendance. The Secretary or and Assistant Secretary of the Corporation shall act as Secretary of every meeting. When neither the Secretary nor an Assistant Secretary is available, the Chairman may appoint a Secretary of the meeting. (b). The order of business at all meetings of members shall be as follows:
roll call 5. (a). Every member may authorize another person to act for him by proxy in all matters in which a member may participate, including waving notice of any meeting, voting or participating in a meeting, or expressing consent or dissent without a meeting. Every proxy shall be signed by the member or his attorney in fact, and shall be revocable at the pleasure of the member executing it, except as otherwise provided by law. Except as otherwise provided by law, no proxy shall be valid after the expiration of eleven (11) months from its date. 6. The directors may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors to act at any meeting or any adjournment thereof. If inspectors are not appointed, the presiding officer of the meeting may, but need not, appoint inspectors. Each appointed inspector shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability. The inspector shall determine the number of memberships outstanding, the voting power of each, the number of memberships represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, and the validity and effect of proxies. The inspectors shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the result and do such acts as are proper to conduct the elections or vote of all members. The inspectors shall make a report in writing of all matters determined by them with respect to such meeting. 7. Except as provided by law, the members entitled to cast a majority of the total number of votes entitled to be cast at the meeting, shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of members for the transaction of any business. The members present may adjourn the meeting despite the absence of a quorum. Each membership shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. In the election of directors, a plurality of the votes cast shall elect. Except to the extend provided by law, all other action shall be by a majority of the votes cast, provided that the majority of the affirmative votes cast shall be at least equal to a quorum. Whenever the vote of members is required or permitted, such action may be taken without a meeting on the written consent setting forth the action taken signed by all the members entitled to vote. 8. The Board of Directors of the Corporation shall fix a record date for the purpose of determining members entitled to notice of, to vote, to express consent or dissent from any proposal without meeting, to determine members entitled to receive distributions or allotment of rights, or for any other proper purpose. Such record date shall not be more the fifty (50) days nor less than ten (10) days prior to the date of such meeting or consent or the date on which any distribution or allotment of rights, as the case may be, is to be made. In the event no record date is fixed, the record date for the determination of members entitled to vote at a meeting of members shall be the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if no notice is given, the day on which the meeting is held. The record date for determining members for any purpose other than that specified in the preceding sentences shall be the close of business on the day on which the resolution of directors relating thereto is adopted. Establishment of a record date shall apply to any adjournment of any meeting, unless a new record date is fixed by the Board of Directors for such adjournment meeting. 9. The Board of Directors may cause to be issued certificates, cards or other instruments permitted by law evidencing membership in the Corporation. Such membership certificate, card or other instrument shall be noted on the certificate, card or other instrument. Membership certificates cards or other instruments, if issued, shall bear the signatures or facsimile signatures of an officer or officers designated by the Board of Directors and may bear the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof. 10. In the event any capital contribution shall be made or accepted pursuant to authorization conferred by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, each certificate evidencing such capital contribution shall conform to the law of the State of Incorporation. 1. The Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors. Each director shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age, and shall be a member of the Corporation during his directorship the initial Board of Directors shall consist of five (5) persons. Thereafter, the number of directors constituting the entire Board shall be no less than three (3) . Subject to the foregoing, the number of the Board of Directors may be fixed from time to time by action of the members or of the Directors. The number of Directors may be increased or decreased by action of the members or the Board of Directors, provided that any action by the Board of Directors to effect such increase or decrease shall require the vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. No decrease shall shorten the term of any director then in office. 2. The first Board of Directors shall consist of those persons elected by the Incorporators or named as the initial Board of Directors in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, and they shall hold office until the first Annual Meeting of Members, and until their successors have been duly elected and qualify. Thereafter, at each Annual Meeting of Members, the membership shall elect directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting. Each director shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which he/she was elected, and until his/her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until his/her prior resignation or removal as hereinafter provided. 3. (a). Any or all of the members of the Board of Directors may be removed with or without cause by vote of the members of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may remove any director thereof for cause only. (b). A director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to an officer of the Corporation. Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board of Directors or such officer. Acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. 4. Newly-created directorships or vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled by a vote or majority of the Board of Directors then in office, although less than a quorum, unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation. Vacancies occurring by reason of the removal of directors without cause shall be filled by a vote of the members. A director elected to fill a vacancy cause by resignation, death, or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired term of his predecessor. 5. (a). A regular Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting of Members. All other meetings shall be held at such time and place as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time. (b). No notice shall be required for regular meeting of the Board of Directors for which the time and place have been fixed. Special meetings may be called by or at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, the President or by a majority or the directors then in office. (c). Written, oral, or any other method of notice of the time and place shall be given for special meetings of the Board of Directors in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the Board of Directors. The notice of any meeting need not specify the purpose of such meeting. The requirement for furnishing notice of a meeting may be waived by any director who signs a Waiver of Notice before or after the meeting or who attends the meeting without protesting the lack of notice to him/’her. 6. Except to the extent herein or in the Certificate of Incorporation provided, a majority of the entire members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum. At any meeting held to remove one or more directors a quorum shall consist of a majority of the directors present at such meeting. Whenever a vacancy on the Board of Directors shall prevent a quorum from being present, then, in such event, the quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors excluding the vacancy. A majority of the directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn a meeting to another time and place. Except to the extent provided by law and these by-laws, the act of the Board of Directors shall be by a majority of the directors present at the time of vote, a quorum being present at such time. Any action authorized by resolution, in writing, by all of the directors entitled to vote thereon and filed with the minutes of the corporation shall be the act of the Board of Directors with the same force and effect as if the same had been passed by unanimous vote at a duly called meeting of the Board. 7. The Chairman or the Board, if any, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. If there be no Chairman or in his absence, the President shall preside and, if there be no President or in his absence, any other director chosen by the Board, shall preside. 8. Whenever the Board of Directors shall consist of more than three persons, the Board of Directors may designate from their number, an executive committee and other standing committees. Such committees shall have such authority as the Board of Director may delegate, except to the extent prohibited by law. In addition, the Board of Directors may establish special committees for any lawful purpose which may have such powers as the Board of Directors may lawfully delegate. 1. The Board of Directors may elect or appoint a Chairman of the Board of Directors, a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, one or more Assistant Secretaries, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Treasurers, and such other officers as they may determine. The President may but need not be a director. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person except the office of President and Secretary. 2. Each officer shall hold office until the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, and until his successor has been duly elected and qualifies. The Board of Directors may remove any officer with or without cause at any time. 3. (a), The President shall be chief executive officer or the Corporation, shall have the responsibility for the general management of the affairs of the Corporation, and shall carry out the resolutions of the Board of Directors. (b). During the absence or disability of the President of the Corporation, the Vice-President, or, if there be more than one, the Executive Vice-President shall have all the powers and functions of the President. The Vice-President shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time. (c). The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all of the funds and securities of the Corporation, and shall deposit said funds in the name of the Corporation in such bank accounts as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The Treasurer shall, when duly authorized by the Board of Directors, sign and execute all contracts in the name of the Corporation when counter-signed by the President: he may also sign checks, drafts, notes and orders for the payment of money, which shall have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors and counter-signed by the President. (d). The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the Board of Directors and the minutes of the members. He/she shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation, and shall affix and attest the same to documents duly authorized by the Board of Directors. He shall serve all notices for the Corporation which shall have been authorized by the Board of Directors, and shall have charge of all books and records of the Corporation. ARTICLE X: GRIEVANCES/APPEALS 1. The WAA will accept any grievance from those who feel that being dropped from the rankings was unjust. Only those that are in a written form with a detailed explanation of their grievance will be accepted along with a non-refundable fee of $1000.00 to cover administrative costs. All consideration will be given and the decision of the Ratings Chairman and the President of the WAA will become final.2. Whenever there is a complaint or report about the conduct, procedure or disposition of any WAA official assigned to a Championship Contest; it should be referred to the President. A copy will be sent to the person involved and appropriate time given from response. After such period, regardless of receiving any explanation, it is the President’s decision to make any recommendations.1. The Corporation shall keep at the principal office of the Corporation, complete and correct records and books of accounts, and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of the members, the Board of Directors, as well as a list or record containing the names and address of all members. 2. The corporate seal shall be in such form as the Board of Directors from time to time prescribes. 3. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time, subject to applicable law. 4. (a) All by-laws of the Corporation shall be subject to alteration or repeal, and new by-laws may be made, by a majority vote of the members entitled to vote in the election of directors, at a special meeting of the members called for such purpose. (b). The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, alter or repeal, for time to time, by-laws of the Corporation, except that the Board may not amend or repeal any by-law in which control thereof is vested exclusively in the members. If any by-law regulating an impending election of directors is adopted, amended or repealed by the Board, there shall be set forth in the notice of the next meeting of members for the election of directors, the by-law so made, amended or repealed, together with a concise statement of the changes made. ARTICLE XII: CHAMPIONSHIP REGULATIONS The WAA Championship contests have been established for generations as great, ultimate professional objective of boxing, but no World Championship has ever been or can ever be the personal property of a boxer. A Champion as recognized by the WAA stands supreme in his class and is ready at all times to contend with any qualified challenger. When the WAA recognizes a boxer as World Champion, it enjoins him to set a champion’s example in high ideals, sportsmanship in the belief that while a World Champion is not greater than the sport in which he has reached the pinnacle of success, the sport itself cannot rise above the level of those who take part in it. It is to such boxers and boxing followers of good will that these regulations, herewith directed to the WAA enforcement, are sincerely dedicated. In a Championship Contest, promoters, managers and boxers are forbidden, whether directly or indirectly, to promote or be a party to any differences between the contenders based on religion, political creed, race, nationality or any other difference other than the natural ability of the contenders.The following regulations shall govern all Championship contest of professional boxing as determined and recognized by the 1. SUPERVISOR: The supervisor of the WAA appointed to Championship fights is empowered to solve, with the information and advice that may be given to him by the local commission, any problem, matter or occurrence that may require solution regarding the celebration and development of the fight and that could arise as an unforeseen case requiring an immediate solution, for which there would be no time to consult or request of a solution from the President of the WAA. The supervisor’s decision is supreme in this exceptional case.2. CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE: This committee shall consist of three (3) members which shall include the President and two other appointed members. Following their respective appointments, members of the committee shall serve until their successors have been appointed.3. MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE: The committee shall meet at the places and at such time as the Chairman of the Committee shall designate, two members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and for the solution of same it shall be sufficient for a majority vote to be passed by the members of the Committee present at the meeting. In the event that an important decision must be reached and a meeting of the Committee cannot be held, the Chairman is empowered to request a vote from members of the committee by telephone or fax. In these cases, the Chairman of the Committee will recommend. The adoption or refusal of any measure, and the votes not expressed by the Committee will be taken as approbatory of the Chairman’s recommendation. When a vote of the entire committee shall be required, and in the cases of telephone vote, it shall be confirmed in writing to the Chairman of the Committee. 4. Championship contest shall be recognized in the following weight classes: Heavyweight -- any
over 190 lbs. 86.18 kgs. 5. WEIGHT: Weight determines Championship and if a Champion shall fail to make the prescribed weight for his class at the official time of the weight-in as hereinafter prescribed his Title shall be forfeited on the scales. The contest, however, may be staged as scheduled and if the Challenger, having made the prescribed weight, wins, he shall succeed to the Championship: but if the erstwhile Champion wins, the Championship shall be declared vacant. If the champion makes the weight and the Challenger fails to do so, the Champion, whether he wins or loses the bout retains his title. If either Champion or Challenger fails to make prescribed weight at the official weigh-in time, either or each have two (2) hours thereafter to make the prescribed weight within the two (2) hours additional time, this regulations shall remain in full force and effect and the bout shall proceed as a non-title match. The 6. In case of “force majeure” or of fortuitous events that cannot be foreseen by any of the parties, in a program including a Championship Contest that must be postponed for a period of no more than forty-eight (48) hours, a new weigh-in will not be necessary.7. If the cause of the postponement is any atmospheric phenomenon any circumstance that can be solved in a period of less than two (2) hours, no decision will be taken before that period expires. Any decision in this respect must be taken by the Supervisor, in agreement with the local commission. 8. TITLE DEFENSE: a. Each Championship Contest recognized by the WAA in his respective class from Junior Flyweight to Heavyweight, both inclusive, shall defend his Championship within three (3) months after acquisition in a contest scheduled for twelve (12) rounds to a decision against the Leading Challenger who is available in his class in accordance with the current rating list of the WAA.b. Towards the end of the three (3) month period for the defense by the Champion of his Title, the Leading Available by the Contender in each division shall be selected and determined by the Championship Committee in accordance with the current list of the ranked Boxers as promulgated by the Ratings Committee.c. Because of circumstances inherent and peculiar to the promotion of major Heavyweight Championship Contest, the heavyweight champion shall defend his Championship within four (4) months after its acquisition in the Contest schedule for twelve (12) rounds, against the available contender approved by the Championship Committee.d. For the purpose of complying with this Regulation, the current list of the ratings is the one which corresponds to the month in which the Champion is obliged to defend his title against the available contender at the intervals of no less that six (6) months. The mere entry by a champion into a contract for a Championship defense, even against a challenger approved and designated by the WAA as above provided, shall in no case constitute compliance with this Regulation unless such Championship defense shall actually take place within the above required period.f. Within the period for mandatory defense of his Title against an available contender each six (6) months, the Champion may defend his Championship Title against any opponent so selected from the ten (10) ranked boxers in his class in accordance with the current ratings list of WAA, provided that the selected opponent has been rated at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the signing of the contracts for such Championship Contest.g. The WAA shall give each Champion so recognized by the association in his respective class thirty (30) days notice in writing of his obligations for a mandatory defense.h. The champion shall have a period of no more than thirty (30) days calculated from the date on which written notice was given of his obligation for a mandatory title defense to defend such title against any opponent so selected from the ten (10) highest ranked boxers in his weight class in accordance with the current ratings list.i. Champions recognized by the WAA shall not accept any contract to defend his title on any land either foreign or domestic unless it is against a contender approved by the WAA. In the event this occurs the Champion will be stripped of his title, recommended for immediate suspension and fined the amount of purse collected by the Champion engaged in the bout.j. Nothing in these regulations shall be construed to prohibit Champions from engaging in a non-Championship or non-title contest provided such contest is not more that ten (10) rounds, even though such contest be in a different class to which the Champion is a title holder, provided Champion remits to the WAA an amount equal to fifty per cent (50%) of the appropriate sanction fee if the Champion were the defending the title. The Champion shall in no circumstance participate in such fight at more than ten (10) rounds and any Commission or authority who breaches this regulation, or is party to such breach, will automatically be reported to the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC). Should such act occur on foreign soil, these actions will be reported to any and all interested international boxing regulatory authorities.k. The result of any non-title fight or not more than ten (10) rounds shall not affect the recognition of the Champion by the WAA.l. A contract for a Championship contest shall not contain any clause, or any provision whatsoever, guaranteeing, or in any way assuring, or promising either contestant a return Championship contest, however, a return Championship contest between a Champion and Challenger, if performance by both contestants in a Championship contest warrants a return bout may be considered or approved by the WAA. A Championship contest that ends in a draw decision, or if such contest is extremely close and one (1) contestant is awarded a close controversial decision over the other, the WAA in its discretion, may direct the two (2) contestants to meet again for the Championship within a prescribed time.9. FAILURE OF CHAMPION TO FULFILL CONTRACT: a. If a recognized Champion shall fail without reasons sufficient and satisfactory to the WAA to fulfill on schedule his contractual obligation to engage in a Championship contest, the WAA shall recommend to the President and the Executive Committee that recognition of his Title be withdrawn and the Title be declared vacant, provided however, that if a Champion is justifiably disabled and such disability has been proven to and accepted by the WAA after the period of time stipulated under Title Defense section, has expired, he shall be granted an additional period of grace of not more that ninety (90) days which will be valid for all categories. If the Champion’s disability extends beyond the maximum time period, the title will be declared vacant and a qualifying fight will be staged for the title in accordance with Championship rules.b. A Championship can be lost due to non-fulfillment of contract, for inability to fight or to make the required weight: or, for any reason established in the Regulation that governs Championship Contests, but can only be obtained as a result of a bout duly authorized by the WAA.10. DRAW DECISION: If a Championship contest shall be declared a draw, or if for any reason both contestants in a Championship Contest shall become simultaneously unable to continue, or for any reason beyond the control of the contestants, the contest shall be prematurely terminated shall both contestants remain able to continue as so adjudged by the Referee of the contest, or if for any reason the official or officials duly appointed for such purpose shall fail to render or shall be prevented from rendering a decision after the contest, the Championship shall be retained by the defending Champion. 11. RINGS: The WAA will accept all U.S. and foreign territory ring requirement guidelines provided by their local rules and regulations of the hosting Boxing Committee. The attending supervisor will inspect and review the Commissions ring requirements pertaining to safety concerns for the participants, referee and those in attendance at ringside. If the supervisor in attendance feels that a breach of safety is imminent, he will notify the Boxing Commission in attendance for corrective action.12. OFFICIALS: a. The WAA will accept all decisions by U.S. and foreign territory Boxing Commissions on the assignment for Championship contests. Championship official will consist of one (1) non-scoring referee and three (3) judges.b. The WAA will request but not demand that the referee and judges be paid an additional $300.00 US dollars over the normal pay structure for officiating any contest or event that the host commission would normally pay its officials for the assigned duties.c. The referee shall be the chief official in every Championship contest and he shall maintain supervision and control over the contest while it is in progress. The referee shall inspect the bandages and gloves of each contestant prior to the beginning of the contest and of each contestant prior to the beginning of the contest and ensure that the gloves are free of other foreign substances. that could be detrimental to an opponent, and that the bandages or each contestant conform to rules and regulations of the host Boxing Commission. 13.COUNTING: a. When a contestant is knocked down, the Referee shall order his opponent to retire to the farthest neutral corner and immediately begin the count over the fallen contestant. He shall audibly announce the count as he motions with his arm in a downward motion indicating the end of each count. Should the opponent fail to remain in the neural corner farthest from the boxer who is down, the referee shall cease counting until he has returned to it, and then continue the count from the point at which it was interrupted. A contestant who is knocked down must take a MANDATORY EIGHT (8) COUNT. If when the count of EIGHT (8) is reached the contestant is on his feet, the referee, if he deems is advisable, may examine said contestant long enough to assure himself that the contestant is in fit condition to continue. If so assured, the referee shall, without loss of time, order the contestant to continue. If the contestant taking the count is still down when the referee calls the count of TEN (10), the referee shall wave both hands indicating that the contestant has been knocked out. If the round ends during the count, the referee shall continue to count the contestant who is down out, unless said contestant rises and is on his feet before the count of TEN (10) is reached. A contestant is considered to be down when any part of his body except his feet, are on the floor. b. When a boxer is knocked out, the referee shall perform a full ten (10) count. Including the final round of a bout, when a round in any boxing contest shall terminate before a contestant who has been knocked down shall have risen from the floor of the ring, the timekeeper’s count shall be continued. If the fallen contestant shall fail to rise before the count of ten (10), he shall be considered to have lost the bout by a knockout in the round lately concluded. c. When a boxer has been knocked out, none of his handlers is to touch him until the attending physician enters the ring and personally attends the fallen boxer, then issues such instructions as he sees fit to the boxer’s handlers. d. In every Championship contest of the WAA the no three (3) knockdown rule as established by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC). This means that when a participant is knocked down three (3) times in the same round, the said participant may not lose the bout by TKO as in this case with most preliminary bouts of up to ten (10) rounds which may be a criteria for decision in most if not all active boxing countries. The WAA stresses that the assigned referee, to a Championship Contest use the utmost caution in a bout in which a participant has indeed received three (3) knockdowns in the same round. The WAA believes it is in the best interest for the health and well being of the downed participant to have the referee err on the side of caution and save the participant from any further injury that can result from a fourth and possible life threatening knockdown.14. SECONDS: Each contestant in a Championship Contest shall be allowed no more than four (4) seconds, one of whom shall be the Chief Second, who shall be responsible for the conduct of the corner during the course of the contest. 15. DRUGS OR STIMULANTS: The use of drugs or other stimulants before or during a Champion Contest, by either contestant, will be sufficient cause for disqualification of the contestant guilty of such usage. Any substance other than plain water given a contestant during the course of the contest is absolutely prohibited. The discretional use of Vaseline may be allowed around the eyes; however, the use of Vaseline, grease or any other substance on the arm, legs and body is prohibited in the Championship Contests. The discretional use of approved coagulants may be allowed between rounds to stop the bleeding of minor cuts and lacerations sustained by a contestant, 16. BANDAGES: The WAA will approve the restrictions on bandages applied to the bare hands of all participants in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Boxing Commission in which the Championship bout will be held. However, should no precise rules on the application of hand wraps or bandages be in place, the WAA will require the following:In all weight classes up to and including Jr. Middleweight (154lbs.) hand bandages shall be restricted to TEN (10) yards (9.144m) of soft gauze bandage not more than TWO (2) inches (50.8mm) in width held in place by not more than SIX (6) feet (1.829m) of surgeon’s tape ONE (1) inch (25.4mm) in width for each hand. In the Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight and Heavyweight bandages may be TWELVE (12) yards (10.973m) in length and no more than TWO (2) inches (50.8mm) in width held in place by not more than EIGHT (8) feet (2.438mm) of surgeon’s tape ONE (1) inch (25.4mm) in width for each hand. No tape will be allowed across the knuckles. 17. WEIGHT OF GLOVES: The weight of the gloves to be used in Champion Contests shall be as follows: From Jr. Middleweight (154lbs) up to and including Heavyweight, shall use TEN (10) ounce gloves. From Jr. Flyweight up to and including Welterweight, shall use EIGHT (8) ounce gloves The gloves may be put on the Boxer in the Ring. Attached thumb gloves are mandatory. Also, the gloves may be put on in the Locker Room under the control of the Chief Inspector and witnessed by a member of the opponent'’ staff. 18. ATTENDANCE OF WAA OFFICERS AT ALL SANCTIONED CHAMPIONSHIP CONTESTS:The President of the Association shall attend, or assign an Officer of the Association to attend, each Championship Contest sanctioned by the Association. The duties of such Officer shall be to assist the local Commission in the conduct of the contest and ensure that all Championship Regulations are enforced. In making such assignment, the President shall consider the qualifications of such assignee with regard to knowledge and experience in Championship matters. The World Athletic Association representative shall submit a complete report within TEN (10) days following the contest to the President, which shall cover the expenses of and other matters pertinent to the assignment. The President will submit this written report to the Executive Committee.19. PROTECTORS: Individually fitted protector cups and mouth guards shall be compulsory for all Boxers taking part in Championship bouts. a. Boxing injuries are far less in number than in many major sporting activities, but due to the great following of boxing they are in constant public view. b. It is the prime responsibility of the World Athletic Association to promote health, welfare and safety of boxers and to minimize boxing injuries.c. The World Athletic Association is ever aware of this responsibility and of the increasing public concern for boxing injuries.In order to obtain a license or a renewal of a license, all boxers must submit to a thorough examination by a physician approved by their respective Boxing Commissions. The examination shall include a complete history of the applicant and any or all laboratory procedures at the discretion of such physician or by rules and regulations in accordance with the respective Boxing Commission. The following minimum physical requirements and disqualification’s shall apply to professional boxers (unless contrary to law of a given nation): 1. Age recommendations
2. All boxers in Championship Contests must be given a physical examination within five (5) days prior to the date of the contest. Such examination shall be preformed by a physician approved by the Boxing Commission and shall include as many of the laboratory procedures the examining physician deemed necessary 3. Boxers in all bouts shall have the type of examination outlined below on the day of the weigh-in. It is also recommended that the boxer be checked by a physician before leaving the venue of the contest a. Blood Pressure – Not over Systolic pressure 150. If the physician thinks that the blood pressure was raised because of the boxer’s anxiety, he may ask for several readings. If a boxer suffers from mild hypertension without evidence of cardiovascular disease and can be controlled with diuretics or low salt diet, he may be allowed to fight at the discretion and or approval of the physician approved by the respective Boxing Commission. b. No organic heart disease or history of cardiac surgery. c. No active lung disease, e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis of pneumothorax. d. Fundi-no retinopathy or detached retinas (repaired or not). e. Vision-both eyes without the use of lens, not less than 20/100. No contact lenses. f. Abdomen – no hernia or organiomeglia (enlarged liver or spleen); no palpable masses. g. Oral temperature not over 37.4° C or 100°F. h. No dental abscess. i. No skin infection. j. No recently sutured wounds on face or ear which is less than six (6) weeks old. k. No active ear infection l. Absence of one kidney or actual renal (kidney) disease. m. No body deformity that may tend to cause bodily injury. n. No cranial or brain surgery. o. No changes in gait, mental status or boxing performance. p. No hand fractures less than sic (6) weeks old. q. No history of epilepsy. r. No history of mental illness, 4. No rapid dehydration. If a boxer is more than 5. In the event of any serious injury, the ringside physician shall immediately render any emergency treatment necessary, recommend further treatment or hospitalization if indicated, and fully report the entire matter to the Commission within twenty-four (24) hours and subsequently thereafter, if necessary. Such physician may require that the injured boxer and his manager remain in the ring or on the premises after the contest for such period of time as the physician deems advisable. 6. The Ringside Physician may stop the bout at any moment for the purpose of examining the contestant and may terminate a bout if, in his opinion, to continue same will result in serious injury to one of the contestants. The Ringside Physician shall be designated by the regulating Boxing Commission. 7. The number of Commission physicians required to be in attendance at each bout and the type and quality of medical and emergency equipment and instruments which the licensed promoting corporation shall have available at ringside or elsewhere in the premises, shall be as the Commission may prescribe from time to time by bulletin. 8. Any boxer who has sustained any severe injury or actual knockout in a bout shall, within twenty-four (24) hours, be thoroughly examined by a physician approved by the Boxing Commission. Such examination shall include any or all procedures specifically directed by the Commission physician, or the ringside physician, Upon the physician’s request, the Commission may suspend the boxer until he is fully recovered, and similarly, may extend any such suspension already imposed. |
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