Section 4: Players/Officials
Competitors
Each MMA bout involves two competitors who have been matched in the same weight class. Competitors must meet all medical, licensing, and eligibility requirements established by the sanctioning athletic commission prior to competing. Competitors must comply with all instructions issued by the referee before, during, and after the bout.
The Referee
A single referee is positioned inside the fighting area and has sole authority over the conduct of the bout. The referee's primary responsibilities include:
- Ensuring the safety of both competitors throughout the bout
- Enforcing the rules of competition and assessing fouls
- Starting, pausing, and stopping the bout as necessary
- Issuing instructions and warnings to competitors
- Stopping the bout when a competitor is unable to intelligently defend themselves or when a submission is locked in and the competitor is in danger
- Only the referee has the authority to assess fouls and deduct points. Judges may not assess fouls independently.
Judges
Three judges are positioned at ringside and are responsible for scoring the bout in the event it goes the full scheduled distance. Judges score each round independently using the 10-Point Must System. Judges are strictly responsible for scoring based on the effectiveness of strikes, grappling, control, aggression, and overall performance. They must not assess fouls themselves, and may not factor any act into their scoring that was not identified as a foul by the referee.
The Official Scorekeeper
The official scorekeeper is responsible for tabulating judges' scorecards and calculating the true scores after factoring in any point deductions assessed by the referee. The scorekeeper does not score the bout but manages the administrative recording of scores and deductions.
Corners and Seconds
Each competitor is permitted a designated number of corner personnel (seconds) as permitted by the athletic commission. Corners may provide coaching and assistance between rounds only. Interference by corner personnel during active competition is a foul attributable to the competitor and may result in penalties up to and including disqualification.
The Physician
A licensed physician (ringside doctor) is present at all sanctioned bouts and has the authority to recommend or require the stoppage of a bout on medical grounds. The referee and physician work in concert to protect competitor safety. A competitor who is under the care of the referee or physician may not be legally struck by their opponent.