CALIFORNIA STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION
INITIAL STATEMENT OF REASONS
Hearing Date: June 4, 2012
Subject Matter of Proposed Regulations: Hand Wraps
Section Affected: 4 CCR Section 323
Specific Purpose of each adoption, amendment, or repeal:

1. Problem being addressed:
This rule addresses the wrapping of the hands of professional boxing, mixed martial arts, Muay Thai and kickboxing athletes. Currently, this rule does not provide specifics regarding the placement or type of materials allowed when wrapping hands, which has led to inconsistency and confusion amongst the athletes and those who are charged with regulating the wraps.

2.Anticipated benefits from this regulatory action:
This proposed amendment would specify what types of materials can be used for a hand wrap; where the materials can and cannot be placed; and how much of each material can be used. Specifically, addressing how the base layer of gauze is to be applied and how to form a knuckle pad and properly apply it. Clarification regarding the rules will assist participants in knowing what is expected when fighting in California and will help inspectors to apply the rules consistently throughout the sport. Proper hand wraps protect the health and safety of the participant by protecting the hand and by ensuring that the hand wrap does not injure the opponent.

Factual Basis/Rationale
Factual basis for determination that each proposed change is reasonably necessary to address the problem for which it is proposed:
Currently rule 323 is vague and open to interpretation. Amending this rule establishes solid guidelines on the use of tape, the use and amount of gauze used to wrap a hand and how to do it in a way that the fighter’s hand is protected but does not injure the opponent. Additionally, the amendment requires the commission’s athletic inspectors to sign off on all hand wrap(s), signifying that it was completed in compliance with the regulation, which will ensure the health and safety of the participants, as well as ensure compliance with the regulations.

Underlying Data
Technical, theoretical or empirical studies, reports, or documents relied upon (if any):
Association of Boxing Commission hand wrap guidelines dated July 27, 2005

Business Impact
This regulation will not have a significant adverse economic impact on businesses. This initial determination is based on the following facts or evidence/documents/testimony: Hand wraps are already required and these changes would not result in any additional costs to business. Description of alternatives which would lessen any significant adverse impact on business (which includes small business): No alternatives were considered as there are no significant adverse impacts on businesses.

Economic Impact Assessment
This regulatory proposal will have the following effects:
 It will not create or eliminate jobs within the State of California because this proposed regulation simply clarifies existing industry practice.
 It will not create new business or eliminate existing businesses within the State of California because this proposed regulation simply clarifies existing industry practice.
 It will not affect the expansion of businesses currently doing business within the State of California because this proposed regulation simply clarifies existing industry practice.
 This regulatory proposal benefits the health and welfare of California residents because it provides clarity to the hand wrap requirements, which are designed and intended to protect the health and safety of participants in regulated combat sports.
 This regulatory proposal benefits worker safety because it provides clarity to hand wrap requirements, which are designed or intended to protect the health and safety of participants in regulated combat sports.
 This regulatory proposal does not benefit or affect the state’s environment because this proposed regulation simply clarifies existing industry practice.

Specific Technologies or Equipment
This regulation mandates the use of specific technologies or equipment. Such mandates or prescriptive standards are required for the following reasons: For protection of the athlete’s hand and wrist and to protect the opponent by ensuring proper formation of the knuckle pad and that no foreign objects are applied to or inserted into the hand wrap, as inspection by the commission’s athletic inspector will be required.

Consideration of Alternatives
No reasonable alternative to the regulatory proposal would be either more effective in carrying out the purpose for which the action is proposed or would be as effective or less burdensome to affected private persons and equally effective in achieving the purposes of the regulation in a manner that ensures full compliance with the law being implemented or made specific.
Set forth below are the alternatives which were considered and the reasons each alternative was rejected: None