Section 23.17 - Illegal Techniques/Fouls in Professional ContestsAll of the following illegal techniques/fouls are to be read in harmony with, and are subject to, the rules governing legal techniques in professional contests set forth in 523 CMR 23.16. All of the following techniques are prohibited:
(a) Butting with the head;(b) Eye gouging of any kind;(c) Biting or spitting at an opponent;(d) Groin attacks or strikes of any kind;(e) Downward pointing elbow strikes to the head;(f) Strikes to the spine;(g) Throat strikes of any kind;(h) Kicking a grounded combatant/striking an opponent who has fallen;(i) Kneeing a grounded combatant;(j) Stomping of a grounded combatant or stomping the foot of a standing opponent;(k) Use of illegal techniques to throw an opponent; (l) Circular neck twisting;(m) Striking the back of the head;(n) Directly attacking the knee joint;(o) Any joint attack including neck locks;(p) Striking after the bell/signal has sounded;(q) Striking after break has been called;(r) Rubbing open lacerations;(s) Any throw utilizing the hip to propel the opponent;(t) Any trip or sweep using the rear of the leg as defined by malleolus to malleolus through the heel; (u) Elevation of the opponent which causes both feet to leave the ground before executing a throw; (v) Any "back breaking" technique which causes pressure on the opponent's spine;(w) The use of abusive language in fighting area;(x) Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent;(y) Attacking an opponent who is under the referee's care at the time;(z) Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistent dropping of mouthpiece, or faking an injury);(aa) Interference from a competitor's seconds;(bb) Holding on to the ropes or corner padding;(cc) Intentionally throwing or trying to force an opponent out of the fighting area;(dd) Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1331, eff. 1/27/2017.