Section 0145-03-.04 - FOULS(1) The following tactics are fouls in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts and shall result in a warning and loss of points as determined by the referee:(b) Striking downward using point of the elbow;(c) Openhand attacks to the eyes or throat or eye gouging;(d) Striking at that part of the body over the kidney or spine or chopping or striking the back of the neck or head;(e) Biting, spitting or, in the referee's discretion, slapping;(f) The use of abusive language in the ring;(g) Any unsportsmanlike conduct or action that causes injury to an opponent or referee;(h) Attacking an opponent on or during a break;(i) Attacking after the bell or gong has sounded to end the round, or when the opponent is out of the ring;(j) Intentionally pushing, shoving or wrestling an opponent out of the ring with any part of the body;(k) Linear kicks to the front or side of the knees;(l) Intentionally delaying the contest due to improper equipment, or by intentionally dropping or spitting out the mouthpiece;(m) Intentional evasion of contact;(o) Attacking or obstructing the trachea;(p) Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle;(q) Pulling or holding the uniform below the hipline;(r) Holding the ropes or fence;(s) Small joint manipulation, including but not limited to twisting of fingers or toes;(t) Groin techniques/attacks of any kind, including but not limited to grabbing or striking;(w) Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions;(x) Finger strikes or rakes to any part of the body;(y) Knuckle gouging to the face or any part of the body, including into the throat;(z) Stomping a grounded opponent;(aa) Kicks to the head of a grounded opponent;(bb) Kneeing to the head of a grounded opponent;(cc) Lifting, pushing, throwing, or otherwise forcing an opponent out of the ring or cage;(dd) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee or other ring official;(ee) Interference by a combatant's manager or second;(ff) Trainer ring rope or cage grabbing;(gg) Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent;(hh) Spiking which occurs when a combatant purposely drives an opponent straight to the ring floor on his head or neck from an upright and vertical position;(ii) Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or laceration of an opponent;(kk) Grabbing or holding onto an opponent's leg or foot, and grabbing or holding onto any other part of the body;(ll) Punching or kicking a combatant when the combatant touches down. A combatant is down when any part of the combatant's body, other than combatant's feet, touch the floor. The combatant's opponent may continue to attack until the combatant has touched the floor with any part of the body other than the feet;(mm) Leg checking, which occurs when a combatant extends the leg to check an opponent's leg or to prevent the opponent from kicking;(nn) Purposely going down without being hit;(oo) Any use of throws or any takedowns;(pp) Holding and hitting;(qq) Hitting or slapping with an open glove; and(rr) Using the heel of the palm of the hand to deliver a blow to the face.(2) For the purposes of mixed martial arts, tactics, fouls, the definitions of fouls, and the definitions of tactics, shall be as provided in the Association of Boxing Commissions' (ABC) Unified Rules of MMA. These tactics are fouls and shall result in a warning and loss of points as determined by the referee.(3) In addition to or in lieu of losing points, any combatant guilty of any of the foul tactics listed in this section that are applicable to the combatant's sport may be disqualified. The combatant's purse may be withheld from payment, and the combatant may be suspended. Disposition of the purse and the penalty to be imposed upon the combatant shall be determined by action of the Commission.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0145-03-.04
Emergency rules 0145-01 through 0145-05 filed November 7, 2008; effective though April 21, 2009. Emergency rule filed April 20, 2009; effective through October 2, 2009. New rule filed March 17, 2009; effective May 31, 2009. Amendments filed March 17, 2017; effective 6/15/2017.Authority: Chapter 1149 of the Public Acts of 2008, § 2 and T.C.A. § 68-115-201.