Section 0145-03-.05 - RING ROPES(1) Combatants shall not grab the ring ropes, or cage in a mixed martial arts event, at any time the two (2) combatants are in contact with each other during a bout in an attempt to stall action, trap an opponent, escape a technique, or otherwise gain advantage in the bout. Combatants may momentarily grab the ring ropes or cage to brace or steady themselves, gain or to maintain their balance.(2) If a combatant grabs or otherwise secures any ring rope with a hand, arm, foot or leg during a bout to avoid a submission hold, the referee shall stop the bout and deduct two (2) points from the combatant who grabbed the rope.(3) If a combatant continually holds the ring ropes to rest, pull himself or herself from the action, avoid the bout's action, or otherwise gain advantage in the bout, the referee shall deduct one (1) point from the resting combatant, and two (2) points for each additional time such conduct occurs.(4) Excessive grabbing or other use of the ring ropes in violation of these rules may result, in the referee's sole discretion, in a combatant's disqualification and an award of the bout to such combatant's opponent.(5) The referee shall verbally instruct combatants to release the ring ropes or cage, when appropriate, prior to warning, deducting points or disqualifying a combatant for violating the applicable provisions of this act.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0145-03-.05
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.Authority: Chapter 1149 of the Public Acts of 2008, § 2 and T.C.A. § 68-115-201 [effective July 1, 2008].