Section 0145-03-.14 - APPAREL(1) The ring apparel for each combatant on a program shall include two (2) pairs of trunks or permissible apparel and a custom-made individually-fitted mouthpiece or any other apparel approved by the Commission. Commission staff shall not approve ring costumes that are so similar as to possibly cause confusion as to the identity of the contenders.(2) A combatant who is participating in a kickboxing contest or amateur event may, at the combatant's option, use padded footgear and shin protectors. Shoes shall not be worn either in mixed martial arts or kickboxing professional contests.(3) In addition to the items described in paragraph (1), the apparel for each male combatant shall include a foul-proof groin protector, and shall be worn during all professional contests and amateur events,(4) In addition to the items described in paragraph (1), each female combatant shall wear apparel that covers the combatant's chest. Female combatants shall wear a short sleeved (above the elbow) or sleeveless form fitting rash guard and/or sports bra(s). No loose-fitting tops and/or breast protectors shall be allowed.(5) Each of a combatant's hands may be wrapped with soft gauze bandages not more than two inches (2") in width and fifteen (15) yards in length, held in place by not more than ten feet (10') of surgeon's tape not more than one and a quarter inch (1 1/4") in width. Gauze and binding tape may not exceed the wrist of a competitor's gloves. Tape may be placed through the fingers, but may not cover the knuckles. A single layer of elastic or flex-type tape is allowed to be applied over the completed wrap. Athletic Commission officials must approve hand taping materials and style. A combatant may use soft neoprene type sleeves to cover the knee and/or ankle joints. Sleeves may not have padding, hook-and-loop fasteners, plastic, metal, ties, straps, or any other material considered unsafe or which may create an unfair advantage. Unless a specific exemption is requested and granted by Athletic Commission officials, no other tape, gauze, or other materials may be used by a combatant.(6) Combatants' fingernails and toenails shall be cut and trimmed.(7) Combatants shall wear a mouthpiece at all times while the bout is in progress.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0145-03-.14
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 May 8, 2019; effective August 6, 2019. Amendments filed July 13, 2023; effective 10/11/2023.Authority: Chapter 1149 of the Public Acts of 2008, § 2; Tennessee Athletic Commission Act of 2016; and T.C.A. §§ 68-115-201 and 68-115-203.