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Canberra Today 16°/19° | Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Combat sports up for discussion in the ACT

SHANE Rattenbury has released a discussion paper seeking community and industry views on the regulation of combat sports in the ACT, including boxing, kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts.

“The ACT Government is currently reviewing the Boxing Control Act 1993 which regulates the conduct of boxing and kickboxing events in the ACT,” Shane said.

“The Act does not currently apply to sports such as Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai which have recently seen significant growth in popularity.

“In recent years, most other Australian jurisdictions have moved to regulate combat sports and the ACT Government believes it is time to review current legislation and regulation of combat sports in the Territory in the interest of ensuring the safety of participants and the public.

“As part of the review of the current legislation, I am seeking community and industry feedback about combat sports regulation in the Territory. Community views are being sought on issues such as the management of neurological injuries and concussion risks, reporting of contestant injuries, and fit-and-proper person checks for industry participants.

“Combats sports are one of the fastest growing sports around, and we have certainly seen their popularity increase within the ACT. As such, I think it is important that we look for measures to address risks associated with combat sports in order to allow them to continue safely in the Territory.

“I would like to hear from those interested in the sport in relation to what they think are appropriate and necessary safety protections for competitors.

“Community and combat sports industry members are invited to comment on the discussion paper and to provide their views on what is an appropriate regulatory model for ACT combat sports.”

The discussion paper is available on the Sport and Recreation Services website at sport.act.gov.au. The consultation period ends on 9 February 2016.

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