05cc

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

TITLE 5

ATHLETICS AND SPORTS

 

PART I.  BOXING AND WRESTLING

 

SUBPART A.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Chapter 1.  Preliminary Provisions

 

§ 101.  Definitions.

§ 102.  State Athletic Commission.

§ 103.  Duties of commission.

§ 104.  Appointment and qualifications of executive director.

§ 105.  Powers and duties of executive director.

§ 106.  Limitations on applicability of part.

 

SUBPART B.  BOXING

 

Chapter 3.  Preliminary Provisions

 

§ 301.  Short title of subpart.

§ 302.  Definitions.

 

Chapter 5.  Medical Advisory Board

 

§ 501.  Medical Advisory Board.

 

Chapter 7.  Regulation of Boxing Contests and Exhibitions

 

§ 701.  Boxing regulated.

§ 702.  Age of participants.

§ 703.  Fictitious names.

§ 704.  Physician to be in attendance.

§ 705.  Medical training seminars.

§ 706.  Register.

§ 707.  Medical equipment.

§ 708.  Suspension and revocation for injuries.

§ 709.  Medical examinations.

§ 710.  Weights and classes.

§ 711.  Limitation on difference in weights.

§ 712.  Gloves.

§ 713.  Ring padding.

§ 714.  Duration of bouts and rounds.

§ 715.  Referee and judges.

§ 716.  Seconds.

§ 717.  Mandatory eight count.

§ 718.  Knockouts.

§ 719.  Duty of disclosure.

§ 720.  Sham or collusive contest prohibited.

 

Chapter 9.  Licenses and Permits

 

§ 901.  Power of commission to issue, withhold, suspend or revoke licenses and permits.

§ 902.  Promoters' licenses.

§ 903.  Representative managers' licenses.

§ 904.  Foreign copromoters to procure permits.

§ 905.  Other licenses required.

§ 906.  Program permits.

§ 907.  Amateur events.

§ 908.  Prohibited interests.

§ 909.  Local prohibitions.

§ 910.  Standards for issuance of licenses and permits.

§ 911.  Duration of license.

§ 912.  Applications for licenses and permits.

§ 913.  Oral examinations.

§ 914.  License fees.

§ 915.  Permit fees.

§ 916.  Gross receipts taxes.

§ 917.  Application and fees.

 

Chapter 11.  Promotion of Contests and Exhibitions

 

Subchapter A.  Contracts

 

§ 1101.  Commission control of contracts.

§ 1102.  Notice clause.

§ 1103.  Provisions in contracts between managers and professional boxers.

§ 1104.  Approval of contracts.

 

Subchapter B.  Tickets and Advertising

 

§ 1111.  Tickets.

§ 1112.  Penalty for destroying tickets.

§ 1113.  Ticket refunds.

§ 1114.  Advertising matter to state admission price.

 

Subchapter C.  Admission to Events

 

§ 1121.  Admissions not to exceed seating capacity.

§ 1122.  Age of spectators.

 

Subchapter D.  Bonds

 

§ 1131.  Promoters and foreign copromoters required to file bonds.

§ 1132.  Deposit in lieu of surety bond.

§ 1133.  Filing fee.

§ 1134.  Recovery on bond.

 

Chapter 13.  Enforcement

 

§ 1301.  Commission hearings.

§ 1302.  Subpoenas.

§ 1303.  Preliminary suspension of licenses or permits.

§ 1304.  Suspension or revocation of licenses or permits.

§ 1305.  Civil penalties.

 

Chapter 15.  Financial Provisions

 

Subchapter A.  Financial Interests

 

§ 1501.  Financial interest in boxer prohibited.

§ 1502.  Financial interest in opponent prohibited.

§ 1503.  Financial interest of matchmaker.

 

Subchapter B.  Commission Receipts

 

§ 1511.  Disposition of commission receipts.

§ 1512.  Athletic Commission Augmentation Account.

 

Subchapter C.  Purses

 

§ 1521.  Minimum purses for boxers.

§ 1522.  Distribution of purses to boxers.

§ 1523.  Withholding of purses.

§ 1524.  Hearing regarding withheld purse.

§ 1525.  Disposition of withheld purse.

§ 1526.  Advances against purses.

 

Subchapter D.  Insurance

 

§ 1531.  Insurance coverage of boxers.

 

Chapter 17.  Miscellaneous Provisions

 

§ 1701.  Prohibited competitions.

 

SUBPART C.  WRESTLING

 

Chapter 19.  Preliminary Provisions

 

§ 1901.  Short title of subpart.

§ 1902.  Definitions.

§ 1903.  Applicability of subpart.

 

Chapter 21.  Regulation of Professional Wrestling Contests and Exhibitions

 

§ 2101.  Promoter's license.

§ 2102.  Promoter's bonding requirements.

§ 2103.  Gross receipts taxes.

§ 2104.  Physician to be in attendance.

§ 2105.  Ambulance available.

§ 2106.  Crowd control.

§ 2107.  Prohibited acts.

§ 2108.  Enforcement.

§ 2109.  Penalties.

§ 2110.  Disposition of commission receipts.

 

PART II.  ATHLETES

 

SUBPART A.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

(Repealed)

 

Chapter 31.  Preliminary Provisions (Repealed)

 

§ 3101 - § 3106 (Repealed)

 

SUBPART B.  REGISTRATION OF ATHLETE AGENTS

(Repealed)

 

Chapter 33.  Registration (Repealed)

 

§ 3301 - § 3320 (Repealed)

 

Chapter 35.  Athlete Agents

 

§ 3501.  Short title of chapter.

§ 3502.  Definitions.

§ 3503.  Commission; authority; procedure.

§ 3504.  Athlete agent; registration required; void contract.

§ 3505.  Registration as athlete agent; application; requirements; reciprocal registration.

§ 3506.  Certificate of registration; issuance or denial; renewal.

§ 3507.  Suspension, revocation or refusal to renew registration.

§ 3508.  Temporary registration.

§ 3509.  Registration and renewal fees.

§ 3510.  Required form of agency contract.

§ 3511.  Notice to educational institution.

§ 3512.  Student athlete's right to cancel.

§ 3513.  Required records.

§ 3514.  Prohibited conduct.

§ 3515.  Criminal penalty.

§ 3516.  Civil remedy.

§ 3517.  Civil penalty.

§ 3518.  Uniformity of application and construction.

§ 3519.  Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

§ 3520.  Disposition of receipts.

§ 3521.  Registered athlete agent directory.

 

Chapter 37.  Intercollegiate Athletics

 

§ 3701.  Scope of chapter.

§ 3702.  Definitions.

§ 3703.  Compensation regarding college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

§ 3704.  Professional representation.

§ 3705.  Scholarships.

§ 3706.  Contracts.

§ 3707.  Violations and claims.

§ 3708.  Settlements.

§ 3709.  Severability.

05c101h

 

 

TITLE 5

ATHLETICS AND SPORTS

 

Part

   I.  Boxing and Wrestling

  II.  Athletes

 

Enactment.  Unless otherwise noted, the provisions of Title 5 were added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

 

 

PART I

BOXING AND WRESTLING

 

Subpart

   A.  General Provisions

   B.  Boxing

   C.  Wrestling

 

Enactment.  Part I was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

Special Provisions in Appendix.  See sections 2 and 4 of Act 32 of 1992 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to status of existing licenses and permits and effect of prior rules and regulations.

 

 

SUBPART A

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Chapter

   1.  Preliminary Provisions

 

 

CHAPTER 1

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

 

Sec.

101.  Definitions.

102.  State Athletic Commission.

103.  Duties of commission.

104.  Appointment and qualifications of executive director.

105.  Powers and duties of executive director.

106.  Limitations on applicability of part.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 1 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

05c101s

§ 101.  Definitions.

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this part which are applicable to specific provisions of this part, the following words and phrases when used in this part shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Commission."  The State Athletic Commission.

"Department."  The Department of State of the Commonwealth.

"Executive director."  The executive director of the State Athletic Commission.

"Secretary."  The Secretary of the Commonwealth.

05c102s

§ 102.  State Athletic Commission.

(a)  Composition.--The State Athletic Commission shall be composed of three members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of a majority of the members elected to the Senate. The Governor shall designate one of the members as chairman. The secretary and the chairman of the Medical Advisory Board established under section 501 (relating to Medical Advisory Board) shall be ex officio members of the commission. Each appointment shall be for a term of four years.

(b)  Compensation.--Each commissioner, except the secretary and the chairman of the Medical Advisory Board, shall receive a salary of $10,000 annually. The chairman of the commission shall receive a salary of $10,500 annually. The commissioners and the chairman of the Medical Advisory Board shall also receive reasonable and necessary travel expenses incurred as a direct result of their duties as members of the commission. The expenses incurred by the commissioners shall be allowed and paid on the presentation of itemized vouchers therefor, which vouchers shall be subject to the approval of the secretary.

(c)  Removal.--Except as authorized under this section, no commissioner may be removed from office during his term. The Governor may, upon clear and convincing evidence of misfeasance or malfeasance in office or neglect of duty, remove a commissioner prior to the expiration of the term. The Governor shall then provide the commissioner so removed with a detailed written statement of the reasons for removal.

(d)  Quorum requirement.--Two members of the commission shall constitute a quorum.

05c102v

 

Special Provisions in Appendix.  See section 3 of Act 32 of 1992 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to current members of State Athletic Commission and Medical Advisory Board.

05c103s

§ 103.  Duties of commission.

(a)  Meetings.--The commission shall hold regular meetings at least once every two months to carry out the requirements of this part, which shall include the consideration of any rules or regulations or amendments thereto which are recommended by the executive director. The meetings shall be open to the public. The meeting times shall be scheduled one year in advance and shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

(b)  General duties.--In addition to any other power specifically granted by this part, the commission:

(1)  May establish policy and shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding professional and amateur boxing contests and exhibitions held within this Commonwealth and the presentation of such contests and exhibitions and all matters pertaining thereto, except such contests and exhibitions as are specifically exempted from this part.

(2)  Shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding collection of taxes on professional wrestling exhibitions.

(3)  May establish policy and promulgate rules and regulations regarding professional and amateur wrestling contests as authorized under Chapter 21 (relating to regulation of professional wrestling contests and exhibitions). The rules and regulations authorized under this section include those rules and regulations required by this part, together with such others as the commission considers necessary in order to carry out the provisions of this part.

05c104s

§ 104.  Appointment and qualifications of executive director.

The secretary shall appoint an executive director of the commission with administrative experience and other qualifications indicating he is familiar with the activities to be regulated by this part. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary. The executive director's salary shall be fixed by the secretary with the approval of the Governor, and the executive director shall hold no other paid public position.

05c105s

§ 105.  Powers and duties of executive director.

The executive director shall supervise the administrative work of the commission. The executive director shall have the power and duty:

(1)  To attend the meetings of the commission.

(2)  To recommend to the commission suspension or revocation of any license or permit issued pursuant to this part for violations of any provisions of this part or the rules and regulations of the commission or when such action is necessary to protect the public welfare.

(3)  To supervise and direct staff appointed by the secretary engaged in work directly related to the implementation of this part.

(4)  To prepare and recommend to the commission rules and regulations and amendments thereto regarding the matters regulated under this part.

(5)  To implement and supervise a drug testing program of all athletes licensed under Subpart B (relating to boxing) in consultation with the Medical Advisory Board and the Department of Health.

(6)  To present the standing committees of both Houses of the General Assembly with an annual review of the commission's rules and regulations.

(7)  To establish and maintain a record of all boxers licensed under Subpart B, showing for each licensee all of the following:

(i)  The date licensed.

(ii)  The results of prefight and postfight physicals.

(iii)  Any fictitious or assumed names by which the licensee competes.

(iv)  The number and dates of any suspensions of the licensee.

(v)  The dates when the licensee is knocked out.

(vi)  The licensee's record from other states.

(8)  To administer and make effective the provisions of this part and the rules and regulations made under this part.

(9)  To conduct a substantial portion of the activities required by this part at a single central location, wherein all records of the commission shall be maintained.

(10)  To prepare an annual budget for the consideration of the commission, showing the costs of operation and revenues received in the previous fiscal year and the estimated costs of operations and revenues to be received in the next fiscal year. The budget shall be approved by the commission and forwarded to the secretary in a timely fashion for his review and inclusion in the budget request of the department.

(11)  To aid the commission in the promotion of boxing contests in this Commonwealth.

(12)  To supervise collection of taxes on professional wrestling exhibitions.

05c105v

 

Cross References.  Section 105 is referred to in section 709 of this title.

05c106s

§ 106.  Limitations on applicability of part.

No provision of this part nor any rule or regulation promulgated under this part shall apply to any boxing contest or exhibition or wrestling contest or exhibition conducted or sponsored by any university, college, secondary school or group of universities, colleges or secondary schools or the Department of Corrections if all the participants are students regularly enrolled in such institutions or inmates confined within a State or county correctional facility, respectively.

05c301h

 

 

SUBPART B

BOXING

 

Chapter

   3.  Preliminary Provisions

   5.  Medical Advisory Board

   7.  Regulation of Boxing Contests and Exhibitions

   9.  Licenses and Permits

  11.  Promotion of Contests and Exhibitions

  13.  Enforcement

  15.  Financial Provisions

  17.  Miscellaneous Provisions

 

 

CHAPTER 3

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

 

Sec.

301.  Short title of subpart.

302.  Definitions.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 3 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

05c301s

§ 301.  Short title of subpart.

This subpart shall be known and may be cited as the Boxing Act.

05c302s

§ 302.  Definitions.

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this subpart which are applicable to specific provisions of this subpart, the following words and phrases when used in this subpart shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Amateur."  A person who has never received nor competed for any purse or other article of value, either for participating in any boxing contest or exhibition or for the expenses of training therefor, other than a prize which does not exceed $50 in value.

"Boxing."  The act of attack and defense with the fists, practiced as a sport. The term includes all variations of the sport permitting or using other parts of the human body, including, but not limited to, the foot, knee, leg, elbow or head.

"Contest."  A boxing engagement in which the boxers strive earnestly in good faith to win.

"Exhibition."  A boxing engagement in which the boxers show or display their skill without necessarily striving to win.

"Foreign copromoter."  A promoter who has no place of business within this Commonwealth.

"Judge."  A person who has a vote in determining the winner of any contest.

"Manager."  A person who, directly or indirectly, controls or administers the affairs of any boxer.

"Matchmaker."  A person who brings together professional boxers or arranges professional boxing contests or exhibitions.

"Pay-per-view telecast."  A telecast, closed-circuit or otherwise, which is not intended to be available for viewing without the payment of a fee, collected for or based upon each event viewed, for the privilege of viewing the telecast.

"Producer."  Any person who charges or receives a fee for having a contest viewed through a pay-per-view telecast by utilizing any type of cable television system. The term does not include the operator of a cable television system.

"Professional."  A person who has received or competed for or is receiving or competing for any purse or other article of value, other than a prize which does not exceed $50 in value, either for participating in any boxing contest or exhibition or for the expenses of training therefor.

"Promoter."  Any person and, in the case of a corporate promoter, any officer, director, employee or stockholder thereof who produces, arranges or stages any professional contest or exhibition.

"Purse."  The financial guarantee or any other remuneration, or part thereof, for which professional boxers are participating in a contest or exhibition. The term includes the participant's share of any payment received for radio broadcasting, television and motion picture rights.

"Sponsor."  Any person and, in the case of a corporate sponsor, any officer, director, employee or stockholder thereof who produces, arranges or stages any amateur contest or exhibition.

05c501h

 

 

CHAPTER 5

MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD

 

Sec.

501.  Medical Advisory Board.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 5 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

05c501s

§ 501.  Medical Advisory Board.

The commission shall appoint five physicians to serve on a Medical Advisory Board for a term of four years. The Governor shall designate a member with experience in sports medicine as chairman of the board. Each member shall be paid a per diem rate to be established by the secretary, but not in excess of $150 a day. The board shall issue an annual report to the commission, which shall include a review of the health status of each boxer who competed during the prior fiscal year to identify those who may be at risk of serious physical impairment. The board may recommend changes or additions to the health and safety rules and regulations of the commission and, upon request of the commission, shall review proposed rules and regulations and advise the commission of recommendations with respect to the proposed rules and regulations.

05c501v

 

Special Provisions in Appendix.  See section 3 of Act 32 of 1992 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to current members of State Athletic Commission and Medical Advisory Board.

Cross References.  Section 501 is referred to in section 102 of this title.

05c701h

 

 

CHAPTER 7

REGULATION OF BOXING CONTESTS AND EXHIBITIONS

 

Sec.

701.  Boxing regulated.

702.  Age of participants.

703.  Fictitious names.

704.  Physician to be in attendance.

705.  Medical training seminars.

706.  Register.

707.  Medical equipment.

708.  Suspension and revocation for injuries.

709.  Medical examinations.

710.  Weights and classes.

711.  Limitation on difference in weights.

712.  Gloves.

713.  Ring padding.

714.  Duration of bouts and rounds.

715.  Referee and judges.

716.  Seconds.

717.  Mandatory eight count.

718.  Knockouts.

719.  Duty of disclosure.

720.  Sham or collusive contest prohibited.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 7 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

05c701s

§ 701.  Boxing regulated.

(a)  General rule.--Professional contests or exhibitions, including kick boxing, shall be held within this Commonwealth only in accordance with the provisions of this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.

(b)  Events on Sunday.--Contests or exhibitions may be held on Sunday.

05c702s

§ 702.  Age of participants.

(a)  General rule.--No person under 18 years of age shall be a participant in any contest or exhibition.

(b)  Exception.--

(1)  Any person between 12 and 17 years of age may participate in amateur contests or exhibitions under such rules and regulations as the commission shall prescribe.

(2)  Any person between 12 and 17 years of age may participate after obtaining written permission from a parent or legal guardian, as well as consent by the executive director.

(3)  A person 12 to 16 years of age may only participate in such contests with a person not more than one year older.

(c)  Junior Olympics.--The limitations set forth in subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to sanctioned boxing events for the Junior Olympics under the direction of a national governing organization certified by the commission. For the purposes of the Junior Olympic events, participants, with the written permission of a parent or legal guardian, may box only in the following age divisions:

(1)  Ten and eleven years of age.

(2)  Twelve and thirteen years of age.

(3)  Fourteen and fifteen years of age.

No participant shall take part in any event outside of the approved division for that age group.

05c703s

§ 703.  Fictitious names.

No person shall participate in any amateur contest or exhibition under a fictitious or assumed name unless the fictitious or assumed name has first been registered with the commission.

05c704s

§ 704.  Physician to be in attendance.

A physician shall be assigned to every contest or exhibition by the executive director. The physician shall observe at all times the physical condition of the participants and may stop any contest or exhibition at any time to examine a participant and to terminate a bout when, in the judgment of the physician, severe injury could result to a participant if the contest or exhibition were to continue. The commission shall establish by rule or regulation a schedule of fees to be paid to physicians for their services. The physician's fee shall be paid by the promoter of the contest or exhibition attended by the physician.

05c705s

§ 705.  Medical training seminars.

The commission shall conduct mandatory medical training seminars at least twice a year for all ring personnel, commission personnel and other designated persons employed by the secretary.

05c706s

§ 706.  Register.

The executive director shall establish and maintain a register for all professional boxers licensed in this Commonwealth. The register shall include a photograph of the boxer. In the register, the executive director shall record the results of each contest or exhibition the boxer is involved in, including technical knockouts, knockouts and other boxing-related injuries, as well as the dates of each contest or exhibition and the record of wins and losses.

05c707s

§ 707.  Medical equipment.

No professional contest or exhibition shall be started unless there is on the premises:

(1)  An ambulance, together with emergency equipment.

(2)  A portable resuscitator with oxygen and appropriate endotracheal tubes and a qualified operator.

05c708s

§ 708.  Suspension and revocation for injuries.

(a)  General rule.--For sound medical reasons and to protect the individual boxers, the commission shall establish mandatory license suspensions of those persons who sustain certain injuries.

(b)  Particular suspension periods.--The commission may suspend a boxer's license for up to:

(1)  Sixty days for a laceration of the face.

(2)  Thirty days:

(i)  for a technical knockout without head injuries; or

(ii)  upon recommendation of the ringside physician if, in the physician's opinion, the boxer has sustained sufficient injuries to require the suspension.

(3)  Sixty days for head injuries.

(4)  Ninety days for a knockout.

(c)  Unconsciousness or concussion.--A boxer who has been knocked unconscious or who has received a concussion shall have his license suspended for 90 days, and the suspension shall be removed only after the boxer has been pronounced fit after undergoing medical examination by a physician.

(d)  Repeated knockouts.--A boxer who has been knocked out or severely beaten shall have his license revoked if, after undergoing a medical examination by a physician, the commission decides such action is necessary in order to protect the health and welfare of the boxer.

(e)  Consecutive defeats.--A boxer who has suffered six consecutive defeats shall be investigated by the commission and, upon recommendation of the executive director, in consultation with the Medical Advisory Board, shall be required to undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the commission. If appropriate, the commission may then proceed to suspend or revoke the boxer's license.

05c708v

 

Cross References.  Section 708 is referred to in section 709 of this title.

05c709s

§ 709.  Medical examinations.

(a)  Prefight examination.--In addition to any other examination required by this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart, each boxer shall be examined by the attending physician within two hours before he enters the ring. If, in the opinion of the physician, any boxer is physically or mentally unfit to proceed, the physician shall notify the person in charge, who shall immediately cancel the contest or exhibition.

(b)  Postfight examination.--In addition to any other examination required by this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart, a boxer may, at the discretion of the ringside physician, be required to undergo a medical examination by a physician designated by the executive director during the five days following the contest or exhibition in which he was a participant. If the boxer sustains a knockout or technical knockout, the boxer shall undergo the medical examination within such time period as shall be prescribed by the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission. An examination under this section shall be performed at the expense of the promoter.

(c)  Filing of results of examinations.--The results of the examinations required by this section shall be reduced to writing by the physician, signed by him and filed with the commission within 48 hours after they have been performed.

(d)  Content of examination.--Any medical examination prescribed under this section or section 708 (relating to suspension and revocation for injuries) shall conform to the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission after consultation with the Medical Advisory Board. The rules and regulations regarding the postfight examination may prescribe or permit the attending physician to prescribe additional tests in the case of a knockout, technical knockout, head injury or other injury or medical condition. The examination may include drug testing as prescribed by rules and regulations, which shall be promulgated by the commission in accordance with the program mandated by section 105(5) (relating to powers and duties of executive director).

05c710s

§ 710.  Weights and classes.

The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing classes of boxers, which classes shall be based upon weights. All contests or exhibitions shall take place only between boxers who are within the same weight class as defined by the commission unless otherwise approved by the commission.

05c711s

§ 711.  Limitation on difference in weights.

No contest or exhibition shall take place in which the difference in weight of the participants exceeds ten pounds. This section shall not apply to contests or exhibitions between participants in the light-heavyweight, cruiserweight or heavyweight classes, as defined by the commission, nor to exhibitions held solely for training purposes.

05c712s

§ 712.  Gloves.

(a)  General rule.--All boxers licensed under this subpart shall be required to use thumbless or thumb-attached gloves. The appropriate weight boxing gloves shall be worn by boxers as follows:

(1)  One hundred sixty pounds or under, boxing gloves weighing not less than eight ounces each.

(2)  Over 160 pounds, boxing gloves weighing not less than ten ounces each.

(b)  Violation.--A violation of this section may subject the participant, promoter or manager or any of them to suspension of not less than 30 days or revocation of their licenses, at the discretion of the commission, pursuant to section 1304 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits).

05c713s

§ 713.  Ring padding.

All ring padding shall be subject to approval of the commission. All padding shall be of soft felt, foam rubber or similar material and shall be at least two inches thick.

05c714s

§ 714.  Duration of bouts and rounds.

(a)  Length of contest.--No contest or exhibition shall be more than 12 rounds in length, except for championship contests sanctioned by recognized international or national authorities, which may be up to 15 rounds in length.

(b)  Duration of round.--No round shall be more than three minutes in duration.

(c)  Mandatory rest period.--There shall be at least a one-minute rest between consecutive rounds.

(d)  Limitation on participation.--No boxer shall participate in nor be scheduled to participate in more than 15 rounds within 72 consecutive hours.

(e)  Limitation on rounds.--The commission may, with respect to any contest or exhibition or to any class of participants, limit the number of rounds in a contest or exhibition to less than the maximum number of rounds otherwise applicable.

05c715s

§ 715.  Referee and judges.

(a)  Referee.--At each professional contest or exhibition, except an exhibition held solely for training purposes, there shall be in attendance, at the expense of the promoter, a duly licensed referee designated by the executive director, who shall direct and control the contest or exhibition. Personal injury and liability insurance coverage, in a minimum amount set by the commission, for all claims arising from the performance of their duties at the contest or exhibition shall be in effect for all referees. This coverage shall be provided at the expense of the promoter.

(b)  Judges.--There shall be in attendance at every contest, at the expense of the promoter, three licensed judges, each of whom shall render his individual decision in writing on a scorecard supplied by the executive director at the end of every contest which continues for the scheduled number of rounds. Each judge shall have one vote, and a majority of the votes cast shall determine the winner.

(c)  Scoring.--The commission shall by rule or regulation prescribe the methods of scoring.

05c716s

§ 716.  Seconds.

Before the start of any contest or exhibition, the referee shall ascertain from each participant the name of the chief second. The chief second shall be held responsible for the conduct of his assistants during the contest or exhibition.

05c717s

§ 717.  Mandatory eight count.

Whenever a boxer is knocked down, the boxer shall be required to take a count of eight. The referee shall not permit the contest or exhibition to be resumed until the count of eight has been reached, except in professional championship contests and exhibitions.

05c718s

§ 718.  Knockouts.

(a)  Count by referee.--When a boxer is knocked out, the referee shall count to ten unless, in the judgment of the referee, the boxer is in immediate physical danger, in which case the referee may stop the count earlier. If the boxer has not risen from the ring floor before the referee stops the count, the result shall be recorded as a knockout.

(b)  Physician.--When a boxer has been knocked out, no one shall touch him, except to remove his mouth protector, until after the attending physician has entered the ring and issued such instructions as he deems necessary.

05c719s

§ 719.  Duty of disclosure.

Every licensee shall, immediately after learning thereof, disclose to the executive director or his designee, or to the official in charge or the attending physician or referee if one of these persons is in attendance at any contest or exhibition, all knowledge or information in his possession concerning any mental or physical disability, injury, illness or incapacity of any boxer.

05c720s

§ 720.  Sham or collusive contest prohibited.

(a)  General rule.--No licensee or other person shall knowingly conduct, give, participate in or be in any way connected with any sham or collusive boxing contest.

(b)  Reports.--Any licensee who knows or has reason to suspect that a boxing contest is, was or is going to be a sham or collusive contest shall have a duty to promptly report this to the executive director or his designee. Such a report shall be in writing or, if oral, shall be reduced to writing and shall contain all of the reporter's reasons for the conclusions set forth in his report.

(c)  Penalty.--A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(d)  Definition.--As used in this section, the term "sham or collusive contest" means an engagement that is promoted or advertised as a true contest, but in which one or both of the participants does not use his best efforts and skill or does not strive earnestly in good faith to win. The term includes, but is not limited to, any pseudocontest, the result of which has been prearranged, or any pseudocontest in which either participant does not, is not going to or is unable to use or is prevented from using his best efforts and skill as a result of coercion, reward or promise thereof, physical incapacity or disability, suggestion or agreement or any other improper or unlawful means.

05c901h

 

 

CHAPTER 9

LICENSES AND PERMITS

 

Sec.

901.  Power of commission to issue, withhold, suspend or revoke licenses and permits.

902.  Promoters' licenses.

903.  Representative managers' licenses.

904.  Foreign copromoters to procure permits.

905.  Other licenses required.

906.  Program permits.

907.  Amateur events.

908.  Prohibited interests.

909.  Local prohibitions.

910.  Standards for issuance of licenses and permits.

911.  Duration of license.

912.  Applications for licenses and permits.

913.  Oral examinations.

914.  License fees.

915.  Permit fees.

916.  Gross receipts taxes.

917.  Application and fees.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 9 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

Cross References.  Chapter 9 is referred to in section 1701 of this title.

05c901s

§ 901.  Power of commission to issue, withhold, suspend or revoke licenses and permits.

The commission is hereby granted sole control, authority and jurisdiction to issue, withhold, suspend or revoke any license or permit provided for under this subpart.

05c902s

§ 902.  Promoters' licenses.

No promoter shall directly or indirectly conduct, hold or promote any professional contest or exhibition unless he has first procured a promoter's license from the commission. The commission may issue an order prohibiting a promoter from acting in violation of this section. If it is determined the respondent has engaged in the promotion of any professional contest or exhibition without having first obtained a promoter's license from the commission, the court, on petition by the commission, shall enjoin him from such activities unless and until he has been duly licensed. The procedure in such cases shall be the same as in any other injunction suit. The remedies under this section are in addition to any other remedies under this part.

05c903s

§ 903.  Representative managers' licenses.

(a)  General rule.--Before acting as such, every representative manager shall procure a manager's license. He shall file with the department the name of each boxer whom he represents, together with a written consent from each boxer and his manager authorizing him to transact business for the manager or boxer or to act as or for the manager of the boxer.

(b)  Presumption.--Every person other than the manager of a professional boxer who performs any of the acts usually performed by the manager or who aids, assists or substitutes for the manager or who uses a licensed manager to conceal his own actions as a manager shall be considered a representative manager.

(c)  Penalty.--A violation of this section may subject the manager to suspension of not less than 30 days or revocation of his license, at the discretion of the commission, pursuant to section 1304 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits).

05c904s

§ 904.  Foreign copromoters to procure permits.

(a)  General rule.--No foreign copromoter shall directly or indirectly participate in the promotion of or receive any remuneration from or render any services in connection with any professional contest or exhibition held within this Commonwealth unless he has first been granted a permit therefor by the commission. No promoter shall be associated with any foreign copromoter in promoting any contest or exhibition unless the foreign copromoter has first secured a permit. A foreign copromoter by accepting a permit agrees to be subject to all the provisions of this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.

(b)  Penalty.--A violation of this section may subject the promoter or foreign copromoter, or both, to suspension of not less than 30 days or revocation of his license or permit, at the discretion of the commission, pursuant to section 1304 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits).

05c905s

§ 905.  Other licenses required.

(a)  General rule.--A professional boxer, manager, second, trainer, matchmaker, timekeeper, referee, judge, announcer, physician, booking agent or agency or representative of a booking agent or agency shall not directly or indirectly act in such capacity in connection with any professional contest or exhibition unless he has first procured from the commission a license to act in that capacity.

(b)  Penalty.--A violation of this section may subject the person required to procure the license to suspension of not less than 30 days or revocation of or refusal to issue the license, at the discretion of the commission, pursuant to section 1304 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits).

05c906s

§ 906.  Program permits.

In addition to the promoter's license, each promoter shall be required to procure a permit from the commission for each program of contests or exhibitions before presenting that program. Each application for a permit shall specify the premises where and time when the program is to be held.

05c907s

§ 907.  Amateur events.

(a)  General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, no amateur contest or exhibition shall be held without a permit having been first secured by the sponsor from the commission for the event. Subject to subsection (d), amateur contests or exhibitions shall be held in accordance with this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.

(b)  Eligibility.--Permits for amateur boxing contests or exhibitions shall be issued only to bona fide recognized amateur athletic associations, nonprofit organizations or other groups or individuals approved by the commission.

(c)  Permit fee.--The fee for the issuance of a permit for each program of amateur contests or exhibitions shall be fixed by commission regulation.

(d)  Rules.--With the written approval of the commission, amateur contests or exhibitions may be held in accordance with the rules of the amateur body sanctioning the event.

05c908s

§ 908.  Prohibited interests.

An officer, director, stockholder or employee of a licensed promoter shall not have any other interest in any professional boxer or professional contests or exhibitions except as a matchmaker.

05c909s

§ 909.  Local prohibitions.

No permit shall be issued for the holding of any boxing contest or exhibition within any political subdivision of this Commonwealth which has adopted any local ordinance or resolution prohibiting such contests or exhibitions within its limits.

05c910s

§ 910.  Standards for issuance of licenses and permits.

(a)  General rule.--In determining whether to issue or renew any license or permit, the commission shall consider the best interest and welfare of the public, the preservation of the safety and health of participants and the best interests of boxing generally.

(b)  Prerequisites.--Before being granted any permit or license, the applicant must establish that he is:

(1)  Of good moral character.

(2)  Of good reputation.

(3)  Physically fit and mentally sound.

(4)  Skilled in his profession.

(5)  Of requisite age and experience.

(6)  Not addicted to the intemperate use of alcohol or to the use of narcotic drugs.

In the case of a corporate applicant, these factors shall be considered with reference to its officers, directors, employees and principal stockholders.

05c911s

§ 911.  Duration of license.

Each license issued under this subpart shall expire on December 31 next following the date on which it was issued.

05c912s

§ 912.  Applications for licenses and permits.

Every application for a license or a permit shall:

(1)  Be in writing on a form supplied by the commission.

(2)  Be verified by the applicant.

(3)  Set forth such information and have attached thereto such photographs and other exhibits as are required by this subpart, the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart and the form of application.

05c913s

§ 913.  Oral examinations.

The commission may require any applicant for a license or permit or, in the case of a corporate applicant, any officer, director, employee or stockholder thereof to appear before the commission for an oral examination, under oath, as to qualifications of the applicant before taking action on that application.

05c914s

§ 914.  License fees.

The annual license fees which shall accompany each application for a license or the renewal of a license shall be fixed by commission regulation.

05c915s

§ 915.  Permit fees.

(a)  General rule.--The required fees, based upon the seating capacity of the premises where the program is to be presented, shall accompany each application for a permit to present a program of contests or exhibitions. The amount of the fee shall be fixed by commission regulation.

(b)  Foreign copromoter permit.--The fee for the issuance of a foreign copromoter's permit for each program of contests or exhibitions shall be fixed by commission regulation.

05c916s

§ 916.  Gross receipts taxes.

(a)  Gate receipts.--In addition to the payment of any other fees and moneys due under this subpart, a promoter or sponsor shall pay a tax of 5% of the gross receipts of every contest or exhibition held in this Commonwealth.

(b)  Broadcast rights.--The gross price paid to the promoters or sponsors for the sale, lease or other exploitation of broadcasting, television and motion picture rights of the contest or exhibition shall be subject to a gross receipts tax on a sliding scale as follows:

(1)  five percent on the cost of exploitation rights obtained for the first $60,000 or less;

(2)  three percent on the cost of exploitation rights obtained for the next $100,000;

(3)  two percent on the cost of exploitation rights obtained for the next $100,000; and

(4)  one percent on the cost of exploitation rights obtained for any amount over $260,000.

(c)  Pay-per-view telecasts.--Any producer who charges or receives a fee for having a contest seen on a pay-per-view telecast that is shown in this Commonwealth, utilizing a cable television system, shall pay a tax of 3% of the producer's gross receipts attributable to the individual pay-per-view telecast fees. The tax under this subsection shall be collected from the producer by the cable television system operator whose pay-per-view facilities are being utilized by the producer for this purpose and shall be forwarded to the commission. The producer's gross receipts upon which this tax is imposed shall not include Federal, State and local taxes paid by the individual who views the contest.

(d)  Payment.--Payment of the gross receipts tax provided for in this section shall be made within 48 hours after the contest or exhibition if the tax is payable under subsection (a) or within 45 days if the tax is payable under subsection (c). The payment shall be accompanied by a form prescribed by the commission setting forth the gross receipts received from the contest, exhibition or pay-per-view telecast and such other information as the commission may require. The form shall require the taxpayer to state the amount of gross receipts, the number of tickets sold and such other information as the commission may require. In the case of a live contest or exhibition, payment shall be accompanied by a verified statement by the ticket printer setting forth the number of tickets printed for use at the contest or exhibition.

(e)  Penalties.--

(1)  A person who intentionally makes a false report under this section commits perjury and shall, upon conviction, be subject to punishment under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4902 (relating to perjury). The penalty shall be in addition to any other penalties imposed under this subpart.

(2)  A person who intentionally fails, neglects or refuses to file the form or pay the tax as prescribed in this section, or who refuses to permit the department to examine the books, papers and records pertaining to an event taxable under this section, commits a misdemeanor of the third degree and shall, in addition, be subject to suspension or loss of license or a civil penalty at the discretion of the commission.

(f)  Gross receipts.--Gross receipts shall be calculated without any deductions for commissions, brokerage fees, distribution fees, advertising or other expenses or charges in respect thereto, except that Federal taxes and taxes imposed by a political subdivision may be deducted. Notwithstanding section 3 of the act of December 31, 1965 (P.L.1257, No.511), known as The Local Tax Enabling Act, the tax levied under this subsection does not vacate ordinances or resolutions passed under the authority of that act. In the case of a live contest or exhibition taxable under subsection (a), gross receipts includes the face value of all tickets sold and complimentary tickets issued. In the case of a pay-per-view telecast taxable under subsection (c), gross receipts includes the total amount of all fees that were charged in order to view the event.

05c916v

 

Retroactivity.  Section 7 of Act 32 of 1992 provided that subsec. (b) shall be retroactive to January 1, 1992.

05c917s

§ 917.  Application and fees.

An application for a permit or license shall be verified and shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee in an amount established by the commission by regulation, which fee shall be subject to review in accordance with the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act. If the revenues generated by fees and civil penalties imposed pursuant to this subpart are not sufficient to match expenditures over a two-year period, the commission shall adjust those fees by regulation, subject to review in accordance with the Regulatory Review Act, such that the projected revenues will meet or exceed projected expenditures. If the department determines that fees and civil penalties established by the commission are inadequate to meet the costs of minimum enforcement efforts required by this subpart, then the department, after consultation with the commission, shall adjust the fees or civil penalties or both by regulation, subject to review in accordance with the Regulatory Review Act, such that adequate revenues are raised to meet those costs.

05c1101h

 

 

CHAPTER 11

PROMOTION OF CONTESTS AND EXHIBITIONS

 

Subchapter

   A.  Contracts

   B.  Tickets and Advertising

   C.  Admission to Events

   D.  Bonds

 

Enactment.  Chapter 11 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

 

 

SUBCHAPTER A

CONTRACTS

 

Sec.

1101.  Commission control of contracts.

1102.  Notice clause.

1103.  Provisions in contracts between managers and professional boxers.

1104.  Approval of contracts.

05c1101s

§ 1101.  Commission control of contracts.

The commission, with the approval of the department, shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the form and content of all contracts entered into between or among promoters and foreign copromoters and professional boxers and managers and all contracts between managers and professional boxers. All contracts required under this subpart shall be in writing.

05c1102s

§ 1102.  Notice clause.

Every contract subject to the provisions of this subpart shall contain the following clause:

This agreement is subject to the provisions of the Boxing Act of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to the rules and regulations of the State Athletic Commission of Pennsylvania and to any future amendments of either of them.

05c1103s

§ 1103.  Provisions in contracts between managers and professional boxers.

(a)  General provisions.--Every contract between a manager and a professional boxer shall contain provisions governing its duration, division of the boxer's purses and the minimum sum to be guaranteed annually to the boxer by the manager.

(b)  Termination of contract.--Each contract shall further provide that the contract shall be automatically terminated if the license of either party is revoked by the commission or if the manager fails to renew his license within 30 days after its expiration. If the license of either party is suspended, the contract shall not be binding upon the other party during the period of the suspension.

05c1104s

§ 1104.  Approval of contracts.

No contract between a manager and a professional boxer shall be legally valid until both parties to the contract appear before the commission and have received its approval, which shall be endorsed on the contract.

05c1111h

 

 

SUBCHAPTER B

TICKETS AND ADVERTISING

 

Sec.

1111.  Tickets.

1112.  Penalty for destroying tickets.

1113.  Ticket refunds.

1114.  Advertising matter to state admission price.

05c1111s

§ 1111.  Tickets.

(a)  Scheduled date and price.--Every ticket of admission to a contest or exhibition shall clearly show on its face the scheduled date of the contest or exhibition and its purchase price, including any taxes thereon.

(b)  Price limitation.--No ticket shall be sold by any promoter or foreign copromoter for more than the price printed thereon.

(c)  Antiscalping provision.--No other person shall sell any ticket for more than 50¢ in excess of the price printed on the ticket. No licensee shall directly or indirectly receive any part of any excess price.

(d)  Numbering of tickets.--Tickets in each price range shall be consecutively numbered, and the number of each ticket shall be clearly printed on both the stub and main portion of the ticket.

(e)  Schedule of tickets.--A schedule of the numbers of all tickets in each price range shall be furnished to the commission.

05c1112s

§ 1112.  Penalty for destroying tickets.

Except upon receipt of prior written authorization from the department, it shall be a misdemeanor of the second degree for any promoter or person associated with or employed by any promoter to destroy any ticket or ticket stub, whether sold or unsold, within six months after the date of any contest or exhibition.

05c1113s

§ 1113.  Ticket refunds.

(a)  Full refund.--Upon postponement or cancellation of the main event or the entire program of contests or exhibitions, the promoter shall refund the full purchase price of each ticket to any person who presents the entire ticket for a refund within ten days after the scheduled date of the event. The promoter shall announce the postponement or cancellation at the beginning of the program and at other times during the event as the commission shall prescribe and shall notify the ticketholders in each announcement that they may present their ticket stubs for a refund of the purchase price during the program. The commission may require that written notice of the cancellation or postponement and the right to refund be posted at the site of the event in such manner as it may prescribe. After the event has concluded, a promoter who has complied with this subsection need not refund the purchase price upon presentation of a ticket stub.

(b)  Forfeiture of security.--Failure of any promoter or foreign copromoter to comply with the provisions of subsection (a) shall be sufficient cause to warrant a forfeiture of his bond or other security and an imposition of a penalty or suspension or revocation of his license by the department as provided under section 1304 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or permits) or 1305 (relating to civil penalties).

(c)  Pro rata refunds.--From the fund produced by the forfeiture, pro rata refunds shall be made by the department to persons who purchased tickets, in accordance with subsection (a).

05c1114s

§ 1114.  Advertising matter to state admission price.

Each showcard, bill, poster, newspaper or other advertisement of any contest or exhibition shall contain a schedule of admission prices and a conspicuous statement of whether a contest or exhibition is being presented. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall constitute grounds for the suspension or revocation of the promoter's license.

05c1121h

 

 

SUBCHAPTER C

ADMISSION TO EVENTS

 

Sec.

1121.  Admissions not to exceed seating capacity.

1122.  Age of spectators.

05c1121s

§ 1121.  Admissions not to exceed seating capacity.

It shall be a misdemeanor of the third degree for any promoter to admit to any contest or exhibition more persons than there are seats in the place where the contest or exhibition is being held.

05c1122s

§ 1122.  Age of spectators.

No minor 16 years of age or under shall be permitted to attend any contest or exhibition unless accompanied by an adult.

05c1131h

 

 

SUBCHAPTER D

BONDS

 

Sec.

1131.  Promoters and foreign copromoters required to file

bonds.

1132.  Deposit in lieu of surety bond.

1133.  Filing fee.

1134.  Recovery on bond.

05c1131s

§ 1131.  Promoters and foreign copromoters required to file bonds.

(a)  General rule.--Before any license or renewal of a license is issued to a promoter and before any permit is issued to a foreign copromoter, he shall be required to execute and file a surety bond with the department in such reasonable amount, but not less than $3,000, as the department shall determine.

(b)  Form of bond.--All bonds shall be upon forms supplied by the department, which shall have first adopted them with the approval of the Office of Attorney General.

(c)  Approval of sureties.--The sufficiency of the sureties shall be subject to approval of the department and the Office of Attorney General.

(d)  Conditions.--The surety bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance by the promoter or foreign copromoter of his obligations under this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this subpart, including, but not limited to, the fulfillment of his contractual obligations to contestants, managers and other licensees and the payment of all license and permit fees provided for in this subpart. The aggregate annual liability of the surety for all obligations and fees shall not exceed the amount of the bond.

05c1131v

 

Cross References.  Section 1131 is referred to in section 1132 of this title.

05c1132s

§ 1132.  Deposit in lieu of surety bond.

In lieu of the surety bond required by section 1131 (relating to promoters and foreign copromoters required to file bonds), the promoter may deposit with the department cash, a certified check, letter of credit or direct obligations of the United States or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acceptable to the department, in an equivalent amount and subject to the same conditions. The security shall not be returned to the promoter until one year after the date on which it was deposited with the department, unless a surety bond is substituted for the security. Upon the expiration of one year from the date on which the security was deposited, it shall be returned to the depositor if no claim against the deposit is outstanding.

05c1133s

§ 1133.  Filing fee.

A filing fee fixed by the commission shall accompany each bond filed or cash or security deposited in lieu of the bond under this subchapter.

05c1134s

§ 1134.  Recovery on bond.

Recovery may be had on the bond or against the deposit of cash or security in the same manner as penalties are recoverable at law.

05c1301h

 

 

CHAPTER 13

ENFORCEMENT

 

Sec.

1301.  Commission hearings.

1302.  Subpoenas.

1303.  Preliminary suspension of licenses or permits.

1304.  Suspension or revocation of licenses or permits.

1305.  Civil penalties.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 13 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

05c1301s

§ 1301.  Commission hearings.

The commission shall conduct all hearings under the provisions of Title 2 (relating to administrative law and procedure). The commission shall conduct a hearing within ten business days from the time any recommendation is made by the executive director that a permit or license be suspended or revoked.

05c1302s

§ 1302.  Subpoenas.

The commission may issue subpoenas in connection with the investigation requiring the attendance and testimony of or the production of books and papers by any licensee or other person whom the commission believes to have information, books or papers of importance to it in making the investigation.

05c1303s

§ 1303.  Preliminary suspension of licenses or permits.

(a)  General rule.--The commission may, upon its own motion or upon the verified written complaint of any person charging a licensee or permittee with violating any provision of this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart, order the preliminary suspension of any license or permit until adjudication by the commission if such action is necessary to prevent immediate or irreparable harm to the public welfare or to protect the health and safety of a boxer.

(b)  Meetings.--Upon the oral or written agreement of two members of the commission, the commission may conduct meetings under subsection (a) by voice or video electronic means if the subject matter of the meeting is so compelling or timely that considering the matter at the commission's next regular meeting would render any decision moot, adversely affect the rights of the aggrieved parties under this subpart or threaten the safety or physical health of participants. A stenographic record of such meetings shall be made and maintained by the commission and be made available to the parties upon request. The subject matter of any such meeting shall then become the first item on the commission's agenda for its next regularly scheduled meeting.

(c)  Hearing date.--The commission shall hold a hearing within ten business days after the date on which the license or permit was suspended preliminarily, at which time reasonable efforts shall be made for the affected parties and the commission to be physically present.

05c1304s

§ 1304.  Suspension or revocation of licenses or permits.

(a)  General rule.--The commission may suspend or revoke a license or permit in any case where the commission finds that the licensee or permittee:

(1)  Is guilty of gross immorality.

(2)  Is unfit or incompetent by reason of negligence or habits.

(3)  Is guilty of violating any provision of this subpart or of the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.

(4)  Has committed fraud or deceit in securing his or another's license or permit.

(5)  Has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty by a judge or jury of, a crime in any jurisdiction within ten years preceding the suspension or revocation.

(6)  Is an habitual drunkard or is addicted to the use of morphine, cocaine or other drugs having a similar effect.

(7)  Is or has become mentally incompetent.

(8)  Has been guilty of unprofessional or unethical conduct or such conduct as to require a suspension or revocation in the public interest.

(9)  Has made a misstatement of a material fact or fraudulently concealed a material fact or has induced, aided or abetted any other person in misstating or concealing any material fact in any application or other proceeding under this subpart.

(10)  Has failed to account for or pay over moneys belonging to others which have come into his possession in connection with a contest or exhibition.

(11)  Has failed to furnish to the proper party a copy of any contract or statement required by this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart or has breached such a contract.

(12)  Has paid or agreed to pay any money or article of value to any person not having a license or a permit for soliciting or for business secured or for rendering of any service or the doing of any of the acts forbidden by this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.

(13)  Has loaned his license or permit to another person or has borrowed or used the license or permit of another.

(14)  Is guilty of any form of pretense which might induce the public or citizens to become a prey to professional exploitation.

(15)  Has employed a person who has not been issued a license or permit when so required by law.

(16)  Has failed to maintain in force the bond required by this subpart or has failed to forward a deposit in lieu of the bond.

(17)  Has by act or omission conducted himself in a manner detrimental to the best interests of boxing generally or to the public interest and general welfare.

(18)  Is associating or consorting with criminals, bookmakers, gamblers or persons of similar ill repute, or with persons of no known or visible means of livelihood, or is himself engaged or engaging in similar pursuits or conduct.

(19)  Has been disciplined in any manner by the commission or similar agency or body of any jurisdiction.

(20)  Has failed to pay a fine or any part thereof imposed pursuant to this subpart.

(21)  Is or may be at risk of serious physical impairment if allowed to participate in boxing engagements. The commission may investigate the mental or physical fitness of a licensee to participate in contests or exhibitions at any time. This paragraph only applies to licensees or permittees who are boxers.

(b)  Hearings.--Any licensee or permittee whose license or permit is suspended or revoked pursuant to this section shall have a right to a hearing before the commission within ten business days after the date on which the license or permit is suspended or revoked.

05c1304v

 

Cross References.  Section 1304 is referred to in sections 712, 903, 904, 905, 1113 of this title.

05c1305s

§ 1305.  Civil penalties.

The commission may impose a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for any violation of any provision of this subpart, other than section 1701 (relating to prohibited competitions), or the rules and regulations promulgated under those provisions, in addition to any other punishment provided under this subpart for the violation. Any licensee or permittee upon whom a civil penalty is imposed under this section shall have a right to a hearing before the commission within ten days after notice of the commission's intent to impose the penalty is received.

05c1305v

 

Cross References.  Section 1305 is referred to in section 1113 of this title.

05c1501h

 

 

CHAPTER 15

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

 

Subchapter

   A.  Financial Interests

   B.  Commission Receipts

   C.  Purses

   D.  Insurance

 

Enactment.  Chapter 15 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

 

 

SUBCHAPTER A

FINANCIAL INTERESTS

 

Sec.

1501.  Financial interest in boxer prohibited.

1502.  Financial interest in opponent prohibited.

1503.  Financial interest of matchmaker.

05c1501s

§ 1501.  Financial interest in boxer prohibited.

No commission member or employee or physician, referee or judge licensed under this subpart shall have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any boxer. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.

05c1502s

§ 1502.  Financial interest in opponent prohibited.

No manager, trainer or second of any boxer shall have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in the opponent in any contest in which his own boxer participates. No boxer shall have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in his opponent in any contest. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.

05c1503s

§ 1503.  Financial interest of matchmaker.

No matchmaker shall have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any boxer who is engaging in a contest arranged by that matchmaker. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor of the third degree.

05c1511h

 

 

SUBCHAPTER B

COMMISSION RECEIPTS

 

Sec.

1511.  Disposition of commission receipts.

1512.  Athletic Commission Augmentation Account.

05c1511s

§ 1511.  Disposition of commission receipts.

All fees, taxes, civil penalties, forfeitures and other moneys collected under the provisions of this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart shall be collected by the commission and transmitted to the Department of Revenue.

05c1512s

§ 1512.  Athletic Commission Augmentation Account.

All funds collected by the commission shall be paid into the Athletic Commission Augmentation Account, which shall be a special restricted receipts account within the General Fund. This account shall be used only for the support and operation of the commission unless a surplus arises after two consecutive years, at which time the secretary shall transfer any amount in excess of the commission's budget into the General Fund.

05c1512v

 

Cross References.  Section 1512 is referred to in section 2110 of this title.

05c1521h

 

 

SUBCHAPTER C

PURSES

 

Sec.

1521.  Minimum purses for boxers.

1522.  Distribution of purses to boxers.

1523.  Withholding of purses.

1524.  Hearing regarding withheld purse.

1525.  Disposition of withheld purse.

1526.  Advances against purses.

05c1521s

§ 1521.  Minimum purses for boxers.

No purse less than $50 shall be paid by the promoter to any professional boxer for any contest or exhibition other than a training exhibition.

05c1522s

§ 1522.  Distribution of purses to boxers.

(a)  Promoter distribution.--Unless otherwise directed by the commission or an authorized agent of the commission, all boxing purses shall be distributed by the promoter immediately after the conclusion of the contest or exhibition and, in any event, not later than 24 hours after the conclusion. A written statement showing the distribution of the purse, including each item of receipt and each expenditure or deduction, shall be furnished to the boxer and his manager, together with his share of the purse. A copy of the statement, certified by the promoter to be true and correct, shall be filed in the office of the executive director and shall have attached to it receipted vouchers for every expenditure or deduction.

(b)  Manager distribution.--Unless otherwise directed by the commission or an authorized agent of the commission, every manager shall furnish a statement of distribution to the boxer he manages, together with the boxer's share of the purse, immediately after he receives the purse and statement from the promoter and, in any event, not later than 24 hours after receipt. A copy thereof, certified by the manager to be true and correct, shall be filed in the office of the executive director and shall have attached to it receipted vouchers for every expenditure or deduction made by the manager.

05c1523s

§ 1523.  Withholding of purses.

(a)  General rule.--The commission may order the promoter to withhold any purse, or any part thereof, or any receipts or other funds belonging to or payable to any contestant or for which any contestant is competing, or any manager's share thereof, if it appears that the contestant is not competing honestly or is intentionally not competing to the best of his ability and skill or if it appears that the contestant, his manager or any of his seconds has violated any provision of this subpart or the rules and regulations promulgated under this subpart.

(b)  Escrow.--The commission may order that the gross receipts shall be withheld and placed in escrow if it appears that this subpart has been violated.

05c1523v

 

Cross References.  Section 1523 is referred to in section 1524 of this title.

05c1524s

§ 1524.  Hearing regarding withheld purse.

(a)  Delivery to commission.--Any purse or portion thereof withheld under section 1523 (relating to withholding of purses) shall be delivered by the promoter to the commission within 48 hours after the end of the contest.

(b)  Request for hearing.--Within ten days after the end of the contest, the licensee from whom the sum was withheld may apply in writing to the commission for a hearing. Upon receipt of the application, the commission shall fix a date for a hearing.

05c1525s

§ 1525.  Disposition of withheld purse.

(a)  General rule.--Within a reasonable time after the hearing or after the expiration of ten days following the contest, if no application for a hearing is filed, the commission shall determine the disposition to be made of the withheld purse.

(b)  Withholding.--If the commission finds the charges upon which the withholding order was based to be true and to be sufficient lawful reason upon which to base such an order, it may declare the funds, or any part thereof, withheld or forfeited.

(c)  Distribution.--If the commission finds the charge or charges to be untrue or not to be sufficient lawful reason upon which to base a withholding order, it shall distribute the withheld funds to the persons entitled thereto.

05c1526s

§ 1526.  Advances against purses.

(a)  General rule.--No promoter or foreign copromoter shall pay, lend or give any money to a contestant before any contest as an advance against his purse or for a similar purpose. A promoter may, with the prior written permission of the commission, pay or advance to a contestant necessary expenses for transportation and maintenance in preparation for a contest.

(b)  Forfeiture of purse.--If a contestant's purse is forfeited, the commission may include such payments or advances as part of the forfeiture, and, if he does not forward that amount to the department, it may be recovered in the same manner as a debt due the Commonwealth.

05c1531h

 

 

SUBCHAPTER D

INSURANCE

 

Sec.

1531.  Insurance coverage of boxers.

05c1531s

§ 1531.  Insurance coverage of boxers.

The commission may promulgate rules and regulations requiring licensed boxers to be covered by insurance for:

(1)  Medical, surgical and hospital care resulting from injuries sustained while preparing for or engaged in boxing contests or exhibitions with the insured being the beneficiary of the policies.

(2)  Life, providing for payments to the estates or beneficiaries of deceased boxers where death was caused by injuries received while preparing for or engaged in contests or exhibitions.

The premiums for this insurance shall be paid by the insured's manager.

05c1701h

 

 

CHAPTER 17

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Sec.

1701.  Prohibited competitions.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 17 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

05c1701s

§ 1701.  Prohibited competitions.

(a)  Offense defined.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he promotes, sponsors or participates in any manner in the staging of or the conduct of any tough guy contest.

(b)  Application of section.--This section shall not apply to:

(1)  News media, including, but not limited to, television, radio, newspapers and periodicals for their reporting activities relating to any tough guy contest.

(2)  Amateur or professional contests or exhibitions for which a permit has been issued under Chapter 9 (relating to licenses and permits).

(3)  Professional wrestling exhibitions.

(4)  Contests staged in connection with athletic training programs.

(5)  Amateur or professional martial arts contests.

(6)  Collegiate or scholastic boxing, wrestling or martial arts contests.

(7)  Professional or amateur wrestling contests not prohibited by the commission under Subpart C (relating to wrestling).

(c)  Definition.--As used in this section, the term "tough guy contest" means any competition which involves any physical contact bout between two or more individuals who attempt to knock out the opponent by employing boxing, wrestling, martial arts tactics, kicking, choking or other techniques or any combination thereof.

05c1701v

 

Cross References.  Section 1701 is referred to in section 1305 of this title.

05c1901h

 

 

SUBPART C

WRESTLING

 

Chapter

  19.  Preliminary Provisions

  21.  Regulation of Professional Wrestling Contests and Exhibitions

 

 

CHAPTER 19

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

 

Sec.

1901.  Short title of subpart.

1902.  Definitions.

1903.  Applicability of subpart.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 19 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

05c1901s

§ 1901.  Short title of subpart.

This subpart shall be known and may be cited as the Wrestling Act.

05c1902s

§ 1902.  Definitions.

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this subpart which are applicable to specific provisions of this subpart, the following words and phrases when used in this subpart shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Promoter."  Any person and, in the case of a corporation, an officer, director, employee or shareholder thereof who produces, arranges or stages any professional wrestling exhibition.

"Wrestling contest."  A wrestling engagement in which the wrestlers strive earnestly in good faith to win.

"Wrestling event."  One or more wrestling exhibitions conducted at the same location on the same day.

"Wrestling exhibition."  An engagement in which the participants display their skills in a struggle against each other in the ring, with or without the use of accessories, without necessarily striving to win, provided that contests prohibited by law shall not be considered exhibitions.

05c1903s

§ 1903.  Applicability of subpart.

This subpart shall not apply to any amateur or professional wrestling contest or exhibition held solely as a training event for the Olympic Games and certified as such an event by the commission.

05c2101h

 

 

CHAPTER 21

REGULATION OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING CONTESTS

AND EXHIBITIONS

 

Sec.

2101.  Promoter's license.

2102.  Promoter's bonding requirements.

2103.  Gross receipts taxes.

2104.  Physician to be in attendance.

2105.  Ambulance available.

2106.  Crowd control.

2107.  Prohibited acts.

2108.  Enforcement.

2109.  Penalties.

2110.  Disposition of commission receipts.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 21 was added May 13, 1992, P.L.180, No.32, effective immediately.

Cross References.  Chapter 21 is referred to in section 103 of this title.

05c2101s

§ 2101.  Promoter's license.

(a)  Required.--No promoter shall conduct, hold or promote any professional wrestling contest or exhibition unless the promoter has first obtained a promoter's license from the commission. A promoter licensed under the act of July 1, 1989 (P.L.160, No.29), known as the Professional Wrestling Act, including a promoter deemed licensed under section 3(a) of that act, shall be deemed licensed under this subpart, unless the commission has suspended or revoked the license or the license has expired. A promoter's license shall be issued by the commission upon the filing by an applicant of the following:

(1)  A license fee of $100.

(2)  A surety bond as required under section 2102 (relating to promoter's bonding requirements).

(3)  An application form stating the name, address, phone number, taxpayer identification number and nature of the entity applying for the license.

(b)  Prohibition.--The commission shall not issue or renew a promoter's license to a person who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any of the following offenses during the ten years preceding the application date:

(1)  Bribery.

(2)  Corrupt solicitation.

(3)  Extortion.

(4)  Perjury or subornation of perjury.

(5)  Carrying a deadly weapon.

(6)  Any offense set forth in 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 43 Subch. A (relating to definition of offenses generally), 55 (relating to riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses), 59 (relating to public indecency) or 63 (relating to minors).

(7)  Bribery in athletic contests.

(8)  Soliciting or accepting a bribe in athletic contests.

(9)  Professional theft.

(10)  Murder.

(11)  Administering drugs.

(12)  Rape.

(13)  Indecent assault.

(14)  Kidnapping.

(15)  Any offense involving the use, sale or delivery of narcotics.

(c)  Renewal.--A promoter's license shall be renewed annually upon payment of a license fee of $100 to the Athletic Commission Augmentation Account. The license shall expire on December 31 next following issuance.

(d)  Reports.--At least ten days before the scheduled date of any professional wrestling contest or exhibition, the promoter of the contest or exhibition shall notify the commission in writing of the date, time and location of the event.

(e)  Suspension.--Upon conviction of a promoter for any violation of this subpart, the commission shall suspend the promoter's license for a period as follows:

(1)  For an offense other than as provided in paragraph (2), 60 days.

(2)  For an offense committed within 12 months after conviction of a prior offense, 90 days.

(f)  Revocation.--Upon conviction of a promoter of a violation of this subpart committed within 12 months after conviction of a violation as defined under subsection (e)(2), the commission shall revoke the promoter's license. The license shall not be reissued prior to the expiration of one year from the effective date of revocation.

(g)  Promoting without a license.--The commission may issue an order prohibiting a promoter from holding or promoting a professional wrestling contest or exhibition without having obtained the promoter's license required under subsection (a). If it is determined the respondent has engaged in the promotion of any professional contest or exhibition without having first obtained a promoter's license from the commission, the court, on petition by the commission, shall enjoin him from such activities unless and until he has been duly licensed. The procedure in such cases shall be the same as in any other injunction suit. The remedies under this subsection are in addition to any other remedies under this part.

05c2101v

 

Cross References.  Section 2101 is referred to in section 2109 of this title.

05c2102s

§ 2102.  Promoter's bonding requirements.

(a)  General rule.--Before the scheduled date of any professional wrestling contest or exhibition, the promoter shall provide the commission and shall maintain in effect a surety bond in an amount of not less than $10,000, as the department shall determine.

(b)  Conditions of bond.--The surety bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance by the promoter of his obligations under this subpart and any contract with an entity in charge of an arena or other facility at which the exhibition is held. All bonds shall be on a form supplied by the department and shall be accompanied by a filing fee fixed by the commission.

(c)  Recovery on bond.--Recovery may be had on the bond in the same manner as penalties are recoverable at law.

05c2102v

 

Cross References.  Section 2102 is referred to in sections 2101, 2107 of this title.

05c2103s

§ 2103.  Gross receipts taxes.

(a)  Imposition of tax.--In addition to any Federal tax or tax imposed by any political subdivision of this Commonwealth to be paid on gross receipts, every promoter shall pay a State tax of 5% of the face value of all tickets sold to any wrestling contest or exhibition.

(b)  Payment of tax.--The tax payment shall be made to the commission within ten days after the contest or exhibition. The payment shall be accompanied by a form prescribed by the commission setting forth the taxable receipts received from the contest or exhibition, together with such other information as the department may require. Payment shall be accompanied by a verified statement by the ticket printer showing the number of tickets printed for use at the contest or exhibition. Any payment not received by the commission within the ten-day period shall be subject to a late fee fixed by the commission by regulation, which shall be not more than $100.

05c2104s

§ 2104.  Physician to be in attendance.

Before any professional wrestling contest or exhibition shall take place, the promoter and the operator of the arena or facility shall employ a physician to be present at every wrestling contest or exhibition. The physician shall observe the physical condition of the participants throughout the contest or exhibition and shall be authorized to terminate the contest or exhibition when, in his judgment, severe injury would result if the contest or exhibition were to continue. The physician's fee shall be paid by the promoter.

05c2105s

§ 2105.  Ambulance available.

Before any professional wrestling contest or exhibition shall take place, the promoter and the operator of the arena or facility shall have an ambulance or paramedical unit present at the arena in case a serious injury were to occur. If the ambulance or paramedical unit is located within five miles of the arena and that unit has been notified to be on call by the promoter, the unit need not be present at the arena.

05c2106s

§ 2106.  Crowd control.

Before any professional wrestling contest or exhibition shall take place, the promoter and the operator of the arena or facility shall ensure that adequate security personnel are in attendance to control fans in attendance. The size of the security force is at the discretion of the promoter and the owner or operator of the arena or facility, as they shall agree.

05c2107s

§ 2107.  Prohibited acts.

(a)  Arena owners or operators.--An owner or operator of an arena or other facility at which a professional wrestling contest or exhibition takes place shall not destroy any ticket or ticket stub, whether sold or unsold, within three months after the date of any exhibition.

(b)  Wrestlers.--A wrestler shall not deliberately cut or otherwise mutilate himself while participating in a wrestling contest or exhibition.

(c)  Promoter.--A promoter shall not do any of the following:

(1)  Conduct any professional wrestling contest or exhibition without satisfying the bond requirements specified in section 2102 (relating to promoter's bonding requirements).

(2)  Employ as a participant in a wrestling contest or exhibition any individual who is under 18 years of age.

05c2107v

 

Cross References.  Section 2107 is referred to in section 2109 of this title.

05c2108s

§ 2108.  Enforcement.

(a)  General rule.--The executive director may assign a representative of the commission to any professional wrestling contest or exhibition to ensure compliance with this subpart. This representative shall be admitted by the promoter without fee. In place of a commission representative, the executive director may, upon notifying the police chief of any municipal police department, request that a designee of the local police department monitor the compliance of this subpart at the exhibition.

(b)  Enforcement fee.--The promoter shall pay a fee of $100 for each wrestling event to the enforcement entity attending the event under subsection (a) to cover the costs of enforcement of this subpart.

05c2109s

§ 2109.  Penalties.

Except for a violation of section 2101 (relating to promoter's license) or 2107 (relating to prohibited acts), a knowing or reckless violation of any provision of this subpart shall be a summary offense. A knowing or reckless violation of section 2101 or 2107 shall be a misdemeanor of the third degree. In addition to any other procedure for instituting proceedings, the executive director may, upon receiving a report of an unlawful incident or a violation of this subpart, authorize the filing of a complaint or citation pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.

05c2110s

§ 2110.  Disposition of commission receipts.

Fees, taxes, fines, forfeitures and other money collected under the provisions of this subpart and the rules and regulations promulgated under this part, including all fees charged under this part and fines imposed and collected for violations of this part, shall be collected by the commission, transmitted to the Department of Revenue and paid into the Athletic Commission Augmentation Account established in section 1512 (relating to Athletic Commission Augmentation Account).

05c3101h

 

 

PART II

ATHLETES

 

Subpart

A.  General Provisions (Repealed)

B.  Registration of Athlete Agents (Repealed)

 

Enactment.  Part II was added December 9, 2002, P.L.1423, No.180, effective in 60 days.

Part Heading.  The heading of Part II was amended November 3, 2022, P.L.1996, No.139, effective immediately.

Prior Provisions.  Former Part II, which related to the same subject matter, was added January 27, 1998, P.L.13, No.2, and repealed December 9, 2002, P.L.1423, No.180, effective in 60 days.

 

 

SUBPART A

GENERAL PROVISIONS

(Repealed)

 

2022 Repeal.  Subpart A (Chapter 31) was added December 9, 2002, P.L.1423, No.180, effective in 60 days, and repealed November 3, 2022, P.L.1996, No.139, effective immediately.

05c3301h

 

 

SUBPART B

REGISTRATION OF ATHLETE AGENTS

(Repealed)

 

2022 Repeal.  Subpart B (Chapter 33) was added December 9, 2002, P.L.1423, No.180, and repealed November 3, 2022, P.L.1996, No.139, effective immediately.

05c3501h

 

 

CHAPTER 35

ATHLETE AGENTS

 

Sec.

3501.  Short title of chapter.

3502.  Definitions.

3503.  Commission; authority; procedure.

3504.  Athlete agent; registration required; void contract.

3505.  Registration as athlete agent; application; requirements; reciprocal registration.

3506.  Certificate of registration; issuance or denial; renewal.

3507.  Suspension, revocation or refusal to renew registration.

3508.  Temporary registration.

3509.  Registration and renewal fees.

3510.  Required form of agency contract.

3511.  Notice to educational institution.

3512.  Student athlete's right to cancel.

3513.  Required records.

3514.  Prohibited conduct.

3515.  Criminal penalty.

3516.  Civil remedy.

3517.  Civil penalty.

3518.  Uniformity of application and construction.

3519.  Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

3520.  Disposition of receipts.

3521.  Registered athlete agent directory.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 35 was added November 3, 2022, P.L.1996, No.139, effective immediately.

Cross References.  Chapter 35 is referred to in section 3704 of this title.

05c3501s

§ 3501.  Short title of chapter.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act (2015).

05c3502s

§ 3502.  Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agency contract."  An agreement in which a student athlete authorizes a person to negotiate or solicit on behalf of the student athlete a professional-sports-services contract or an endorsement contract.

"Athlete agent."  The following apply:

(1)  The term means an individual, whether or not registered under this chapter, who:

(i)  directly or indirectly:

(A)  recruits or solicits a student athlete to enter into an agency contract; or

(B)  for compensation, procures employment or offers, promises, attempts or negotiates to obtain employment for a student athlete as a professional athlete or member of a professional sports team or organization;

(ii)  for compensation or in anticipation of compensation related to a student athlete's participation in athletics:

(A)  serves the student athlete in an advisory capacity on a matter related to finances, business pursuits or career management decisions, unless the individual is an employee of an educational institution acting exclusively as an employee of the educational institution for the benefit of the educational institution; or

(B)  manages the business affairs of the student athlete by providing assistance with bills, payments, contracts or taxes; or

(iii)  in anticipation of representing a student athlete for a purpose related to the student athlete's participation in athletics:

(A)  gives consideration to the student athlete or another person;

(B)  serves the student athlete in an advisory capacity on a matter related to finances, business pursuits or career management decisions; or

(C)  manages the business affairs of the student athlete by providing assistance with bills, payments, contracts or taxes.

(2)  The term does not include an individual who:

(i)  acts solely on behalf of a professional sports team or organization;

(ii)  is a coach, trainer or other employee of a secondary or postsecondary school who is acting on behalf of a student athlete of the same secondary or postsecondary school, if the activities are within the scope of employment of the coach, trainer or other employee; or

(iii)  is a licensed, registered or certified professional and offers or provides services to a student athlete customarily provided by members of the profession, unless the individual:

(A)  also recruits or solicits the student athlete to enter into an agency contract;

(B)  also, for compensation, procures employment or offers, promises, attempts or negotiates to obtain employment for the student athlete as a professional athlete or member of a professional sports team or organization; or

(C)  receives consideration for providing the services calculated using a different method than for an individual who is not a student athlete.

"Athletic director."  The individual responsible for administering:

(1)  the overall athletic program of an educational institution; or

(2)  if an educational institution has separately administered athletic programs for male students and female students, the athletic program for males or the athletic program for females, as appropriate.

"Commission."  The State Athletic Commission.

"Communicating or attempting to communicate."  Contacting or attempting to contact by an in-person meeting, a record or any other method which conveys or attempts to convey a message.

"Educational institution."  Any public or private elementary school, secondary school, technical or vocational school, community college, college or university.

"Endorsement contract."  An agreement under which a student athlete is employed or receives consideration to use on behalf of the other party value that the student athlete may have because of publicity, reputation, following or fame obtained because of athletic ability or performance.

"Enroll."  To register for courses and attend athletic practice or class.

"Enrolled."  Registered for courses and attending athletic practice or class.

"Intercollegiate sport."  A sport played at the collegiate level for which eligibility requirements for participation by a student athlete are established by a national association which promotes or regulates collegiate athletics.

"Interscholastic sport."  A sport played between educational institutions which are not community colleges, colleges or universities.

"Licensed, registered or certified professional."  An individual licensed, registered or certified as an attorney, a dealer in securities, a financial planner, an insurance agent, a real estate broker or sales agent, a tax consultant, an accountant or a member of a profession who is licensed, registered or certified by the State or a nationally recognized organization which licenses, registers or certifies members of the profession on the basis of experience, education or testing. The term does not include an athlete agent.

"Person."  Any individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality or other legal entity.

"Professional-sports-services contract."  An agreement under which an individual is employed as a professional athlete or agrees to render services as a player on a professional sports team or with a professional sports organization.

"Record."  Information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

"Recruit or solicit."  An attempt to influence the choice of an athlete agent by a student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student athlete. The term does not include giving advice on the selection of a particular athlete agent in a family, coaching or social situation unless the individual giving the advice does so because of the receipt or anticipated receipt of an economic benefit, directly or indirectly, from the athlete agent.

"Registration."  Registration as an athlete agent under this chapter.

"Secretary."  The Secretary of the Commonwealth.

"Sign."  With present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:

(1)  to execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or

(2)  to attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound or process.

"State."  A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

"Student athlete."  An individual who is eligible to attend an educational institution and engages in, is eligible to engage in or may be eligible in the future to engage in any interscholastic or intercollegiate sport. The term does not include an individual permanently ineligible to participate in a particular interscholastic or intercollegiate sport for that sport.

05c3502v

 

Cross References.  Section 3502 is referred to in section 3702 of this title.

05c3503s

§ 3503.  Commission; authority; procedure.

(a)  Regulations.--The commission may promulgate regulations to implement this chapter.

(b)  Agent for service of process.--By acting as an athlete agent in this Commonwealth, a nonresident individual appoints the secretary as the individual's agent for service of process in a civil action in this Commonwealth related to the individual acting as an athlete agent in this Commonwealth.

(c)  Subpoenas.--The commission may issue a subpoena for material which is relevant to the administration of this chapter.

05c3504s

§ 3504.  Athlete agent; registration required; void contract.

(a)  Prohibition.--Except as specified in subsection (b), an individual may not act as an athlete agent in this Commonwealth without holding a certificate of registration under this chapter.

(b)  Acting as athlete agent.--Before being issued a certificate of registration under this chapter, an individual may act as an athlete agent in this Commonwealth for all purposes except signing an agency contract, if:

(1)  a student athlete or another person acting on behalf of the student athlete initiates communication with the individual; and

(2)  not later than seven days after an initial act which requires the individual to register as an athlete agent, the individual submits an application for registration as an athlete agent in this Commonwealth.

(c)  Contract void.--An agency contract resulting from conduct in violation of this section is void, and the athlete agent shall return consideration received under the contract.

05c3504v

 

Cross References.  Section 3504 is referred to in section 3514 of this title.

05c3505s

§ 3505.  Registration as athlete agent; application; requirements; reciprocal registration.

(a)  Application.--Except as specified in subsection (b), an applicant for registration as an athlete agent shall submit an application for registration to the commission in a form prescribed by the commission. The applicant shall be an individual, and the application must be signed by the applicant subject to the provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 4902 (relating to perjury), 4903 (relating to false swearing) and 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities). The application shall contain at least the following:

(1)  Name, date and place of birth of the applicant and all of the following contact information for the applicant:

(i)  Address of the applicant's principal place of business.

(ii)  Work and mobile telephone numbers.

(iii)  Any means of communicating electronically, including a facsimile number, an electronic mail address and personal and business or employer websites.

(2)  Name of the applicant's business or employer, if applicable, including for each business or employer its mailing address, telephone number, organization form and the nature of the business.

(3)  Each social media account with which the applicant or the applicant's business or employer is affiliated.

(4)  Each business or occupation in which the applicant engaged within five years before the date of the application, including self-employment and employment by others, and any professional or occupational license, registration or certification held by the applicant during that time.

(5)  Description of the applicant's:

(i)  formal training as an athlete agent;

(ii)  practical experience as an athlete agent; and

(iii)  educational background relating to the applicant's activities as an athlete agent.

(6)  Statement listing the:

(i)  name of each student athlete for whom the applicant acted as an athlete agent within five years before the date of the application or, if the student athlete is a minor, name of the parent or guardian of the student athlete; and

(ii)  student athlete's sport and last known team.

(7)  Name and address of each person that:

(i)  is a partner, member, officer, manager, associate or profit sharer or directly or indirectly holds an equity interest of five percent or greater of the athlete agent's business if the business is not a corporation; and

(ii)  is an officer or director of a corporation employing the athlete agent or a shareholder having an interest of five percent or greater in the corporation.

(8)  Description of the status of each application by the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) for a Federal or state business, professional or occupational license, other than as an athlete agent, from a Federal or state agency. This paragraph includes the denial, refusal to renew, suspension, withdrawal or termination of the license and each reprimand or censure related to the license.

(9)  Whether the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) has pleaded guilty or no contest to, has been convicted of or has charges pending for an offense which involves moral turpitude or would constitute a felony if committed in this Commonwealth. For an offense subject to this paragraph, the application must identify:

(i)  the offense;

(ii)  the state and date of the offense or disciplinary action;

(iii)  the law enforcement agency involved; and

(iv)  if applicable, the date of the plea or conviction and the penalty imposed.

(10)  Whether, within 15 years before the date of application, the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) has been a defendant or respondent in a civil proceeding, including a proceeding under 20 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 Subch. C (relating to appointment of guardian; bonds; removal and discharge). For a proceeding under this paragraph, the application shall state the date and a full explanation of the proceeding.

(11)  Whether the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) has an unsatisfied judgment or a judgment of continuing effect, including an order under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 37 (relating to alimony and support) or 43 (relating to support matters generally), which is not current at the date of the application.

(12)  Whether, within 10 years before the date of application, the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) was adjudicated bankrupt or was an owner of a business that was adjudicated bankrupt.

(13)  Whether there has been any administrative or judicial determination that the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) made a false, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent representation.

(14)  Each instance in which conduct of the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) resulted in:

(i)  imposition on a student athlete of a sanction, suspension or declaration of ineligibility to participate in an interscholastic, intercollegiate or professional athletic event; or

(ii)  imposition of a sanction on an educational institution.

(15)  Each sanction, suspension or disciplinary action taken against the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) arising out of occupational or professional conduct.

(16)  Whether there has been a denial of an application for, suspension or revocation of, refusal to renew or abandonment of the registration of the applicant or a person named under paragraph (7) as an athlete agent in any state.

(17)  Each state in which the applicant currently is registered as an athlete agent or has applied to be registered as an athlete agent.

(18)  If the applicant is certified or registered by a professional league or players association:

(i)  name of the league or association;

(ii)  date of certification or registration and, if applicable, date of expiration of the certification or registration;

(iii)  date of denial of an application for, suspension or revocation of, refusal to renew, withdrawal of or termination of the certification or registration; and

(iv)  date of reprimand or censure related to the certification or registration.

(19)  Additional information required by the commission.

(b)  Alternative application.--Instead of proceeding under subsection (a), an individual registered as an athlete agent in another state may apply for registration as an athlete agent in this Commonwealth by submitting to the commission:

(1)  a copy of the application for registration in the other state;

(2)  a statement which identifies every material change in the information on the application or verifies there is no material change in the information, signed under penalty of perjury; and

(3)  a copy of the certificate of registration from the other state.

(c)  Certificate of registration.--The commission shall issue a certificate of registration to an individual who applies for registration under subsection (b) if the commission determines all of the following:

(1)  The application and registration requirements of the other state are substantially similar to or more restrictive than this chapter.

(2)  The registration has not been revoked or suspended by the other state.

(3)  No action involving the individual's conduct as an athlete agent is pending against the individual or the individual's registration in any state.

(d)  Implementation.--For purposes of implementing subsection (c), the commission shall:

(1)  cooperate with national organizations concerned with athlete agent issues and with agencies in other states which register athlete agents to develop a common registration form and determine which states have laws that are substantially similar to or more restrictive than this chapter; and

(2)  exchange information, including information related to actions taken against registered athlete agents or their registrations, with those organizations and agencies.

(e)  Criminal history background check.--An individual who applies for registration under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit to the commission, pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to criminal history record information), a report of criminal history record information from the Pennsylvania State Police or a statement from the Pennsylvania State Police that the Pennsylvania State Police central repository contains no such information relating to the individual. The criminal history record information shall be limited to that which is disseminated pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 9121(b)(2) (relating to general regulations).

05c3505v

 

Cross References.  Section 3505 is referred to in sections 3506, 3507 of this title.

05c3506s

§ 3506.  Certificate of registration; issuance or denial; renewal.

(a)  Issuance.--Except as specified in subsection (b), the commission shall issue a certificate of registration to an applicant for registration who complies with section 3505(a) (relating to registration as athlete agent; application; requirements; reciprocal registration).

(b)  Refusal.--The commission may refuse to issue a certificate of registration to an applicant for registration under section 3505(a) if the commission determines that the applicant has engaged in conduct that significantly adversely reflects on the applicant's fitness to act as an athlete agent. In making the determination, the commission may consider whether the applicant has:

(1)  pleaded guilty or no contest to, has been convicted of or has charges pending for an offense which involves moral turpitude or would constitute a felony if committed in this Commonwealth;

(2)  made a materially false, misleading, deceptive or fraudulent representation in the application or as an athlete agent;

(3)  engaged in conduct which would disqualify the applicant from serving in a fiduciary capacity;

(4)  violated section 3514 (relating to prohibited conduct);

(5)  had a registration as an athlete agent suspended, revoked or denied in any state;

(6)  been refused renewal of registration as an athlete agent in any state;

(7)  engaged in conduct resulting in:

(i)  imposition on a student athlete of a sanction, suspension or declaration of ineligibility to participate in an interscholastic, intercollegiate or professional athletic event; or

(ii)  imposition of a sanction on an educational institution; or

(8)  engaged in conduct which adversely reflects on the applicant's credibility, honesty or integrity.

(c)  Determination.--In making a determination under subsection (b), the commission shall consider:

(1)  how recently the conduct occurred;

(2)  the nature of the conduct and the context in which it occurred; and

(3)  other relevant conduct of the applicant.

(d)  Renewal of registration.--An athlete agent registered under subsection (a) may apply to renew the registration by submitting an application for renewal in a form prescribed by the commission. The applicant shall sign the application under penalty of perjury and include current information on all matters required in an original application for registration.

(e)  Renewal in other state.--

(1)  An athlete agent registered under section 3505(c) may renew the registration by:

(i)  proceeding under subsection (d); or

(ii)  if the registration in the other state has been renewed, submitting to the commission copies of the application for renewal in the other state and the renewed registration from the other state.

(2)  The commission shall renew the registration if the commission determines that:

(i)  the registration requirements of the other state are substantially similar to or more restrictive than this chapter;

(ii)  the renewed registration has not been suspended or revoked; and

(iii)  no action involving the individual's conduct as an athlete agent is pending against the individual or the individual's registration in any state.

(f)  Validity.--A certificate of registration or renewal of registration under this chapter is valid for two years.

05c3506v

 

Cross References.  Section 3506 is referred to in section 3507 of this title.

05c3507s

§ 3507.  Suspension, revocation or refusal to renew registration.

(a)  Authority.--The commission may limit, suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a registration of an individual registered under section 3506(a) (relating to certificate of registration; issuance or denial; renewal) for conduct which would have justified refusal to issue a certificate of registration under section 3506(b).

(b)  Suspension or revocation.--The commission may suspend or revoke the registration of an individual registered under section 3505(c) (relating to registration as athlete agent; application; requirements; reciprocal registration) or renewed under section 3506(e) for a reason for which the commission could have refused to grant or renew registration or for conduct which would justify refusal to issue a certificate of registration under section 3506(b).

(c)  Notice and hearing.--The commission may deny, suspend, revoke, restrict or otherwise limit registration or refuse to renew a registration only after proper notice and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 5 Subch. A (relating to practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies).

05c3508s

§ 3508.  Temporary registration.

The commission may issue a temporary certificate of registration as an athlete agent while an application for registration or renewal of registration is pending.

05c3509s

§ 3509.  Registration and renewal fees.

(a)  Registration fee.--An application for registration or renewal of registration shall be accompanied by a fee in the following amounts:

(1)  For an initial application for registration or an application for renewal of registration for an individual or sole proprietor, $200.

(2)  For an application for registration or an application for renewal of registration based upon a certificate of registration or licensure issued by another state for an individual or a sole proprietor, $150.

(b)  Fee increase.--The commission may increase the fees in subsection (a), by regulation, if the revenues raised by fees, fines and civil penalties imposed under this chapter are not sufficient to cover the costs of the commission to implement the provisions of this chapter. Any increase in fee may not exceed the amounts necessary to fund the commission to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

05c3510s

§ 3510.  Required form of agency contract.

(a)  Requirement.--An agency contract shall be in a record signed by the parties.

(b)  Contents of contract.--An agency contract shall contain:

(1)  a statement that the athlete agent is registered as an athlete agent in this Commonwealth and a list of any other states in which the athlete agent is registered as an athlete agent;

(2)  the amount and method of calculating the consideration to be paid by the student athlete for services to be provided by the athlete agent under the contract and any other consideration the athlete agent has received or will receive from any other source for entering into the contract or providing the services;

(3)  the name of any person that:

(i)  is not listed in the athlete agent's application for registration or renewal of registration; and

(ii)  will be compensated because the student athlete signed the contract;

(4)  a description of any expenses the student athlete agrees to reimburse;

(5)  a description of the services to be provided to the student athlete;

(6)  the duration of the contract; and

(7)  the date of execution.

(c)  Notice.--Subject to subsection (g), an agency contract shall contain a conspicuous notice in boldface type and in substantially the following form:

WARNING TO STUDENT ATHLETE

IF YOU SIGN THIS CONTRACT:

(1)  IF YOU ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR, OR SIGN, A PROFESSIONAL-SPORTS-SERVICES CONTRACT, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE AS A STUDENT ATHLETE IN YOUR SPORT;

(2)  IF YOU HAVE AN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, WITHIN 72 HOURS AFTER SIGNING THIS CONTRACT OR BEFORE THE NEXT SCHEDULED ATHLETIC EVENT IN WHICH YOU PARTICIPATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, BOTH YOU AND YOUR ATHLETE AGENT SHALL NOTIFY YOUR ATHLETIC DIRECTOR THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED INTO THIS CONTRACT AND PROVIDE THE NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE ATHLETE AGENT; AND

(3)  YOU MAY CANCEL THIS CONTRACT WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER SIGNING IT.

(d)  Signed acknowledgment.--An agency contract shall be accompanied by a separate record:

(1)  signed by:

(i)  the student athlete; or

(ii)  if the student athlete is a minor, the parent or guardian of the student athlete; and

(2)  acknowledging that signing the contract may result in the loss of the student athlete's eligibility to participate in the student athlete's sport.

(e)  Voided contract.--A student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, the parent or guardian of the student athlete may void an agency contract which does not conform to this section. If the contract is voided, consideration received from the athlete agent under the contract to induce entering into the contract is not required to be returned.

(f)  Copies.--At the time an agency contract is executed, the athlete agent shall give the student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, the parent or guardian of the student athlete a copy in a record of the contract and the separate acknowledgment required by subsection (d).

(g)  Minors.--If a student athlete is a minor, the notice under subsection (c) shall be revised in accordance with subsection (d)(1)(ii).

05c3511s

§ 3511.  Notice to educational institution.

(a)  (Reserved).

(b)  Athlete agent notice.--If an athlete agent and a student athlete enter into an agency contract, all of the following apply:

(1)  The athlete agent shall give notice in a record of the existence of the agency contract to the athletic director of:

(i)  the educational institution at which the student athlete is enrolled; or

(ii)  an educational institution at which the athlete agent has reasonable grounds to believe the student athlete intends to enroll.

(2)  Notice under paragraph (1) shall be given not later than the earlier of:

(i)  72 hours after entering into an agency contract; or

(ii)  before the next scheduled athletic event in which the student athlete may participate.

(c)  Student athlete notice.--If a student athlete and an athlete agent enter into an agency contract, all of the following apply:

(1)  The student athlete shall inform the athletic director of the educational institution at which the student athlete is enrolled:

(i)  that the student athlete has entered into an agency contract; and

(ii)  of the name and contact information of the athlete agent.

(2)  Notice under paragraph (1) shall be given not later than the earlier of:

(i)  72 hours after entering into an agency contract; or

(ii)  before the next scheduled athletic event in which the student athlete may participate.

(d)  Notice after enrollment.--

(1)  This subsection applies if:

(i)  an athlete agent enters into an agency contract with a student athlete; and

(ii)  the student athlete subsequently enrolls in an educational institution.

(2)  If paragraph (1) applies, the athlete agent shall notify the athletic director of the educational institution of the existence of the contract not later than 72 hours after the athlete agent knew or should have known the student athlete enrolled.

(e)  Notice of relationship.--

(1)  This subsection applies if:

(i)  an athlete agent has a relationship with a student athlete; and

(ii)  the student athlete subsequently:

(A)  enrolls in an educational institution; and

(B)  receives an athletic scholarship from the educational institution.

(2)  If paragraph (1) applies, the athlete agent shall notify the educational institution of the relationship not later than 10 days after the enrollment if the athlete agent knows or should have known of the enrollment and:

(i)  the relationship was motivated in whole or part by the intention of the athlete agent to recruit or solicit the student athlete to enter an agency contract in the future; or

(ii)  the athlete agent directly or indirectly recruited or solicited the student athlete to enter an agency contract before the enrollment.

(f)  Notice prior to communication.--An athlete agent shall give notice in a record to the athletic director of the educational institution at which a student athlete is enrolled before the athlete agent communicates or attempts to communicate with:

(1)  the student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student athlete, to influence the student athlete or parent or guardian to enter into an agency contract; or

(2)  another individual to have that individual influence the student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, the parent or guardian of the student athlete to enter into an agency contract.

(g)  Communication initiated by student athlete.--If a communication or attempt to communicate with an athlete agent is initiated by a student athlete or another individual on behalf of the student athlete, the athlete agent shall notify in a record the athletic director of the educational institution at which the student athlete is enrolled. The notification shall be made not later than 10 days after the communication or attempt.

(h)  Notification of violation.--The following apply:

(1)  An educational institution that becomes aware of a violation of this chapter by an athlete agent shall provide notice in a record of the violation to the commission. The notice shall be provided on a form and in a manner specified by the commission.

(2)  If the commission receives notice of a violation under paragraph (1), the commission shall notify any professional league or players association with which the athlete agent is licensed or registered.

(i)  Notification of agency contract.--A student athlete and an athlete agent shall give notice in a record of the existence of an agency contract to the commission within 72 hours of entering into the agency contract.

(j)  Designee.--

(1)  An athletic director may designate an individual who is an employee of the athletic department to be responsible for receiving or making the notices required under this chapter.

(2)  If the athletic director designates an individual under paragraph (1), the designation shall be made in writing.

05c3512s

§ 3512.  Student athlete's right to cancel.

(a)  Right.--A student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, the parent or guardian of the student athlete may cancel an agency contract by giving notice in a record of cancellation to the athlete agent not later than 14 days after the contract is signed.

(b)  Waiver prohibited.--A student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, the parent or guardian of the student athlete may not waive the right to cancel an agency contract.

(c)  Return of consideration.--If a student athlete, parent or guardian cancels an agency contract, the student athlete, parent or guardian is not required to pay consideration under the contract or return consideration received from the athlete agent to influence the student athlete to enter into the contract.

05c3513s

§ 3513.  Required records.

(a)  Records.--An athlete agent shall create and retain for five years records of the following:

(1)  the name and address of each individual represented by the athlete agent;

(2)  each agency contract entered into by the athlete agent; and

(3)  the direct costs incurred by the athlete agent in the recruitment or solicitation of each student athlete to enter into an agency contract.

(b)  Inspection.--Records under subsection (a) shall be open to inspection by the commission.

05c3513v

 

Cross References.  Section 3513 is referred to in section 3514 of this title.

05c3514s

§ 3514.  Prohibited conduct.

An athlete agent may not intentionally do any of the following:

(1)  Give a student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student athlete materially false or misleading information or make a materially false promise or representation with the intent to influence the student athlete, parent or guardian to enter into an agency contract.

(2)  Furnish anything of value to a student athlete or another individual if the thing of value may result in loss of the student athlete's eligibility to participate in the athlete's sport, unless:

(i)  the athlete agent notifies the athletic director of the educational institution at which the student athlete is enrolled or at which the athlete agent has reasonable grounds to believe the athlete intends to enroll, not later than 72 hours after giving the thing of value; and

(ii)  the student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student athlete acknowledges to the athlete agent in a record that receipt of the thing of value may result in loss of the athlete's eligibility to participate in the student athlete's sport.

(3)  Initiate contact, directly or indirectly, with a student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student athlete, to recruit or solicit the student athlete, parent or guardian to enter an agency contract unless registered under this chapter.

(4)  Fail to create, retain or permit inspection of the records required by section 3513 (relating to required records).

(5)  Fail to register when required under section 3504 (relating to athlete agent; registration required; void contract).

(6)  Provide materially false or misleading information in an application for registration or renewal of registration.

(7)  Predate or postdate an agency contract.

(8)  Fail to notify a student athlete or, if the student athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student athlete, before the student athlete, parent or guardian signs an agency contract for a particular sport that the signing may result in loss of the student athlete's eligibility to participate in the student athlete's sport.

(9)  Encourage another individual to do any of the prohibited activities under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) or (8) on behalf of the athlete agent.

(10)  Encourage another individual to assist any other individual in doing any of the prohibited activities under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) or (8) on behalf of the athlete agent.

05c3514v

 

Cross References.  Section 3514 is referred to in sections 3506, 3515 of this title.

05c3515s

§ 3515.  Criminal penalty.

An athlete agent who violates section 3514 (relating to prohibited conduct) commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.

05c3516s

§ 3516.  Civil remedy.

(a)  Cause of action.--

(1)  An educational institution or a student athlete may bring an action for damages against an athlete agent if the educational institution or student athlete is adversely affected by an act or omission of the athlete agent in violation of this chapter.

(2)  An educational institution is adversely affected by an act or omission of an athlete agent only if, because of the act or omission, the educational institution:

(i)  is suspended or disqualified from participation in an interscholastic or intercollegiate sports event by or under the rules of a state or national federation or association which promotes or regulates interscholastic or intercollegiate sports; or

(ii)  suffers financial damage.

(3)  A student athlete is adversely affected by an act or omission of an athlete agent only if all of the following apply:

(i)  At the time of the the act or omission, the student athlete was enrolled in an educational institution.

(ii)  Because of the act or omission, the student athlete:

(A)  is suspended or disqualified from participation in an interscholastic or intercollegiate sports event by or under the rules of a state or national federation or association which promotes or regulates interscholastic or intercollegiate sports; or

(B)  suffers financial damage.

(b)  Recovery.--A plaintiff that prevails in an action under this section may recover actual damages and court costs. An athlete agent found liable under this section forfeits any right of payment for anything of benefit or value provided to the student athlete and shall refund consideration paid to the athlete agent by or on behalf of the student athlete.

05c3517s

§ 3517.  Civil penalty.

(a)  Administrative penalty.--The commission may assess an administrative penalty against an athlete agent not to exceed $50,000 for a violation of this chapter.

(b)  Administrative agency law.--A penalty under this section is subject to 2 Pa.C.S. Chs. 5 Subch. A (relating to practice and procedure of Commonwealth agencies) and 7 Subch. A (relating to judicial review of Commonwealth agency action).

05c3518s

§ 3518.  Uniformity of application and construction.

In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

05c3519s

§ 3519.  Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.

To the extent permitted by section 102 of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (Public Law 106-229, 15 U.S.C. § 7002), this chapter may supersede provisions of that act.

05c3520s

§ 3520.  Disposition of receipts.

All fees, civil penalties, forfeitures and other money collected under this chapter and the regulations of the commission shall be paid into the Athletic Commission Augmentation Account.

05c3521s

§ 3521.  Registered athlete agent directory.

The commission shall develop and maintain a database for all registrations of an athlete agent under this chapter. The database shall be made available on the commission's publicly accessible Internet website.

05c3701h

 

 

CHAPTER 37

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

 

Sec.

3701.  Scope of chapter.

3702.  Definitions.

3703.  Compensation regarding college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

3704.  Professional representation.

3705.  Scholarships.

3706.  Contracts.

3707.  Violations and claims.

3708.  Settlements.

3709.  Severability.

 

Enactment.  Chapter 37 was added November 3, 2022, P.L.1996, No.139, effective immediately.

Special Provisions in Appendix.  See section 5 of Act 139 of 2022 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.

05c3701s

§ 3701.  Scope of chapter.

This chapter relates to college student athlete compensation related to name, image or likeness and professional representation.

05c3702s

§ 3702.  Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Athlete agent."  As defined in section 3502 (relating to definitions).

"College student athlete."  An individual enrolled at an institution of higher education who participates in intercollegiate athletics for the institution of higher education. The term does not include an individual whose participation is or was in a college intramural sport, club sport or in a professional sport outside of intercollegiate athletics.

"Institution of higher education."  Any of the following:

(1)  A university within the State System of Higher Education.

(2)  The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University or any other institution designated as State-related by the Commonwealth.

(3)  The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.

(4)  A community college as defined in Article XIX-A of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949.

(5)  A college established under Article XIX-G of the Public School Code of 1949.

(6)  An institution of higher education located in and incorporated or chartered by the Commonwealth and entitled to confer degrees as specified in 24 Pa.C.S. § 6505 (relating to power to confer degrees) and as provided for by the standards and qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education under 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries).

(7)  A private school licensed under the act of December 15, 1986 (P.L.1585, No.174), known as the Private Licensed Schools Act.

(8)  A foreign corporation approved to operate an educational enterprise under 22 Pa. Code Ch. 36 (relating to foreign corporation standards).

"NCAA."  The National Collegiate Athletic Association.

05c3703s

§ 3703.  Compensation regarding college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

(a)  Compensation allowed.--A college student athlete may earn compensation for the use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness under this chapter. The compensation shall be commensurate with the market value of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness. The compensation may not be provided in exchange, in whole or in part, for a current or prospective college student athlete to attend, participate or perform at a particular institution of higher education.

(b)  Prohibition regarding institutions of higher education.--An institution of higher education may not uphold a rule, requirement, standard or other limitation that prevents a college student athlete of the institution of higher education from earning compensation through the use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

(c)  Prohibitions regarding intercollegiate athletic entities.--An athletic association, conference or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics, including the NCAA, may not:

(1)  Prevent a college student athlete from earning compensation through the use or license of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

(2)  Prevent an institution of higher education from fully participating in intercollegiate athletics as a result of a college student athlete's use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights to seek compensation.

(d)  Royalty payment.--A person that produces a college team jersey, a college team video game or college team trading cards for the purpose of making a profit shall make a royalty payment to each college student athlete whose name, image, likeness or other individually identifiable feature is used.

05c3704s

§ 3704.  Professional representation.

(a)  Prohibitions.--

(1)  An institution of higher education, athletic association, conference or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics, including the NCAA, may not interfere with or prevent a college student athlete from fully participating in intercollegiate athletics for obtaining professional representation in relation to contracts or legal matters, including representation provided by athlete agents or legal representation provided by attorneys, in relation to a college student athlete's use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

(2)  An athletic association, conference or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics, including the NCAA, may not prevent an institution of higher education from fully participating in intercollegiate athletics without penalty to the institution or individual student as a result of a college student athlete obtaining professional representation in relation to contracts or legal matters, including representation provided by athlete agents or legal representation provided by attorneys, in relation to a college student athlete's use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

(b)  Qualifications.--Professional representation obtained by a college student athlete shall be from a person:

(1)  acting as an athlete agent in accordance with Chapter 35 (relating to athlete agents); or

(2)  admitted to practice law by a court of record of this Commonwealth.

(c)  Contents.--A contract by which a college student athlete authorizes an athlete agent, acting in accordance with Chapter 35, to negotiate or solicit compensation for the use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness shall include a statement that the contract does not obligate the college student athlete to use the athlete agent for any service beyond professional representation in relation to the use of the name, image or likeness.

05c3705s

§ 3705.  Scholarships.

(a)  Eligibility.--Earning compensation from the use of a college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights may not affect the college student athlete's scholarship eligibility, duration or renewal.

(b)  Compensation.--

(1)  For purposes of this chapter, an athletics grant-in-aid or stipend scholarship from an institution of higher education in which a college student athlete is enrolled may not be considered to limit a college student athlete's right to use the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights, except as expressly provided in this section.

(2)  An athletics grant-in-aid or stipend scholarship may not be revoked or reduced as a result of a college student athlete earning compensation under this chapter, except if otherwise mandated by Federal or State student aid guidelines.

05c3706s

§ 3706.  Contracts.

(a)  Opportunities.--An institution of higher education, athletic association, conference or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics may not be required to identify, create, facilitate, negotiate or enable opportunities for a college student athlete to earn compensation for the college student athlete's use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

(b)  Use of trademarks.--This chapter shall not establish or grant a right to a college student athlete to use the name, trademarks, services marks, logos, symbols or any other intellectual property, registered or unregistered, of an institution of higher education, athletic association, conference or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics, in furtherance of the college student athlete's opportunities to earn compensation for the college student athlete's use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights.

(c)  Enforcement.--This chapter shall not limit the right of an institution of higher education to establish and enforce any of the following:

(1)  Academic standards, requirements, regulations or obligations for the institution of higher education's college student athletes.

(2)  Team rules of conduct or other rules of conduct.

(3)  Standards or policies regarding the governance or operation of or participation in intercollegiate athletics.

(4)  Disciplinary rules and standards generally applicable to all students of the institution of higher education.

(d)  Prohibition.--A college student athlete may not earn compensation as a result of the use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness in connection with a person, company or organization related to or associated with the development, production, distribution, wholesaling or retailing of any of the following:

(1)  Adult entertainment products and services.

(2)  Alcohol products.

(3)  Casinos and gambling, including sports betting, the lottery and betting in connection with video games, online games and mobile devices.

(4)  Tobacco and electronic smoking products and devices.

(5)  Prescription pharmaceuticals.

(6)  A controlled dangerous substance.

(e)  Prohibition.--

(1)  An institution of higher education may prohibit a college student athlete's involvement in name, image or likeness activities that conflict with existing institutional sponsorship arrangements at the time the college student athlete discloses a contract to the institution of higher education as required under subsection (f).

(2)  An institution of higher education, at the institution of higher education's discretion, may prohibit a college student athlete's involvement in name, image or likeness activities based on other considerations, such as conflict with institutional values, as defined by the institution of higher education.

(3)  An institution of higher education shall have policies that specify the name, image or likeness activities in which college student athletes may or may not engage.

(f)  Disclosure.--The following apply:

(1)  A college student athlete who proposes to enter into a contract providing compensation to the college student athlete for use of the college student athlete's name, image or likeness rights shall disclose the contents of the contract prior to execution of the contract to an official of the institution of higher education, who is designated by the institution of higher education.

(2)  An institution of higher education shall have policies that specify when the contract shall be disclosed and the contents of the contract to be disclosed in accordance with paragraph (1).

(3)  If an institution of higher education receives direct financial compensation from a third party arising from the third party's contract with a college student athlete relating to the use of a college student athlete's name, image or likeness, the institution shall be required to disclose in a timely manner the financial relationship between the institution and the third party to the college student athlete. This section shall not apply to compensation received by the institution of higher education for the use of the institution's intellectual property.

05c3707s

§ 3707.  Violations and claims.

(a)  Protections and right to adjudicate.--A college student athlete, institution of higher education or conference shall not be deprived of a protection provided under State law with respect to a controversy that arises in this Commonwealth and shall have the right to adjudication in this Commonwealth of a claim that arises in this Commonwealth.

(b)  Private civil action.--A college student athlete shall have the right to pursue a private civil action against a person that violates this chapter. The court shall award costs and reasonable attorney fees to a prevailing plaintiff in an action brought against a person violating this chapter.

05c3708s

§ 3708.  Settlements.

Legal settlements made on or after June 30, 2021, may not permit noncompliance with this chapter.

05c3709s

§ 3709.  Severability.

The provisions of this chapter are severable. If any provision of this chapter or the application of any provision of this chapter is held to be invalid, that invalidity shall not affect any other provision or application of any other provision that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

05cax

 

 

APPENDIX TO TITLE 5

ATHLETICS AND SPORTS

 

 

-------

Supplementary Provisions of Amendatory Statutes

-------

 

 

1992, MAY 13, P.L.180, NO.32

 

§ 2.  Status of existing licenses and permits.

This act shall not adversely affect licenses or permits issued under or otherwise valid under the act of July 1, 1989 (P.L.136, No.28), known as the Athletic Code, or the act of July 1, 1989 (P.L.160, No.29), known as the Professional Wrestling Act. This act shall not affect any suspensions, revocations or other action taken with respect to licenses and permits by the Department of State or the State Athletic Commission under applicable law.

 

Explanatory Note.  Act 32 added Part I of Title 5.

 

§ 3.  Current members of State Athletic Commission and Medical Advisory Board.

Any person who is a member of the State Athletic Commission or the Medical Advisory Board on the effective date of this act shall serve on the commission or board for a term of two years from his date of appointment and until his successor is appointed and qualified.

 

§ 4.  Effect of prior rules and regulations.

All rules and regulations made pursuant to or valid under any act repealed by this act shall continue in force and effect unless contrary to the provisions of 5 Pa.C.S. Pt. I (relating to boxing and wrestling).

 

§ 5.  Repayment of appropriation.

The appropriation under section 3107 of the act of July 1, 1989 (P.L.136, No.28), known as the Athletic Code, shall be repaid by the State Athletic Commission to the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account by June 30, 1995.

 

2022, NOVEMBER 3, P.L.1996, NO.139

 

§ 5.  Continuation of prior law.

The addition of 5 Pa.C.S. Ch. 37 is a continuation of Article XX-K of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949. All activities initiated under Article XX-K of the Public School Code of 1949 shall continue and remain in full force and effect and may be completed under 5 Pa.C.S. Ch. 37. Orders, regulations, rules and decisions which were made under Article XX-K of the Public School Code of 1949 and which are in effect on the effective date of section 4(4) of this act shall remain in full force and effect until revoked, vacated or modified under 5 Pa.C.S. Ch. 37. Contracts, obligations and collective bargaining agreements entered into under Article XX-K of the Public School Code of 1949 are not affected nor impaired by the repeal of Article XX-K of the Public School Code of 1949.

 

Explanatory Note.  Act 139 amended, added or repealed the heading of Part II, Subparts A and B and Chapters 35 and 37 of Title 5.