License Requirements - Athletic Commission

Professional boxers, amateur and professional kickboxers, and professional MMA contestants - To receive a license, an applicant shall:

Be at least 18 years old, and not more than 36 years old. The commission may grant a license to an older applicant based upon a review of the individual's physical fitness and experience in the sport in which the applicant seeks to compete.
Submit medical reports that include an ophthalmological exam performed by an ophthalmologist and a neurological examination performed by a neurologist selected by the commission, as well as negative test results for the HIV virus (antibody), hepatitis B virus (antigen), and hepatitis C virus (antibody), within 30 days prior to the date of application for licensure or license renewal. Submit physical examination performed by a physician within 30 days prior to the date of application for licensure or license renewal.

Have a manager, trainer, or qualified individual certify to the commission that the applicant is physically competent as a boxer, kickboxer, or MMA contestant and possesses the skills of a trained boxer, kickboxer, or MMA contestant.
(FOR BOXERS ONLY) At the weigh-in activity, have on the boxer's person and present a current (not expired) Professional Boxer's Federal Identification card (with photo) issued by an affiliate member of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).
(FOR MMA CONTESTANTS ONLY) At the weigh-in activity, have on the MMA contestant's person and present a current (not expired) National MMA Identification Card issued by an affiliate member of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC).

Judges - An applicant for an original license to act as a judge in a boxing, kickboxing, or MMA contest shall:

Be at least 18 years old.
Complete a course of training approved by the commission that encompasses the elements of officiating the sport in which the applicant seeks to officiate.
Achieve a score of at least 70% on an examination administered by the commission.
Successfully complete an annual ophthalmological exam performed by an ophthalmologist.

The commission may waive certain requirements for a nonresident judge applicant in a boxing, kickboxing, or MMA contest if the applicant submits a certification from another state or tribal regulatory agency verifying that the applicant is qualified to act as a judge in the sport in which the applicant seeks to officiate.

Managers - A manager means a person who, under contract, agreement, or other arrangement, undertakes to control or administer, directly or indirectly, a contestant-related matter on behalf of a boxer, kickboxer or MMA contestant. An applicant must:

Provide the commission with a complete list of all Maryland boxers, kickboxers, or MMA contestants under the applicant's control.
Be responsible for the conduct of boxers, kickboxers, or MMA contestants under the manager's control.

A licensed manager may act as a second without obtaining a second's license.

Matchmakers - An individual, partnership, corporation, or other organization arranging the match-up for a contest shall be licensed as a matchmaker. A licensed matchmaker may not:

Be a licensed manager or second.
Directly or indirectly manage a boxer, kickboxer, or MMA contestant.
Have a financial interest in a boxer, kickboxer, or MMA contestant who is participating in a contest that is a part of the boxing, kickboxing, or MMA show in which the matchmaker is acting.

Promoters - An applicant must:

Submit with an application a financial statement that has been notarized or certified by a certified public accountant and contains the following: assets separately itemized, liabilities separately itemized, and other financial information that may be requested by the commission.
A corporate applicant must also submit a list of its articles of incorporation, a list of officers, and the name of the chief executive official designated to be responsible for all matters pertaining to the corporation.
Upon request of the commission, provide additional evidence to demonstrate that the applicant has evidence concerning the financial ability to pay the taxes, purses, arena rental, personnel, advertising, and other expenses related to the contest.
Secure two surety bonds – an expense bond and a "boxing and wrestling tax" bond.

A promoter may engage in matchmaking activities without having to obtain a matchmaker's license.

Referees - An applicant for an original license to act as a referee in a boxing, kickboxing, or MMA contest must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Complete a course of training, approved by the commission, that encompasses the elements of officiating in a boxing, kickboxing, or MMA contest.
Achieve a score of at least 70% on an examination administered by the commission.
Successfully complete annual physical and ophthalmological exams.

The commission may waive certain requirements for a nonresident referee applicant in a boxing, kickboxing, or MMA contest if the applicant submits a certification from another state or tribal regulatory agency verifying that the applicant is qualified to act as a referee in the sport in which the applicant seeks to officiate.

Seconds - An applicant for an original license to act as a second in a boxing, kickboxing, MMA, or wrestling contest must:

Be at least 18 years old.

Wrestlers - An individual must:

Be at least 18 years old.
An individual who does not have professional or amateur wrestling experience must, upon request, demonstrate to the commission or its authorized representative that the applicant is properly trained in the art of wrestling.
Complete and submit a physical examination administered by a physician within 21 days prior to the date of the application for licensure or license renewal.