Online education unit

Matchmaker

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Combat Sports Commission (CSC)

  • The CSC is responsible for registering contestants and industry participants; enforcing health, safety and integrity requirements; and issuing permits for combat sport contests conducted in Western Australia.
  • Although the CSC has the power to introduce changes, requiring participants to adhere to certain practices and procedures, it is the CSC’s intention to continue to work with the industry and its participants in a collaborative manner for the benefit of the combat sports community.
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Vision

The CSC’s vision is to create a healthier and safer combat sports community.

Functions

The functions of the CSC are to:

  • Carry out the requirements of the Combat Sports Act 1987.
  • Recommend standards, specifications, codes of conduct and guidelines to ensure proper standards in combat sports.
  • Devise and approve standards or guidelines for the preparation or training of persons participating in, or proposing to participate in contests.
  • Advise the Minister for Sport and Recreation on combat sport matters or any other matters incidental to combat sports.

Composition

The CSC is a statutory authority established under the Combat Sports Act 1987 and consists of nine members appointed by the Minister for Sport and Recreation.

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Matchmakers Responsibilities

Matchmakers must take all steps to protect the health and safety of contestants by ensuring contestants are not under or over matched with respect to experience, competence or weight. 

Matchmakers must be impartial and unbiased in dealings with managers, trainers, and contestants. 

 

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    Contestants Registration Process

    Matchmakers who nominate non-registered athletes onto a contest card should immediately inform the athlete to commence the CSC registration process and should be aware that it can take several weeks for athletes to obtain a doctors appointment and/or complete the registration process.

    A new contestant must provide the CSC with a completed registration form and associated registration documents, a certificate of fitness and a current clear serology (blood test) report.

    Please be aware:

    • Registration is for three years.
    • Certificates of fitness are valid for 12 months.
    • Serology reports are valid for six months.

    Contestants will not be able to compete unless all these documents are current with the CSC within the required timeframes.

    When applying for registration, all registrants need to disclose whether they have ever been convicted at court, or are currently charged with any criminal offence.

    Any contestant whose principal place of residence is in Western Australia must be registered no later than five days before the date of the proposed contest.

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    Quiz questions 1

    What is the length of registration with the CSC?
    A contestants Certificate of Fitness is current for one year.
    How long is a contestant's serology report (blood test) clearance valid?
    When applying for registration, do you need to disclose whether you have even been convicted at court, or are currently charged with any criminal offence?
    When a local (WA) contestant is placed on a card, how many days prior to the contest must they submit a completed registration to the CSC?

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    Quiz 1 answers

    What is the length of registration with the CSC?

     

    The length of registration with the CSC is three years. 

    A contestant's Certificate of Fitness is current for one year.

     

    Certificates of fitness are valid for one year. 

    How long is a contestant's serology report (blood test) valid?

     

    Serology clearances are valid for 6 months.

    When applying for registration, do you need to disclose whether you have even been convicted at court, or are currently charged with any criminal offence?

     

    This information is required by the CSC, and section 53 of the Combat Sports Act 1987 provides for a maximum penalty of $12,000 for providing information that is false or misleading.

    When a local (WA) contestant is placed on a card, how many days prior to the contest must they submit a completed registration to the CSC?

     

    Under Section 7(2)(a) of the Combat Sports Regulations 2004, a contestant must be registered no later than five days before the date of the contest.

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    Conditions of registration

    Individuals registered with the CSC are subject to conditions of registration. These conditions include:

    • Registrants are subject to the CSC’s Fit and Proper policy and once registered must adhere to the CSC’s Code of Conduct. Any breach of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action by the CSC against the registrant.
    • A contestant must not take, or allow any person to administer to them, any substance or method that is listed in the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a prohibited substance or method. Contestants who are required to take certain medications may be able to obtain a therapeutic use exemption from the CSC.
    • Contestants are required to obtain a clearance from the CSC when participating in a contest in the jurisdiction of another combat sport authority outside of Western Australia.
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    Code of Conduct

    The Code of Conduct outlines the standard of behaviour required of all contestants and industry participants registered with the CSC and forms part of the conditions of registration

    All registrants are required to abide by the Code during combat sports events and in public.

    Your actions and behaviour must be ethical, fair and honest at all times, and you must respect the principles of combat sports and their traditions.

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    Quiz question 2

    Unethical behaviour can result in your registration being suspended or cancelled.
    Contestants who are registered with the CSC can compete interstate with a clearance.
    Under the Code of Conduct a Promoter must:

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    Quiz 2 answer

    Unethical behaviour can result in your registration being suspended or cancelled.

     

    The CSC’s Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviours of registrants.

    Contestants who are registered with the CSC can compete interstate with a clearance.

     

    Contestants who are registered with the CSC can compete interstate with a clearance.

    Under the Code of Conduct a promoter must:

     

    Behave honestly, with integrity and treat everyone with respect, comply with the combat sports legislation and contest rules, notify the CSC of any changes to contact or personal details and not use social media to make threats or humiliate others.

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    Combat Sports Commission policies

    The CSC has several policies which apply to combat sports. Some examples of matters dealt with in the various CSC policies include:

    • Fit and Proper Person Policy
      • The CSC undertakes random probity checks and it is against the law to provide false and misleading information, such as not disclosing a criminal record. 
    • Contest Area Safety Policy
      • A promoter must ensure that non-registered personnel have a specific task (e.g. media/commentators) otherwise they are required to sit outside the 2.5m exclusion zone.
    • Dual Role Policy
      • A promoter who is listed on a permit cannot act in the capacity of a contestant, timekeeper, judge or referee.

    The CSC has developed other policies covering a range of topics from pregnancy testing, to dual roles and children participating in promotions.

    View all the CSC policies

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    Quiz questions 3

    The promoter must provide a 2.5 m barrier (exclusion zone) that offers a visual and physical barrier between authorised ringside personnel and the public.
    More information about CSC polices is available on the CSC’s website.

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    Quiz 3 answers

    The promoter must provide a 2.5 m barrier (exclusion zone) that offers a visual and physical barrier between authorised ringside personnel and the public

     

    Under the Contest Area Policy, the promoter must provide a 2.5 m barrier (exclusion zone) that offers a visual and physical barrier between authorised ringside personnel and the public. 

    More information about CSC polices is available on the CSC’s website.

     

    View the CSC's policies

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    Fact sheets

    The CSC produces many fact sheets to guide the combat sports industry. Topics covered in the fact sheets include:

    Importance of Contestant Record Book fact sheet

    Contestants must present their contestant record book to the CSC representative or medical practitioner before they can compete in a contest. 

    Matchmakers’ fact sheet

    A matchmaker is required to provide the CSC with a contestant’s complete record regardless of discipline or whether they are professional or amateur.

    Promoters’ fact sheet

    A promoter must ensure that international contestants are scheduled to arrive in Perth no less than 48 hours prior to the relevant promotion.

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    Quiz question 4

    A matchmaker is required to provide a contestant’s full fight record (professional and amateur) for all disciplines when making matches.
    Can a contestant compete without presenting their contestant record book to the CSC representative or medical practitioner?

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    A matchmaker is required to provide a contestant’s full fight record (professional and amateur) for all disciplines when making matches.

     

    A matchmaker is required to provide the CSC with a contestant’s complete record regardless of discipline or whether they are professional or amateur.

    Can a contestant compete without presenting their contestant record book to the CSC representative or medical practitioner?

     

    A contestant cannot compete without presenting their contestant record book to the CSC representative or medical practitioner.

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    Pre-contest weigh-ins

    • Weigh-ins must occur within 24 hours of a contest and the promoter chooses the start time and venue for the weigh-in.
    • Contestants must weigh-in within two hours of the start time and unless competing for a title bout will have only one attempt to stand on the scales.
    • Contestants can request an immediate re-weigh for the sole purpose of removing additional clothing.
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    Pre-contest medicals

    • After the weigh-in and prior to the event, all contestants must submit to a pre-contest medical. All contestants will be required to undertake a series of checks before they will be cleared to compete.
    • The medical practitioner will determine each contestants fitness to compete based on all available evidence. If a medical practitioner deems a contestant ‘not fit to compete’, that contestant will be removed from the contest card and will not be allowed to compete.
    • Reasons a medical practitioner might render a contestant ‘not fit to compete’ may include:
      • Any sign of use of a prohibited substance or alcohol
      • A recent fracture or cut
      • Severe dehydration
      • An acute illness
      • A skin disease
      • Any other condition that, in the opinion of the medical practitioner, would be detrimental to the contestant or the opponent.
    • All female contestants over the age of 16 years must undertake a pregnancy test.
    • Is it an offence under the Combat Sports Act 1984 to provide false or misleading information to the medical practitioner or CSC at the pre-contest medical.
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    Quiz question 5

    Contestants must present at their pre-contest medical in a fit and healthy state. Which of the following would be a reason that a medical practitioner may declare a contestant unfit to compete?
    Is it an offence under the Combat Sports Act 1987 to provide false or misleading information to the medical practitioner or CSC staff at the pre-contest medical?

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    Quiz 5 answer

    Contestants must present at their pre-contest medical in a fit and healthy state. Which of the following would be a reason that a medical practitioner may declare a contestant unfit to compete?

     

    • Dehydration
    • Any sign of the use of a prohibited substance or alcohol
    • A recent fracture or cut
    • A skin disease

    Is it an offence under the Combat Sports Act 1987 to provide false or misleading information to the medical practitioner or CSC staff at the pre-contest medical?

     

    Section 53 of the Combat Sports Act 1987 provides for a maximum penalty of $12,000 for providing information that is false or misleading.

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    Weight cutting

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    Weight cutting is an extremely dangerous practice often inappropriately undertaken in combat sports. This is where contestants rapidly decrease their body weight before weigh-ins through excessive dehydration for the purpose of gaining an advantage by competing in a weight class artificially below what could be achieved through diet and training. This increases the risk of injury and can kill you.

    Weight cutting can lead to physical or mental symptoms such as:

    • Decreased muscle strength and endurance
    • Heat illness
    • Severe changes in body electrolytes
    • Mood swings and mental changes
    • Decreased kidney function
    • Increased risk of brain injury
    • Decreased heart and cardiovascular function
    • Reduced energy utilisation, nutrient exchange and acidosis
    • Blurred vision and dry eyes.

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    Rehydration through IV use

    • Rehydration using IV (intravenous) fluids can be dangerous and the CSC prohibits their use, except for medical reasons.
    • The use of IV fluids (of more than 100 mls) without a medical reason contravenes the WADA code and will result in a ban from competition. If an IV fluid is required for medical reasons, a contestant must first obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) from the treating medical practitioner.

    Water intoxication

    • Drinking too much water (many litres) in a short time (water loading) when not dehydrated can dilute the blood, and can dangerously dilute body electrolytes (hyponatremia) which can kill you. The kidneys cannot remove the excess fluid quickly enough and the excess water causes the body cells to swell. This in turn can cause the brain to swell.
    • Contestants are encouraged to maintain normal hydration at all times.
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    Quiz questions 6

    Which of the following are dangers associated with weight cutting?
    Drinking excessive water to lose weight (water loading) can cause health problems.

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    Quiz 6 answers

    Which of the following are dangers associated with weight cutting?

    • Increased risk of brain injury
    • Decreased kidney function
    • Decreased muscle strength and endurance
    • Mood swings and mental changes

     

    Drinking excessive water to lose weight (water loading) can cause health problems?

     

    Water loading can dilute blood and salts in the body which can cause significant injury and/or death.

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    Post-contest medical 

    • Contestants undergo a medical examination by the ringside medical practitioner (doctor) immediately after their bout.
    • Contestants are advised not to leave the surrounding contest area until they have been examined by the doctor.
    • The doctor will also return the Contestant Record Book during the examination and contestants should check their book to determine if they have been medically cleared to compete for any future contest.
    Icon of a doctor and other health professionals

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    Mandatory rest periods and medical suspensions

    The ringside medical practitioner may medically suspend a contestant after a bout. A referee or CSC appointee may also issue a Hard Bout Card (HBC) leading to mandated rest periods for contestants.

    Contestants are ineligible to compete in another bout/contest until the mandated time has passed and additional medical clearances may also be required, regardless of time passed. 

    These are automatic minimum periods only and a ringside medical practitioner may issue longer timeframes:

    7 days: applies to all contestants following a bout (if a contestants competes on a Saturday, they can’t compete the following Saturday)
    14 days: if issued a HBC for a bout considered to be hard fought
    21 days: if issued a HBC for suspected concussion and concussion assessment/clearance required
    30 days: if knocked out and concussion assessment/clearance required
    60 or 90 days: if knocked out over consecutive contests (2nd or 3rd time) and concussion assessment/clearance required
    6x straight losses: triggers a suspension until a medical clearance (new certificate of fitness) is provided 

    Further information on concussion management, HBC’s and knock out requirements are provided in the CSC Concussion Management Guidelines, Graded Return to Sport Framework and CSC Concussion Course (to be completed following this course).
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    Quiz questions 7

    If a contestant has competed in a contest, they cannot compete in another contest for a period of at least 7 days.
    Are contestants allowed to compete while under medical suspension?

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    Quiz 7 answers

    If a contestant has competed in a contest, they cannot compete in another contest for a period of at least 7 days.

     

    Under regulation 16(1) of the Combat Sports Regulations 2004, if a contestant has competed in a contest, they cannot compete in another contest for a period of at least 7 days.

    Are contestants allowed to compete while under medical suspension?

     

    Anyone who competes while under medical suspension is subject to suspension of registration and/or a maximum fine of $1000 under regulation 16(2) of the Combat Sports Regulations 2004. 

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    Rules

    Under section 62A of the Combat Sports Act 1987, all combat sports contests must be held in accordance with rules approved by the Minister for Sport and Recreation. Either CSC rules or approved sanctioning body rules apply to all contests in Western Australia. 

    Rules differ across combat sports and even within the same sport, different sanctioning bodies may have different rules. The CSC health and safety rules will always prevail over any other approved rules. 

    Rules can cover ring requirements, dress codes, conduct of contests, official requirements and duties. For example:

    • Promoters must nominate official start times for weigh-in and the contest (doors open).
    • There are minimum age and padding restrictions.
    • Weight classes are found in the contest rules.

    Promoters choose which approved rules they want to use at their contest and it is the responsibility of the matchmaker to know which set of rules will apply for each bout. 

      View CSC Contest Rules

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      Quiz questions 8

      A contest must be conducted in accordance with the CSC approved rules for that contest.
      Weight classes are listed in the contest rules and matchmakers can't just make up their own weight class.
      The CSC chooses what approved rules will apply to a promoters event.

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      Quiz 8 answers

      A contest must be conducted in accordance with the CSC approved rules for that contest.

       

      Section 62A of the Combat Sports Act 1987 requires that contests are held according to approved rules. If not, the promoter and referee commit an offence with a maximum fine of $12,000.

      Weight classes are listed in the contest rules and matchmakers can't just make up their own weight class.

       

      Weight classes are listed in the contest rules and matchmakers, trainers, promoters and contestants can't just make up their own weight class. The weight class must be selected from the relevant contest rules.

      The CSC chooses what approved rules will apply to a promoters event.

       

      Promoters choose which approved contest rules they want to use but only rules approved by the Minister (under section 62A of the Combat Sports Act 1987) can be used.

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      Promotion permits

      A person must not conduct a contest unless a permit has been issued - Penalty: a fine of $12,000 (Section s47(1) of the Combat Sports Act 1987).

      There are two stages when applying for a permit to conduct a combat sports contest: 
      • Part One: The initial application must be lodged with the CSC not less than 42 days prior to the event. This involves supplying details such as date, venue, insurance, security, head official, finance details, nominated approved contest rules and a diagram of the contest layout area.
      • Part Two: The contest card must be lodged with the CSC not less than 21 days prior to the promotion. This involves supplying details for each bout such as contestants names, weight-classes, contest records, and names of all officials and corners (trainers and seconds).
      All changes to the contest card must be submitted to the CSC in writing and no changes to the contest card will be accepted after the weigh-in.

      Permits are issued subject to any terms, conditions and restrictions the CSC thinks fit. These are known as permit conditions.

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      Quiz questions 9

      A Part 1 contest permit application should be lodged, by the promoter, not less than 42 days before the date of the contest.
      The contest card, listing the matchmaking for all the bouts, must be lodged with the CSC not less than 21 days prior to the contest and either a matchmaker or a promoter can submit it.

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      Quiz 9 answers

      A Part 1 contest permit application should be lodged, by the promoter, not less than 42 days before the date of the contest.

       

      A Part 1 contest permit application should be lodged with the CSC not less than 42 days before the date of the contest.

      The contest card, listing the matchmaking for all the bouts, must be lodged with the CSC not less than 21 days prior to the contest and either a matchmaker or a promoter can submit it.

       

      The contest card, listing the matchmaking for all the bouts, must be lodged with the CSC not less than 21 days prior to the contest and either a matchmaker or a promoter can submit it.

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      Declaration

      I verify that the answers I have provided are my own and that I have completed this education unit honestly. I acknowledge that Section 53 of the Combat Sports Act 1987 provides for a fine of up to $12,000 if I provide any information that is false or misleading.

      Details of person completing the online education

      If you are a parent or guardian, please also complete the following information:

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      Page reviewed 12 February 2026