Section 1370.130  Safety Requirements and Physical Appearance for Contestants

All contestants shall present a clean and tidy appearance and shall comply with the following:

a)         Fingernails and toenails shall be sufficiently trimmed to avoid the risk of cutting or scratching an opponent;

b)         Hair shall be trimmed or tied back, if possible, or maintained as otherwise directed by the Division representative, so that the hair does not interfere with the vision of the contestant or cover the contestant's eyes.  The Division's representative shall determine whether a contestant's head and facial hair presents any safety hazard to the contestant or his or her opponent or would interfere with the supervision and conduct of the bout;

c)         Body grease, gels, balms or lotions applied to any part of a contestant’s body, attire or equipment is prohibited.  Petroleum jelly or other similar petroleum- based product may be applied to the facial area at ring or cage side in the presence of an inspector, referee or person designated by the Division.  The referee or Division representative shall cause any excessive petroleum jelly or other permitted substance or any foreign substance to be removed to his or her satisfaction.  Any contestant applying anything to any part of his or her body, attire or equipment, outside the presence of an inspector, referee or person designated by the Division may be penalized a point or disqualified;

d)         No cosmetics shall be worn during a bout;

e)         Jewelry or piercing accessories are prohibited;

f)         A contestant is prohibited from wearing corrective lenses or contact lenses in the fighting area; and

g)         If the head, facial hair or physical appearance of a contestant presents a hazard or will interfere with the supervision and conduct of the contest, the contestant may not compete in the contest unless the circumstances creating the hazard or potential interference are corrected to the satisfaction of the Division or its designee.