§ 41-5-21. Application of chapter to wrestling matches.
(a) The division of gaming and athletics licensing shall have and exercise the same authority, supervision, and control over wrestling and exhibitions as is conferred upon the division by this chapter over boxing and sparring matches and exhibitions, and the provisions of this chapter, except those of § 41-5-12, shall apply in all respects to wrestling matches and exhibitions to the same extent, and with the same force and effect, as they apply to boxing and sparring matches.
(b) Whenever in this chapter, except in § 41-5-12, the words “boxing or sparring match or exhibition,” or the plural form thereof, are used, they shall be construed to include the words “wrestling match or exhibition,” or the plural form thereof, and the word “boxer” shall be construed to include “wrestler,” unless the context otherwise requires, and any person holding, conducting, or participating in a wrestling match or exhibition shall be subject to the same duties, liabilities, licensing requirements, penalties, and fees as are imposed by this chapter upon any person holding, conducting, or participating in a boxing or sparring match or exhibition.
(c) For the purpose of this chapter, a “professional wrestler” is defined as one who competes for a money prize, or teaches or pursues or assists in the practice of wrestling, as a means of obtaining a livelihood or pecuniary gain.
(d) The division of gaming and athletics licensing may waive the provisions of this chapter within its discretion in the case of wrestling as a form of pre-determined entertainment.
History of Section.P.L. 1926, ch. 772, § 19; P.L. 1927, ch. 963, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 16, § 20; impl. am. P.L. 1946, ch. 1746, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 41-5-21; 1984, ch. 399, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 388, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 439, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 20, § 21; P.L. 2016, ch. 528, § 5.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 41 - Sports, Racing, and Athletics
Chapter 41-5 - Boxing and Wrestling
Section 41-5-1. - License required for boxing exhibitions — Amateur exhibitions exempt.
Section 41-5-3. - Application for license.
Section 41-5-3.1. - Required information on application.
Section 41-5-3.2. - License issued only to ring equipment owner.
Section 41-5-3.3. - Insurance required.
Section 41-5-3.4. - Promotion prohibited until license issued.
Section 41-5-3.5. - Inspections of premises and equipment required.
Section 41-5-3.6. - Substitutions.
Section 41-5-3.7. - Closed-circuit television.
Section 41-5-4. - Penalty for unlicensed match.
Section 41-5-5. - Separate license for each match — Approval of city or town authorities.
Section 41-5-6. - Surety bond filed by licensee.
Section 41-5-7. - License required for participants and officials in professional matches.
Section 41-5-7.1. - Required information on boxer’s application for license — Medical examination.
Section 41-5-8. - Referees — Powers.
Section 41-5-9. - Attendance of judges — Decision.
Section 41-5-9.1. - Duties of director at ringside.
Section 41-5-10. - Fees of officials.
Section 41-5-11.1. - Drug and H.I.V. testing.
Section 41-5-11.2. - Health insurance.
Section 41-5-12. - Duration of matches — Gloves — Maximum participation by contestant.
Section 41-5-12.1. - Number of corner persons.
Section 41-5-13. - Minimum age of contestants.
Section 41-5-13.1. - Physical knockouts.
Section 41-5-13.2. - Facial lacerations.
Section 41-5-14. - Interest in contestant by promoter prohibited — Forfeiture of contestant’s purse.
Section 41-5-15. - Tax on admissions — Accounting and payment — State inspector.
Section 41-5-16. - Overcrowding of buildings — Ventilation and safety requirements.
Section 41-5-17. - Suspension or revocation of license.
Section 41-5-18. - Betting prohibited.
Section 41-5-19. - Witnesses and evidence before division.
Section 41-5-20. - Injunction and abatement of unauthorized matches.
Section 41-5-20.1. - Refunds required upon license revocation.
Section 41-5-21. - Application of chapter to wrestling matches.
Section 41-5-22. - Rules and regulations.