§29-5A-17. Referee and judges; appointment by commission; powers, payment.

(a) The chief official of the boxing match or exhibition shall be the referee. The referee and judges shall be appointed by the commission and shall receive from the commission a card authorizing them to act as such and no club may employ or permit anyone to act as referee except one holding a card of authorization from the commission. The referee has general supervision and control over the match or exhibition and shall be paid by the promoter a minimum of $75 for each day or night's services. The referee is limited to refereeing a maximum of thirty rounds per day or night unless special consent is given by the commission.

(b) Once appointed by the commission, the promoter bears the responsibility for ensuring the attendance of referee and judges at events. The commission shall provide promoters with advance notice of the person(s) appointed as referee and judges. A promoter, at his or her own expense, may request alternate referee(s) and judge(s) be appointed by the commission to serve in the event a first appointed referee or judge is unable to satisfy the role. Under no circumstances may a member of the commission or any employee of the commission serve as a referee or judge for a boxing or mixed martial arts contest conducted in this state.