Athletic commission backed

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 11, 2012 1:00 AM
Provincewide oversight of professional fights is garnering strong support in Vernon. The Ministry of Community Development has introduced legislation to establish a provincial athletic commissioner who would regulate and supervise professional boxing, kick-boxing and mixed martial arts. “We need to have some consistency in events across B.C.,” said Coun. Brian Quiring, a member of the Vernon Athletic Commission. “Promoters will have the same regulations.” Vernon formed an athletic commission in about 2006 to ensure event insurance is in place as well as safety standards for competitors and officials. “Before we did it, events happened any way but they were illegal and potentially not safe,” said Kyle Watts, Vernon Athletic Commission chairperson. Watts also favours a provincial structure. “We need to have one standard that applies evenly. The commissions that exist now have different standards,” he said. Watts believes the provincial government could learn from Vernon’s experiences in hosting events. “I wouldn’t be surprised that they don’t reach out to community commissions for input,” he said. The provincial commissioner would ensure a consistent standard of qualifications and safety protocols for all participants and officials through uniform licensing. It would also ensure compliance with the proposed act through the suspension or cancellation of licenses and administrative penalties. “Since sports such as kick-boxing and mixed martial arts are very popular and are taking place without a consistent regulatory framework, it makes sense to be proactive about creating this position to increase the safety of athletes and officials, as well as to provide certainty for communities and the industry,” said Ida Chong, community development minister. If B.C. municipalities do not want such events in their community, they would be able to prohibit them by passing a bylaw. While he supports a provincial commission, Quiring insists Vernon should remain active in the process so community concerns are addressed. “We need a local commission to co-ordinate events,” he said. However, a ministry release states that if a provincial athletic commission is established, the Community Charter — the legislation that governs municipalities — will be amended to remove the authority to create local commissions.