1. (1) Each bout shall be officiated by a referee who is licensed in accordance with Rule 0145-01- .03.
2. (2) The referee in a bare-knuckle bout shall have the same duties, responsibilities, and authority as a referee under Chapter 0145-02.

3. (3) In addition to the fouls listed in Rule 0145-02-.10, a referee may consider the following acts as fouls in a bare-knuckle bout:

   1. (a) Putting a finger into any orifice of the opposing combatant or into any cut or laceration on the opposing combatant, including fish hooking;
   2. (b) Pulling the opposing combatant’s hair;
   3. (c) Manipulating the opposing combatant’s fingers;
   4. (d) Striking an opposing combatant who is helpless as the result of blows but is supported by the ropes and does not fall;
   5. (e) Butting the opposing combatant with the head, shoulder, knee, or elbow;
   6. (f) Hitting the opposing combatant with the elbow or forearm;
   7. (g) Hitting the opposing combatant on the back of the head or neck;
   8. (h) Gouging the opposing combatant’s eye in any manner;
   9. (i) Using the ropes or cage to gain an advantage over the opposing combatant;
   10. (j) Pushing the opposing combatant around the fighting area or into the ropes/cage;
   11. (k) Timidity, excessive clenching, including intentionally spitting out the mouthpiece, running from an opposing combatant, or other similar behavior;
   12. (l) Biting the opposing combatant;
   13. (m) Headlocks;
   14. (n) Throat punches or strikes directly toward the throat of an opposing combatant;
   15. (o) Fingers outstretched toward the opposing combatant’s face or eyes;
   16. (p) Throws or takedowns;
   17. (q) Engaging in any other action not described in this subsection that is deemed an intentional foul by the referee on the basis that the action poses a danger to the safety of either fighter, impedes fair and competitive play, or is unsportsmanlike;
   18. (r) Spinning back fists; and
   19. (s) Hammer-fists.
4. (4) The referee is authorized to use any procedures to determine if a foul occurred, penalize a combatant, and/or to end the bout pursuant to Chapter 0145-02.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 68-115-102, 68-115-201, and 68-115-501. Administrative History: New rules filed December 5, 2024; effective March 5, 2025.