R 339.203a Licensing requirements; referee, judge, or timekeeper.
Rule 203a. (1) An applicant for a license as a referee, judge, or timekeeper shall be not less than 18 years of age.
(2) An applicant for a license as a referee shall pass a physical examination.
(3) Before licensure, an applicant for a license as a timekeeper, referee, or judge shall
provide a completed certification as approved by the department that is available from a recognized authority in unarmed combat sports. A current licensee shall submit a completed certification within 90 days after the effective date of this rule.
(4) The process established in subrule (3) of this rule shall adhere to all of the following:
(a) To receive department approval for an event type designated on a participant license, an applicant shall complete a certification specific to that event type.
(b) The department shall publish a list of acceptable certifications on its website. Certifications that are not listed may be submitted to the department for review and approval.
(c) A license must not be issued to an applicant if the applicant has any outstanding fines or costs or current suspensions imposed under the act.
Pursuant to Rule 339.203a, the following are acceptable certifications for Referees and Judges. Please note that an official may only serve as a Referee or Judge in the sport types they are certified in and have received departmental approval. This will become effective on July 10, 2026, for new officials. Officials who hold a current, active license have until October 8, 2026, to obtain or provide current certifications to the department for approval.
If you have obtained certification from an organization not listed below, please provide that certification to the department to review. You may contact the department at LARA-UnarmedCombat@Michigan.gov
Boxing Judge and Referee Certifications:
Association of Boxing Commissions
USA Boxing, Level I, II, or III
International Boxing Association, R&J Course, 1 Star or higher
MMA Judge and Referee Certifications:
C.O.M.M.A.N.D.
Association of Boxing Commissions
Herb Dean
International Mixed Martial Arts Federation
Muay Thai Judge and Referee Certifications:
Association of Boxing Commissions
Muay Thai Official USA – Pete Peterson’s Officials Intensive
Kickboxing Judge and Referee Certifications:
Association of Boxing Commissions
World Kickboxing Organization
International Sport Kickboxing Association
Bare Knuckle Judge and Referee Certifications:
Association of Boxing Commissions