ࡱ > y F bjbj @| { { > R R 8 t l d Ԁ S U U U U U U $ f y y P S S ] c 0_D _ > ? 0 Ԁ ` x c c Od y y o d Ԁ R r : MARYLAND STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION MINUTES - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 The Thursday, February 23, 2012 meeting of the Maryland State Athletic Commission was called to order at 2:25 p.m. Present were: Chairman William R. Bill McCaffrey; Commissioner Ben Alperstein; Commissioner Arnold Arnie Dansicker; Commissioner Lenny Moore; Patrick Pannella, Executive Director; and Bruce C. Spizler, Senior Assistant Attorney General. O& P DIVISION COMMISSIONER STANLEY J. BOTTS Executive Director Pannella reported that Stanley J. Botts, Commissioner of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), recently retired from his position. The Commission recognized Commissioner Botts for his active and noteworthy support of the Commission over the years, and wished Commissioner Botts good health and happiness in his retirement. O& P DIVISION INTERIM COMMISSIONER HARRY LOLEAS Executive Director Pannella reported that Harry Loleas, formerly the Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), has recently been appointed to the position of Interim Commissioner of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Mr. Pannella noted that Commissioner Loleas is extremely knowledgeable about Commission-related matters and applauded Commissioner Loleas selection. The Commission congratulated Commissioner Loleas on his appointment and expressed its strong desire to work closely with Commissioner Loleas in his new leadership role. PROMOTERS FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CONTRACTURAL MATTERS RELATING TO AN EVENT The Commission held a discussion in regard to the financial obligations of a licensed promoter of a Commission-sanctioned event in regard to the payment of any and all bills directly related to an event held by the promoter. The Commission reaffirmed its position that the promoter of an event is financially responsible for every contractual obligation related to that event. The Commission instructed Executive Director Pannella to notify all licensed promoters that: (1) The promoters name must be on all contracts pertaining to an event as the individual financially responsible for payment; (2) the promoter is financially responsible for any, and all, such payments; and (3) the bonding requirement attendant to a promoters license must be applicable to all such expenses. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING EVENTS Executive Director Pannella led a Commission discussion in regard to the professional wrestling events currently scheduled to be held in the State of Maryland. Executive Director Pannella reported that promoter James Jim Hardwick, advertising as the Eastern Wrestling Alliance (EWA), cancelled the professional wrestling event scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the Tall Cedars Hall in Parkville, Maryland. Executive Director Pannella reported that promoter Bradley O. Vance, advertising as Real Championship Wrestling (RCW), cancelled the professional wrestling event scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 24, 2011 at the Clarence Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Upon a motion by Commissioner Alperstein, seconded by Chairman McCaffrey, the Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the following professional wrestling events: Professional Wrestling Event Friday, February 24, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. The Show Place Arena - 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue Upper Marlboro, Maryland Promoter: TNA Entertainment, LLC, advertising as TNA Wrestling; and Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, February 25, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. The Maryland Theatre - 21 South Potomac Street Hagerstown, Maryland Promoter: TNA Entertainment, LLC, advertising as TNA Wrestling. Upon a motion by Chairman McCaffrey, seconded by Commissioner Dansicker, the Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the following professional wrestling events: 1. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, February 25, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. The New Green Room - 2401 North Point Boulevard Dundalk, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW); 2. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, March 31, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. Orchard Beach Banquet Hall- 7548 Solley Road Glen Burnie, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Wrestling Federation (MWF); 3. Professional Wrestling Event Friday, April 6, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. The New Green Room - 2401 North Point Boulevard Dundalk, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW); 4. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, May 12, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. Orchard Beach Banquet Hall - 7548 Solley Road Glen Burnie, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Wrestling Federation (MWF); 5. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, May 19, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. Elks Lodge # 684 - 289 Willowdale Drive Frederick, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as National Wrestling League (NWL); 6. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, July 7, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. Orchard Beach Banquet Hall - 7548 Solley Road Glen Burnie, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Wrestling Federation (MWF); 7. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, July 7, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. The New Green Room - 2401 North Point Boulevard Dundalk, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW); 8. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. The New Green Room - 2401 North Point Boulevard Dundalk, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW); 9. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, October 27, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. The New Green Room - 2401 North Point Boulevard Dundalk, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW); and 10. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, December 29, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. The New Green Room - 2401 North Point Boulevard Dundalk, Maryland Promoter: Richard Dick Caricofe, advertising as Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW). Upon a motion by Chairman McCaffrey, seconded by Commissioner Dansicker, the Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the following professional wrestling event: 1. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, March 24, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. Tall Cedars Hall - 2501 Putty Hill Avenue Parkville, Maryland Promoter: James Jim Hardwick, advertising as Eastern Wrestling Alliance (EWA). Upon a motion by Chairman McCaffrey, seconded by Commissioner Dansicker, the Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the following professional wrestling events: 1. Professional Wrestling Event Sunday, March 25, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. Clarence Du Burns Arena - 1301 South Ellwood Avenue Baltimore, Maryland Promoter: Bradley O. Brad Vance, advertising as Real Championship Wrestling (RCW); 2. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. Clarence Du Burns Arena - 1301 South Ellwood Avenue Baltimore, Maryland Promoter: Bradley O. Brad Vance, advertising as Real Championship Wrestling (RCW); and 3. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, June 16, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. Clarence Du Burns Arena - 1301 South Ellwood Avenue Baltimore, Maryland Promoter: Bradley O. Brad Vance, advertising as Real Championship Wrestling (RCW). Upon a motion by Chairman McCaffrey, seconded by Commissioner Alperstein, the Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the following professional wrestling events: 1. Professional Wrestling Event Saturday, April 7, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. Clarence Du Burns Arena - 1301 South Ellwood Avenue Baltimore, Maryland Promoter: Ring of Honor Wrestling Entertainment, LLC, advertising as Ring of Honor Wrestling (ROH); 2. Professional Wrestling Event Friday, May 18, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. Clarence Du Burns Arena - 1301 South Ellwood Avenue Baltimore, Maryland Promoter: Ring of Honor Wrestling Entertainment, LLC, advertising as Ring of Honor Wrestling (ROH); and 3. Professional Wrestling Event Friday, June 29, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. Clarence Du Burns Arena - 1301 South Ellwood Avenue Baltimore, Maryland Promoter: Ring of Honor Wrestling Entertainment, LLC, advertising as Ring of Honor Wrestling (ROH). 2011 FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS Executive Director Pannella informed Commission members that, in accordance with Maryland State Ethics Law, Commission members must file an annual financial disclosure statement with the Maryland State Ethics Commission. Mr. Pannella noted that all financial disclosure statement forms for Calendar Year 2011 must be submitted to the Maryland State Ethics Commission via electronic submission or United States mail by April 30, 2012. DEATH OF WRESTLER TRAINING AT WRESTLING SCHOOL Executive Director Pannella informed the Commission that Quentin Latrell Washington, who was training at Gillbergs Pro Wrestling Academy in Severn, Maryland, died on January 20, 2012 after striking his head the night before while practicing wrestling maneuvers at this wrestling school. Mr. Pannella reported that he was interviewed extensively by a journalist, who was writing an article for The Baltimore Sun concerning the death of Mr. Washington, regarding the Commissions regulation of professional wrestling. Mr. Pannella stated that he provided that journalist with an overview of the various safety measures which the Commission maintains in regulating Commission-sanctioned wrestling events and protecting the health and well-being of the participating wrestlers. Mr. Pannella noted that the Commission does not regulate wrestling schools or gyms in the State of Maryland, and that he is unaware of any state or tribal athletic commission in the United States which has any jurisdiction over wrestling schools or gyms. The Commission extended its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Washington. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE SENT TO LICENSED MATCHMAKER CHRIS MIDDENDORF Executive Director Pannella led a Commission discussion of Commission correspondence which was sent to licensed matchmaker Chris Middendorf via e-mail on January 30, 2012 and on February 8, 2012, respectively. Mr. Pannella noted that Mr. Middendorf previously had informed the Commission that certain business associates affiliated with Mr. Middendorf were desirous of holding professional boxing events at venues in Baltimore, Maryland on the dates of February 23, 2012 and March 24, 2012, respectively. Mr. Pannella explained that the January 30, 2012 Commission correspondence notified Mr. Middendorf that: (1) the Commission had not received a request for its sanction from a licensed promoter to conduct a professional boxing event on February 23, 2012 at the Dubai Nightclub in Baltimore; and (2) based on the timeline presented in this scenario, the Commission has no choice but to enforce its regulations pertaining to preventing a promoter from advertising, or selling tickets for, an event until a licensed promoter is secured, and a licensed promoter receives a sanction from the Commission for this boxing event. Mr. Pannella explained that the February 8, 2012 Commission correspondence notified Mr. Middendorf that: (1) the Commission had not received a request for its sanction from a licensed promoter to conduct a professional boxing event on March 24, 2012 at the Clarence Du Burns Arena in Baltimore; (2) as prescribed by Commission regulations, a licensed promoter must request a Commission sanction for a boxing event at least 30 days before the date of the event; and (3) in order for the March 24, 2012 boxing event to take place, a licensed promoter approved by the Commission to conduct boxing events must request a Commission sanction for the March 24, 2012 boxing event on, or before, February 23, 2012. TWO COMMISSION INSPECTORS - WESTERN MARYLAND Executive Director Pannella announced that the Commission has hired two Commission inspectors, Carl D. Munson and Charles Ralston, who will be employed on a part-time, per diem basis to work at Commission-sanctioned events being held in Western Maryland. Mr. Pannella noted that the majority of events being held in the Western Maryland area at this point in time are wrestling events. Mr. Pannella thanked the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), for its efforts in helping the Commission to interview and secure successful candidates. COMMISSION INSPECTOR TRAINING VIDEO - DRUG TESTING Executive Director Pannella reported that he, along with Commission inspectors Bryan Hagan and Don Risher, have prepared a training video for Commission inspectors to utilize regarding Commission procedures for testing boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) contestants for controlled dangerous substances prior to every Commission-sanctioned boxing or MMA contest. Mr. Pannella commended both Mr. Hagan and Mr. Risher for their outstanding contributions in creating such a valuable training tool for Commission inspectors. LINEUP OF PROFESSIONAL BOUTS FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2012 PRO-AM BOXING EVENT - MILLERSVILLE, MARYLAND Executive Director Pannella provided the Commission with the lineup of professional bouts proposed by the promoter and matchmaker as part of the pro-am boxing event being promoted by Gene Molovinsky, advertising as Jeter Promotions, and scheduled to be held on February 25, 2012 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, Maryland. COMMISSIONS OPPOSITION TO OPEN SCORING IN BOXING The Commission held a discussion regarding the subject of open scoring in professional boxing contests where the scores of judges are announced at specific points during a boxing contest to certain parties including, but not limited to, the boxers and the boxers cornermen. The Commission reasserted its strong opposition to open scoring. The Commission based its opposition to open scoring on a number of factors, all relating to the concern that the competitiveness of a bout would be severely altered and adversely effected if boxers were notified of judges scores at specific points during a contest. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (1) a boxer changing his boxing strategy if he is ahead on points, subsequently preventing his opponent from having the opportunity to win rounds in the latter portion of a boxing contest as a result of a decrease in boxing activity; (2) a cornerman potentially having little motivation to effectively work on the cut of a boxer who sustained such an injury from an accidental foul; (3) a possible negative public reaction occurring during the bout which may affect the accuracy and integrity of the judges scoring in subsequent rounds as well as the safety and well-being of the judges; and (4) the reality that spectators, who paid a considerable amount of money to either attend a boxing event or watch a boxing contest via pay-per-view television, may not get what they paid for due to the guess factor being eliminated from a boxing contest because the boxer who is ahead on points and his cornermen now know the easiest, and safest, route to achieving victory. Upon a motion by Chairman McCaffrey, seconded by Commissioner Dansicker, the Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to reassert its opposition to open scoring in regard to the regulation of, and officiation of, professional boxing contests. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING Executive Director Pannella announced that the next Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Conference Room, 500 North Calvert Street in Baltimore. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Chairman McCaffrey, and seconded by Commissioner Alperstein, the Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to adjourn the meeting at 4:30 p.m.. Patrick Pannella Executive Director PAGE 1 ( E F K L M V Z f l " ( 8 T z ~ e иРĈ|o``T h6 CJ OJ QJ aJ hM h3