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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 8Ch. 2Art. 2§ 18625 Contest And Match Definitions

§ 18625 Contest And Match Definitions

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 18625 Contest And Match Definitions

Key Takeaways

  • •Fights like boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts are called 'contests' or 'matches' in this law.
  • •These fights mean people hit each other hard and can get hurt.
  • •Even if it's just for fun (amateur), if people hit each other hard, it's still a fight under this law.
  • •Light hitting sports like karate or judo (where you don't hit hard) are not included in this law.

Example

Two friends have a boxing match in a local gym where they punch each other hard.

This is considered a 'contest' or 'match' under the law because they are hitting each other hard and could get hurt.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 18625 Contest And Match Definitions

(a) As described in the specific provisions of the act, whether referring to a professional or amateur contest or match, the terms “contest” and “match” are synonymous, may be used interchangeably, include boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts exhibitions, and mean a fight, prizefight, boxing contest, pugilistic contest, kickboxing contest, martial arts contest, or sparring match, between two or more persons, where full contact is used or intended that may result or is intended to result in physical harm to the opponent. (b) (1) An amateur contest or match includes a contest or match where full contact is used, even if unintentionally. (2) An amateur contest or match does not include light contact karate, tae kwon do, judo, or any other light contact martial arts as approved by the commission and recognized by the International Olympic Committee as an Olympic sport. (Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 506, Sec. 1. (AB 1186) Effective October 3, 2013.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

contestmatchfull contactamateur contestlight contact martial arts

Related Statutes

  • § 18622 Boxing Club Definitions
  • § 18627 Martial Arts Definitions
  • § 18700 Event Venue Safety Requirements
  • § 18860 Local Contest Prohibition Authority
  • § 18870 Unlicensed Contest Promotion Ban

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 18625.
View Official Source