ThePainFactory

In many states around the US Professional and Amateur fighters, fight under the same rules with the same protection. While Amateur fights should provide building blocks for fighters, it should also provide greater protection. Injuries such as cuts, fractures, ligament damage can follow a fighter throughout his carer. Amateur fight need to be a safe as possible while retaining enough realism to prepare guys for the big time. Here is some of the rules that I think should be standard for Amateur Fights:

Along with the standard Nevada State Rules for MMA:

1. No elbows standing or on the ground.
2. No knees standing
3. 3 minute rounds x Max 3 rounds
4. 6-8oz gloves
5. No Heels Hooks

Depending on how you look at it, these changes may seem a little too drastic. Remember Amateur fighters Do Not Get Paid. It is important that these guys have the best chance for a long Pro MMA career if they choose.

I see where your coming from but no knees or heel hooks? No elbows and heavier padded gloves would be the only rules I would add.

i know in Illinois you cant use elbows at least in my fight the ams couldnt use elbows anywhere and it was 3 rounds of 3 minutes

The knees may be a little too much but I would still keep heel hooks out. It seems like most of the serious submission injuries I have seen in AM are from heel hooks. I think the AM rules vary from state to state. Really they vary some from promoter to promoter. For the most part 3 x 3min rounds are pretty standard. I was at a few shows last year were 3X5min rounds was used for both Pro and AM fights.

well i have seen an avertisment for beginners MMA they

dont do punchs to the head while on the ground.
no knees to the head
no elbows
i think they use bigger gloves.

but a agree injuries can follow someone for the rest of their career.

Interesting thing to add Jeff Osborne (commissioner with Bodog and Guy behing the scenes at Hook N Shoot) does not allow elbows at his pro Hook n Shoot shows.

I think the 5 minute rounds are okay because if they end up on the ground it still gives them a good amount of time to submit someone. Its not like boxing where they have 12, 3 minute rounds totaling 36 minutes, it's only 3, 5 minute rounds totalling 15 minutes with breaks still inbetween.

"it still gives them a good amount of time to submit someone"
Good point and benefits of being in shape is one of the first things guys should learn.