2007 – 2008 Annual Report Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Terry Waldron MLA Minister for Sport and Recreation In accordance with Section 61 of the Financial Management Act 2006, I hereby submit for your information and presentation to Parliament the annual report for the Professional Combat Sports Commission for the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008. The Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Management Act 2006. Simon Watters Colin Brown Chairman Member 17 September 2008 17 September 2008 Professional Combat Sports Commission 246 Vincent Street Leederville WA 6903 Contents Summary of Highlights ............................................................................................................1 Corporate Overview .................................................................................................................4 Responsible Minister .................................................................................................4 Commissioners...........................................................................................................4 Mission.......................................................................................................................5 Objectives of the Commission...................................................................................5 Vision.........................................................................................................................5 How the Commission Operates .................................................................................5 Enabling Legislation ..................................................................................................5 Legislation Impacting on the Activities of the Commission .....................................6 Chairman’s Report...................................................................................................................7 Meeting the Government’s Strategic Outcomes ....................................................................9 Corporate Legislation and Compliance................................................................................10 Major Partners of the Commission.......................................................................................10 Certification of Performance Indicators for the year ended 30 June 2008………….…..10 Performance Indicators..........................................................................................................12 Service 1...................................................................................................................12 Desired Outcome .....................................................................................................12 Effectiveness Indicators...........................................................................................12 Service 2...................................................................................................................13 Efficiency Indicator .................................................................................................13 Financial Statements for year ended 30 June 2008 .............................................................14 Summary of Highlights 1. Professional Combat Sports Amendment Bill 2008 The review of the Professional Combat Sports Act 1987 has been ongoing over the past two years. The need to initiate legislative changes through parliamentary processes was identified and has progressed significantly. Cabinet approved Parliamentary Counsel to commence drafting of amendments to the Professional Combat Sports Act 1987 to reflect concerns mentioned within the Cabinet Minute on 25 November 2007. The key amendments are: • Interpretation of a contest to encompass contests promoting paid public attendance but lacking a recognised state regulatory body. • Inclusion of a rule approval process relative to the conduct of contests, given the evolving nature of combat sports. The commission has consistently communicated with the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office and have largely endorsed the third draft of the Professional Combat Sports Amendment Bill 2008. The Bill will be finalised this year and continue through relevant parliamentary and government processes. 2. Combat Sports Working Group Report and Recommendations The Combat Sports Working Group Report was completed in June 2007. Recommendations within the report are provided to enhance combat sports, specifically the safety and well-being of participants, focusing on four specific areas: 1. Formation of an amateur representative body or legislation. 2. Developing, endorsing and gazetting combat sports rules. 3. Risk management at fight promotions. 4. Provision of training opportunities for industry participants. The report and some of the key recommendations have been promoted to the industry. Relevant outcomes to the report and recommendations to date have included: • Development and provision of a combat sport event risk management checklist. • Provision of theoretical and practical training/competency opportunities for ring officials. • Development/refinement of combat sport rules for boxing and muay thai in addition to draft rules for mixed martial arts. • Commencement of significant legislative amendments via the Professional Combat Sports Amendment Bill 2008. 3. Officials Registration, Training and Recognition Following on from the introduction of ring officials seminars and competency tests for the ‘07/’08 period, the commission is continuing training opportunities on an annual basis. The commission will be conducting ring official workshops for both boxing and Muay Thai in July 2008. Page 1 The workshops coincide with the commission registration period and will be compulsory for judges, referees and timekeepers to attend. It is important for training opportunities to be provided to ring officials. The workshops will be a component of registration as the commission strives for greater consistency in the competency, integrity and duty of care responsibilities of officials. In addition, acknowledging the importance of ring officials the commission has developed a “Minimum Fee Schedule for Appointed Officials.” The schedule is recommended as the commission is unable to enforce fees. The schedule has been promoted to registered promoters and officials for consideration. The commission hopes that the schedule will be a useful tool in negotiations between promoters and appointed officials. Given the time, expertise and commitment provide by ring officials, it is a reasonable expectation that some recognition and reward is provided. 4. Mixed Martial Arts Mixed martial arts are a combat sport under the parameters of the Professional Combat Sports Act 1987. The commission received an enquiry in July 2007 to conduct professional mixed martial arts contests within a fight promotion. The fight promotion marketed as “King of the Cage” was proposed for October 2007. In considering the first promotion permit application relative to martial arts, the commission exercised due diligence. The Commission advised the promoter that a range of terms and conditions relative to credentials of ring officials, rules, references, engineering specifications, insurance and other requirements would need to be met to the commission’s satisfaction. Unfortunately, promotion of the “King of the Cage” event was underway prior to an official decision by the commission. Given the unique and perceived gladiatorial nature of the event, a diverse range of negative and positive discussions resulted within the media, parliament and the broader public. Despite this, the commission reviewed the application on its merits and that of the imposed terms and conditions. The commission sanctioned the event and it proceeded without incident. The popularity of mixed martial arts continues locally and throughout the world. The healthy community debate regarding the “King of the Cage” has provided a further catalyst to expedite legislative change. It should also assist in instigating participants of combat sports and the commission to engage further. 5. World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight Championship Sunday 16 December 2008, Perth was fortunate enough to host the WBA Light Heavyweight Championship title fight. Western Australia’s Danny Green defeated Croatian title holder Stipe Drews to claim the world crown that he yearned. On 24 March 2008, Danny Green announced his retirement after a decorated 16 year career in amateur and professional boxing ranks. Page 2 6. Commission Operations - Policy and Procedures Manual As a means to enhance clarity on the role of the commission and officer, a draft policy and procedures manual has been developed. The manual will be an ongoing ‘working’ document of policies and procedures and reference relevant documents such as commission applications and conditions. The document will be integral in ensuring the commission is prepared for the succession of commissioners and officers in the future. The Commission acknowledges the need to review administrative documentation to complement the manual and prepare for legislative change. Conditions relative to matchmaking, permit authorisation, medical requirements, risk management and other issues will continue to need attention. 7. Professional Fight Promotions in Western Australia Sixteen fight promotion permit applications were received by the commission, 15 of which were conducted in Western Australia during 2007-08. The one exception was the