About Us

Mission Statement

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission is committed to maintaining the health, safety and welfare of the participants and the public as they are involved in the combative sports regulated by the Commission. The Commission remains committed to fair and even application of the governing statutes and the Rules and Regulations.

Preface

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission was formed by the Arkansas Legislature in 1927 and has evolved to cover not only professional wrestling and boxing, but elimination tournament boxing, mixed martial arts, and other forms of competition that fall under the class of "combative sports." The goal of the seven-member Commission is the enhancement of the sports' safety and to insure the public welfare, and that of the participants, be protected.

The Arkansas State Athletic Commission is a member in good standing of the ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions) and uses their national policies, safety studies, and resources to stay abreast of trends in the combative sports industry. At the 2013 ABC Conference, Arkansas' Program Manager Brandon Dawson was elected as Chair of the Social Media Committee for the ABC, and ASAC's Chair Lydia Robertson was appointed as Director of the Association of Boxing Commission's Region 2. Robertson was also elected Chair of the 2015 ABC site selection Committee.

In furtherance of the Commission's goal, the Arkansas State Athletic Commission held over 40 hours of instruction during the calendar year of 2013. Utilizing monies collected through the State's regulation of the combative sports to fund the classes, the hours were offered to those interested at either free or for a nominal $50 per day charge, approximately 50-75% lower than courses offered elsewhere around the nation. It is also worth noting the trainers (Duane Ford, Jay Nady, and "Big" John McCarthy) are considered the best in their respective fields all over the world. Please visit the site's photo gallery.

The Commission welcomes comments, suggestions and complaints from its licensed public. Those should be in writing to asac.arkansas.gov or to the address at the bottom of the website.