| - Marco Antico |
| Copyright© 2007 Canadian Mixed Martial Arts Association (CMMAA). |
We hear different rumors of how MMA is going to be legalized in Ontario almost weekly. Some have
said that "someone knows someone that is a good friend of Ken Hayashi". Others have said, "there's
this millionaire with big political connections". Many believe, "the government has no choice because
they're doing it on native reserves now". Lately, there has also been a reoccurring rumor of a group of
individuals who are going to set up a separate commission for MMA.
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about the effort to legalize MMA in Ontario. Below, I
have tried my best to answer some frequently asked questions and also to dispel some common
myth. The reality is that CMMAA & OMMAA are the only organizations actually doing something to help
our great sport in Ontario. We are the ones dealing with the government as there is simply no way
around Ontario's Athletic Commission (OAC). The OAC has gone on record saying they require
amateur before professional MMA, a change to section 83 and perhaps a medical study. Changing
federal law and performing a medical study are out of our control, therefore CMMAA/OMMAA are doing
the only thing we can by working with the Ministry of Health Promotions (MHP) to set up amateur MMA
in Ontario.
"What is CMMAA & OMMAA and what are they doing to legalize MMA?"
The Canadian Mixed Martial Arts Association (CMMAA) is the National Sport Organization (NSO) for
MMA in Canada. The Ontario Mixed Martial Arts Association (OMMAA) is the Provincial Sport
Organization (PSO) for MMA in Ontario. Responsibilities include the following:
CMMAA
Rules & Regulations
Certification Programs
Insurance
National Competitions
International Affiliation
Assist Provincial Sport Organizations in Achieving Recognition
OMMAA
Membership of Ontario Residents
Sanctioning Amateur Ontario MMA Events (upon receiving recognition)
CMMAA is working with Sport Canada to become the recognized National Body responsible for MMA in
Canada.
OMMAA is working with the Ontario Government (specifically, the Ministry of Health Promotions) to
become the recognized sanctioning body for Amateur MMA in Ontario.
"How long before we see MMA in Ontario?"
The Best case scenario is that OMMAA begins sanctioning Amateur events in mid-2008. Professional
MMA will have to come several years later. With the growing support of MMA and with CMMAA/OMMAA
now doing all that has been asked, one would think that it should only be a matter of time. However,
there are no guarantees as the province is under no obligation to allow MMA.
"What is the Ontario government's position on MMA?"
They want MMA to follow the example of other combat sports such as Muay Thai and Kickboxing. That
is, they first want to see it performed on an Amateur level and then consider sanctioning it
professionally somewhere down the road. A medical study may also be required. Maryland, U.S.A. is
the only other jurisdiction in the world requesting Amateur come before Professional MMA.
"Is Amateur MMA going to happen before professional?"
Yes, the government has held firm in their stance of requiring Amateur before Professional for the past
couple of years.
"Isn't the UFC suppose to bring MMA to Ontario?"
The UFC is certainly leading the charge for Professional MMA. But, it seems that they will not be able
to change the government's position on wanting Amateur MMA before Professional. Marc Ratner, UFC
Vice President, periodically touches base with the Ontario Athletic Commissioner, Ken Hayashi.
However, it does not appear as though any headway is being made. It also appears as though
Ontario does not feel influenced by the activities in other Canadian provinces.
"Will the Fight Network play a role in bringing MMA to Ontario?"
The Fight Network is a big supporter of the sport. They continue to give positive press about Mixed
Martial Arts and the challenges its athletes face in Ontario. The Fight Network has not yet expressed
an interest in directly assisting The Canadian Mixed Martial Arts Association or the Ontario Mixed
Martial Arts Association.
"They can't say no to MMA when it gets really big."
The increased popularity of the sport certainly helps put pressure on the government to pay attention.
The fact that sanctioning MMA events are very profitable to athletic commissions may or may not play a
factor in Ontario. The government has always contended that safety was the central issue.
Accordingly, they express the opinion that Amateur MMA must first establish a good safety record
before Professional is considered. While many experts disagree with the logic behind this opinion
and instead point towards the immaculate safety record of Professional MMA, it does not appear as
though this is open for debate with the government.
"Doesn't the government realize how great MMA is?"
I honestly hear this statement more than any other. Unfortunately, MMA may seem like the most
incredible sport to one person, but to another it quite often appears to be very brutal and barbaric.
Regardless, personal taste is irrelevant. We need to remove the emotional element from the equation
and discuss this issue based on evidence and facts. For example, the safety record of the sport is our
most valuable asset.
"Can we get a new Athletic Commissioner in Ontario?"
The current Ontario Athletic Commissioner, Ken Hayashi, is a union employee and has been in his
current position for a long time. He is not an elected official. He's stated that he intends to retire in
5-10 years. For the meantime, we have no alternative but to try and work with him. Besides, there is
no guarantee that a new Athletic Commissioner would do anything differently.
"Is there a way around the Ontario Athletic Commission (OAC)?"
No, there is not. Like it or not, it is these individuals that control the fate of MMA in the province of
Ontario. Professional combat sports are governed the by provincial legislation called the "Athleteics
Control Act". The OAC is solely responsible for administering this law and ensuring it is adhered to.
There are more individuals then only Mr. Hayashi that influence this decision. Ultimately, it is the
decision of the Minister of Government Services, Gerry Phillips.
"Can we lobby MPPs or write the Minister?"
This has been tried many times, by several people. Unfortunately, legalizing MMA isn't very high on the
priority list of many politicians. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of Ontario residents
either do not know or understand what MMA is nor do they realize that the government prohibits it.
Further, if polled it's very likely that the average person would oppose the legalization of MMA based on
sheer ignorance. Therefore, a lobbyist effort and writing MPPs is very unlikely to achieve anything as
this isn't an issue with overwhelming public support.
"Can't we sue the OAC for not allowing MMA?"
Yes, there are ways to do this and in fact there are individuals that are somewhat pursuing this course
of action right now. In fact, one would need to try and make the argument that the government is
infringing upon their economic freedom to promote MMA. Unfortunately, this is a very costly process
with a very low likelihood of success as the courts do not look favorably upon arguments of this nature.
"Can we set up another athletic commission."
The government would never allow two commissions.
"Will all the events now happening on Indian Reserves force the OAC to allow MMA?"
Ken Hayashi has said, "there's no chance these shows will force us to allow professional MMA.
actually, if something were to happen at one of these shows, and something eventually will, it will set
the sport back 10 years, just like what happened to kickboxing after someone died in the 1980s. Even
if these promoters have insurance, there's no way they'll payout when they realize it's an illegal event."
Hayashi considers these events illegal because they're not sanctioned by a government approved
commission as required by section 83 of Canada's Criminal Code. He's said that the commission on
these reserves is a incorporated as a social club and in Ontario law says that there can only be one
provincial commission, the OAC.
In summary, this does not appear to be the long term solution to the problem and may potentially
seriously harm the sport.
"When will section 83 be changed?"
It may never change. It takes incredibly long to make even the slightest amendments to federal law.
Changing Canada's Criminal Code to allow more types of prize fighting simply isn't high on the list of
politicians . There has been a small proposed change to section 83 on the federal government's
to-do list for the past few years. However, it only pertains to amateur sport and thus likely won't be the
change the Ontario government seeks.
"How does MMA exist in other provinces if it's against Canada's Criminal Code per s83?"
Section 83 is an archaic law and all the provinces know it. Therefore, it's essentially up to each
province to interpret section 83 as they see fit. Most choose to allow combat sports aside from boxing,
while Ontario does not.
"Are the boxing commissions trying to stop MMA from growing?"
This is true in some provinces and states while in others, the boxing commission is actually pushing
for MMA (i.e., Nevada). However, this does not appear to be the central issue in Ontario where the
atmosphere for all combat sports has always been poor. Ontario has chosen to error on the side of
caution. One may argue that they've been so cautious that it has actually led to more harm then good,
but that's another debate.
"What can the we do to help?"
Show your support for the CMMAA & OMMAA by purchasing T-Shirts, linking this website to your own or
posting it on message boards and visiting regularly for updates. CMMAA & OMMAA are not-for-profit
entities whose financial statements are made available to its members. All officers and Board
Members are volunteers and no monies are extracted for any other purpose. Accordingly, you can rest
assured that all proceeds will go directly to helping MMA grow in Canada.
What separates us from other sports is our ever growing, incredibly loyal supporters. If you would like
to be personally involved with CMMAA & OMMAA, visit "Volunteer" link for tremendous opportunities!
last update March 9, 2008
by Marco Antico, Board of Director for CMMAA & OMMAA
said that "someone knows someone that is a good friend of Ken Hayashi". Others have said, "there's
this millionaire with big political connections". Many believe, "the government has no choice because
they're doing it on native reserves now". Lately, there has also been a reoccurring rumor of a group of
individuals who are going to set up a separate commission for MMA.
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about the effort to legalize MMA in Ontario. Below, I
have tried my best to answer some frequently asked questions and also to dispel some common
myth. The reality is that CMMAA & OMMAA are the only organizations actually doing something to help
our great sport in Ontario. We are the ones dealing with the government as there is simply no way
around Ontario's Athletic Commission (OAC). The OAC has gone on record saying they require
amateur before professional MMA, a change to section 83 and perhaps a medical study. Changing
federal law and performing a medical study are out of our control, therefore CMMAA/OMMAA are doing
the only thing we can by working with the Ministry of Health Promotions (MHP) to set up amateur MMA
in Ontario.
"What is CMMAA & OMMAA and what are they doing to legalize MMA?"
The Canadian Mixed Martial Arts Association (CMMAA) is the National Sport Organization (NSO) for
MMA in Canada. The Ontario Mixed Martial Arts Association (OMMAA) is the Provincial Sport
Organization (PSO) for MMA in Ontario. Responsibilities include the following:
CMMAA
Rules & Regulations
Certification Programs
Insurance
National Competitions
International Affiliation
Assist Provincial Sport Organizations in Achieving Recognition
OMMAA
Membership of Ontario Residents
Sanctioning Amateur Ontario MMA Events (upon receiving recognition)
CMMAA is working with Sport Canada to become the recognized National Body responsible for MMA in
Canada.
OMMAA is working with the Ontario Government (specifically, the Ministry of Health Promotions) to
become the recognized sanctioning body for Amateur MMA in Ontario.
"How long before we see MMA in Ontario?"
The Best case scenario is that OMMAA begins sanctioning Amateur events in mid-2008. Professional
MMA will have to come several years later. With the growing support of MMA and with CMMAA/OMMAA
now doing all that has been asked, one would think that it should only be a matter of time. However,
there are no guarantees as the province is under no obligation to allow MMA.
"What is the Ontario government's position on MMA?"
They want MMA to follow the example of other combat sports such as Muay Thai and Kickboxing. That
is, they first want to see it performed on an Amateur level and then consider sanctioning it
professionally somewhere down the road. A medical study may also be required. Maryland, U.S.A. is
the only other jurisdiction in the world requesting Amateur come before Professional MMA.
"Is Amateur MMA going to happen before professional?"
Yes, the government has held firm in their stance of requiring Amateur before Professional for the past
couple of years.
"Isn't the UFC suppose to bring MMA to Ontario?"
The UFC is certainly leading the charge for Professional MMA. But, it seems that they will not be able
to change the government's position on wanting Amateur MMA before Professional. Marc Ratner, UFC
Vice President, periodically touches base with the Ontario Athletic Commissioner, Ken Hayashi.
However, it does not appear as though any headway is being made. It also appears as though
Ontario does not feel influenced by the activities in other Canadian provinces.
"Will the Fight Network play a role in bringing MMA to Ontario?"
The Fight Network is a big supporter of the sport. They continue to give positive press about Mixed
Martial Arts and the challenges its athletes face in Ontario. The Fight Network has not yet expressed
an interest in directly assisting The Canadian Mixed Martial Arts Association or the Ontario Mixed
Martial Arts Association.
"They can't say no to MMA when it gets really big."
The increased popularity of the sport certainly helps put pressure on the government to pay attention.
The fact that sanctioning MMA events are very profitable to athletic commissions may or may not play a
factor in Ontario. The government has always contended that safety was the central issue.
Accordingly, they express the opinion that Amateur MMA must first establish a good safety record
before Professional is considered. While many experts disagree with the logic behind this opinion
and instead point towards the immaculate safety record of Professional MMA, it does not appear as
though this is open for debate with the government.
"Doesn't the government realize how great MMA is?"
I honestly hear this statement more than any other. Unfortunately, MMA may seem like the most
incredible sport to one person, but to another it quite often appears to be very brutal and barbaric.
Regardless, personal taste is irrelevant. We need to remove the emotional element from the equation
and discuss this issue based on evidence and facts. For example, the safety record of the sport is our
most valuable asset.
"Can we get a new Athletic Commissioner in Ontario?"
The current Ontario Athletic Commissioner, Ken Hayashi, is a union employee and has been in his
current position for a long time. He is not an elected official. He's stated that he intends to retire in
5-10 years. For the meantime, we have no alternative but to try and work with him. Besides, there is
no guarantee that a new Athletic Commissioner would do anything differently.
"Is there a way around the Ontario Athletic Commission (OAC)?"
No, there is not. Like it or not, it is these individuals that control the fate of MMA in the province of
Ontario. Professional combat sports are governed the by provincial legislation called the "Athleteics
Control Act". The OAC is solely responsible for administering this law and ensuring it is adhered to.
There are more individuals then only Mr. Hayashi that influence this decision. Ultimately, it is the
decision of the Minister of Government Services, Gerry Phillips.
"Can we lobby MPPs or write the Minister?"
This has been tried many times, by several people. Unfortunately, legalizing MMA isn't very high on the
priority list of many politicians. It is important to keep in mind that the majority of Ontario residents
either do not know or understand what MMA is nor do they realize that the government prohibits it.
Further, if polled it's very likely that the average person would oppose the legalization of MMA based on
sheer ignorance. Therefore, a lobbyist effort and writing MPPs is very unlikely to achieve anything as
this isn't an issue with overwhelming public support.
"Can't we sue the OAC for not allowing MMA?"
Yes, there are ways to do this and in fact there are individuals that are somewhat pursuing this course
of action right now. In fact, one would need to try and make the argument that the government is
infringing upon their economic freedom to promote MMA. Unfortunately, this is a very costly process
with a very low likelihood of success as the courts do not look favorably upon arguments of this nature.
"Can we set up another athletic commission."
The government would never allow two commissions.
"Will all the events now happening on Indian Reserves force the OAC to allow MMA?"
Ken Hayashi has said, "there's no chance these shows will force us to allow professional MMA.
actually, if something were to happen at one of these shows, and something eventually will, it will set
the sport back 10 years, just like what happened to kickboxing after someone died in the 1980s. Even
if these promoters have insurance, there's no way they'll payout when they realize it's an illegal event."
Hayashi considers these events illegal because they're not sanctioned by a government approved
commission as required by section 83 of Canada's Criminal Code. He's said that the commission on
these reserves is a incorporated as a social club and in Ontario law says that there can only be one
provincial commission, the OAC.
In summary, this does not appear to be the long term solution to the problem and may potentially
seriously harm the sport.
"When will section 83 be changed?"
It may never change. It takes incredibly long to make even the slightest amendments to federal law.
Changing Canada's Criminal Code to allow more types of prize fighting simply isn't high on the list of
politicians . There has been a small proposed change to section 83 on the federal government's
to-do list for the past few years. However, it only pertains to amateur sport and thus likely won't be the
change the Ontario government seeks.
"How does MMA exist in other provinces if it's against Canada's Criminal Code per s83?"
Section 83 is an archaic law and all the provinces know it. Therefore, it's essentially up to each
province to interpret section 83 as they see fit. Most choose to allow combat sports aside from boxing,
while Ontario does not.
"Are the boxing commissions trying to stop MMA from growing?"
This is true in some provinces and states while in others, the boxing commission is actually pushing
for MMA (i.e., Nevada). However, this does not appear to be the central issue in Ontario where the
atmosphere for all combat sports has always been poor. Ontario has chosen to error on the side of
caution. One may argue that they've been so cautious that it has actually led to more harm then good,
but that's another debate.
"What can the we do to help?"
Show your support for the CMMAA & OMMAA by purchasing T-Shirts, linking this website to your own or
posting it on message boards and visiting regularly for updates. CMMAA & OMMAA are not-for-profit
entities whose financial statements are made available to its members. All officers and Board
Members are volunteers and no monies are extracted for any other purpose. Accordingly, you can rest
assured that all proceeds will go directly to helping MMA grow in Canada.
What separates us from other sports is our ever growing, incredibly loyal supporters. If you would like
to be personally involved with CMMAA & OMMAA, visit "Volunteer" link for tremendous opportunities!
last update March 9, 2008
by Marco Antico, Board of Director for CMMAA & OMMAA
