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Participation in Unsanctioned Combative Sports Events in Manitoba

Know the Risks Before You Participate

Before participating in any combative sports event, athletes, coaches, officials, gyms, clubs, and promoters should confirm that the event is properly sanctioned and authorized in Manitoba.
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If you are unsure whether an event is sanctioned, contact the Manitoba Combative Sports Commission before participating, promoting, officiating, or providing support for the event.
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Participating in an unsanctioned combative sports event in Manitoba can carry serious legal, financial, and safety risks. These risks may include criminal charges, fines, loss of licensing, and, in some circumstances, imprisonment.
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Under Section 83 of the Criminal Code of Canada, prizefights and amateur combative sport events are prohibited unless they are properly sanctioned by a recognized governing body. Manitoba’s Combative Sports Act and Combative Sports Regulation also establish requirements and penalties related to unsanctioned events.

Legal and Financial Consequences

  • Criminal and Provincial Charges: Individuals involved in an unsanctioned event—including participants, promoters, organizers, and venue staff—may face legal action under the Criminal Code of Canada and Manitoba legislation.

  • Fines and Imprisonment: Depending on the offence and applicable legislation, individuals may face fines and/or imprisonment. For offences under Manitoba’s regulations, penalties can include fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to two months in prison for a first offence. Repeat offences may result in fines of up to $25,000 and/or up to six months in prison.

  • Insurance Coverage: Participation in or hosting an unsanctioned event may invalidate event liability insurance and athlete medical coverage. Individuals should not assume that insurance will cover injuries, damages, or other losses resulting from an unsanctioned event.

Licensing and Eligibility Consequences

In addition to potential legal penalties, participation in an unsanctioned event may affect an individual's or organization's ability to participate in sanctioned combative sports in Manitoba. Participation in more than one unsanctioned event may have more increased penalties than listed below.
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Combative Sports Athletes
Fighters who participate in an unsanctioned amateur or professional combative sports event may have their Manitoba licence denied or suspended for a 12-month period.
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Cornermen and Trainers
Cornermen and trainers who participate in or assist with an unsanctioned amateur or professional combative sports event may have their licence denied or suspended for 3 to 12 months, depending on the level and nature of their involvement.
 
Officials
Officials who participate in an unsanctioned event may have their Manitoba licence denied or suspended and may no longer be eligible to officiate at sanctioned events in Manitoba.
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Gyms and Clubs
Gyms and clubs involved in an unsanctioned event may be restricted from participating in sanctioned events for a period of time. The length of the restriction may depend on the gym or club's level of involvement in the unsanctioned event.
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Promoters and Organizers
Promoters or other individuals who organize, promote, participate in, or assist with an unsanctioned event may be subject to criminal and/or provincial penalties, including those provided under Section 83 of the Criminal Code of Canada and Manitoba's Combative Sports Act and Regulations.

Licensing and Eligibility Consequences

  • Participants in unsanctioned events may risk not receiving payment or reimbursement for expenses, with limited or no formal oversight or appeals process.

  • Medical care may not meet established industry or regulatory standards. The presence of a physician does not necessarily mean they are qualified or approved to serve as a ringside physician, which may increase risks to participants.

  • Fight records from unsanctioned events may not be recognized or submitted to official databases by recognized governing bodies and therefore may not be included on a fighter’s official record.

  • Participant may not have the ability to appeal an outcome even if there was a valid reason with no regulatory oversight.

  • Participation in unsanctioned events may affect an individual’s ability to obtain a licence in other jurisdictions across Canada and the United States.

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