Issue 062
May 2010
Are the two inextricably linked, or are the two confused? By definition alone they have slightly different meanings, but more and more we are hearing the two words in tandem with all things connected to MMA.
Well this is a good thing, right? To hear that the sport, participants, officials and organizers now have the choice of being subject to qualification can only mean that we are progressing in the right direction. Not necessarily!
Of course I would be at the front of the line and the first to be in favor of anyone looking to progress the sport of MMA under any form of governance. MMA is a regionalized sport and it is a very fragmented and, at times, insular scene too.
Outside of the USA (and some areas within) many places do not have the equivalent of state athletic commissions. A new promotion can be set up, implement almost whatever rule set they choose, including weight categories, the gloves to be used, ages for competition – the lot. Fortunately, no matter how isolated they may appear there is a lot of commonality in the rule sets promotions apply. Upon first glance, it’s all the same.
To the masses, MMA as we know it was born and bred in the US (putting Japan and Brazil to one side for now – stay with me!). The unified rule set that we know and follow was an American invention, and though it is used around the world the application or governing of this can be wildly, and I do mean wildly, varied.
I think in reality we haven’t done too badly if you consider how many different promotions are out there, and how differently these events approach things. Of course there have been many incidents that have made me wince and turn the other way (unless I have direct involvement in the show). I am not perfect and I am not God, but my integrity means everything to me, and if something is not being done in the correct and proper manner then you will hear about it firsthand right there from me directly, and I am pretty sure that many can testify to that.
I truly believe in the right thing first, everything else second. With the many shows that I have worked on, both past and present, I have all too willingly lent my ear as well as my advice and I take proudly the consultative approach that I offer to those who support me – truthfully speaking I am sure that can be testified to.
Regulation, certification, qualification and sanction are very positive and proper terms. But there have been a few cases of late regarding independent parties (even organizations) who previously had no vested interest in MMA, suddenly popping up, offering training courses for officials, event sanctioning and more.
Again this is all very well and good and moves things in the right direction, right? But a matter for consideration – and one obviously very close to my heart – is the recent glut of official’s courses, namely referee’s training courses in MMA. The thing to bear in mind here is who is giving the courses. What is their experience in the field in which they are to instruct others? Does this mean that anyone who attends such a course can call themself a ‘qualified’ MMA referee? Who is watching the watchmen, so to speak.
We then move onto the topic of judging and the ten point-must system. Let me tell you I can honestly count on one hand the number of people that I have had direct contact with, over the last ten-years plus, who truly understand this common method of scoring a fight and its correct and proper application.
Not all refereeing courses are bad news though. Some are run by very well-known figures. Most notably ‘Big’ John McCarthy offers and runs his certified COMMAND training courses for MMA officials. I think it is quite safe to say that any course directed under him would most certainly have the correct content, and, perhaps more importantly, be presented and portrayed in a manner that leaves the participants with a feeling of satisfaction knowing that it was money well spent. I am currently looking into and planning my own ‘MMA Official Training’ courses and will look to get this off the ground in 2010 for willing participants over in Europe.
Does it mean that the course I may run supersedes all others? Most certainly not. But one thing is for sure: You can bet that the content has been tried and tested at the highest level. While anyone who looks to push things forward regarding rule and regulation within MMA can certainly count on my support and applause for their efforts, on the other hand, please do not be offended if I am not in immediate favor until I understand the method, reasoning and delivery of said movements – until then I will respectfully reserve judgment.
Once again and as always, I welcome your comments.
