68-115-404 - Referees Ringside physicians Physical examinations Testing Emergency medical services and ambulance required. - Tennessee Statutes

68-115-404. Referees Ringside physicians Physical examinations Testing Emergency medical services and ambulance required.

(a)  In making round and foul determinations, the referee shall be the sole arbiter of the professional contest; however, the ringside physician shall advise the referee to terminate or continue the contest based on the physician's observation of the combatant's physical condition.

(b)  Immediately following the professional contest, the ringside physician shall examine both combatants.

(c)  After examining each professional combatant who has lost as a result of a technical knockout (TKO) or knockout (KO), the ringside physician may require the combatant to undergo a neurological examination.

(d)  If a loss of consciousness has occurred, the professional combatant may undergo neurological testing at the determination of the commission and may not be permitted to participate in any professional contest until the test has been conducted and the combatant has been determined to be medically fit to compete by a neurologist. All neurological reports shall be submitted to the commission for its review before the combatant may be permitted to compete in a subsequent professional contest.

(e)  The commission may require a drug screen or any other examination to be performed or requested immediately following a contest.

(f)  (1)  An ambulance or other emergency vehicle shall remain on the premises at all times during a professional contest.

     (2)  A two-member licensed emergency medical team consisting of one (1) paramedic shall remain on the premises at all times during a professional contest.

     (3)  The most direct and unobstructed route to the ambulance or other emergency medical vehicle shall be made available for medical officials.

     (4)  Emergency medical services shall be approved by the chief or the director of the local fire department or emergency medical service department or bureau of the city or county having jurisdiction over the professional contest.

[Acts 2008, ch. 1149, § 2.]