Challenging the outcome of a combative sports contest

A combatant may challenge the outcome of a bout only if it is alleged that:

1. the referee made an incorrect call or missed a rule violation that directly affected the outcome of the bout;

2. there was collusion amongst officials to affect the outcome of the bout; or

3. scores were miscalculated.

A challenge must be submitted within 10 days from the conclusion of the bout. If the 10th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, then a combatant shall have until the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday to submit a challenge.

You may submit a challenge online by using the electronic submission form. If you choose the online method, the challenge must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on the day it is due.

A copy of any properly submitted challenge and its supporting materials will be sent to the opposing combatant, who will have 14 days to submit any response.

The Minnesota Office of Combative Sports (OCS) has the option to send a complete copy of the challenge or response, along with any supporting materials submitted, to any licensed official involved in the bout and request the official’s views on the issues raised in the challenge.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 60 days after receiving the opposing combatant’s response. If the opposing combatant does not submit a response, the DLI commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 75 days after receiving the challenge. 

*If you prefer to submit your challenge by mail, fax or standard email, contact Matt Schowalter (matt.schowalter@state.mn.us) at OCS to request a PDF form. Challenges sent by fax or standard email must be received by the department by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on the due date. Challenges submitted via U.S. mail on the due date are considered timely if the envelope is postmarked that day.