I
                                                    REPORT TO COUNCIL

                         VANCOUVER ATHLETIC COMMISSION

                                 May 21, 1996


   RECOMMENDATION

   1.   Extreme Combat Events in Vancouver

        The Vancouver Athletic Commission met on May 21, 1996 to discuss
   the circumstances surrounding the recent Extreme Combat Event which was
   originally scheduled for the PNE in mid-May, prior to being cancelled.

        The Commission wishes to go on record as not supporting Extreme
   Combat Events, or any other events of a similar nature, in Vancouver or
   anywhere in British Columbia.  The recent event would not have been
   approved if it had come before the Commission.  However, in this
   instance, the applicant stated the event was amateur in nature, and
   therefore did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Athletic
   Commission, which governs professional boxing and wrestling only.

        In order to prevent this type of situation from arising again, the
   Commission believes that the City should ban extreme fighting.  The
   appropriate mechanism for achieving this would be through a City by-Law.


   2.   Provincial Regulation of Boxing, Kickboxing and Wrestling

        For several years now, the Vancouver Athletic Commission has held
   the view that the regulation of professional boxing, kickboxing and
   wrestling should be administered at a Provincial, rather than Municipal
   level.  This has led to the rather unusual situation where the
   Commission has asked that it be disbanded and its role assumed by
   Provincial authorities.

        The problem which exists is that not all municipalities actually
   govern these activities.  In Vancouver, where the Athletic Commission
   has existed since 1945, we have strict rules pertaining to boxing.  For
   example, we require boxers to have updated medical passports, and we
   meet with, and monitor promoters to ensure they are operating in  a 
   professional fashion.  It is  not uncommon for the  Commission to refuse
   to  license  promoters,  or  to refuse to license events which do not
   meet our standards and operating procedures.  Unfortunately, we have
   seen a regular and consistent pattern where these events end up in
   neighbouring municipalities, which do not have Athletic Commissions, and
   do not exercise regulatory control.


        The Commission believes that the only solution to this problem is
   to have the Province assume jurisdiction over professional boxing,
   kickboxing and wrestling.  This solution is in keeping with the
   recommendations of the National Task Force on Boxing, which recommended
   this course of action in 1981.

        The City has written to the Province on two occasions with this
   request.  A copy of the most recent correspondence in March 1995, from
   Mayor Owen to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, and the Minister's
   response, are attached as Appendix A.  In her response, the Minister of
   Municipal Affairs advised the Province does not regulate sports, with
   the exception of horse racing.

        The recent circumstances surrounding the Extreme Combat event lends
   further credence to the view of the Athletic Commission that Provincial
   regulation is required in this field.  The Commission believes this
   event could likely have proceeded if it had been staged in a
   municipality other than Vancouver.

        Attached as Appendix B is a letter to the Union of British Columbia
   Municipalities from Mr. Stephen Owen, Deputy Attorney General, advising
   the Ministry is willing to work with local municipalities who are
   approached by promoters regarding extreme combat events.  The Commission
   believes this would be an opportune time for the City to once again
   request the Province to assume jurisdiction in this area.

        Accordingly, the Commission

   RECOMMENDS

        A.   THAT a by-law be brought forward banning the holding of
             Extreme Combat types of events in the City of Vancouver.

        B.   THAT the Mayor write to the appropriate Provincial authorities
             requesting the Province to assume authority for the regulation
             of professional boxing, kickboxing and wrestling in Vancouver.



                                 (sgd) "Dave Brown"                   
                                 Dave Brown
                                 Chair, Vancouver Athletic Commission


   CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

   The City Manager RECOMMENDS approval of A and B.