ity of Edmonton he City of Red Deer
CI eel GViRedDeer eo ras
Edmonton AB 75)287
June 7, 2017
Dear Mayoral Colleagues:
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the fastest growing sports in North America, and is flourishing
in Alberta. Being a relatively new sport, the regulatory bodies required for effective governance
are still in development, and there is currently no national or international governing body for
combative sports. Over the past three years, all other provinces have created provincial
commissions to provide standardized governance and increased efficiency of regulatory services,
except for Alberta, which instead has seven independent municipal commissions.
There are many benefits to creating a single, unified, provincial commission instead of maintaining
‘separate municipal commissions. Primarily, it would ensure compliance across the province with
the high standards of safety required to host MMA events, including requirements for properly
trained and accredited officials and the requisite number of ringside physicians. With standardized
rules, regulations, and operating procedures, events will be consistently held in a safe and
properly governed manner. In addition, the duplication of costs associated with operating multiple
commissions would be avoided. In 2013, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo presented a
resolution on creating a single provincial commission during the AUMA annual convention and a
majority of municipalities were in favor of the resolution. At that time the province did not move
forward with the recommendation in the resolution.
A provincial commission in Alberta would allow promoters to stage events in more municipal
facilities throughout the province, with events under the governance of provincial commission
authorities, as well as improve safety compliance for events and athletes. If you are interested in
supporting the formation of an Alberta provincial combative sports commission, we ask that you
sign the attached sheet which will form the basis of a current request to provincial authorities to
create such a body. This is a joint initiative of the Cities of Edmonton and Red Deer at this time.
Yours truly,
Tara Veer
Mayor Mayor
City of Edmonton City of Red Deer