by St. Paul, Minnesota- May 24, 2018 – The Association of Combative Sports Commission (ACSC) will be holding their annual conference July 11-15 at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s five diamond hotel, The InterContinental Riverside in St. Paul, Minnesota. This is a time when regulators from across the world gather to discuss the fight industries’ most challenging questions as well set aside time for valuable training.
One thing that is obvious when you tune into any sport, the athletes are often minorities while the officials and coaches are typically of European descent. The ACSC has plans to change that. “We have recognized that when you look at officials in combative sports, we are certainly above the curve in terms of racial equity but we can do better. We will be offering boxing and MMA training for referees and judges at an affordable rate so that it is available to everyone. We would love to see more officials of Native American, African American and Asian American descent. “ Said ACSC President, Matt Roberson.
While tribal sovereignty in athletic regulation is still in its’ infancy, The ACSC has welcomed all tribal athletic commissions. Currently the ACSC boasts an impressive roster of tribal athletic commissions that include: The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Department of Athletic Regulation, Wichita and Affiliated Tribes Sports Commission, The Pawnee Nation Sports Commissions, Aaniii Nakoda Athletic Commission, Comanche Nation Sports Commission, Red Lake Nation Athletic Commission, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Boxing Commission, Turtle Mountain Chippewa Athletic Commission, Muscogee Creek Nation Athletic Commission, and the Citizen Pottawatomie Boxing Commission.
On Friday, July 13th The ACSC will host the “5th Annual Indigenous Athletic Commissions Summit” which is a great opportunity for any tribe exploring the idea of starting a commission, compacting with another commission or just curious about combative to hear from some of the most successful athletic commissions in the country.
“This is an open call to anyone who has dreamed of working in the combative sports business. I hope that we have a great turnout. As a commission that utilizes ‘Indian Preference’ I can attest that we need more Native American judges and referees. This is your chance, make the most of it!” -Stated Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Department of Athletic Regulation Chairman, Wallace St. John.
The ACSC is bringing in world class combative sport facilitators. Veteran boxing and mixed martial arts judge, Henry Gueary of Kansas City, MO will conduct 2 judge training courses. The Mixed Martial Arts Referee course will be facilitated by Mario Yamasaki of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mr. Yamasaki has traveled the world officiating MMA and has refereed for WEC, Strikeforce and Pride Fighting Championship but is known as one of the premier referees in the UFC. The Boxing Referee facilitator is world renowned Boxing Referee Mark Nelson. Mark has officiated nearly 100 world title fights and is a Minnesota, Native. All classes are offered for one price of $150. For more information please visit ACSCcombativesports.com.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Matt Roberson at 405-623-4191 or email at Matt.roberson@millelacsband.com.
