ICYMI, There Was a Sports Law Chat on MMA Last Night

AWESOME

Last night I took part in the Sports Law Chat on Twitter, and though the name is pretty self-explanatory, what made the affair relevant to my field of expertise was the focus: MMA, and especially MMA in New York. Depending on what Twitter app you use, you can see the entire hour-long conversation if you do a search for "#SLChat".

Or you can just read it below. Your choice.

Welcome to Sports Law Chat. Tonight, we have an extra special chat on Legal Issues in MMA w/ @carlavarriale @jim_genia @dilletaunt. #SLChat
— Claire Zovko, Esq. (@clairezovko) June 23, 2014

To all #SLChat participants... Q1: How do you feel MMA compares to other types of fighting entertainment (Boxing, WWE, etc...)?
— Claire Zovko, Esq. (@clairezovko) June 23, 2014

A1: MMA is a sport for the Internet Generation. It's unique in its fanbase and what it has to offer fans in terms of excitemment. #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

@clairezovko #SLChat I think the sport is emerging and that is unique from a sport like boxing-I think it has suffered from public
— Carla Varriale (@carlavarriale) June 23, 2014

A1: #MMA combines all martial arts disciplines and has some of the greatest athletes in the world; fastest growing sport in world. #slchat
— David Fish (@FishLaw) June 23, 2014

A1: MMA is definitely a sport for the younger demos, while we see boxing ramping up again, MMA skews younger. #SLChat
— Jason Cruz (@dilletaunt) June 23, 2014

A1: I do find it interesting that boxing seems to be the more acceptable sport, while we still see apprehension re MMA. #SLChat
— Jason Cruz (@dilletaunt) June 23, 2014

To our #SLChat guests.... Q2: What is the risk of injuries in MMA & how does the sport deal with such risks. #sportslaw
— Claire Zovko, Esq. (@clairezovko) June 23, 2014

Q2: The greatest injury trend now in #MMA is eye pokes due to gloves. There is talk of modifying gloves. #slchat
— David Fish (@FishLaw) June 23, 2014

A2: Statistically, MMA is safer than most sports. Studies for brain trauma are still being done, but as the sports evolves... #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

A2 cont.: ...so too do the safeguards in place for the fighters - both before, during and after, and long after their fights. #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

@clairezovko #SLChat it's a full contact sport, it is inherent there is a risk of injury- possibly serious injuries. But there are some
— Carla Varriale (@carlavarriale) June 23, 2014

@clairezovko #SLChat Unified Rules and protocols for equipment, medical attention. It is not a "no man's land" for safety or risk mgmt
— Carla Varriale (@carlavarriale) June 23, 2014

Q3: What special considerations are important with liability & risk management for promoters, training facilities, event sites, etc. #SLChat
— Claire Zovko, Esq. (@clairezovko) June 23, 2014

A3: Transmission of skin and other bacterial diseases is a concern in #MMA and wrestling. Very little skin coverage. #SLChat
— David Fish (@FishLaw) June 23, 2014

A3: Sanctioning by athletic commissions or similar bodies should in theory be the ultimate mitigator of liability & risk. #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

Q4: Do you believe NY will ever legalize MMA? What is the latest with MMA in NY? #SLChat #sportslaw
— Claire Zovko, Esq. (@clairezovko) June 23, 2014

A4: Speculation that #MMA is not legal in NY because of politics - the Fertitta family (own UFC) is historically anti-union. #SLChat
— David Fish (@FishLaw) June 23, 2014

A4: Amateur MMA is already legal. As for pro, yes. And probably soon thanks to the Zuffa vs. NY lawsuit. #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

A4: I believe full-rules #MMA will be legal in NY within next two years. #SLChat
— David Fish (@FishLaw) June 23, 2014

Q4: No law passed legalizing pro MMA this year but it could eventually. Expect renewed SJ in lawsuit b/w Zuffa-NY. #SLChat
— Jason Cruz (@dilletaunt) June 23, 2014

@clairezovko @dilletaunt @jim_genia lawsuit challenges NY ban on vagueness grounds- because it's vague! Lawsuit has legs, msj next #SLChat
— Carla Varriale (@carlavarriale) June 23, 2014

Q5: What is the basis for the federal lawsuit? Why is it important to the future of MMA? #SLChat
— Claire Zovko, Esq. (@clairezovko) June 23, 2014

A5: Originally, lawsuit had a bunch of Const. claims, including 1st Am. Now only claim is vagueness as applied. It's important... #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

A5 cont: ...for NY MMA because it's a means to get around the legislative impasse. #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

Q6: What do you see for the future of MMA? Will it continue to grow? What will hold the sport back? #SLChat
— Claire Zovko, Esq. (@clairezovko) June 23, 2014

A6: Two aspects of MMA growth. One is securing NY as last domestic market, other is continued int'l growth. I see nothing... #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

@jim_genia @SportsLawChat @dilletaunt #SLChat and the vagueness challenge makes sense- as written the law is a muddled mess
— Carla Varriale (@carlavarriale) June 23, 2014

A6 cont.: ...holding MMA back. Only normal peaks and valleys of popularity every sport faces. #slchat
— jim genia (@jim_genia) June 23, 2014

Q6: I read a lot of complains that the #UFC has too many shows which is reflected in ratings, but as Jim says int'l growth is key #SLChat
— Jason Cruz (@dilletaunt) June 23, 2014

Thank you to all of our #SLChat participants this evening. Special thanks to our guests @carlavarriale @jim_genia @dilletaunt. #sportslaw
— Claire Zovko, Esq. (@clairezovko) June 23, 2014