Attorney General Gentner Drummond has confirmed that the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission has the authority to regulate slap fighting. This emerging sport involves opponents exchanging open-hand slaps to the face without defense. Such events have recently been held in Oklahoma.
The commission, responsible for overseeing rules and licenses for combat sports such as wrestling and boxing, sought clarification on whether slap fighting falls under its jurisdiction. Diana Fletcher, the commission's administrator, formally requested this opinion.
Drummond stated that slap fighting meets the criteria of "combative sports" as per the Oklahoma Athletic Commission Act. He explained, “Slap fighting is ‘unarmed combat’ because contestants use only their hands to strike their opponent. The second element requires a ‘blow usually struck which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury.’ An undefended slap to the face qualifies."
He further noted that although defenders cannot protect themselves from slaps in these contests, the definition of "combative sport" does not specify defensive methods against blows.
The act does not restrict which sports can be regulated, suggesting legislative intent to include various fighting sports within the commission's scope.