The State Boxing Commission, in existence immediately prior to July 1, 2001, is continued in existence subject to the provisions of O.C.G.A 43-4B. On and after July 1, 2001, the name of such commission shall be the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission. The membership of the commission shall continue unchanged except as otherwise expressly provided by this chapter.

The commission shall be composed of five members appointed by the Governor. Each member of the commission shall be appointed for a term of four years and until his or her successor is appointed. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms under the same procedures and requirements as appointments for full terms.

The commission shall elect a chairperson from among its membership for a term of one year. The commission may elect a vice chairperson from its membership for a term of one year. Any member serving as chairperson shall be eligible for successive election to such office by the commission.

Statement from Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission Board Chairman J.J. Biello on introduction of Senate Bill 413:

The goal of the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission is to protect the health, safety and well being of boxers, mixed martial artists, wrestlers and members of the public that attend licensed events and use the services of ticket brokers. We look forward to any direction from the Georgia General Assembly and Governor Perdue that will help the Commission accomplish this goal. The Commission greatly respects the legislative process and will delay decisions on professional wrestling rules while the General Assembly considers SB 413.

The proposed legislative changes will:

• Provide consistent oversight for all sports and licensees under the purview of the GAEC.
• Bring clarity and definition to the licensing of mixed martial arts, professional wrestling and professional boxing.
• Remove the ambiguity and inconsistencies of the current code.
• Send a message to promoters and licensees that the state of Georgia is serious about protecting competitors and the public. This legislative change will encourage a larger number of reputable licensees to do business in Georgia.

SB 413 was introduced on February 6, 2008 by State Senator Eric Johnson. The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities.

If you would like to be licensed by the GAEC please go to the “Forms and Licenses” tab on this website to complete the application and submit.  ALL Mixed Martial Arts and Ticket Broker Licenses expire on June 30 of the year they are issued.  ALL Professional Boxing and Wrestling Licenses expire on December 31 of the year they are issued.  ONLY CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR LICENSES NO CASH

The next GAEC meeting will be Tuesday May 13, 2008 at 11:00am 2 Martin Luther King Jr Dr West Tower Suite 306 Atlanta GA 30334.

Per board policy, all communication with the Board Commissioners must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commission, Kelly Farr.  If you would like to make be heard by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission at their public meeting you must submit the topic and comments in writing by the Friday before the meeting.

Kelly Farr
Kfarr@sos.ga.gov

Office Visits are by Appointment Only