Procedure When Unarmed Combatant Has Fallen Through or Been Knocked Through Ropes

(1) An unarmed combatant who has been knocked or has fallen through the ropes and over the edge of the ring platform during a contest or exhibition: (a) May be helped back by anyone except his or her seconds or manager; and the referee will stop the clock, assess the combatant’s condition, and resume time once the combatant is able to safely re-enter the ring. (b) Will be given 20 seconds to return to the ring. (2) An unarmed combatant who has been knocked or has fallen on the ring platform outside the ropes, but not over the edge of the ring platform: (a) May not be helped back by anyone, including, without limitation, his or her seconds or manager; and the referee may stop the clock and assess the situation until the combatant is able to return to the ring. (b) Will be given ten seconds to regain his or her feet and get back into the ring. (3) If the seconds or manager of the unarmed combatant who has been knocked or has fallen pursuant to 523 CMR 14.18(1) and (2) helps the unarmed combatant back into the ring, such help may be cause for disqualification. (4) When one unarmed combatant has fallen through the ropes, the other unarmed combatant shall retire to the farthest corner and stay there until ordered to continue the contest or exhibition by the referee. (5) An unarmed combatant who deliberately wrestles or throws an opponent from the ring, or who hits him or her when he or she is partly out of the ring and is prevented by the ropes from assuming a position of defense, may be penalized.