Quebec Tightens Combat Sports Medical Rules

Summary#

This Quebec bill updates rules to better protect professional fighters in combat sports. It tightens medical checks, sets a strict timeline, and makes event organizers pay for these exams. It also lets the regulator make small follow‑up rule changes to put the new measures in place.

• Requires more detailed medical exams, including a brain MRI (or a CT scan if MRI is not possible) and standard concussion tests (SCAT6/SCOAT6).
• All medical exams must be done in Quebec, whether the fighter lives there or not.
• Medical exams must be completed no more than 30 days before a scheduled fight.
• Event organizers must cover all costs of these medical exams.
• Medicals used for permits must also be done within 30 days of the application (shorter than before).
• The regulator can make minor rule changes quickly to apply the new standards.
• Takes effect six months after the law is approved.

What it means for you#

• Fighters

  • You will need a more complete medical check, including brain imaging and concussion screening (standard sports tools called SCAT6/SCOAT6).
  • Your exams must happen in Quebec and within 30 days before each fight, so plan travel and timing.
  • If an exam finds a problem, you may be pulled from a fight for safety.

• Event organizers and promoters

  • You must pay for fighters’ medical exams, including any MRI or CT scans.
  • You need to schedule exams in Quebec and within 30 days of each fight, which means tighter timelines and more coordination.
  • Be ready for last‑minute card changes if a fighter’s medical exam is late or shows concerns.

• Ringside and clinic medical staff

  • You will use updated forms and perform fuller neurological exams (memory, reflexes, balance, gait) and concussion tools (SCAT6/SCOAT6).
  • Brain MRI becomes the standard imaging test; use a CT scan if MRI is not safe for the fighter.

• Out‑of‑province fighters

  • You must travel to Quebec for the required exams before fighting there.
  • The promoter covers the costs, but you still need time for appointments and travel.

• Fans and venues

  • Fight cards could change more often if a fighter’s exam is delayed or flags a risk.
  • Events may shift schedules to fit the 30‑day medical window.

Expenses#

Estimated impact: increases private costs for event organizers; limited direct cost to government.

• Organizers must pay for physicals, neurological exams, concussion testing, and brain imaging (MRI or CT).
• The 30‑day window means tests may need to be repeated for postponed or rescheduled fights.
• Doing exams in Quebec may add travel and scheduling costs for non‑Quebec fighters.
• Government costs appear limited; the bill mainly changes standards and who pays.

Proponents' View#

• Stronger, up‑to‑date medical checks can better detect brain injuries and protect fighters’ long‑term health.
• A 30‑day limit ensures medical information is fresh right before a fight.
• Requiring exams in Quebec creates one consistent standard for all fighters and avoids uneven checks done elsewhere.
• Having organizers pay removes a financial barrier for fighters to get proper testing.
• Letting the regulator make small, quick adjustments helps put the safety rules in place without delays.

Opponents' View#

• Higher medical costs, especially for MRIs, could strain smaller promoters and reduce the number of events.
• The in‑Quebec rule and tight 30‑day window may make scheduling harder for out‑of‑province fighters and lead to cancellations.
• Access to MRI or CT slots can be limited, which might delay fights or force last‑minute changes.
• Shortening how long medicals are valid means more frequent testing even when a fighter’s health seems unchanged.
• Allowing the regulator to change rules without the usual approval steps may reduce transparency and public input.