PCSC Annual Report 2010/2011
PCSC Annual Report 2010/2011 reports and financial statements, including the year's highlights, Chairman's report, Commissioner profiles, issues and trends and financial reporting.
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Chairman’s report
The past twelve months have been a busy period for the Commission with an increase in the number of promotions, personnel changes, legislation moving through parliament and an inquiry.
During the 2010/11 financial year, 20 professional combat sports events were held in Western Australia which represents a 20 percent increase from last year. Commissioners and Commission support staff were kept busy throughout the year attending these events.
The Commission has approved a trial of Compliance Officers to help the Commission manage the increased number of events and to address the increase in workload that will occur under the new legislation. Compliance Officers have been appointed under section 11 of the Professional Combat Sports Act 1987 will assist the Commission by providing administrative support to Commissioners at events and giving
Commissioners more time to oversee Commission requirements. The implementation of Compliance Officers will help the Commission achieve its main goal of ensuring the health and safety of all combat sports contestants and participants throughout the state.
Commissioner changes
The Commission has had a significant change in its composition this past year with several members moving on or coming to the end of their terms. Annette Backshall moved on from
the Commission in 2010 and Kevin Junior, Bill Fanderlinden and Dr Parbodh Gogna all came to the end of their terms in January 2011. I thank these individuals for their years of effort
and dedication to the Commission and for the valuable contribution they have made to the combat sports industry as a whole. I wish Annette, Kevin, Bill and Parbodh all the best in her future endeavours.
Over the last year, the Commission welcomed to its ranks Mr Victor Stuart, Mr Michael Kallis, Mr Derrick Chan and Mr Wayne Rowland. Victor, Michael, Derrick and Wayne all
bring with them a wealth of knowledge of martial arts and combat sport and I look forward to their continued input and contribution to the Commission.
Vince Del Prete, the Commission’s Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) Representative also moved on from the Commission in the past year and the DSR
representative, role was taken over by Ms Jennifer Riatti during 2010. Jennifer brings extensive expertise and experience in the government and the sports industry and I look
forward to continuing to work with her on the Commission.
Professional Combat Sports Amendment Bill 2009
At the request of the Minister some additional amendments to the Bill have been put forward to address issues the Commission encountered following the Danny Green/Paul Briggs Inquiry. These changes have further clarified the “sham contest” provisions of the legislation and given the Commission an increased power to request information from contestants and industry participants once a contest permit has been issued.
These additional amendments and the original amendments to the Professional Combat Sports Act 1987 resumed their passage through parliament in May 2011 and it is envisaged that the legislation will be passed by the end of 2011.
During the first half of 2011, the Commission began the process of drafting the Regulations that will support the new legislation. Given the significant number of changes in the new legislation the Commission will be undertaking Industry consultation prior to the regulations being finalised.
Once passed, the governing legislation will enhance the safety and control of combat sports contests by removing the word ‘professional’ and bringing all amateur contests under the same umbrella as professional events.
Green vs Briggs Contest
As a result of an early first round knockout the Commission undertook an inquiry into the Green v Briggs International Boxing Organisation (IBO) World Cruiserweight Title defence contest of 21 July 2010.
The inquiry found that Mr Paul Briggs and Mr Billy Hussein had participated in a sham contest as they did not at anytime disclose the full extent of Mr Briggs’ medical condition.
Mr Danny Green was found to not have participated in a sham contest. The Commission ordered Mr Briggs to forfeit $75,000 of his purse and cancelled his registration with the Professional Combat Sports Commission. Mr Hussein has been advised that if he seeks registration in Western Australia his application is unlikely to be viewed favourably. Mr Briggs is currently appealing the Commission’s findings in the State Administrative Tribunal.
On behalf of the Commission, I would like to thank the Hon. Terry Waldron for his support and guidance and I would also like to personally commend all Commission members for their effort to maintain and enhance the integrity and reputation of the Professional Combat Sports Commission.
Simon Watters
PCSC Chairman
September 2011
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