Slap fighting is a combat sport subject to state regulation, Oklahoma Attorney General rules • Oklahoma Voice

OKLAHOMA CITY – Slap fighting is a combat sport subject to state regulation, according to an opinion released by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.

The opinion, released Thursday, was sought by Diana Fletcher, Oklahoma State Athletic Commission administrator.

The commission oversees rules and licenses for physical combat sports, such as wrestling and boxing.

Slap fighting, which is relatively new to the state, is a contest where participants trade undefended open-hand slaps to the face.

Contestants face each other and must keep both feet still while being slapped. 

The person being slapped must keep their head still and hands behind their back. Contestants can win by rendering their opponent unconscious, by winning points, or if a match cannot continue due to serious injury. 

Contestants are separated into weight classes.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond determined that slap fighting meets the requirements of Oklahoma’s “combative sports” definition.

“Though slap fighting differs from existing combat sports as defenders may not ‘defend’ against the slap, the definition of ‘combative sport’ contains no requirements about available methods to defend against blows,” he wrote.

Drummond wrote that other states have determined that their athletic commissions have regulatory authority over the sport.