California State Athletic Commission - Protecting California Athletes

With nearly two decades of legal experience, Sanford Michelman is the co-founder and Chairman of Michelman & Robinson, LLP. In addition to managing a law firm, Sanford Michelman served on the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for six years, from 1999 to 2005. 

Part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, the California State Athletic Commission oversees and regulates competitive sporting events, including professional mixed martial arts, amateur and professional kickboxing, and amateur and professional boxing. To ensure that events are handled as safely as possible, the CSAC is guided by eight different stated goals, from operational efficiency and effectiveness to health and safety, among others. In addition to processing applications and ensuring athletes, coaches, and promoters meet CSAC standards, the organization enforces the Professional Boxers Bill of Rights.

Created as a result of the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and the Muhammad Ali Reform Act of 2000, the Professional Boxers Bill of Rights is primarily concerned with the health and well-being of the athletes. The thirteen points of the Bill of Rights define the guidelines that the CSAC enforces and that all athletes and others must follow. The document also ensures that the athletes have complete access to information about their opponents, the distribution of the award purse, and their contracts. Additionally, it covers the steps an athlete may take to appeal his or her suspension.