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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: An Ordinance Prohibiting Extreme Fighting; Adding Section 4.740 to the Eugene Code, 1971; and Amending Section 4.990 of that Code Meeting Date: August 14, 2006 Agenda Item Number: D Department: City Attorney’s Office Staff Contact: Jerry Lidz www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5080 ISSUE STATEMENT This is a work session on a proposed Eugene Code amendment to regulate extreme fighting, also known as cage fighting. BACKGROUND Chapter 463 of the Oregon Revised Statutes regulates professional boxing and wrestling. Typically, cage fighters are amateurs. Because the State does not regulate amateur fighting and does not prohibit the City from doing so, the City may regulate cage fighting. Attachment A is a draft ordinance to regulate cage fighting. The draft ordinance would prohibit both promotion of and participation in extreme fighting by amateurs. The ordinance defines “extreme fighting” so that it covers the aspects of cage fighting that make it especially dangerous for the participants. Penalties may include fines, jail time and civil penalties. The draft ordinance does not regulate professional fighting, which is regulated by the state. (State law also prohibits extreme fighting, but it defines “extreme fighting” as a “no-holds-barred” match, and it is unclear whether cage fighting as recently conducted in Eugene would fit that definition. The proposed ordinance defines the term more broadly.) RELATED CITY POLICIES Not applicable. COUNCIL OPTIONS At this August 14, 2006, work session, the council has the following options: 1. Schedule a public hearing on the draft ordinance. 2. dentify additional modifications to the draft ordinance that staff should address prior to a public I hearing. 3. Decide not to ban or regulate cage fighting. L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060814\S060814D.doc