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Athletic Commission Program Establishes Medical Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2006

SACRAMENTO — California State Athletic Commission Program (ACP) Chief Armando Garcia has appointed six prominent physicians to the ACP's Advisory Committee on Medical and Safety Standards.

"I am honored that these professionals are willing to give up time from their families and practices to volunteer their services to our program," said Garcia.

The physicians are: Dr. Christopher Giza, neurologist, of Los Angeles; Dr. Richard Gluckman, neurologist, of Los Angeles; Dr. Smith Ketchum, physician and surgeon, of Trinidad; Dr. Van Lemons, neurosurgeon, of Sacramento; Dr. Steven Steinschriber, ophthalmologist, of Los Angeles; and Dr. Paul Wallace, plastic surgeon, of Beverly Hills.

The first phase of the committee's work will focus on a review of the ACP's minimum licensing requirements for athletes, according to Garcia. The objective is to determine what minimum medical testing is best to most effectively determine an athlete's suitability to compete, while at the same time not making it cost-prohibitive for the athlete.

Additionally, the ACP will be reviewing its present neurological examination, medical testing for borderline and high-risk athletes, drug testing and the results of the recently concluded weight study.

The second phase will include other key issues, such as post-bout medical evaluations and reinstating athletes after suspension.

"There are a lot of important health and safety issues on the table for us to take a look at," said Garcia. "Some changes may require legislation, but we can move forward quickly on those changes that do not require legislation, via the rulemaking process for new regulations."

Garcia said he would be working closely with the Department of Consumer Affairs, which assumed regulatory responsibility for boxing and martial arts last month when the California State Athletic Commission was allowed to sunset. The department would have to approve any new regulations.

"We hope to have these proposed changes in health and safety standards ready for consideration as early as September," he said.