Yes. Thank you.
Seven or eight years ago, I believe, the unified rules of mixed martial arts were adopted by most. That limited the types of striking that were allowed, which has reduced the incidence of serious injury. I apologize, in that there are no statistics available on what these rates are, but things like elbow strikes vertically to the head have been removed, as have other such dangerous acts. Rules are important.
You're correct when you say that in the professional ranks fighters are not allowed to compete. Jurisdictions are different. Part of the challenge is that there's a patchwork of different sanctioning bodies, unfortunately. The B.C. government is trying to unify it into a provincial commission, which would help, and to have a clearing house where athletes are not allowed to compete for a period of time. Those periods vary, but you're correct.
Additionally, it really falls on the ringside physician who applies a suspension to use some judgment on how long that suspension should be. In my own experience, there were no guidelines and no knowledge or information on how to apply those, so in my own practice I've aggregated information. When there are other physicians working with me, we provide information to them on what recommendations we suggest. In my opinion, those sanctions and prohibitions should be based on a higher level, on a commission level, be it provincially or beyond.