Don't Let Sparring Matches Turn Into Aggravated Assault
Sparring in a boxing ring or mixed martial arts cage is absolutely different from fighting on the street. Fighting is illegal and a litany of criminal charges can be levied against those who choose to brawl on the street. Mutually agreed upon sportive sparring in a proper training environment is not likely to be deemed a criminal act This does not, however, mean a sparring match is a "no holds barred" affair. Under certain circumstances, a participant who gets out of hand may end up committing a crime.
Following the Rules of Good Sportsmanship
Boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts have definitive rules put in place for the safety of participants. Those who chose to spar do so with the intent or working on skill development. Deviating from the basic rules of accepted conduct and breaking decorum could lead to legal trouble. In some instances, a participant's actions could be deemed an act of aggravated assault.
Heading Down the Path of Aggravated Assault
Elbowing someone across the jaw and causing a severe injury may or may not be considered an assault depending on the circumstances. The "intent of the perpetrator" and the "degree of injury to the victim" define whether or not someone can be charged with aggravated assault. Imagine a scenario in which tempers flare during a sparring match and an argument ensues. As one participant tries to walk away, the other pulls the fighter back and executes an elbow across the jaw breaking it. Regardless of the event taking place inside a ring or cage, such an incident clearly shows intent to cause a serious injury.
Examining Gray Areas
A sparring bout could get very heated heated and one fighter may go for a powerful knockout blow by throwing a very hard right cross. Whether or not this be aggravated assault if a fighter's jaw was broken depends on a host of extenuating circumstances. Various pertinent questions must be answered. Did the other fighter contribute to the escalation of the contact? Did he or she make a clear verbal warning or request to slow down on the contact? Was the one fighter beaten down to the point he or she could not perform a reasonable defense and the other fighter continued the onslaught even after being told by trainers to stop?
Honestly, questions such as these are ones considered by a judge and a district attorney. A criminal defense attorney, like Medeiros & Associates, who presents the right answers may get the charges withdrawn or dismissed.
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