Ohio Athletic Promoter Bond

The Ohio Athletic Promoter Bond is a type of surety bond required by the Ohio Athletic Commission. Boxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, kick boxing, karate, and tough person contests are regulated by the Ohio Athletic Commission. The Athletic Promoter bond insures the payment of tax revenues necessary for the functioning of public or private competition. No person can promote public or private competition without a license. The Athletic Promoter bond is one of the licensing requirements.

There are there are two types of Athletic Promoter Bonds  each with a different purpose:

1. $20,000 Surety Bond: This bond ensures the payment of all individuals involved in organizing and running a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, karate, tough person contest, or similar event. This includes:
   • Inspectors
   • Judges
   • Referees
   • Timekeepers
   • Physicians
   • Contestants
   • Anyone else assigned by the Ohio Athletic Commission

If the promoter fails to pay any of these individuals, the surety company that issued the bond will be responsible for covering the costs.

2. $2,500 Tax Surety Bond: This bond guarantees the payment of taxes generated by the event to the Ohio Treasurer of State. If the promoter fails to pay the taxes, the surety company will be liable.

If the surety company pays a claim on the bond, it will seek restitution from the bond principal (licensee).

The cost of the Athletic Promoter Bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum premium and fees of $150. Surety1 will shop its many markets to procure the right price at the right terms.

How to Get a Ohio Athletic Promoter Bond

At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:

1. Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. ¹
2. Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day.
3. Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium

Once these steps have been completed, the Ohio Athletic Promoter Bond will be shipped to the bond applicant.
^{1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.} 

Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003.

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Who needs the surety bond? 

an Ohio Athletic Promoter Bond is required for anyone who wants to promote any public or private competition involving the following sports in Ohio:

• Boxing
• Kickboxing
• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
• Karate
• Tough Person Contests
• Any other form of boxing or martial arts

This encompasses both professional and amateur events. So, whether you’re planning a small, local karate tournament or a major MMA fight night, you’ll need an Ohio Athletic Promoter Bond to get your license.

Here are some specific examples of who needs the bond:

• Independent event promoters: Individuals or businesses organizing combat sports events.
• Gyms and training centers: If they host sanctioned competition, they need the bond.
• Promoters affiliated with larger organizations: Even if affiliated with a federation, the individual promoter typically needs their own bond.
• Charity events: If holding a combat sports event for charity, the promoter still needs the bond.

Remember, this requirement applies to both public and private competitions. So, even if you’re not charging admission or selling tickets, you still need the bond if the event falls under the categories mentioned above.

If you’re unsure whether you need an Ohio Athletic Promoter Bond, it’s always best to consult with the Ohio Athletic Commission directly. You can find more information on their website: https://aco.ohio.gov/