CHAPTER 538

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
9-16.1, authorizing the Virginia Athletic Commission to impose certain
conditions precedent to the issuance of certain licenses to persons re-
quired to obtain same from the Commission; to authorize the Com-
mission to investigate the existence of monopolies, combinations and
other restraints upon wrestling, boxing and sparring matches and ex-
hibitions within the State; to authorize the Commission to obtain the
assistance of the Attorney General in connection therewith; to empower
the Attorney General to make such investigations, and to provide for
the defraying of the cost thereof.

[S 357]

Approved March 30, 1956

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
9-16.1 as follows:

§ 9-16.1. In addition to any other powers and duties conferred or im-
posed upon the Commission, it shall have the power to require persons
seeking licenses under §§ 9-27 and 9-38 or any other section under which
a license from, or the consent of, the Commission is required, to agree that
(a) as to persons participating for compensation in any boxing or wrestling
match, they will not enter into any agreement to prevent their appearances
in other places within the state without prior written permission of the
Commission so to do, and (b) as to persons seeking a license to conduct
professional boxing or wrestling matches that they will not interfere with
the putting on of such matches or exhibitions anywhere else in the State
distant at least twenty miles from the place in which such exhibitors
have their matches. The bond required shall be security for the per-
formance of any such undertaking.

The Commission shall have the power to conduct investigations as
to whether or not monoplies, combinations or other restraints exist to re-
strain matches or exhibitions of professional boxing or wrestling any-
where in this State and to this end and may employ the powers set forth
in § 9-20 of the Code. If the Commission requires the assistance of the
Attorney General and applies to him therefor, the Attorney General may
assist the Commission in its investigations. The Attorney General in the
conduct of any such investigation shall be reimbursed from that portion
CHS. 538, 539, 540] ACTS OF ASSEMBLY 769

of the funds of the Commission appropriated to the State under the
provisions of § 9-47.

In the exercise of its powers hereunder the Commission shall have
the power to institute such criminal proceedings as it deems appropriate
if it finds, upon the advice of the Attorney General, any laws of the Com-
monwealth which it is directed to enforce have been violated.