CSAC Strategic Plan 2026-2031 Adopted September 8
Summary
The California State Athletic Commission adopted its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan on September 8, 2025. The plan establishes six strategic goals focusing on participant health and safety, licensing and enforcement, legislation and regulation, organizational effectiveness, economic development and pension plans, and stakeholder outreach. No immediate compliance obligations are imposed by this strategic planning document.
What changed
The California State Athletic Commission adopted its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan establishing six goals: Health and Safety, Licensing and Enforcement, Legislation Regulation and Policy, Organizational Effectiveness, Economic Development and Pension Plans, and Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement. Key objectives include enhancing drug testing and concussion management, implementing online licensing systems, adopting ABC unified rules, and developing additional pension revenue streams.
Combat sports participants, promoters, and event organizers should monitor for future regulatory developments aligned with this strategic direction. The plan signals the commission's priorities for the next five years but does not create immediate compliance obligations. Stakeholders may see enhanced enforcement activities related to drug testing and concussion protocols as these goals are implemented.
Archived snapshot
Apr 18, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
2026-2031 STRATEGIC PLAN
ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
INAR SO TFI AL T A E C
A T N H O I L S E S T I I C M C M O
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 About the Commission 5 Message from the Chair 6 Mission, Vision, and Values 7 Goal 1: Health and Safety 7 Goal 2: Licensing and Enforcement 8 Goal 3: Legislation, Regulation, and Policy 8 Goal 4: Organizational Effectiveness 9 Goal 5: Economic Development and Pension Plans 9 Goal 6: Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement 10 Strategic Planning Process
CALIFORNIA STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION MEMBERS
Peter Villegas, Chair Chris Gruwell Dr. Vernon Williams, Vice Chair Doug Hendrickson Dr. AnnMaria De Mars Scott Wetch Ronald Fiore
Gavin Newsom, Governor Tomiquia Moss, Secretary, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Kimberly Kirchmeyer, Director, Department of Consumer Affairs Andy Foster, Executive Officer, California State Athletic Commission
3California State Athletic Commission 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan
ABOUT THE COMMISSION
The California Athletic Commission (Commission) regulates professional and amateur boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts throughout the State by licensing all participants and supervising the events. The Commission was established in 1924 because of the increasing number of boxer injuries/deaths occurring in the ring; and the involvement of unethical persons, management, and promoters in the sport. Prior to the Commission, no government agency existed to provide oversight of managers, promoters, event officiating; or to protect the health and ensure the safety of the participants. The Commission licenses fighters, promoters, managers, seconds, matchmakers, referees, judges, timekeepers, professional trainers MEMBERS and approves ringside physicians. It regulates professional events within its jurisdiction and regulates each event by staffing the event with several specialized and well-trained athletic inspectors to enforce the regulations related to combat sporting events. It also oversees prohibited substance testing. The Commission is comprised of seven members: five appointed by the Governor, one by the Senate Rules Committee, and one by the Speaker of the Assembly. The full Commission meets at least four times per year to 1) handle matters related to licensure and appeals of license denials, suspensions and fines; 2) propose and review regulations or legislation focused on maintaining the health and safety of fighters; 3) consider issues related to the Boxer's Pension Program and the Neurological Examination Account; 4) evaluate funding and revenue strategies; and 5) address a variety of topics brought forth by stakeholders.
California State Athletic Commission 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan4
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
On behalf of the California State Athletic Commission, I am pleased to present the Strategic Plan for 2026-2031. Our efforts are reviewed annually to ensure that the commissioners consistently address current issues in alignment with our stated goals and objectives. This living document offers flexibility to adapt to the ongoing changes in combat sports, the marketplace, legislation, and other pertinent matters within a framework established by our leadership. The Strategic Plan for 2026-2031 was developed through comprehensive input from stakeholders and staff, interviews with commissioners, and a planning session facilitated by DCA's Office of Strategic Organization, Leadership, and Individual Development (SOLID). Historically, the commission fulfills its mission of consumer protection through policies and initiatives including legislation, regulation, and licensing. The commission engaged in discussions to develop our goals and objectives that address the current and issues of combat sports. The commission's commitment to improving our performance to better serve all parties throughout the state of California. Specific issues are reviewed and updated annually to maintain the pulse of fluid trends in the world of combat sports in California and nationally. We invite all those interested to review this Strategic Plan and to engage with our efforts to serve the state of California. For more information, please visit the Board's website at
Peter Villegas Chair
5California State Athletic Commission 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan
MISSION
The California State Athletic Commission is dedicated to the health and safety of participants, and the welfare of all stakeholders in regulated combat sporting events, through ethical and professional service.
VISION
California is the premier model for the safety and fairness of regulated combat sporting events.
VALUES
Consistency Excellence Innovation Integrity Responsibility
6 California State Athletic Commission 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan6
GOAL 1: HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Commission oversees a safe and healthy environment for participants in regulated combat sporting events.
1.1 Enhance drug testing practices to protect licensees. 1.2 Enhance concussion management protocols to protect
licensees.
1.3 Increase communication and education about the risks of weight
cutting to fighters, matchmakers, and promoters to maintain appropriate matches.
1.4 Educate matchmakers on establishing appropriate matches and
compensation for participants.
1.5 Educate on-site ambulance drivers on the statutes and
regulations which require the immediate transportation of injured fighters.
GOAL 2: LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT
The Commission is recognized as an international leader in promoting licensing standards for participants and stakeholders in regulated combat sporting events and protects consumers by preventing violations and effectively enforcing laws and regulations when violations occur.
2.1 Develop and implement an online system for applying for and
renewing licenses to improve efficiency.
2.2 Publish the Commission's rules available online and on social
media in multiple languages to ensure equitable access and improve compliance.
7California State Athletic Commission 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan
GOAL 3: LEGISLATION, REGULATION, AND POLICY
The Commission pursues statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures that strengthen and support their mandate and mission.
3.1 Implement the Association of Boxing Commission (ABC) unified
rules for all CSAC regulated sports.
GOAL 4: ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
The Commission builds an excellent organization through proper governance, effective leadership, and responsible management.
4.1 Document internal processes to maintain continuity of the
Commission's day to day functions.
4.2 Improve the Commission's website to provide a more user-
friendly experience.
4.3 Explore alternative funding sources, including funding models
from other states, to increase the stability of the Commission's fund.
California State Athletic Commission 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan8
GOAL 5: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PENSION PLANS
The Commission effectively manages the California Professional Boxers Pension Fund and the Mixed Martial Arts Retirement Benefit and promotes the increased economic benefits at the state and local level through licensed events that the Commission oversees.
5.1 Identify and develop additional revenue streams to increase
pension payouts to athletes.
5.2 Increase awareness of the pension plan program through public
outreach.
5.3 Collaborate with local governments to develop a formal tax
exemption for promoters to hold major events.
GOAL 6: OUTREACH AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Commission proactively communicates its mission, vision, and goals to stakeholders.
6.1 Build partnerships with peer governing bodies to foster
collaboration and build partnerships.
6.2 Strengthen the Commission's social media presence to highlight
its role and dedication to serving California.
6.3 Seek an incentive package with the Legislature to help tribal
communities and the state benefit from event-based tourism.
6.4 Proactively collaborate with tribal communities to build and
maintain relationships.
9California State Athletic Commission 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
To understand the environment in which the Commission operates as well as identify factors that could impact the Commission's success in carrying out its regulatory duties, the Department of Consumer Affairs' SOLID Planning Unit (SOLID) conducted an environmental scan of the Commission's internal and external environments. Information for the scan was collected through interviews and online surveys distributed to the listed stakeholder groups during January and February 2025:
- Internal staff : interviews and online surveys. 2
- Commission members: interviews and online surveys.
- External stakeholders : online survey link distributed via email 3 contact list (ListSERV) and posted on the board's website and social media. The most significant themes and trends identified from the environmental scan were discussed by commission members, commission leadership, and members of the public during a strategic planning session facilitated by SOLID on June 2, 2025. This information guided the Commission in the development of its strategic objectives outlined in this 2026 - 2031 strategic plan.
Executive leadership, managers, and staff.2 Licensee and individual in a related occupation.3
California State Athletic Commission 2026 - 2031 Strategic Plan10
INAR SO TFI AL T A E C
A T N H O I L S E S T I I C M C M O
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2010 Sacramento, CA 95815 Phone: (916) 263-2195 https://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/index.shtml
Strategic plan adopted on September 8, 2025. This strategic plan is based on stakeholder information and discussions facilitated by SOLID for the California State Athletic Commission on June 2, 2025. Subsequent amendments may have been made after the adoption of this plan.
Prepared by: SOLID Planning Solutions 1747 N. Market Blvd., Ste. 270 Sacramento, CA 95834
PDE_25-229
Named provisions
Related changes
Get daily alerts for CA Athletic Commission
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from CSAC.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when CA Athletic Commission publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.