The SACB’s tradition of testing medical devices that can help prevent serious injury to combat sports competitors began several years ago, when the agency tested field devices for the Department of the Navy designed for use by our troops subsequent to IED blasts.

In the past few years, much more research and information has been released with regard to both short-term and long-term health concerns for contact sport athletes.

“The main focus of the NJSACB has been and always will be the health and safety of the combat sports contestant. Obviously then, the health of the brain of the contestant is of paramount importance,” said Hazzard.

EyeGuide Focus objectively tracks head injury indicators in ten seconds by methods that cannot be manipulated.

In addition to required pre-licensing and pre-fight neurological examinations, along with post bout medical requirements, the agency is hopeful that testing this device may benefit the neurological well-being of the contestant.

At no cost to the contestants or promoters, EyeGuide Focus will be utilized on February 18th at the Cage Fury Fighting Championships at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, as well as on May 20th at the Top Rank WBC/WBO Junior Welterweight Championship at the Prudential Center in Newark.

Dr. Michael Kelly, a veteran ringside physician with the NJSACB and a lifelong martial artist states, "medical research has shown that subtle changes in eye movements can indicate concussive brain injury with surprising accuracy. Numerous studies across the country are using eye tracking devices to quickly assess concussive brain injuries in sports.”

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