Rules for Sumo Safety

• Safety regulations are in place to make sure of the well being of all sumo participants. Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Sumo wrestling is a form of martial arts contest practiced in Japan where two contestants attempt to push each other out of a ring (or "Dohyo") to score points. The contestants are trained to be muscular and large and get low to use a lower center of gravity to power, push and withstand a lot of force.

Medical Exam

• The contestants of a professional sumo match are subject to a medical exam both before and after each match. Healthy weight gain is expected of all competitors and doctors are on site before each match to make sure the sumo wrestler is in proper shape to compete. The sumo matches can be dangerous with the amount of physical contact and force required, so after every match the same doctor examines each wrestler to ensure that he is still in good health and has no side effects from the match.

Medics

• Medics are on call and stationed at all corners of the Dohyo ring should any harm befall a wrestler during the match. The medics are specially trained in Japan to treat not only normal injuries, but injuries associated with sumo such as shortness of breath, twisted joints and concussion. The medics wear special uniforms that resemble the sumo match officiator and must be present at any and all professional matches. The medics work closely with the on-site doctors in the event of injuries that require more serious attention.

Ring

• The Dohyo ring itself is built with the wrestlers' safety in mind. The middle section is all soft sand to cushion falls and the outer layers are clay-based for more give than wood or concrete. The ring is surrounded by bales of hay just in case the contestants lose control and take an extended dive. The Dohyo has been prepared in this fashion since its inception and is now monitored and regulated by professional sumo leagues to ensure maximum safety for all of the competitors.