Rhode Island General Laws Title 41. Sports, Racing, and Athletics § 41-6-1. Definitions

(a) “Amateur athletic game” shall be construed to mean and include any athletic game not included within the meaning of the term “professional athletic game.”

(b) “Athletic game” shall be construed to mean and include any game or exhibition of baseball, football, cricket, golf, tennis, track, or athletic game of a similar character played or held in the open air, and also any game or exhibition of ice polo, hockey, tennis, track, or athletic game of a similar character played or held in rinks or other enclosed buildings;  provided, however, that the term shall not be construed to mean and include boxing, sparring, or wrestling matches, nor horse racing, trotting, or motor races.

(c) “Licensing authorities” as used in this chapter shall be construed to mean and include the board or bureau of police commissioners, or the city or town councils of any city or town authorized under the provisions of chapter 22 of title 5 to grant licenses for shows and exhibitions.

(d) “Professional athletic game” shall be construed to mean and include any athletic game for which a charge is made for admission or tickets thereto, or at which a collection is taken, or for which the players receive pay or compensation for their services, or that is managed or conducted for the pay or profit of any person, corporation, or association.