Amateur and professional sports differ in their rules and objectives, and Muay Thai is no exception. The following are a few examples of the differences, though the rules between amateur bodies tend to vary significantly in comparison to professional organizations. Muay Thai Ontario aligns to the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur’s rule set, which sets the standard for amateur Muay Thai across the world.

Muay Thai Ontario Amateur Elsewhere Professional
Rules Geared towards protecting the health and safety of the athlete.
Objectives To win by landing more scoring strikes.
Knock-outs are accidental
To win by stopping an opponent with cuts, a knock-out, or in a spectacular manner.
Scoring Accumulation of effective strikes
Damage
Damage
Balance & Coordination
Exhaustion
Rounds Male: 5 x 3 minute rounds, 2 minute rest
Female: 5 x 2 minute rounds, 2 minute rest
Headguards
Gloves 10 oz 6 to 12 oz 6 to 10 oz
Referee Duties Primarily responsible for athlete safety.
Prevent undue injury.
Enforce the rules of competition.
Enforce the rules of competition.
End competition when an athlete is injured or helpless.
Standing 8 Administered when an athlete is in distress.
After three 8 counts the bout is ended.
Knock-outs Accidental, and to be prevented Desired. Often provides a pay bonus
RSC Outclassed If an athlete is over-matched and has difficulty defending against a far superior opponent the referee stops the contest.
Class System Progression from C class to Open class keeps similarly experienced athletes paired.
Allows for the staggered introduction of more dangerous techniques as athletes develop the experience to use them.
Does not exist.
Fouls Additional fouls per Class
http://boxingontario.com/athletes/amateur-vs-pro-boxing/