BOXING AUSTRALIA INC STATE/TERRITORY LEVEL REFEREE SEMINAR

1
BOXING AUSTRALIA INCSTATE/TERRITORY LEVEL
REFEREE SEMINAR
2
Purpose

• At the end of this seminar and practical lessons
  you will
• have the theory knowledge and understanding of
  the rules to provide the athletes with fair and
  consistent rulings, and
• have the basic referee practical understanding to
  perform as a trainee State/Territory Level
  referee.

Horizons
3
Agenda

• Objectives
• Ref Dress/Duties
• Ref Powers
• Before bout
• Positioning
• Boxers dress/mouthguard rule
• Seconds
• Shaking of hands
• During bout
• Positioning
• Hints/movements
• Commands
• Cautions/warnings
• Gestures for fouls
• Down
• Counts/limits
• Decisions
• Injuries
• Doctors role

4
Objectives

• The following is a comparison of objectives to
  make you better understand the role we play and
  why we have to overcome distractions or
  disappointments following unpopular decisions.
• The objective of an athlete or coach is to
• win the bout at all cost.
• Our objective as officials is to
• ensure we arrive at the correct decision within
  the boundaries of the rules.

5
Boxers dress

• Clothing
• Light boots or shoes without spikes or heels,
  socks, shorts not to exceed knee length, and a
  red or blue vest matching their corner covering
  the chest and back.
• Where the vest and shorts are the same colour,
  the belt line must be clearly indicated.
• A soft knee brace is acceptable no metal or hard
  plastic.
• Gum shields
• Shall be worn and shall be form fitted. Where
  the gum shield is knocked out the referee shall
  take the boxer to their corner, have it washed
  and refitted. While this is being done the
  seconds are not to talk to the boxer. If the
  gum shield falls out a second time for any reason
  the boxer shall be warned and further warned if
  it happens again.
• Red coloured gum shields are forbidden
• Cup/ breast protectors
• A cup protector shall be worn by male boxers, a
  jock strap may be worn in addition. Females may
  wear a breast protector.

6
Boxers dress cont

• Head guards
• Boxers shall wear conforming head guards approved
  by AIBA, BAI or the state. Head guards should
  be of the same colour as their corner in
  national and international bouts it is mandatory.
  National champs only AIBA approved head guards
  shall be used (Adidas, Everlast, Top Ten are
  approved).
• The head guard will be fitted once in the ring
  and removed at the bout conclusion and before the
  decision.
• Prohibited objects
• No other objects may be worn during the bout. No
  type of body piercing and no body accessories
  shall be worn during the bout.
• The use of rubbing liniment or products likely
  to be harmful or objectionable to an opponent, on
  the face, arms or any part of the body is
  forbidden. However, grease or vaseline rubbed
  into the forehead and eyebrows before a contest
  is allowable to prevent injury.
• Dress infractions
• A referee shall exclude from competition a boxer
  that does not wear a head guard, a cup-protector,
  and gumshield. Where a boxers glove or dress
  becomes undone during boxing the referee shall
  stop the contest and have it attended to.

7
Gloves

• Competitors shall wear red or blue gloves as per
  the respective boxers corner and which are
  approved by AIBA, BAI or the state. At national
  champs only Adidas, Everlast or Top Ten are
  approved. Boxers are not allowed to wear their
  own gloves.
• The gloves shall weigh 10oz of which the leather
  portion shall not weigh more than half of the
  total weight and the padding not less than half
  the total weight. The regular hitting surface
  must be marked on the gloves with a clearly
  discernible colour. The padding of the gloves
  shall not be displaced or broken. Only clean and
  serviceable gloves shall be used.
• All gloves and bandages shall be fitted under the
  supervision of two knowledgeable officials
  appointed for that purpose.

8
Bandages

• A bandage between 2.5m and 4.5m and 5.7cm wide on
  each hand will be used. No other kind of bandage
  may be used.
• The bandages shall be made of stretched material.
• The use of any kind of tapes, rubber or adhesive
  plaster, as bandages, is strictly forbidden.
  However, a single strip of adhesive 3 (7.6cm)
  long and between 1 (2.5cm) and 2 (5cm) wide,
  may be used at the upper wrist to secure the
  bandage.
• At national champs only AIBA approved bandages
  will be used (Addidas, Everlast, Top Ten).
• Bandages shall be checked by the referee at the
  end of the bout.

9
Referees duties

• Dress
• White pants and shirt. Flat soled shoes.
• Disposable gloves.
• Surgical swabs.
• Duties
• The referees primary duty is the safety of the
  boxers.
• The referees secondary duties are to
• maintain control of the bout and ensure rules and
  fair play are adhered to, and
• ensure a boxer does not take unnecessary or
  excessive punishment.
• Check the gloves and dress.
• Use three words of command
• stop when ordering the boxers to stop boxing.
• box when ordering them to continue.
• break when breaking a clinch, at which stage
  each boxer shall step back a full pace before
  continuing boxing.
• Indicate by suitable signs or gestures any
  infringement of the rules.
• When the winner of the bout is announced, raise
  the hand of the winning boxer not before.
• Where a disqualification or stoppage has occurred
  a referee will first notify the jury, and if the
  judges are using the Handhelds or similar,
  notify the judges.

10
Advice to referees

• Read and absorb the rules of AIBA and BAI.
• Practice the application of the rules.
• Attend seminars.
• Keep physical fit.
• Be physically and mentally fit to officiate.
• Carefully watch the ringside, boxers, coaches,
  judges, doctors and jury during the one-minute
  intervals.
• Avoid giving commands out of position.
• Strive for the best positioning.
• Keep command of the bout with resolute
  commands.
• Carefully consider warnings etc (commonsense).
• Do not argue with the boxers or their coaches.
• Remember, the spectators/viewers are there to
  watch the boxers NOT YOU.

11
What makes a good referee

• Knowledge/application of the rules.
• Positioning.
• Movement.
• An ability to interpret what you see and react
  (speed) accordingly. To recognise when a boxer is
  hurt/outclassed/injured.
• To identify fouls and take correct action.
• But, most of all GOOD JUDGEMENT.

12
The referees authorities

• Authorities
• Terminate a contest if it is too one-sided.
• Terminate if one or both boxers are injured or
  cant continue.
• Terminate if one or both boxers are not in
  earnest, in which case the referee may disqualify
  one or both boxers.
• Caution a boxer or stop a contest and give a
  warning.
• Disqualify a boxer who fails to comply
  immediately with orders or behaves aggressively
  or offensively towards referee.
• Caution or remove a second who infringes rules,
  and disqualify a boxer if the second does not
  comply with orders.
• Disqualify for a foul, with or without a previous
  warning.
• Suspend a count if other boxer deliberately fails
  to retire to neutral corner, delays so doing, or
  seconds are talking or gesturing to their boxer
  or crowd.
• Interpret rules and take action on any matter not
  covered by a rule.

13
The coach

• Each competitor is entitled to one coach and one
  assistant coach who shall be appropriately
  dressed no thongs, singlets, offensive shirts.
• Only the two coaches shall mount the ring and
  only one shall enter the ring during the
  interval. Coaches are not to enter before or at
  the end of a contest.
• During the bout no coaches shall remain on the
  platform, nor lean on the ring. Before the bout
  begins they shall remove everything from the
  platform.
• A coach may retire their boxer, but not whilst
  the referee is counting.
• No advice or encouragement shall be given to
  spectators so they may act on their behalf. If
  advice to their boxer becomes aggressive or
  disruptive appropriate action should be taken.
• A coach may be cautioned or removed for their
  actions.
• A boxer may also be cautioned, warned or
  disqualified for offences committed by the coach.
  
• Where a coach is removed from the corner they
  shall not act again in that session. If it
  occurs a second time the coach shall not act
  again during that tournament.

14
Shaking of hands

• Purpose
• Boxers shall shake hands as a sign of
  sportsmanship and friendly rivalry in accordance
  with the rules of boxing.
• Authorised times
• Takes place before the beginning of the first
  round and after the result has been given. No
  other shaking of hands is permitted.

15
The Jurys role

• At national champs the jury will consist of not
  less than three persons who will be at least Aust
  qualified RJ each bout conducted at state level
  will not have less than one who will be at least
  a state qualified RJ. The duties of the jury will
  be to
• Oversee the scoring and decisions of the referees
  and judges.
• Recommend to the RJ Committee to suspend or
  disqualify referees and judges.
• Hear protests.
• Cease boxing or stop a bout where circumstances
  should arise that require action.
• Stopping the bout on the recommendation from the
  ringside physician.
• Overturn boxing contests or change boxing
  decisions where appropriate.

16
The Jury cont

• Protests
• The team manager can lodge a protest within 30
  minutes of bout termination, and within 5 minutes
  for championship final bouts with a protest fee
  of A220. If upheld, the fee is refunded.
•  
• Overriding a decision
• The Jury can overturn a decision only where they
  consider the Referee has made a decision against
  the rules and articles of AIBA/BAI or where there
  has been obvious cheating or, where Handheld
  Boxing Points Calculator Scoring, or similar, is
  used, the score has been incorrectly added.

17
Before bout ring positioning
Stairs
2
Ref
JURY T A B L E
3
Includes Announcer Timekeeper Computer
operator Jury Chair Recorder
1
4
Stairs
5
Docs
Stairs
18
Hints for referees

• Be first into the ring.
• Stand smartly in the neutral corner facing the
  jury and await entry of the boxers. The boxers
  will enter the ring without their head guard
  fitted.
• When the boxers have entered the ring the coach
  is to remain on the apron, they are not to enter
  the ring.
• When the boxers have fitted their head guards and
  been introduced to the public, proceed firstly to
  the red corner and inspect the dress of the
  boxer. When checking the groin protector ensure
  you use the back of the hand to prevent being
  offensive or ask them to tap the area so you are
  sure. Likewise, with a breast protector, ask the
  boxer to tap the protector if you are unsure. If
  the boxer has long hair that is braided or loose
  and hanging down the back of the boxer, have it
  placed under the head guard, thereby preventing
  the hair coming forward of the shoulder and
  injuring the opponent. Ensure the boxers singlet
  is tucked-in thereby allowing a clear view of the
  belt-line. If all is correct, have the gum shield
  fitted and shake the hand of the coaches.
• Proceed to the blue corner and replicate your
  actions performed in the red corner.
• Call the boxers to the centre of the ring and
  have them shake hands in a friendly, sporting and
  respectful manner. It is not necessary to explain
  to them any of the boxing rules as they are
  supposed to know the rules and regulations of
  boxing. Your duty is to see that they comply with
  the rules when boxing in the ring. For novice
  boxers it is acceptable to explain parts of the
  rules, but do this whilst inspecting the boxer in
  their corner.
• Make sure that the boxers are ready, the coaches
  have retired, judges and Ringside Physician are
  ready, that no ring implements are lying on the
  ring platform, the computer operator is ready and
  the jury are ready before signalling the
  timekeeper to commence the round (the timekeeper
  is the final person you signal).
• Make sure your signal to commence the round is
  noticed by the timekeeper.
• When the gong is sounded, you are in full control
  of the bout and must see that the boxers and
  their coaches strictly observe the rules of
  boxing.

19
Hints for referees cont

• The first and most important duty of the referee
  in amateur boxing is to protect the safety of the
  boxer(s). Thereafter, to maintain and control the
  bout according to the rules, and to prevent
  either boxer from receiving unnecessary and
  excessive blows. The referee must immediately
  stop the boxing when a boxer appears unable to
  properly defend him/herself. This is a difference
  from professional boxing!
• Likewise you are expected to be aware of all the
  rules and the prescribed "fouls" so as to carry
  out your duties efficiently.
• Consideration of pleasing the public or
  disappointing a gallant loser must never
  influence a referee or judge.
• Be strict without being severe. Boxing is a
  sport.
• Never try to intimidate a boxer by finger
  pointing when issuing a caution or warning. Be
  sure to use the whole hand as this projects a
  better image and will maintain respect from the
  competitors.
• Forget the public who may "boo" when you issue a
  count, caution or a warning. The "third man" in
  the ring risks more criticism than anyone else.
• Never try to get into the act! A good referee
  makes the boxers feel his/her presence. But the
  audience hardly realises he/she is in the ring.
• Rules are intended to prevent one boxer taking
  unfair advantage of the other. The referee is
  there to see that the rules are followed. Be
  quick and alert to detect instantly any of the
  infringements, but use commonsense and dont
  overreact.
• You have the responsibility to interpret the
  rules of the contest for which you are
  officiating and to decide any question not
  provided in the rules.
• Deal with the serious offences at the very outset
  with proper cautions and warnings. Your demeanour
  should impress on the boxers that they are not
  inside the ring for the purpose of fighting but
  for a game of skill strictly according to the
  rules.

20
Hints for referees cont

• At the sound of the bell to commence round one
  signal the boxers to commence and say BOX. This
  is the only time that the referee will say box at
  the start of a round.
• Move around the ring in a walking or
  strolling manner standing upright and in a
  direction opposite to the boxers. Do not crab
  or walk backwards, your movements should be
  neutral and calm.
• Do not remain in one position.
• Always try to be on the open" side of the
  action, i.e. where a southpaw is boxing an
  orthodox boxer remain on the southpaws left
  shoulder and inside the lead right hand.
• Your work in the ring should create a favourable
  impression. The boxers do better if they feel
  they are in the hands of a good referee.
• Move alertly around the ring and avoid remaining
  in one position for a long period thus
  obstructing the view of the judges and onlookers.
  
• Be ready to move closer if the need arises. If
  the contest is fought at close quarters the
  referee should be up close in a position where
  break can be enforced and at all times ensuring
  both boxers hear the call.
• If a boxer is hurt or suspected of being hurt and
  the bout is continuing remain close to the action
  so you are in a position that immediate action to
  cease the contest can occur.
• Avoid excessive stopping of the bout let them
  find their own level.
• Never give commands if the boxer has their back
  to the referee. Ensure you are in a correct
  position where the boxer fully understands your
  instructions, actions or gestures.
• If the contest is fought at a fast pace, follow
  the aggressor and work around the boxers always
  endeavouring to watch both of the contestants.
• Decide when a boxer is incapable of continuing
  the bout. Do not let a bout continue if in your
  opinion the weaker boxer has no chance of winning
  and could be hurt.
• Be especially alert to detect the most common
  infringements such as
• hitting with an open glove,
• holding,
• not stepping back on the command "break.

21
Hints for referees cont

• Do not create difficulties for the judge by
  allowing the infringements to pass unnoticed. A
  judge may otherwise feel that he/she is mistaken
  and thereby give credit to a boxer that should
  have been admonished or penalised.
• Importantly, use commonsense and dont overreact
  to small and minor infringements, allow boxing to
  continue remember, the public is there to watch
  boxing and not you or the continual stopping of a
  bout.
• Distinguish between "infighting" and "clinching".
  A clinch occurs when one or both boxers lead and
  for a moment their arms become locked together.
  This is not an offence, but an offence does occur
  when a boxer does not make an attempt to
  disengage from the clinch and continues to hold.
• Southpaw boxers
• Southpaw boxers
• Southpaw boxers are those that lead with their
  right hand and their power hand is their left
  hand. Refereeing southpaws can be a difficult
  task because they move in a different direction
  (in most cases) to those of the orthodox (left
  lead hand) boxer. Whilst refereeing a southpaw
  stay on their open side (left shoulder side)
  where possible, but dont let this need to be
  positioned correctly drive how you referee. It
  can be difficult especially when the southpaw is
  against an orthodox boxer because they are moving
  oppositely. Move around the boxers as normal, but
  dont lose sight that it is important to get onto
  the open side when possible. Being on the open
  side allows you the best view of the action. You
  need to be very conscious where a switch-hitter
  is competing, as their stance will change from
  orthodox to southpaw and vice-versa.

22
Cautions and warnings

• A caution is advice or admonishment for less
  serious infringements. 3 cautions for the same
  type of foul shall require a warning to be given.
  A warning is given where a boxer breaks the
  rules but does not warrant disqualification.
• A minor infringement that is not advantageous to
  the offender does not merit a warning. A caution
  therefore should be sufficient. Warnings are for
  dangerous infringements, harm fouls or persistent
  offences.
• Cautions and warnings must be given clearly in
  such a way that the boxer understands the offence
  and that you are "speaking" to him/her with your
  signal. Demonstrate by imitating the nature of
  the infringements.
• To issue a "warning" the referee must stop the
  bout by giving the command "stop". Send the
  victim boxer to the neutral corner, give warning
  (indicate this with the thumb), clearly showing
  infringement to boxer, then indicate to each
  judge in order from No 1 (jury 1st) to No 5 with
  the demonstrating thumb. Demonstrate again to
  boxer the infringement and indicate with thumb
  that warning has been given, and then order BOX.
  The command "box" should be given only after you
  have been satisfied that the offender clearly
  understands the warning.

23
Cautions and warnings cont

• At the "third" warning, you must disqualify the
  offender. After you have disqualified the boxer
  by issuing the warning and then returning the
  boxers to their respective corners, you must let
  your decision be known to the Jury/official in
  charge and to each judge (only for Handheld
  Boxing Points Calculator scoring). For this
  purpose, you may lean over the ropes and very
  clearly indicate which boxer you have
  disqualified. Do NOT take a disqualified boxer,
  or for that matter any stoppage, to his/her
  corner and enter into any discussion with the
  boxer or the seconds to justify your decision.
• Judges responsibility
• Where a judge agrees with a warning the judge
  will press the warning button, whereas if a
  judge does not agree with the warning he/she
  simply does not press any buttons. Where a judge
  is unsighted they shall agree with the referee.
• Where a judge sees a foul where the referee was
  possibly obstructed or failed to respond, the
  judge may penalise the boxer by pressing the
  warning button. This will be indicated by a
  J on the bout printout and will increase the
  judges individual score by 2 blows. However, if
  2 other judges press the warning button within 20
  secs then the victim boxer will receive 2 scoring
  blows.
• Boxer down from a foul
• Where a boxer has been knocked down from a foul
  his/her opponent shall be warned, and the victim
  boxer shall receive two (2) points or the
  equivalent to two (2) scoring blows if three of
  the five judges agree with the referee. Where
  the judge does not see the alleged foul blow the
  judge shall agree with the referee. Where the
  referee fails to warn the offending boxer, but
  simply gives a caution then the judge is to warn
  the boxer.

24
Gestures for fouls

• Hitting below the belt, holding, tripping,
  kicking, and butting with foot or knee.
• Hits or blows with head, shoulder, forearm,
  elbow, throttling of the opponent, pressing with
  arm or elbow in opponents face, pressing the
  head of the opponent back over the ropes.
• Hitting with open glove, the inside of the glove,
  wrist or side of the hand.
• Hits landing on the back of the opponent, and
  especially any blow on the back of the neck or
  head and kidney punch.
• Pivot blows.
• Attack whilst holding the ropes or making any
  unfair use of the ropes.
• Lying on, wrestling and throwing in the clinch.
• An attack on an opponent who is down or who is in
  the act of rising.
• Holding.
• Holding and hitting or pulling and hitting.
• Holding, or locking of the opponents arm or
  head, or pushing an arm underneath the arm of an
  opponent.
• Ducking below the belt of the opponent in a
  manner dangerous to an opponent.
• Completely passive defence by double cover and
  intentionally falling or turning the back to
  avoid a blow.
• Useless, aggressive, or offensive utterances
  during a round.
• Not stepping back when ordered to break.
• Attempting to strike an opponent immediately
  after the referee has ordered break and before
  stepping back.
• Assaulting or behaving in an aggressive manner
  towards a referee at any time.
• Spitting out the gumshield.
• Keeping the advanced hand straight in order to
  obstruct the opponents vision.

25
Down

• A knockdown is the result of a blow or series of
  blows. No extra points are awarded for a
  knockdown, only the blow that landed. Where a
  boxer is down the opponent must retire to the
  neutral corner. However, at all times your first
  priority and consideration is the downed boxer.
• Definition of down
• if any part of the body other than the soles of
  the feet touch the floor from a blow or series of
  blows,
• if the boxer hangs helplessly on the ropes from a
  blow or series of blows,
• if the boxer is outside or partly outside the
  ropes from a blow or series of blows, or
• if following a hard blow the boxer has not fallen
  or hanging helplessly on the ropes, but is in a
  semi-conscience state and in the opinion of the
  Referee is unable to continue.

26
Down cont

• The count
• The referee shall immediately start the count.
• Before one is counted an interval of one second
  must have lapsed.
• The referee shall count aloud from one to ten
  with a second between the numbers, and indicate
  the passing of the seconds with the fingers in a
  manner that the down boxer is aware.
• Where an opponent fails to retire to a neutral
  corner the referee shall stop counting, until the
  opponent has done so, and then resume where it
  was stopped.
• Number of counts (compulsory count limit)
• For males and females who box as Elites (aged
  17-34 inclusive), a contest shall be terminated
  as Referee Stopped Contest if there are three
  counts in any one round or four counts in the
  bout.
• Male, 3x3 min rounds
• Female, 4x2 min rounds
• For all other divisions, a contest will be
  terminated as Referee Stopped Contest if there
  are two counts in any one round or three counts
  in the bout.
• Opponents responsibility
• If a boxer is down, the opponent must at once go
  to a neutral corner, and only continue on the
  command box.
• Mandatory eight count
• If a boxer is down as a result of a blow the bout
  shall not continue until the count of eight is
  reached.

27
Down cont

• The knockout
• After the referee has said ten and the word
  out, the bout ends and shall be decided as a
  knockout. Nevertheless, where a boxer is
  unconscious the referee shall say one and out
  and a knockout shall apply.
• Boxer down at end of round
• In the event of a boxer being down at the end of
  any round the referee shall continue to count.
  If the boxer is fit to resume boxing before the
  count of ten is reached, the referee shall
  immediately command box. The bell cannot save a
  boxer.
• Boxer down a second time without a fresh blow
• Where a bout is continued after the count of
  eight, and the boxer falls again without
  receiving a fresh blow, the referee shall
  continue counting from the count of eight.
• Both boxers down
• If both boxers go down at the same time, counting
  will be continued as long as one is still down.
  If both boxers remain down until ten both
  boxers will lose by KO and the mandatory
  probation period will apply.
• KO and win by disqualification
• Where a boxer receives a blow to the head
  illegally after the referee has called break or
  stop and the boxer is counted out, the boxer
  cannot continue to compete at the event even if
  awarded the bout by disqualification as the
  mandatory probation period would apply.

28
Down cont

• Boxer fails to resume
• A boxer who fails to resume after the interval or
  fails to resume within ten seconds following a
  down situation shall lose the contest.
• Boxer down from a foul
• Count to eight and if the down boxer is unable
  to continue have the Ringside Physician attend
  immediately to the down boxer. The referee will
  then consult the judges and if the majority
  consider it a foul then the offender will be
  warned and disqualified. Where a boxer has been
  knocked down from a foul his/her opponent shall
  shall receive two (2) points or the equivalent to
  two (2) scoring blows if three of the five judges
  agree with the referee. Where the judge does
  not see the alleged foul blow the judge shall
  agree with the referee.
• Count limit when boxer down from a foul
• Where a boxer has been knocked down from a foul
  that count will not count towards the compulsory
  count limit.

29
Down cont

• Boxer possibly unconscious
• In this situation there is no need to count to
  eight or ten. After giving the order stop, the
  referee will order one-out and immediately call
  the Ringside Physician to the stricken boxer. Do
  not touch the boxer, do not remove the mouthguard
  or place boxer in coma position. Only if the
  mouthguard is partially out, then remove it
  otherwise let the Ringside Physician only attend
  to boxer. No one else is allowed into the ring.
• Bell sounds during count
• If the bell sounds during the count, continue to
  count the boxer. Remember you are still in
  control of the bout. If the boxer is fit to
  continue at the count of eight (8) instruct BOX
  and immediately STOP. This effectively means that
  the bout can be continued. If the boxer is unable
  to continue at the count of 8 call STOP and then
  inform jury either RSC or RSC(H). If Handheld
  Boxing Points Calculator Scoring or similar is in
  place inform the jury firstly and then the judges
  of your decision.
• Saved by the bellA boxer cannot be saved by the
  bell at any time.

30
Down cont

• While counting a boxer the opponent goes down
• Continue to count first boxer while observing the
  condition of the opponent who has gone down.
  However, if either boxer falls unconscious, or
  appears in an unconscious state, the bout is to
  be stopped immediately irrespective of the count,
  i.e. if at 4 the opponent goes down unconscious
  do not continue to count, stop the boxing
  immediately.
• If at eight first boxer is able to continue and
  opponent is still considered down, continue
  count nine, ten out for the opponent and give the
  appropriate decision. If first boxer is unable to
  continue at eight and opponent is still down,
  continue to count to ten for both boxers and the
  decision will be given as a double knockout and
  both boxers given probation periods.
• Boxer knocked out of the ring
• According to the rules a boxer who has fallen out
  of the ring should not be assisted. But it is the
  basic duty of the referee to preserve and protect
  the boxers health. So, when a boxer is falling
  out of the ring, the referee may hold him/her.
  The same applies to the judges, seconds or
  spectators, and this assistance is not deemed
  outside help and will not be punished. However,
  it is deemed outside help
• if seconds or friends help a boxer who has fallen
  out of the ring to stand up and get back into the
  ring, or
• if seconds or friends give a boxer in question
  any restorative or stimulating substance.
• In such a case the boxer will be disqualified .

31
Down contLow blow criteria

• Referee saw the blow
• The blow was low, referee counts to 8, the boxer
  can continue
• Call stop and direct victim boxer to the
  neutral corner. Call offending boxer to the
  centre of the ring and issue a warning. Box.
• The blow was low, referee counts to 8, the boxer
  cannot continue
• Stop. Call doctor to the victim boxer. Call
  offending boxer to the centre of the ring and
  issue a warning and then disqualify.
• The blow was legal, referee counts to 8, the
  boxer can continue
• Box.
• The blow was legal, referee counts to 8, the
  boxer cannot continue
• 9-10-out. Call doctor to down boxer. Send other
  boxer to his/her corner and advise jury RSC.

32
Down contLow blow criteria

• Referee did not see the blow
• The blow was low, referee counts to 8, the boxer
  can continue
• Stop and direct down boxer to the neutral
  corner direct other boxer to remain in neutral
  corner. Consult judges. 1st, simulate to judges
  did you see blow, if no consult other judges.
  2nd indicate body or below belt. Where even
  accept it was legal (not proven guilty). If
  majority of judges say low, call offending boxer
  to the centre of the ring and issue a warning and
  direct box.
• The blow was low, referee counts to 8, the boxer
  cannot continue
• Stop. Call doctor to the down boxer. Direct
  other boxer to remain in neutral corner. Consult
  judges. 1st, simulate to judges did you see
  blow, if no consult other judges. 2nd indicate
  body or below belt. Where even accept it was
  legal (not proven guilty). If low, call offending
  boxer to the centre of the ring, issue a warning
  and disqualify.
• The blow was legal, referee counts to 8, the
  boxer can continue
• Stop and direct down boxer to the neutral
  corner direct other boxer to remain in neutral
  corner. Consult judges. 1st, simulate to judges
  did you see blow, if no consult other judges.
  2nd indicate body or below belt. Where even
  accept it was legal (not proven guilty). If
  majority of judges say body, call box.
• The blow was legal, referee counts to 8, the
  boxer cannot continue
• Stop. Call doctor to the down boxer. Direct
  other boxer to remain in neutral corner. Consult
  judges. 1st, simulate to judges did you see
  blow, if no consult other judges. 2nd indicate
  body or below belt. Where even accept it was
  legal (not proven guilty). If majority of judges
  say body send other boxer to his/her corner and
  advise jury RSC.

33
Break

• Do not give the command "break" too quickly or
  too often. This order should be given when the
  boxers are slow in getting out of a clinch. It
  must be noted that if one of the boxers has
  his/her hands free there is no clinch. Therefore,
  the command "break" need not be given, but the
  bout may be stopped and the other boxer cautioned
  for holding. Remember that fouls should be dealt
  with by cautions and warnings and not by always
  ordering break. At the command "break insist
  on both the boxers taking one full step backward
  with both feet before resuming boxing.
• Break when one boxer is up against the ropes
• Do not give the command too quickly ensure you
  are in the correct position before doing so. Call
  stop and insert your arm between the boxers with
  the palm of your hand facing the boxer on the
  ropes. Move the boxers to the centre of the ring
  and instruct box. Never call break while the
  boxers are on the ropes without taking
  appropriate action. The boxer on the ropes cannot
  take a step back and could therefore be
  potentially at risk.
• Never push or pull the boxers apart or step
  between them when breaking the clinch. They must
  respond to your vocal command .

34
Infighting

• Distinguish between "infighting" and "clinching".
  A clinch occurs when one or both boxers lead and
  for a moment their arms become locked together.
  This is not an offence, but an offence does occur
  when a boxer does not make an attempt to
  disengage from the clinch and continues to hold
• You must be able to differentiate between
  infighting and lying on. A proper infighter
  balances steadily on his/her own feet without
  leaning on his/her opponent and can take an
  upright position anytime without falling forward
  .

35
Injury

• It is not mandatory, but it is strongly suggested
  that a referee has Hepatitis B inoculations.
• The referee, upon noticing any bleeding about the
  head, shall give the command "stop".
• The referee will have on their person a gauze pad
  to clean the injured area. Once the injured boxer
  is cleaned the gauze pad or swab is to be
  discarded in the plastic bags in the neutral
  corners. The referee is not to reuse the pad or
  swab on an opponent, or carry the pad or swab. If
  an opponent requires cleaning a new pad or swab
  is to be used.
• Nose bleeds
• Boxing is a combat sport and as such nose bleeds
  will occur, but your role is to nurse the injury
  and keep the area clean. If the area continues
  to bleed nurse the injury, however, where blood
  is entering the throat or mouth and affecting the
  breathing then the referee will consult the
  Ringside Physician. The Ringside Physician will
  inform the referee whether the bout is to
  continue or issue an RSC.
• If the area continues to bleed, the referee will
  consult the ringside physician. The physician
  will inform the referee whether the bout is to
  continue or issue an RSC.
• Always check the condition of the opponent when a
  bout is stopped due to excessive bleeding. Its
  possible that the opponent has also been injured
  and the decision could be a double injury and
  result in a points decision.

36
Injury cont
Facial lacerations Any bleeding or any cut
noticed on the face is to be checked as soon as
possible. As a guide use the image to the left
(provided by AIBA Medical Comm. Chair), which
illustrates cuts or lacerations to facial
areas Cut A Tarsal plate STOP, seek
doctor. Cut B Tear duct STOP, seek
doctor. Infra Orbital nerve STOP, seek
doctor. Cut C Supra Orbital nerve STOP, seek
doctor. Cut D BOX. Cut E BOX. Cut F Vermillion
border lip STOP, seek doctor. Cut H Bridge of
nose STOP, seek doctor.
37
Injury cont

• The referee may summon the Ringside Physician as
  often as necessary during a bout, and this may
  include between rounds if the boxer is distressed
  or in need of medical attention, in which case
  the bout shall be stopped.
• The referee has the sole right to decide whether
  the boxer is fit to continue or not, but when in
  doubt, be on the safe side. Safeguard your
  position, consult the Ringside Physician and
  thereby avoid unnecessary demonstration from the
  audience and the concerned boxer's camp. Once you
  consult the Ringside Physician, you are duty
  bound to follow his/her advice.
• Following the nursing of injuries it is important
  to ensure no blood is still on the gloves. Check
  both boxers to ensure all blood is removed,
  thereby promoting the image of a clean and
  competitive sport. Once you have wiped a boxer,
  never use the same pad or swab to wipe an
  opponent.
• Finals of championships
• In the finals of a championship the uninjured
  boxer will be determined the winner irrespective
  of the round.

38
Attendance of doctor

• Attendance
• A qualified doctor of medicine shall be in
  attendance throughout the competition and should
  not leave the place where it is held before the
  end of the last bout.
• Doctors may wear surgical gloves referees shall
  wear surgical gloves.
• Seating
• The doctor should be seated at ringside.
• Doctor intervention
• Where the doctor believes the bout should be
  stopped because of severe punches they shall
  advise the jury chair who shall press a bell,
  raise a flag, or get the attention of the referee
  to stop the bout.
• The doctor will then mount the ring and examine
  the boxer and advise the referee whether to box
  or stop. The doctor shall have one minute to
  decide.

39
Doctors role

• The doctor, or ringside physician, has arguably
  one of the most important roles before, during
  and after a boxing contest. The doctor shall
• Check the boxer before each contest and sign
  their Competition Record Book.
• Sit at ringside and be prepared to interject if
  required.
• Has the right to request suspension of up to one
  minute to examine a boxer or stop the bout.
• If called into the ring by the referee, no other
  personnel are to enter the ring.
• Inform the referee whether the bout is to
  continue (box) or stop (RSC) following a request
  from the referee to check a boxer.   Referee may
  consult the Ringside Physician and, if does so,
  must follow the Ringside Physicians advice.
• Not interfere during the one-minute interval
  unless the boxer is distressed or in need of
  medical attention, at which stage the bout should
  be terminated.
• Sign a boxers Competition Record Book next to
  the decision where a boxer has been KO-H, RSCH or
  has been concussed to verify a probation period.
• The referee may summon the Ringside Physician as
  often as necessary during a bout, and this may
  include between rounds.
• The referee has the sole right to decide whether
  the boxer is fit to continue or not, but when in
  doubt, be on the safe side. Safeguard your
  position, consult the Ringside Physician and
  thereby avoid unnecessary demonstration from the
  audience and the concerned boxer's camp. Once you
  consult the Ringside Physician, you are duty
  bound to follow his/her advice. If a boxer
  continues to bleed, the referee will consult the
  ringside physician.

40
Action at end of the round

• Action at end of round
• At the end of each round when the bell has
  sounded the referee will instruct stop and
  ensure the boxers retire to their corners.
• Do not rush, wait for the boxers to retire. Walk
  to the centre of the ring, turn, and back into
  the neutral corner always facing the jury.
• Both boxers will face the centre of the ring
  facing their opponent as respect and so you can
  observe the corners activities. What happens
  during the one-minute interval is not your
  concern unless illegal activities occur, the
  boxer is not facing the centre or the boxer is in
  distress, in which case you will take action and
  alert the doctor.
• Do not lean back on the corner pad between rounds
  and relax, keep yourself composed and alert.
• Keep a careful watch on both corners for possible
  infringements.
• Stand upright and feel confident, remember, the
  boxers will feed off your body language.
• Once you are sure that the corners and boxers are
  ok check around the ring and engage with the
  judges as they may wish to bring something to
  your attention.
• Check the jury and check the doctors if all ok
  wait for the seconds out before proceeding to
  the centre of the ring to await the commencement
  of the next round.
• Do not wait for the bell before getting to the
  centre of the ring you will be late, and the
  action could have commenced.

41
After bout roles/duties

• At the bell, command STOP. Do not turn your
  back on the boxers, but wait for the boxers to
  retire to their respective corners before
  returning to your position in the neutral corner.
  During this, do not turn your back as it shows
  disrespect to the boxers, and you lose sight of
  whats happening walk to the centre of the ring,
  turn, and then back into the neutral corner.
• Await for each boxer to remove their gloves AND
  headgear.
• Where Handheld or similar scoring is used collect
  each judges scorecard, ensuring the scorecard is
  complete, it is tallied correct, a winner is
  nominated and the scorecard is signed. Hand the
  scorecards to the jury member in charge or
  announcer.
• Where trophies are given, collect the trophies
  and move to the centre of the ring facing the
  jury or main table and call the boxers to the
  centre. Place the trophies in front of you
  awaiting the decision. If there is a sponsor(s)
  awarding prizes then hand them trophies.
• At this stage you will shake the hand of each
  boxer in recognition of their efforts, courage
  and sportsmanship. At this stage check the
  bandages.
• Take each boxers wrist and await the decision.
  At the decision raise the winners arm and award
  their trophy.
• When the boxers have left the ring you exit
  (first in, last out).

42
Decisions (and actions)

• Win on points.
• Retirement.
• RSC
• Outclassed (OC).
• Injury .
• Disqualification.
• Knockout.
• RSCH (referee stops contest head injury).
• R.S.C.H. is a term to be used only when a boxer
  is being saved from a knockout after having
  received hard head blows making him defenceless
  and incapable of continuing.
• The term RSCH is not to be used when a boxer is
  simply outclassed and is receiving too many
  scoring hits without scoring him/herself.
• Walkover.
• No contest.
• Draw.

43
Exhibitions

• Exhibitions are less intense where boxers punch
  lighter and where no result is given. Exhibitions
  are a way for boxers to demonstrate their style
  or gain useful learning experiences.
• Exhibition bouts between novices can be extremely
  frustrating and you as a referee need to take
  complete control to ensure the bout does not get
  out of hand.
• It is acceptable that the boxers wear larger
  gloves, but they must be identical, and head
  guards may be full-face or more protective.
• During exhibition bouts there will be no judging
  and the judges will not be seated at ringside.
• Whilst checking the boxers it is a great
  opportunity to explain the tempo of the bout that
  you expect. Explain to the boxers the speed of
  the bout and the weight of the punches that you
  expect.
• Boxers will not touch gloves during the contest
  other than at the start and conclusion.
• During the contest dont be afraid to talk to the
  boxers and encourage them, plus give direction
  where necessary. Dont get into the habit of
  continually stopping the contest remember it is
  an exhibition and it is best to allow the bout to
  progress without menial stops.
• If during the contest a situation presents itself
  where a boxer has been put into a down
  situation then the bout will be terminated as
  its evident that one the boxers has taken
  advantage of the other boxer. This can be relaxed
  during elite boxer competition sparring, at
  which time a count will be applied.
• During the contest it is acceptable that the
  coachs instruct the boxers, however, ensure
  their participation does not become excessive if
  it does take appropriate action.

44
Pop Quiz

• What is the CCL for Elite boxers
• 3x3 minute rounds?
• 3x2 minute rounds?
• What is the primary duty of the referee?
• What are the referees main secondary duties?
• Can coaches encourage their boxers?
• When is boxer considered down?
• A boxer goes down claiming a low blow which you
  did not see what will you do?

45
Practical demonstrations
46
Process for advancement

• Modules
• Be assessed as medical fit
• Competently complete a draw
• Competently complete required number of bouts