BOXING AUSTRALIA LTDENTRY LEVEL

JUDGE SEMINAR

Version Jan 20141

Course outline• Expectations• Important resources• Objectives of Officials• Boxer’s dress• Gloves • Bandages• Judges’ duties• Positioning• Scoring system• Hints for judges• Fouls

• Cautions & Warnings• Decisions• Timekeeping• Drawing of bouts• Age divisions• Weight divisions• Round durations• Weigh-in steward duties• Gloving steward duties• Process for advancement• Becoming a Referee

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Important Resources• AIBA Competition Rules

• AIBA Technical Rules

• BAL Technical and Competition Regulations

• BAL RJ Accreditation Policy

• BAL Judge Accreditation Flowchart

• BAL Referee Accreditation Flowchart

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ExpectationsThe expectations of the spectators, competitors and coaches are that the Referees and Judges are totally impartial. Factors that affect R&Js are the four ‘Fs”; that is they are fit, fair, firm and friendly. Judging is only science; refereeing is science as well as art. The 4 ‘F’s’Fit so you may easily move around the ring with confidence and in touch with the athletes.Fair so that it is openly apparent there is no favouritism.Firm so as coaches and boxers can be confident in our action.Friendly so our sport may flourish and there is all round respect.

Firm Fair

Fit

Friendly

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Expectations cont’• When acting as an official you have certain responsibilities and should be aware that

you, the association, and your peers will be judged by your behaviour. You should always act in a way that engenders respect and shows the utmost professionalism and values expected of the role we play.

 

• No drinking on the day of or during a tournament• Arrive before the boxing starts so you have time to meet with other officials and/or be

briefed by the senior RJ• Do not discuss decisions with boxers or trainers• Do not discuss the performance of any other referees or judges with anyone• Do not congratulate coaches or boxers after the bout 

• Remember we all play a large part in how all of us and our sport is perceived and any of the above can lead to persons believing rightly or wrongly that bias exists.

• Everything you do is a reputation moment for your club, state and Australia, so be conscious of every action you do or take.

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ObjectivesThe 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.

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Boxers dress Clothing• Light boots or shoes without spikes or heels, socks, red or blue shorts matching their

corner not to exceed knee length, and a red or blue vest matching their corner covering the chest and back.

• The belt line must be clearly indicated by a different colour i.e. white.• 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 third time from correct blows the boxer shall be warned and further warned if it happens again. If the boxer spits out the gum shield an immediate warning will be given.

• Red coloured or partially 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.

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Boxers dress cont’ Head guards • In National Championships and Selection Competitions Elite Male boxers will not wear

head guards. In Member Assoc competitions male boxers19 to 40 years may wear or not wear head guards dependent on MA policy. All remaining age categories will compete with head guards. Where there is a crossover of age categories boxers must compete under the lesser age group.

• If head guards are worn they are to be 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, Top Ten, Sting, FBT & Wessing 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 is allowable to prevent injury.

Dress infractions • A referee shall exclude from competition a boxer that does not wear a head guard (if

appropriate), a cup-protector (male), and gumshield. Where a boxer’s glove or dress becomes undone during boxing the referee shall call ‘time’ and have it attended to.

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Gloves • Competitors shall wear red or blue gloves as per the respective boxer’s corner and which

are approved by AIBA, BAL or the state. At national champs only Adidas, Top Ten, Sting, FBT & Wessing are approved.

• In international competitions:– Elite male 49 – 64kg divisions are 10oz gloves.– Elite male 69 – 91+kg divisions are 12oz gloves– All other categories are 10oz gloves

• In BAL competitions ALL gloves shall weigh 12oz 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 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.

• Boxers are not allowed to wear their own gloves.

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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 or gauze material not linen or ‘gel’.• 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 (Adidas, Top Ten, Sting, FBT & Wessing ).

• Bandages shall be checked by the referee at the end of the bout.

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The judge Attire: Judges shall officiate in black pants, black flat soled shoes, white shirt and black

bow-tie.

Participation: 5 judges will officiate at BAL championship and selection events if computer

scoring is used, otherwise 3 judges must be used. In other events a minimum of 3 judges must be used. Neither the referee nor timekeeper will judge.

Duties: The Judges’ primary duty is to independently and without bias judge the bout

according to the rules. Shall use the computer scoring system for judging if available, or else manual

scoring; i.e. 10:9 scoring. May not speak to anyone during a bout or give any sign to a contestant or judge. At end of a round, may bring to the referee’s attention anything the referee may

not have noticed (e.g. loose ropes, noisy cornermen). May not leave seat until the decision is announced.

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Quick Quiz 1• What is the main duty of the judge?

• What size boxing gloves are used in BAL competitions?

• How many times is the mouthguard allowed to come out from correct blows before a ‘warning’ is given?

• What happens to a boxer who spits out their mouthguard?

• What is required if a boxer’s singlet and shorts are the same colour?

• May a judge speak to the referee, if so when?

• What colour, or colours of mouth pieces are not allowed?

• Do elite male boxer where head guards in local competitions?

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Features of New Scoring System

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Judges’ Positioning – 5 Judges

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Ref

Supervisor DoctorT

’kee

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Judges’ Positioning – 3 Judges

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Ref

Supervisor

Definition:•Discuss the selection and positioning of judges

Scoring criteria (no weighting):The following five criteria shall be taken into consideration when making your judgement for each round:

Scoring System

Number of quality blows on target area

Domination of the bout

Competitiveness Technique and

tactics superiority

Infringement of rules

Scoring CriteriaQuality Blow: A quality blow must, without being blocked or guarded (NO reference to deflection), land with the knuckle part of the closed glove of either hand on any part of the front or sides of the head or body on or above the belt; blows on the arms are not scoring blows. Swings landing as above are scoring blows.

Domination:

Strength, stronger, coming forward, aggressive, powerful

Competitiveness:

Shows heart, keeps coming back, resilient, wants to win, spirited

Techniques and tactics:

Strategies, movement, positioning, counter-punching

Infringement of fouls:

A clean boxer, scores without infringing, honest competitor

•Each criteria equals 20% of the round score

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Hints for judges• Direct your gaze on a point midway between the two boxers; this will enable you to see and

note the actions of each boxer. Avoid any inclination to watch a particular boxer, who by reason of their style or personality may attract more attention than their opponent.

• Do remember to ONLY use the five scoring criteria when determining the winner of each round.

• Do prepare yourself for the unknowns (i.e. referee is unsighted and asks your opinion).• Do award the winner where the bout ends in a tie by selecting the boxer who wins the last

round.• Don’t rely on past performance, reputations or titles earned by a particular athlete. • Don’t be influenced by the aggressive or dominant boxer without giving due credit to the

boxer who may be a counter-puncher and therefore tactically as strong. • Don’t be influenced by a boxer’s work-rate at the end of a round. Remember to watch the

round from the first second to the last second.• Don’t award extra points for a knockdown.• Don’t award extra points for a warning (Supervisor’s role).• Don’t wait until the end of the bout to complete your scorecard when using manual scoring;

score each round immediately following that round.• Don’t be influenced by the reputation of the boxer; the best champion is liable to be beaten.

Award your points for the boxing you see, within the criteria, not for what a boxer can do, or has done on other occasions.

• Don’t be influenced by the crowd or by the corners.• Don’t engage in conversation or other distractions during the contest, but give your undivided

attention to the competing boxers, however, be prepared to advise the referee if she/he seeks your advice.

• Don’t factor in a warning where the bout ends in a tie and you are asked to decide the winner.18

TARGET AREA

Scoring System

Scoring SystemComputer

• In national and international competitions computer scoring is to be used.

• At the end of each round you have 15 seconds to enter your score.

• Press the red button up or down to register your score; replicate using the blue button, noting always 10 points for the round winner.

• Score the round in accordance with the scoring criteria.

• If the bout is stopped you do not need to score the round unless the stoppage is thru an unintentional injury (head clash), double injury, or act of God.

• If your recalculated score (from a warning) ends in a tied score and it needs to be broken, the pad will flash and you need to select red or blue.

Ver Jan 2012

Scoring SystemManual – National/AIBA

• In national and international competitions an AIBA Scorecard is to be used (if computer breaks).

• At the start of each round complete the scorecard and sign the scorecard.

• NOC is National Olympic Code.

• At the end of each round enter your score, in accordance with the scoring criteria.

• Enter the round number.

• DO NOT select a winner, unless it is the end of the bout.

• If the bout is stopped you do not need to score the round unless the stoppage is thru an unintentional injury (head clash), double injury, or act of God.

• Hand your scorecard to the referee.

Ver Jan 2012

Scoring SystemManual – MA’s

• In Member Association competitions a BAL Scorecard is to be used.

• 3 judges on different sides of ring.• At the start of the bout complete the scorecard and

sign the scorecard.• At the end of each round enter your score, in

accordance with the scoring criteria.• DO NOT select a winner, unless it is the end of

the bout.• At the end of the bout total your score, select a

winner and tick the decision.• If the bout is stopped you do not need to score the

round unless the stoppage is thru an unintentional injury (head clash), double injury, or act of God.

• Hand your scorecard to the referee.• Do not enter anything into the ‘Supervisor’ area;

this is used where a recalculation of the score occurs where a warning has been given.

Possible scores at round end:• Even rounds do not exist, judges must select a winner for each round and the winner must

be given 10 points

• 10-9 – close round• 10-8 – clear winner with dominance• 10-7 – total dominance• 10-6 – overmatched, bout should be stopped

• Knockdowns do not count for extra points, nor loss of round

Scoring System cont’

Decisions:• Unanimous• Split

• 2 judges appoint 1 boxer and the other judge appoints the other boxer• 2 judges appoint 1 boxer and the other judge’s result is a draw

Draw at bouts end following a recalculation:• At the end of the contest if the bout score is equal following a recalculation by

the Supervisor a judge must select a winner. This will only be requested if:

• 1 of the 2 other judges also awarded an equal score• The 2 other judges awarded different winners• The 2 other judges awarded equal scores

Scoring System cont’

• Example of 10-9 score (First round):

• Example of 10-8 score (Aggressive)

• Example of 10-8 score (Tactical):

Scoring System

Quick Quiz 2• Where is the Red corner placed in relation to the Supervisor/Official table?

• State the 5 scoring criteria?

• What round score is given where a boxer clearly wins the round with dominance?

• If at bout conclusion your score is tied how will you determine the winner?

• The blue boxer is winning the round but suffers a KD; who wins the round?

• What is a ‘quality blow’?

• Where 5 judges are used what judge position is opposite the Supervisor?

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Foulso Hitting below the belt, holding, tripping, kicking, and butting with foot or knee.o Hits or blows with head, shoulder, forearm, elbow, throttling of the opponent, pressing with arm or

elbow in opponent’s face, pressing the head of the opponent back over the ropes.o Hitting with open glove, the inside of the glove, wrist or side of the hand.o Hits landing on the back of the opponent, and especially any blow on the back of the neck or head and

kidney punch.o Pivot blows.o Attack whilst holding the ropes or making any unfair use of the ropes.o Lying on, wrestling and throwing in the clinch.o An attack on an opponent who is down or who is in the act of rising.o Holding.o Holding and hitting or pulling and hitting.o Holding, or locking of the opponent’s arm or head, or pushing an arm underneath the arm of an

opponent.o Ducking below the belt of the opponent in a manner dangerous to an opponent.o Completely passive defence by double cover and intentionally falling, running or turning the back to

avoid a blow or to engage in combat.o Biting.o Not stepping back when ordered to break.o Attempting to strike an opponent immediately after the referee has ordered “break” and before stepping

back.o Assaulting or behaving in an aggressive manner towards a referee at any time.o Spitting out the gumshield.o Keeping the advanced hand straight in order to obstruct the opponent’s vision.

If a referee has any reason to believe a foul has been committed which is unseen, the ref may consult the judges. 27

Fouls-New• Speaking• Spitting out the gumshield (teeth protector) intentionally without receiving a

correct punch will cause the boxer to receive a mandatory warning• If the gumshield falls out after the boxer has received a correct punch, and if this

happens for the third time, the boxer will receive a mandatory warning• Faking / simulating

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Cautions and warnings• A caution is advice or admonishment for less serious infringements. A minor

infringement that is not advantageous to the offender does not merit a warning. A caution therefore should be sufficient.

• A warning is given where a boxer breaks the rules but does not warrant disqualification. Warnings are for dangerous infringements, harm fouls or persistent offences.

So, how do I recognise a warning?• 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 the Supervisor 1st 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.

• The whole process should take no more than 10 seconds.

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Cautions and warnings cont’• At the "third" warning, the referee must disqualify the offender.

• Judges’ responsibility Where a caution or warning occurs the judge will do nothing. You will not adjust your

score if a warning occurs, whether you agree or disagree.

Where a warning occurs the supervisor will adjust the boxer’s score at the conclusion of the contest by deducting one point for each warning from the offending boxer.

If a foul occurs and the referee is unsighted the judge may be called upon to determine the situation. Be certain of your decision as it could affect the decision of the bout. If you are unsighted then indicate this to the referee, but be honest in your judgement.

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Win on points:• Unintentional foul in any round• Goes distance• Double injury• Unforseen circumstances (old NC)• Double KO in semi-final and final of championships

Technical Draw:• No

TKO:• Retirement• Outclassed• Low blow – can’t continue after 90 secs• Knocked out of ring by correct blows – 30 secs to return• Advice from doctor to stop• Compulsory count limit• Ref stops bout after 8-secs

TKO-Injury:• Injury from correct blows or injury not caused by any blow

Decisions

Disqualification:• 3rd warning• Injury caused by intentional foul

Knockout:• Referee reaches 10 secs• Summons doctor before 10 secs• Double knockout (except semi-final/final of championships)• Boxer falls after 8 count without another blow

Walkover:• Opponent fails to enter ring after 1 minute• Known walkover – process is cancelled

No contest:• No – refer win on points

Decisions cont’

• Timekeepers Role– The primary duty of the timekeeper is to regulate the number, duration and intervals

between the rounds. – Controls the time of each Round– Sounds the bell starting and ending the round– Advises start of round (10 Seconds)– Signals approaching end of the round (10 Seconds)– Provides ‘sound’ for ‘down’ count– Only stops clock on the command ‘Time’– Regulates time for:

• Loss of Consciousness• Low blow (90 Seconds)• Boxer Knocked out of the Ring (30 Seconds)• Doctor

– If, at the end of the round, a boxer is ‘down’ and the referee is in the course of counting, the gong or bell will not be sounded until the referee has given the command ‘box’ indicating the continuation of the round.

Timekeeper

Drawing of bouts Purpose• The draw will take place following the weigh-in and 3 hrs before the first bout of the first session.

To reduce the number of boxers in the first series down to 2, 4, 8, etc boxers in the second series.• To determine the order of competition.

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Where there is 5 boxers there will be 1 bout, 3 byes as such:

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Where there is 8 boxers there will be 4 bouts, 0 byes as such:

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Bout 5

Bout 6

Bout 1

Bout 2

Bout 3

Bout 4

Bout 7

Bout 1

Bout 2

Bout 3

Bout 4

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Age limits The boxer’s age in championships is determined by using their year of birth. At non-championship bouts boxers under 19 years are not permitted to compete against a boxer

who is 2 calendar years or more older, unless an exemption is approved. Where a boxer under 19 years competes against a boxer aged over 19 years the under 19 rules

apply. Accordingly, where boundaries are crossed the lower age group always applies. Australian states vary in their age restrictions for boxers to compete. Currently, many states

within Australia allow boxers to compete from age 10 years. Due to Government restrictions, boxers in some states can only start competition from age 12 or 14 years.

Divisions within Australia U11 – 10 years U13 – 11 or 12 years. U15 – 13 or 14 years Junior – 15 or 16 years. Youth – 17 or 18 years. Elite – 19 years and 40 years. Masters – 41 years and over (unlimited)

Australian championship ages at the first weigh-in Schoolboy/girl – 13 years and 14 years. Junior male and female – 15 years and 16 years. Youth male and female – 17 years and 18 years. Elite Male and Female – 19 years and 40 years. 35

Weights Males 17 years and over will compete as per international rules: 46Kg-49Kg, 52Kg, 56Kg,

60Kg, 64Kg, 69Kg, 75Kg, 81Kg, 91Kg, & 91+ Kg.

Females 17 years and over will compete in: 45Kg-48 Kg, 51Kg, 54Kg, 57Kg, 60Kg, 64Kg, 69Kg, 75Kg, 81Kg, 81+Kg.

Male and female boxers aged 15 and 16 years of age will compete in: 46Kg, 48Kg, 50Kg, 52Kg, 54Kg, 57Kg, 60Kg, 63Kg, 66Kg, 70Kg, 75Kg, 80Kg, & 80+Kg.

Male and Female boxers aged 10 to 16 years of age inclusive are permitted to compete in BAL competitions, subject to any legislative or government policy restrictions, and their weight divisions will include 22Kg, 24Kg, 26Kg, 28Kg, 30Kg, 32Kg, 34Kg, 36Kg, 38Kg, 40Kg, 42Kg, and 44 Kg, in addition to those listed above.

In bouts that are not selections or championships, boxers in differing weight divisions may only be matched according to the restrictions as follows or where an exemption is approved:

Boxers aged under 17 years will have no more than 2Kg difference in weight up to and including 54 Kg, then no more than the equivalent weight division difference up to and including 80+ Kg.

Boxers aged 17 years or more will have no more than 3Kg difference in weight up to and including 60Kg, then no more than the equivalent weight division difference up to and including 91+ Kg.

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Rounds Under 13 yrs:

Boys and girls – 3 x 1 ½ min rounds. Novice championships – 3 x 1 to 3 x 1 ½ min rounds.

Schoolboy/girl: Boys and girls – 3 x 1 ½ min rounds. Novice championships – 3 x 1 to 3 x 1 ½ min rounds.

Junior: Boys and girls – 3 x 2 min rounds. Novice championships – 3 x 1 ½ min rounds.

Youth: Male – 3 x 3 min rounds. Female – 4 x 2 min rounds. Novice championships – 3 x 2 min rounds.

Elite: Male – 3 x 3 min rounds. Female – 4 x 2 min rounds. Novice championships – 3 x 2 min rounds.

Masters: Male and female – 3 x 2 min rounds.

Stopping the bout for ‘TIME’ is not included in the duration of the round. A full one-minute rest period shall be given between rounds.

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Weigh-in steward duties • At all tournaments each boxer is to be weighed and have a medical examination prior to competing and

each boxer is to be in the procession of a BAI issued Competition Book.• At national championship tournaments the weigh-in and medical examination will commence at 8am

daily; however, at local tournaments the weigh-in and medical must be concluded at least one-hour before a boxer is to compete.

• BAI Competition Rules mandate that an RJ is to conduct the weigh-in of boxers and the weigh-in steward duties are as follows:

• Check the boxers Competition Book for the following:– That it is current.– That the boxer is registered.– That the book has a recent photo of the boxer.– That the boxer has provided a signature at the front of the book and on the page prior to the record

of bouts.– That the boxer has had a full medical examination within the last 12 months.– That the boxer has not been the subject of a KOH within the previous 30 days or TKO.

• If the boxer is returning from a medical probation period, the boxer is to present a medical clearance from a Doctor of medicine.

• Where the boxer is female the weigh-in will be conducted by a female weigh steward.• The boxer is to present themselves on the weigh scale in bathers or similar, not clothed or fully dressed.• Once the boxer has weighed, enter their exact weight in the appropriate area of the record book and sign

as the ‘OIC’; at championships the division weight is to be entered and the entry sheet annotated with the exact weight.

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• Equipment Manager’s Role– The primary duty of the Equipment Manager is to check and approve the dress of the boxer

and coaches prior to proceeding to the ring. – Checks the boxers dress:

• Correct colour for corner (all red or all blue). At Aust Champs, no representative clothing.• Has a waistband of different colour to break up the colour between shorts and singlet.• Has an approved gumshield (not red or partially red).• Has an approved head guard.• Has a cup protector fitted (males only).• Has approved bandages and sign on the back of the hand.• Boxers with long hair have it enclosed in a hairnet, cap or similar.

– Checks the coaches dress:• Is accredited.• No hats.• Enclosed sports shoes.• No singlets or offensive clothing.• No mobile phones or similar.• Has only plain drinking water for boxers use; no sports drinks.

– Distributes, collects and cleans the competition gloves.– Distributes, collects and cleans head guards (where appropriate).– Distributes surgical gloves for coaches use (if not available at ringside).

Equipment Manager

Quick Quiz 3• Can judges talk to or signal anyone during a bout? Explain your answer.

• Can boxers compete outside their weight/age division at championships?

• Under what conditions can boxers compete outside their weight/age division at a local tournament?

• How long is the rest break between rounds?

• What does the timekeeper do when the referee calls “Time”?

• If the referee is counting, does the clock continue running?

• What constitutes a win on points?

• When acting as a weigh steward what does a boxer have to produce at the weigh-in following a medical enforced probation period?

• A warning has been given by the referee, how will this adjust your score?

Process for advancement• Stages for advancement and further qualification:

– Undertake a practical assessment using video bouts (as part of this seminar).

– Apply for an RJ Record Book to record all your activities and modules.

– Successfully perform as a gloving steward.

– Successfully perform as a weigh steward.

– Successfully perform as a timekeeper.

– Successfully perform as the computer set-up and operator (if applicable).

– Score a minimum of 30 bouts under the supervision of your mentor.

– Undertake a practical and oral and written exam by an appointed person other than your mentor.

– If successful you will be qualified to 1-Star – state/territory championship level.

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Becoming a Referee• Following the judges’ induction seminar you may wish to train as a referee. This

requires a separate training class, and some sessions of guided work in a training ring with some sparring boxers.

• When you are ready, you will then have the opportunity to referee one or more bouts at a tournament.

• You will receive positive feedback and support from experienced colleagues to help develop your skill and confidence.

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