Official Certification Program for Judges & Referees
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
1 / 18 1 Official Certification Program for Judges & Referees Nothing in this program may be duplicated or disseminated without the express written consent of Wally Jernigan, or the President of the Association of Boxing Commissions. This program was written for the exclusive use of the Association of Boxing Commissions and member Commissions in good standing. TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgement Dedication Introduction Conduct and Ethics Professional Boxing Judges Chapter I Dress Chapter II Pre-Bout Preparation Chapter III Scoring Zone Chapter IV Prior to Bout Chapter V Scoring the Bout Chapter VI Completion of the Scorecard Chapter VII After Completion of the Bout Chapter VIII Scoring Criteria Chapter IX Point Deductions Chapter X Scoring Knockdowns Chapter XI Even Rounds Professional Boxing Referees Chapter I Dress Chapter II Pre-Fight Duties Chapter III Dressing Room Instructions Chapter IV Ringside Checklist Chapter V Duties of Referee Upon Boxers Entering the Ring 2 / 18 Chapter VI Positioning During the Bout 2 Chapter VII Shortening the Distance Chapter VIII Procedure Following A Knockdown Chapter IX Procedure Following A Cut, Head-Butt, or Low Blow Chapter X Low Blows Chapter XI Enforcement of Fouls Chapter XII Referee Action on Fouls Chapter XIII Concussive Impact Fouls Chapter XIV The Five Minute Rule Chapter XV Disqualification of Boxer(s) Chapter XVI Powers of the Referee Chapter XVII Conclusion ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Thanks are due to many people who contributed directly and indirectly to this handbook and associated certification program. Deserving special mention are Bill Clancy, Duane Ford, Frank Garza, Armando Garcia, Tom Kaczmarek, Gary Merritt, Jay Nady, Tom Sweeney and Peter Trematerra. Their unselfish contribution and continued dedication have served the boxing industry well, and they can be proud of their accomplishments. To ABC President Tim Lueckenhoff, for his guidance and trust in the charge given the Training and Education Committee to complete this task. My fellow committee members for their help and guidance; Flip Homansky (NV), Greg Sirb (PA), Jason Penley (FL), and Jim Cassidy (OR). DEDICATION This handbook and the associated certification program for our officials are dedicated to that boxer known as the “opponent”. It is important that without certainty, from the opening bell to the completion of the contest, he shall be guaranteed an equal opportunity for victory and not have any concern about a “hometown decision”. INTRODUCTION Uniformity in actions, responsibilities, duties and performance of ring officials must be attained, leading to quality control for each boxing match. This handbook and the certification of all ring officials will establish minimum standards and define the criteria to be followed during professional boxing matches throughout the boxing industry. Everyone is aware that there is an underlying disadvantage to being cut or having serious eye swelling. It is not unusual for a boxer who is cut or bruised, and his face a bloody mask to outscore his opponent and win the ensuing round, and sometimes the bout. The effectiveness of the blows causing the damage should only contribute to the boxers advantage. 3 / 18 Neither an experienced judge or referee will be swayed by blood flowing from a cut or a badly swollen eye, even 3 though it may appear to detract from the injured contestant. The integrity of the entire boxing industry starts with excellent, quality, knowledgeable and dedicated ring officials. Wally M. Jernigan Vice President Association of Boxing Commissions; Chairman ABC Training & Education Committee 4 / 18 I. Introduction 4 The entire boxing industry understands the highly sensitive and very unique responsibility that is placed on the ringside officials and the impact their actions have on the public’s perception of the sport of boxing. The continued success of the sport requires the highest standards of performance and integrity of all licensed officials. It is imperative that all officials make themselves knowledgeable of all laws, rules and regulations of the supervising commission, including the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and any subsequent amendments. The supervising Athletic Commission will make all official assignments. It is important that all assignment decisions be made based on the following criteria: experience recent performances reliability professional attitude difficulty of the assignment successful completion of the official certification program approved by the Association of Boxing Commissions. No assignments should be considered for any official who has not attended and successfully completed the ABC certification program for judges and referees. The ABC strongly recommends that referees or judges attend and successfully complete an approved certification-training seminar every twelve (12) months. The following procedures, guidelines and Uniform Championship Rules govern all world and regional championship bouts held within the United States of America, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia, including any Indian Tribe recognized under the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 which has formed a boxing commission. II. JUDGES AND REFEREES PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICS 1) It is the responsibility of all officials to report to the location of the event at least one hour prior to the scheduled start time and check in with the Athletic Commission Supervisor in charge, rested and mentally prepared to work. 2) Consumption of alcohol will not be tolerated at the location of the event, neither prior to, nor during the matches. It is recommended that any person, who accepts an official assignment, should refrain from consuming alcohol 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the event. 3) All officials must refrain from smoking at ringside. 4) At no time during, or between rounds, should an official comment or discuss his/her view of how the contest is progressing. All officials should refrain from talking to the contestants, managers or seconds. The exception to this is when the referee is issuing a verbal warning, enforcing a rule, or assessing the condition of a contestant. 5) All concerns that reflect the performance of another official should be addressed with the Athletic Commission Supervisor privately, and care should be taken not to demean anyone in a public forum. 6) At no time should an official use his position to gain favor for themselves and/or anyone from anyone associated 5 / 18 with an event. This includes events that the official is not assigned to work. 5 7) Officials should not express an opinion or predict the outcome of a bout to anyone. Opinions on fighters and fights must not be expressed. All officials must be especially careful not to exhibit any partiality, support, or favoritism at anytime, prior to, during, or after the contest, whether you are working the bouts or not. 8) When approached by members of the media regarding the outcome of a bout, regardless of whether you worked that particular bout or not, do not express any personal opinions regarding the outcome. Only after receiving clearance from the supervising Athletic Commission, you may discuss the rules, interpretation and application by you as an official. It is your duty to remain neutral. 9) All officials are to be fully versed with all commission rules and federal laws regarding conflicts and potential conflicts of interest. Officials should pay particularly close attention to the interpretation of “The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996” (amended by “The Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act” in 1998), codified as 15 U.S.C. §6301, et seq., specifically, 15 U.S.C. §6308. PROFESSIONAL BOXING JUDGES I. DRESS With the knowledge and full understanding that from time to time, judge’s row is not a good place to be seated because of bodily fluids that are being dispersed through the air. It is suggested that judges’ dress in casual business attire (sport coat and dress slacks) to assure a professional appearance. At a minimum, the recommended attire will be dress sport shirt and slacks, with females dressing accordingly, or as required by the supervising Athletic Commission. In some cases the supervising Athletic Commission may allow more casual dress for weather conditions, especially for outside events. II. PRE BOUT PREPARATION When you accept an assignment to work: If you have any conflict of interest or other concerns regarding the assignment, contact the Athletic Commission Supervisor and discuss the matter with him immediately. Do not accept an assignment if your concerns have not been addressed and resolved. Don’t leave anything to public scrutiny, report all concerns to the supervising Athletic Commission as soon as possible. You should always report to the Athletic Commission Supervisor at least one hour before the scheduled start time. You are a professional sports official and very much in the public eye, your attire and demeanor say a lot. A neat and clean appearance is required. Make sure that you are well rested and have cleared your mind of any issues that could become a distraction while working the bouts, you will want to eliminate the possibility of breaking your concentration. You should have a good meal that will sit well with you throughout the program, and watch your liquid intake. The consumption of any alcoholic beverage with-in 24 hours of the event will result in your being disqualified to work the bouts and may result in disciplinary action to include the loss of your professional license issued by the supervising Athletic Commission. 6 / 18 Smoking is not permitted at ringside. 6 If you find yourself ill on the day of the event or prior to the event advise the Athletic Commission Supervisor immediately. The most important tool that you will utilize as a judge is your eyes. A judge must have an annual eye examination and a minimum of 20/40 vision either corrected or uncorrected. Be prepared to take your seat assignment at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time for the matches.