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USA BOXING Technical Rules Oct 28
USA BOXING Technical Rules Oct 28
OFFICIAL
RULE BOOK
TECHNICAL RULES
DEFINITIONS
“Advancing Competition” means a competition where winners advance to another level, i.e. state, regional and
national tournaments.
“Affiliated Organizations” shall be those not-for-profit sports organizations which meet the requirements of
applicable federal law, that register as affiliated organizations and that conduct, on a level of proficiency appropriate
for the selection of athletes to represent the United States in international athletic competition in the sport of AOB, a
national program or regular national athletic competition in the sport of AOB.
“APB” means the professional boxing competition named AIBA Pro Boxing;
“Bout” means a boxing contest between two Boxers taking place as part of a competition;
“Boxer” means any Boxer who participates in a competition and who is registered by USA Boxing; the term Boxer
refers to Boxers of both genders;
“Coach Certification” means the permission to act as a Coach in USA Boxing Competitions, after the person passes
examinations and obtains a certificate granted by USA Boxing;
“Confederation” means a group of National Federations, recognized by AIBA and belonging to the same continent;
“Disciplinary and Complaint Rules” means the rules published by USA Boxing in relation to the general standards
of conduct required of a Boxer and/or of any person involved in a USA Boxing Competition, and the sanctions which
may be imposed in relation to any breach of such standards of conduct;
“Field of Play (FOP)” means the competition area which extends for approximately 20 feet outside the platform of the
ring for AOB;
“Gloves” means equipment that is worn on the hands in order to protect them during the competition;
“Individual Physical Contact Sport” means any of the following sports in any of their forms: Aikido, Boxing (except
AOB, APB and WSB), Cage Fighting, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Karate, Kendo, Kickboxing, K-1, Muaythai, MMA, Sambo,
Savate, Sumo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Wushu and such other sports as may be deemed by AIBA to be an individual
physical contact sport;
“Judge” means the person who allocates points during a Bout based on each Boxer’s performance in the ring in
respect of the USA Boxing Technical Rules and of the AOB/USA Boxing Competitions Rules;
“Local Boxing Committee (LBC)” means member organizations of USA Boxing that promote and administer AOB
and Olympic-style boxing at the local level under the jurisdiction of USA Boxing;
“Medical Rules” means the rules published by USA Boxing in relation to the medical standards required to be
observed by all registered members of USA Boxing prior to, during and after any competition, as stated in the USA
Boxing Medical Handbook;
“National Governing Body (NGB)” means the national governing body designated as such by the U.S. Olympic
Committee;
“National Level Competitions” means boxing competitions organized and/or sanctioned by a particular National
Federation and to which only Boxers that are citizens from that National Federation participate;
“Non-advancing competitions” means any competition where the winners do not advance to another competition,
tournament or international competition;
“Referee” means the person who ensures that the USA Boxing Technical Rules and the AOB/USA Boxing
Competitions Rules are followed by the Boxers during their Bouts in the ring;
“Rules” means the Anti-Corruption Rules, Anti-Doping Rules, Disciplinary Rules, Competition Rules, Medical Rules
Procedural Rules and Technical Rules;
“Sanction” means a certificate of approval issued by USA Boxing for all competitions;
“Seconds” means Coaches or Trainers who are certified by AOB/USA Boxing and who are allowed to act in the
corner of the ring;
“Supervisor” means the person who is approved by USA Boxing to be responsible for all technical related issues in
any sanctioned USA Boxing Competition.
“Team Officials” means the Team Managers, Coaches and Doctors of a team entered by USA Boxing in any
competition but does not include the Boxers;
“USA Boxing” means the organization recognized as the National Governing Body of the USOC and National
Federation of AIBA which governs all Olympic boxing in the United States of America;
“USA Boxing Competitions” means competitions sanctioned by USA Boxing to include club, LBC, state, regional,
national and international events occurring in the United States of America;
“World Series of Boxing (WSB)” means the international boxing league competition known as the World Series of
Boxing (or such other name as may replace said name from time to time) comprising multiple Franchisees and taking
place once during each competition year.
2.1. All participants, not limited to athletes, officials, referees, judges, physicians, coaches, team officials, must
be currently registered and properly certified and not under any suspension from AIBA and/or USA Boxing
to work or compete at any and all competitions.
3.1. Accident insurance. Any boxer entering any sanctioned boxing competition must carry a twenty-five
thousand dollar ($25,000) accident insurance policy. USA Boxing provides this insurance coverage as a
condition for participation and is automatically provided for upon registration. The insurance premium is
included as part of the USA Boxing registration fee.
3.2. For sanctioned events and supervised practices for local, club, LBC, regional, national and international
boxing competitions, insurance coverage for medical, surgical, hospital, and dental care up to a total of
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), with a $1,000 deductible with primary coverage, $2,500 without, is
provided by USA Boxing. Claims will be paid to the proper institutions only after all other insurance
programs have been exhausted. In the event of accidental death, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) will be
paid to the estate of said deceased.
3.2.1. All medical, surgical, hospital, and dental claims for injuries occurring during LBC, regional, national or
international competitions shall be submitted directly to the USA Boxing National Office.
3. Organized Group Travel policy. USA Boxing provides insurance coverage for accidental death/injury up to
a limit of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per person for all travel to and from all USA Boxing-sanctioned
competitions.
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RULE 4. SANCTION REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Local Boxing Committees (LBCs) approve sanctions for all local, state/LBC and regional events
within their geographic boundaries. USA Boxing will approve sanctions for all National, International
and Affiliate Member events. Local Boxing Committees will be notified of these sanctioned events
to foster cooperation and volunteer participation.
4.2 Requirements
4.2.1 Sanctions may be issued to Clubs and Organizations that are current members of USA
Boxing
4.2.2 Submission of a sanction application form and payment (online or through the LBC)
4.2.3 Approval of sanction application by LBC
4.2.3.1 Sanctions may not be transferred to any other entity
4.2.4 Use of the word “Olympic” or any derivative, prohibited in name of event, marketing and
promotion of the sanctioned event
4.2.5 Sanctions and payment must be received by the National Office at least ten (10) days before
the start date of the event
4.2.6 Written notification of cancelled event must be received within more than seven (7) days of
the original sanction date to receive an 80% refund of the sanction fee. If notification of
cancelled sanction is received after the seven (7) day notice period the sanction fee will be
retained by USA Boxing
4.2.7 One Certificate of Liability request per sanction may be requested in writing at least seven
(7) days prior to event start date, additional certificate requests will incur a $10 administrative
charge by USA Boxing. Certificate of Liability requests with less than seven (7) days to the
competition, the sanction holder will be charged a $50 administrative fee.
4.3 Conditions
4.3.1 The club is currently registered with USA Boxing
4.3.2 All associated announcements, advertising and entry forms must state that no entries will be
accepted unless boxer is registered with USA Boxing
4.3.3 All associated announcements, advertising and entry forms must bear the statement, “Held
under the sanction of USA Boxing, Inc.” and include the address of the Local Boxing
Committee
4.3.4 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Alcoholic beverages may be served or sold at USA Boxing
sanctioned events ONLY IF provided by a licensed vendor or caterer. NO GLASS
containers shall be allowed at USA Boxing sanctioned events.
5.1.1. As of January 1, 2014 all boxers registered in USA Boxing must have an initial medical
examination, to be repeated annually, and recorded in a valid up-to-date Boxer’s USA Boxing
5.1.1.1. A qualified Medical Doctor is a licensed Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy
(D.O.). The valid up-to-date Boxer’s USA Boxing approved Competition Record Book must be
signed by the doctor performing the examination.
5.1.2. The Boxer must be considered as fit to compete upon examination by a Ringside Doctor before
being weighed-in. In order to ensure smooth running of the Weigh-In, the Supervisor may
decide to begin the Medical Examination earlier. The Supervisor will inform all Boxer’s
representatives of this change.
5.1.3. At the Medical Examination, the Boxer or representative must provide the Supervisor all
required documents in accordance with these rules.
5.1.3.1. Boxers who wish to compete with braces are required to have attached to their passbooks a
completed Release To Compete With Braces form (Appendix A). This form requires the written
approval of their dentist, parents and/or guardian (if under 18 years of age) and a dentist-molded
mouthpiece. This includes upper and/or lower braces. Boxers competing with braces waive the
right to dental coverage under the USA Boxing insurance program.
5.1.5.1. AOB – Once (1) per calendar day with a minimum of twelve (12) hours between two (2) Bouts;
5.2.1. Refer to current USA Boxing Medical Handbook for allowed handicaps.
Boxers with the following prohibited conditions will not be allowed to enter any USA Boxing
Competition:
5.3.1. Wearing any dressing on abrasion, wound or cut other than a steri-strip. Soft wrap or braces on
lower extremities are allowed, but must not have any hard plastic or metal components. No soft
wraps, other than hand wraps, are allowed on the upper extremities. The decision will be made
by the Ringside Doctor examining the Boxer on the day the Boxer is competing.
5.3.2. Boxers must be clean-shaved before all Medical Examinations. Beards and moustaches will not
be allowed. No type of body piercing and no body accessories will be permitted to be worn
during a Bout.
5.3.3. Any implantable device which can alter a physiological process or enhance performance.
5.3.4. Refer to current USA Boxing Medical Handbook for other prohibited conditions.
5.3.5. Medical Certification following Probation Periods - Before resuming boxing after any period of
rest prescribed in Rule 5.5 below, a Boxer must be certified as fit to box by a Doctor to be able
to take part in competitive boxing.
5.3.6. Boxer is only allowed to wear soft contact lenses. All other contact lenses will be prohibited.
5.3.6.1.2. The Boxer does not accept to continue to box without the contact lenses, the
Referee must terminate the Bout and the opponent will be declared the winner by
TKO.
When the result of the Bout is Knockout or Technical Knockout, the Ringside Doctor must fill out and
sign a Restriction Affidavit which data will be updated in the USA Boxing Database and sent
automatically to the USA Boxing national office and Local Boxing Committee concerned. The
Restriction Affidavit must recommend how many rest days should be prescribed or the protective
restrictive measures and be delivered to the Supervisor by the Ringside Doctor.
5.5.1. One Knockout - A Boxer who has been knocked out as a result of head blows during a contest
or wherein the Referee has stopped the contest due to the Boxer having received hard blows to
the head, making this Boxer defenseless or incapable of continuing, will not be permitted to
take part in competitive boxing or sparring for a period of at least 30 days after the Boxer has
been knocked out.
5.5.2. Two Knockouts - A Boxer who has been knocked out as a result of head blows during a contest
or wherein the Referee has stopped the contest due to a Boxer having received hard blows to
the head, making this Boxer defenseless or incapable of continuing twice in a period of 90 days,
will not be permitted to take part in competitive boxing or sparring during a period of 90 days
from the second Knockout.
5.5.3. Three Knockouts - A Boxer who has been knocked out as a result of head blows during a
contest or wherein the Referee has stopped the contest due to the Boxer having received hard
blows to the head, making this Boxer defenseless or incapable of continuing three times in a
period of 12 months, will not be permitted to take part in competitive boxing or sparring for one
(1) year from the third Knockout.
5.5.4. If a Boxer has been knocked out or received a severe head blow which results in a Bout being
terminated, the Ringside Doctor will classify the seriousness of the concussion and prescribe
the medical restriction period as follows:
5.5.4.2. In the event of LOC for less than one (1) minute, a minimum restriction of 90 days;
5.5.4.3. In the event of LOC more than one (1) minute, a minimum restriction of 180 days;
5.5.4.4. Any Boxer who suffers a second LOC within three (3) months of resuming boxing
after a first LOC will have the highest applicable medical restriction period doubled;
5.5.4.5. Any Boxer who suffers three (3) LOCs within 12 months will be suspended for a
minimum of eighteen (18) months from the date of the third LOC;
5.5.4.6. Any Boxer who has a medical restriction must not train or spar during the restricted
period.
5.5.5. All protective measures must also apply if a Knockout and/or concussion occur during training
or anywhere else. The Coach will be responsible to report all incidents to USA Boxing.
5.5.7. Boxers returning from protective restrictive measures must receive written clearance from a
qualified Medical Doctor and inform their Local Boxing Committee before returning to box.
5.5.8. In case of body blows, the rest period or the protective restrictive measures will be at the
discretion of the Ringside Doctor, following the post Bout Medical Examination.
6.1.2. Following the selection of the 5 Judges, when they arrived in the FOP, the RJ Coordinator will
randomly select a position around the ring.
6.1.3. Just before starting each Bout, the Scoring System will randomly select three (3) Judges out of the five
(5) Judges, and only the scores of these three (3) Judges will be counted.
6.1.4. At the end of each round, each Judge must determine the winning Boxer of that round by awarding a
score of ten (10) points and by awarding nine (9) or less points - down to 6 - to the losing Boxer,
depending on the judgment as to the degree to which the opponent lost the round. Every round must
have a declared winner.
6.1.5. The Judges will have to push the scoring pad within fifteen (15) seconds. These scores will be
transmitted directly to a computer system managed by the Supervisor, and no alterations or additions
will be made to these scores after the initial transmission.
6.1.5.1. In the event of a Live TV Broadcast: The announcement of the scores on the live TV broadcast
will be made immediately prior to the start of the next round (excluding the announcement of the
scores awarded for the final round, in which case the Official Announcer’s rule will apply to the
display and announcement of the scores). This announcement must be approved by the
Supervisor who will then submit the scores to the broadcaster for transmission on the live TV
broadcast. At the end of the Bout, the precise scores awarded and the Judge who awarded each
score will be identified on a public display. This public display will also indicate the total score by
each selected Judge for each Boxer for the entire Bout (including any deduction due to warnings).
6.1.6. In the event the total scores awarded by each Judge, including any deduction, are equal at the end of
the Bout, Judges must record in the Scoring System who in their opinion is the winner of the Bout.
They will only be requested to do so if:
6.1.6.1. One (1) of the 2 (two) other Judges also awarded equal scores
6.1.7. The scores of the final round must not be disclosed or displayed until the winner of the Bout has been
announced. The Supervisor will then inform the Official Announcer of the official results.
6.1.8. All results recorded in the Scoring System must be printed at the conclusion of the Bout and must be
included in the official report forwarded to the USA Boxing Office by the Supervisor.
6.1.10. In case of unavailability of a Judge due to unexpected circumstances, the Scoring System will
randomly select a third Judge out of the two (2) Judges who have not been selected initially.
6.1.11. The concerned Judge will be asked to move position to the unavailable Judge’s position.
6.6.2.1. Two (2) Judges appoint one (1) Boxer as the winner and the other Judge appoint the other
Boxer as the winner;
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6.6.2.2. Two (2) Judges appoint one (1) Boxer as the winner and the result of the other Judge is a
draw.
6.7. Each Judge will independently judge the merits of the two (2) Boxers using the Scoring System based on
following criteria which are weighted equally:
6.8. The Judges must apply the following criteria to score round:
RULE 7. DECISIONS
7.1.1. At the end of a Bout, the winner will be determined on the basis of the total score of the Judges
and will be declared the winner of the Bout on points in accordance with the Scoring System by
either unanimous or split decision.
7.1.2. The Judges will score the round for each Boxer up to the time of the termination of the Bout and
the Boxer who is ahead on points will be declared the winner of the Bout on points in
accordance to the Scoring System. The round in which the Bout is stopped will be scored, even
if it is a partial round.
7.1.2.1. Rule 5.1.2. applies if an injury caused by an unintentional foul occurs and as a result the contest
is stopped by the Referee;
7.1.3. The Judges will score the round for each Boxer up to the time of the termination of the Bout and
the Boxer who is ahead on points will be declared the winner of the Bout on points in
accordance with the Scoring System. The round in which the Bout is stopped will be scored,
even if it is a partial round.
7.1.3.1. Rule 5.1.3. applies in the case both Boxers are injured at the same time and as a result the
contest is stopped by the Referee;
7.1.4. The Bout may be terminated by the Referee due to an event that is out of the Boxer’s or
Referee’s control, such as the destruction of the ring, failure of the lighting supply, forces of
nature and other similar unforeseen conditions. In such circumstances, the Judges will score
the round for each Boxer up to the time of the termination of the Bout and the Boxer who is
ahead on points will be declared the winner of the Bout on points in accordance to the Scoring
System. The round in which the Bout is stopped will be scored, even if it is a partial round.
7.1.5. AIDS Stoppage Rule: If both boxers are bleeding or where one boxer is bleeding and the
opponent has an open cut or abrasion, the referee may stop the bout and take the boxers to the
doctor to be examined. If the bout is stopped the decision will be determined by the score
cards.
7.2.1. If a Boxer retires voluntarily due to injury or if the Coach throws the towel into the ring or
appears on the apron, however not while the Referee is counting, the opponent will be declared
the winner of the Bout by TKO.
7.2.2. If a Boxer fails to resume boxing immediately after the rest period between rounds, the
opponent will be declared the winner of the Bout by TKO.
7.2.3. If a Boxer, in the Referee’s opinion, is being outclassed or is receiving excessive punishment or
hard blows, the Bout will be stopped and the opponent declared the winner of the Bout by TKO.
7.2.4. If a Boxer is unfit to continue and fails to resume boxing after a Knockdown, the opponent will
be declared the winner of the Bout by TKO.
7.2.5. If a Boxer does not recover after ninety (90) seconds, in accordance with Rule 10 concerning
the low blow, the opponent will be declared the winner of the Bout by TKO.
7.2.6. If a Boxer is knocked out of the ring and he is unable to return into the ring within thirty (30)
seconds without any help, the opponent will be declared the winner of the Bout by TKO.
7.2.7. When the Bout is stopped by the Referee at the discretion of the Supervisor following the
advice of a Ringside Doctor, the opponent will be declared the winner of the Bout by TKO.
7.3.1. If a Boxer, in the opinion of the Referee, is unfit to continue because of a sustained or increased
injury from correct punches, the Bout will be stopped and the opponent will be declared the
winner of the Bout by TKO-I.
7.3.2. If a Boxer, in the opinion of the Referee, becomes incapable of continuing to compete because
of an injury sustained not from punches, the Bout will be stopped and the opponent will be
declared the winner of the Bout by TKO-I.
7.4.1. If a Boxer is disqualified for a foul or for any other reason, the opponent will be declared the
winner of the Bout by DQ.
7.4.2. If the Referee, at his/her discretion, determines that an intentional foul caused an injury to a
Boxer and that the fouled and injured Boxer cannot continue because of the injury sustained
from this intentional foul, the offending Boxer will be disqualified and the injured Boxer will be
declared the winner of the Bout by DQ.
7.4.3. The third warning in the whole Bout will automatically disqualify the Boxer and the opponent will
be declared the winner of the Bout by DQ.
7.4.4. If the Boxer has been disqualified due to blatant misconduct or unsportsmanlike behavior, it has
to be brought to the attention of the USA Boxing Judicial Committee by the Supervisor within
twenty-four (24) hours of the end of the respective Bout, a disqualified Boxer will not be entitled
or awarded points relating to the Bout. A disqualified Boxer by any other technical rule will
maintain his/her individual placement and/or team/ranking points earned.
7.5.1. If a Boxer is knocked down and fails to resume boxing before that Boxer is counted up to ten
(10), the opponent will be declared the winner of the Bout by KO.
7.5.2. In the case of an emergency and the Referee summons the Ringside Doctor in the ring before
the Boxer is counted up to ten (10), the opponent will be declared the winner of the Bout by KO.
7.5.3. In the event a Double KO occurs, both Boxers will lose the Bout by KO.
7.6.1. If a Boxer is present in the ring fully attired and ready to box and the opposing Boxer fails to
appear in the ring after being announced and a maximum period of one minute has elapsed
after the bell has been sounded, the Referee will declare the present Boxer to be the winner by
WO.
7.6.2. In the case the Supervisor knows in advance that a Boxer will not be present, he must cancel
the procedure mentioned in Rule 5.6.1 and the result must be officially announced.
RULE 8. FOULS
8.1. Types of Fouls
8.1.1. Hitting below the belt, holding, tripping, kicking, and butting with foot or knee;
8.1.2. Hits or blows with head, shoulder, forearm, elbow, throttling of the opponent, and pressing with
arm or elbow in opponent’s face, pressing the head of the opponent back over the ropes;
8.1.3. Hitting with open glove, the inside of the glove, wrist or side of the hand;
8.1.4. Hits landing on the back of the opponent, and especially any blow on the back of the neck or
head and kidney punch;
8.1.6. Attack while holding the ropes or making any unfair use of the ropes;
8.1.10. Holding or locking, on the opponent’s arm or head, or pushing an arm underneath the arm of
the opponent;
8.1.12. Completely passive defense by means of double cover and intentionally falling, running, or
turning the back to avoid a blow;
8.1.15. Attempting to strike opponent immediately after the Referee has ordered “break” and before
taking a step back;
8.1.17. Spitting out the gumshield (mouth piece) intentionally without receiving a correct punch will
cause the Boxer to receive a mandatory warning;
8.1.18. If the gumshield (mouth piece) 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;
8.1.19. Keeping the advanced hand straight in order to obstruct the opponent’s vision;
9.2. After a low blow, if the offended Boxer complains about the severity of the low blow, the Referee will have
two (2) options:
9.2.1. The offending Boxer will be immediately disqualified if it is an intentional and hard blow.
9.3. After the eight (8) count, the Referee will have (2) options:
9.3.1. The Boxer is fit to continue: the Referee will give a warning to the offender and the Bout will
continue.
9.3.2. The Boxer is unfit to continue: the Referee will give a certain amount of time to the Boxer to try
to recover with a maximum of up to one (1) minute and a half.
9.4. After above mentioned timeframe, the Referee will have two (2) options:
9.4.1. The Boxer is fit to continue: the Referee will give a warning to the offender and the Bout will
continue.
9.4.2. The Boxer is unfit to continue: the opponent will be declared the winner of the Bout by TKO.
10.1. A Boxer who does not obey the instructions of the Referee, acts against the rules of boxing, boxes in any
unsportsmanlike manner, or commits fouls, will, at the discretion of the Referee, be cautioned, warned or
10.2. If a Boxer receives a Referee’s warning, the Supervisor will record the warning in the Scoring System and
each warning will reduce the total score of the offending Boxer by one (1) point. The third warning in a
Bout will automatically disqualify the Boxer.
10.3. If the Referee has any reason to believe that a foul has been committed which the Referee has not seen,
the Referee may consult the Judges.
10.4. In the event that any irregularity is found in the bandages after the Bout that in the Referee’s opinion gave
an advantage to the Boxer, this Boxer must be disqualified immediately.
10.5. The Supervisor, Referees’ Evaluator and Judges’ Evaluator have the right to caution, to remove and to
disqualify a Second who has infringed these rules.
11.1.1. The Boxer touches the floor with any part of the body other than the Boxer’s feet as the result of
a blow or series of blows.
11.1.2. The Boxer hangs helplessly on the ropes as the result of a blow or series of blows.
11.1.3. The Boxer is outside or partly outside the ropes as the result of a blow or series of blows.
11.1.4. Following a hard punch, the Boxer has not fallen and is not lying on the ropes, but is in a semi-
conscious state and cannot, in the opinion of the Referee, continue the Bout.
In the case of a Knockdown, the Referee must say “stop” and then begin to count from one (1) to eight
(8) if the Boxer is fit to continue; and count from one (1) to ten (10) if the Boxer is unfit to continue.
The Referee will count with intervals of a second between the numbers, and will indicate each second
with the hand so that the Boxer who has been knocked down may be aware of the count. Before the
number “one” is counted, an interval of one second must have elapsed from the time when the Boxer
is knocked down, and the time of announcing “one”.
If a Boxer is knocked down, the Boxer’s opponent must at once go to the neutral corner as designated
by the Referee and remain there until the Referee allows the Boxer to leave. If the opponent does not
respect this, the Referee must suspend the count until the opponent complies with the command.
When a Boxer is knocked down as the result of a blow, the Bout must not continue until the Referee
has reached a mandatory count of eight (8), even if the Boxer is ready to continue before then or the
round has come to a close.
If both Boxers are knocked down at the same time, the count will be continued as long as one of them
is still knocked down.
11.6.1. A maximum of three (3) eight counts will be given in one (1) round;
11.6.2. No limit of the amount of eight counts will apply in one Bout for Elite Men;
11.6.3. In USA Boxing Master’s, Women, Youth and Junior Competitions, a maximum of four (4) eight
counts will apply in one Bout.
11.6.3.1. For Master’s Boxing over the age of 50 a maximum of two (2) eight counts per round and
three (3) eight counts per bout will be applied.
In the event of a Boxer being knocked out of the ring, the Boxer must be allowed thirty (30) seconds to
come back into the ring without the help of anyone. In the case he is not able to come back within the
above mentioned timeframe, such Boxer will be deemed to have lost the Bout by TKO.
11.8. Knockout
After the Referee has said “ten”, the Bout ends and must be decided as KO. The Referee may stop
the count if in his/her opinion the Boxer is in immediate need of medical attention.
In the event of a Boxer being knocked down at the end of any round, the Referee must continue to
count until the Boxer is no longer knocked down irrespective of the end of the round. Should the
Referee count up to ten (10), such Boxer will be deemed to have lost the Bout by KO. The gong/bell
will not save the Boxer.
If a Boxer is knocked down as the result of a punch and the Bout is continued after the count of eight
(8) has been reached, but the Boxer falls again without having received a further punch, the Referee
must continue the count from the count of eight (8) up to the count of ten (10).
12.2.1. To care for both Boxers and to make safety both Boxers a primary concern throughout the
Bout.
12.2.2. To see that all rules and fair play are strictly observed.
12.2.4. To prevent a weak Boxer from receiving undue and unnecessary punishment.
12.2.6. To indicate to a Boxer by suitable explanatory signs, verbal commands or gestures any
infringement of these rules.
12.2.7. The Referee may use a touch by hand to stop and to break the Bout, or to separate the Boxers.
12.2.8. The Referee must not indicate the winner by raising a Boxer’s hand or otherwise, until the
announcement has been made. When the winner of a Bout is announced, the Referee must be
positioned in the middle of the ring holding one hand of each Boxer and raise the hand of the
winning Boxer while facing the main TV camera.
12.2.9. When the Referee has disqualified a Boxer or stopped the Bout, the Referee must first inform
the Supervisor of which Boxer has been disqualified and/or the reason for which the Bout has
been stopped, to enable the Supervisor to put in the result in the system and the Official
Announcer to make the decision known to the public
12.2.10. The Referee may consult the Ringside Doctor in respect of any injury to a Boxer.
12.2.11. When the Referee calls the Ringside Doctor to the ring to examine a Boxer, only the Referee
and the Ringside Doctor must be present in the ring or on the apron; however, the Ringside
Doctor may request help.
12.2.12. If an injury occurs, and if the Referee does not clearly understand the cause of the injury, the
Referee must follow the steps set out below:
12.2.12.2. Ask the Ringside Doctor if the injured Boxer is fit to continue. If the Ringside Doctor
informs the Referee that the Boxer is fit to continue, then the Referee may decide to
continue the Bout;
12.2.12.3. If the Ringside Doctor informs the Referee that the Boxer is not fit to continue, then the
Referee will stop the Bout.
12.2.12.3.1. In the event of a potential foul and if the Referee did not see the foul. The
Referee must request the opinion of each of the five (5) Judges to see
whether all or a majority have seen a foul or a correct blow and the
Referee will then make one of the following decisions:
12.2.12.3.1.1. Where all or a majority of the Judges have seen a correct blow –
USA Boxing Technical Rule 5.4.1 applies;
12.2.12.3.1.2. Where all or a majority of the Judges have seen an intentional foul
– USA Boxing Technical Rule 5.5.2 applies;
Where all or a majority of the Judges have seen an unintentional foul – USA
Boxing Technical Rule 5.1.2.1. applies;
12.3.2. To terminate a contest at any stage if one of the Boxers has received an injury on account of
which the Referee decides the Boxer should not continue.
12.3.3. To terminate a contest at any stage if this Referee considers the Boxers inactive and not
competitive. In such a case, the Referee may disqualify one or both Boxers.
12.3.4. To caution a Boxer or administer a warning to a Boxer against fouls or for any other reason in
the interest of fair play, or to ensure compliance with these rules.
12.3.5. To disqualify a Boxer who fails to comply immediately with the Referee’s command, or behaves
towards the Referee in an offensive or aggressive manner at any time
12.3.6. With or without previous warning, to disqualify a Boxer for committing a serious foul;
12.3.7. To interpret these rules insofar as they are applicable or relevant to the Bout or to decide and
take action on any circumstance of the Bout which is not covered by these rules.
12.4.1. Once a Boxer has entered the ring, the Referee must ensure that the Boxer is wearing the
appropriate equipment according to and outlined in the USA Boxing Competitions Rules
12.4.2. The Boxer must be wearing no other objects except the boxing apparel specified in the USA
Boxing Competitions Rules.
12.4.3. In the event of a Boxer’s glove becoming undone during a Bout, the Referee must stop the Bout
to have the issue rectified.
12.4.4. At the end of the Bout, the Referee must check the bandages (hand wraps) of each Boxer.
12.5. The Referee must check the right positions of Judges and of the Ringside Doctors before the start of the
Bout.
12.5.1. The Referee must start the Bout only after the authorization of the Supervisor.
13.1.1. In all USA Boxing competitions, each Bout will be judged by three (3) Judges out of five (5)
Judges.
13.2. Each of the five (5) Judges will be seated on the three (3) sides of the ring, as shown in the USA Boxing
Competitions Rules. No Judge will speak or give any sign to a Boxer or to another Judge or to anyone
else during the Bout.
13.3. No Judge will leave his/her seat until the results have been announced to the public.
14.2. All R&Js in all USA Boxing Competitions must sign the code of conduct attached in Competition Rules
Appendix B.
16.1. The Duties of the Timekeeper and Gong/Bell Operator are as follows:
16.1.1. The main duty of the Timekeeper and Gong/Bell Operator is to regulate the number and
duration of the rounds and the intervals between rounds. The intervals between rounds must be
of one (1) minute.
16.1.2. The Timekeeper and Gong/Bell Operator must start and end each round by striking the
gong/bell.
16.1.3. Ten (10) seconds before the end of each round, the Timekeeper and Gong/Bell Operator must
signal the approaching end of the round.
16.1.4. The Timekeeper and Gong/Bell Operator must regulate all periods of time and counts by a
watch or clock, but must only stop the clock when instructed by the Referee with the command
“time” resuming after the Referee gives the command “box”.
16.1.5. Following a Knockdown, the Timekeeper and Gong/Bell Operator must give the sound signal to
the Referee indicating the elapsing seconds while the Referee is counting.
16.1.6. If, at the end of a round, a Boxer is knocked down and the Referee is in the course of counting,
the gong/bell indicating the end of the round must not be sounded. The gong/bell must be
sounded only when the Referee gives the command “box” indicating the continuation of the
Bout.
16.1.7. The Timekeeper and Bell Operator must regulate the time when a Low Blow or LOC occurs and
if a Boxer falls out of the ring.
16.2. The Timekeeper will be seated directly at the side of the ring next to the Gong/Bell Operator.
17.1.2. The Official Announcer may announce the number of each round right after the start of each
round.
17.1.3. The Official Announcer must reveal the final results and the winner of the respective Bout in the
ring after having received the final results from the Supervisor.
17.1.4. Ten (10) seconds before the start of each round, the Official Announcer may clear the ring by
ordering “Seconds out”, except in the first round.
18.1. Eligibility
18.1.1. Only USA Boxing certified Coaches can work as Seconds in all USA Boxing Competitions. A
registered Boxer may serve as a second however in the presence of two certified coaches
he/she may not enter the ring or mount the ring apron. In the event that there is only one
certified coach in the corner, the Boxer may mount the ring apron.
18.1.2. The following rule is only mandated for international AIBA AOB competitions. Any Coach active
in professional boxing will not be allowed to be a Coach and/or Second in AIBA Competitions at
any level unless this Coach has resigned from any involvement in professional boxing for a
period of at least six (6) months and is certified by AIBA as a registered Coach.
18.1.3. Each Boxer will be entitled to be accompanied to the ring by up to three (3) Seconds.
However, only two (2) Seconds may mount the apron of the ring and only one (1) may enter the
ring.
18.2.1. Seconds must leave the ring and the apron prior to the start of each round, and must remove
seats, towels, buckets, etc., from the platform of the ring.
18.2.2. Seconds must be in possession of a towel for the Boxer during the Bout. A Second may
indicate retirement of the Boxer by throwing the towel into the ring when this Boxer is
considered to be unfit or unable to continue boxing, except when the Referee is in the course of
counting.
18.2.3. Seconds can only use a transparent water bottle. In the case of a cut, the Seconds can use
Avetine, Vaseline, Collodion, Thrombin Solution, Micro Fibrilar Collagen, Gelfoam, Surgicel and
Adrenaline 1/1000. Ice bags, No-Swell and Swabs are permissible.
18.3.1. Seconds will not be permitted to shout loud, to clap to the Boxer and/or the Referee, to
encourage or incite spectators by words or signs during the progress of a round. Seconds will
not be allowed to touch the ring during the Bout, yell, cause a scandal or disturb the
competition.
18.3.2. Seconds’ seating area must be 3 feet away from the ring corner within 6 feet squared. Seconds
will not be permitted to walk off Second’s designated area with disagreed actions against the
Referee.
18.3.4. The use of any communication device will not be permitted in the FOP such as but not limited to
mobile telephones, walkie-talkies, smart phones, headsets, shortwave radios, etc.
18.4.1. For a 1st violation on any of above prohibited activities, Seconds will receive a caution.
18.4.2. For a 2nd violation on any of above prohibited activities, Seconds will receive a warning and be
placed just outside of the FOP area but be allowed to remain in the Competition Venue.
18.4.3. For a 3rd violation on any of the above prohibited activities, Seconds will be removed by the
Supervisor for the rest of the day.
18.4.4. If Seconds are removed for a second time, Seconds will be completely suspended from the
competition.
18.4.5. The Supervisor and R/J evaluators may remove a Second without prior warning due to the
nature of the offense during any stage of the bout.
18.5. The entire management system for AIBA/USA Boxing Coaches is described in Appendix C.
19.1.2. The ring shall be equipped with at least four ropes. All rings will have two spacer ties on each side
of the ring to secure the ropes. The rope shall not be less than one inch in diameter. Such ropes shall
be manila rope, synthetic, plastic rope or any similar material, and shall not be made of metal of any
type. All ropes shall be wrapped securely in soft material. Of the four ropes used, the lower rope shall
be 18 inches above the ring floor, the second rope 30 inches, the third rope 42 inches, and the fourth
rope 54 inches above the ring floor. The ring floor shall be padded with a one-inch layer of ensolite
AAC or AL closed cell foam rubber (or chemical equivalent). The padding shall be covered with
canvas, duck or similar material, tightly stretched and laced securely in place, preferable under the
apron.
19.1.3. Ring posts shall extend from the floor to the height of 58 inches above the ring floor. The ropes
shall be connected to posts. The turnbuckles must be covered with a protective padding.
The following ring accessories are required for all Bouts and must be provided by the organizers no later
than two (2) hours before the start time of the competition:
USAB TECHNICAL RULES 11/2013 Page | 23
20.1. Sounding device.
20.2. Two (2) plastic receptacles which can be used for spitting.
20.3. Chairs and tables for the Supervisor, Deputy Supervisors in AOB Competitions, Referees’ Evaluator,
Judges’ Evaluator, Ringside Doctors, Timekeeper, Gong Operator, Official Announcer and Judges.
20.4. Two (2) electronic stopwatches which complies with the requirements of the Scoring System and one (1)
manual stopwatch as a backup.
20.7. First-aid supplies as required in accordance with the USA Boxing Medical Handbook.
20.8. A non-transparent small plastic bag must be placed in the two neutral corners outside of the ring.
20.10. One (1) set of ping pong balls and one (1) ping pong ball transparent holder for the draw of R&J positions.
21.2. No red or partially red colored gumshield (mouth pieces) may be worn.
22.1. For all Men’s competitions, a cup protector must be worn by the Boxers during all Bouts and a jock-strap
may additionally be worn. The cup protector must not cover any part of the target area.
USA Boxing Rule 102.6 (4) (g) Boxers who wish to compete with braces are required to have attached to
their passbooks a completed Release To Compete With Braces form. This form requires the written
approval of their dentist, parents and/or guardian (if under 18 years of age) and a dentist-molded
mouthpiece. This includes upper and/or lower braces. Boxers competing with braces waive the right to
dental coverage under the USA Boxing insurance program.
Dentist Approval:
___________________________________ __________________________________
Print Name Signature
___________________________________ __________________________________
Date State License Number
Athlete:
1. Level 1 Requirements
a. Proof of Certification
b. Proficient Timekeeper
c. Passed Level 1 exam with 70% or better
d. Verified by Officials Passbook
e. Active at LBC Competitions (as defined and published by LBC) and had satisfactory performance
2. Level 1 Maintenance
a. Take Level 1 exam every 24 months
b. Registered member
c. Proof of Certification Clinic within last 24 months
d. Active at LBC Competitions (as defined and published by LBC) and had satisfactory performance
3. Level 2 requirements
a. Registered member for at least 24 months
b. Proof of Certification Clinic within the last 24 months
c. Officiated at an Association and Regional advancing tournament
d. Passed Level 2 exam with an 80% or better
e. Active at LBC Competitions (as defined and published by the LBC) and had satisfactory performance
4. Level 2 Maintenance
a. Take Level 2 exam every 48 months
b. Registered member
c. Proof of Certification Clinic within last 24 months
d. Worked at minimum a Regional advancing tournament within last 24 months
e. Active at LBC Competitions (as defined and published by the LBC) and had satisfactory performance
5. Level 3 Requirements
a. Registered member for at least 36 months
b. Proof of Certification Clinic within last 24 months
c. A Level 2 official for a minimum of 24 months
d. Officiated at Regional and/or National level for a minimum of 3 years
e. Passed Level 3 exam with a 90% or better
f. Active at LBC Competitions (as defined and published by the LBC) and had satisfactory performance
6. Level 3 Maintenance
a. Take Level 3 exam every 48 months
b. Registered member
c. Proof of Certification Clinic within last 24 months
d. Worked at minimum a National tournament within last 48 months
e. Active at LBC Competitions (as defined and published by the LBC) and had satisfactory performance