Chapter 3. Boxing Rules & Precautions

In boxing, as in any other contact sport, close supervision is imperative to avoid unnecessary accidents so adhere to these boxing rules.

In virtually every high school and college or university in the United States a player intending to compete in basket­ball or football must have a certificate of physical fitness. The same precaution must be taken for a potential fighter who wishes to box.

Make-shift facilities are to be carefully avoided. A well-padded ring enclosed properly by ropes is an absolute essential. Never permit boxers to box where there is a chance of falling to a hard floor or against objects which might injure them. Follow closely the specifications set forth in the N.C.A.A. rule book, which you should obtain and read in detail.

Worn-out or broken-down boxing gloves should never be used, both for the protection of the hands and avoid­ance of unnecessary bruising.

Every coach should insist that his fighters follow the amature and professional boxing rule and wear headgears, mouthpieces, and protective cups at each boxing workout. Permit no exceptions to this boxing rule. If a mouthpiece slips out, or a headgear becomes improperly adjusted, time should be called to replace the mouthpiece or to properly adjust the headgear. To overlook these details and dismiss the boxing rule is to be remiss in your duty as a coach or supervisor.

No fighter should ever be allowed to break the boxing rule, even a single round without properly bandaged hands. A breach of the boxing rule could readily handicap him for an entire season, and permanent injury might also result.

We firmly adhere to a amature boxing rule providing that no candidate for our team may actually box except in the presence of and under the supervision of one of the coaches. Only by this method can the coach make sure that boxers of equal ability, experience, and physical proportions are matched against one another. It is a grave mistake to permit fighters to pair off indiscriminately as boxing partners.

All boxing rule books, whether for amateur boxing or profes­sional fighting, provide that a doctor be in attendance at ringside. We don't want to convey the impression that this is necessary because of any dangers inherent in boxing. It is a boxing rule thats a precautionary measure, it is also taken in all prop­erly supervised contact sports contests. Virtually every high school or college conducting a competitive sports program has an M.D. who is designated as the "team physician." Call on this man to examine carefully each boxing team candidate before he actively engages in the sport; have him observe the boy at any time you have reason to sus­pect any injury or illness; and require that each fighter undergo examination the day of a match. Following this boxing rule is an added precaution which eliminates the possibility of a fighter who is sub-par because of illness exposing himself unnecessarily to possible injury.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association Boxing rule Guide has been carefully and thoroughly prepared. If you will conscientiously digest and follow all the boxing rule and provi­sions contained therein, you will be fulfilling your duty as a coach.

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