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ASSOCIATION
AIDE MEMOIRE
September 2009
ARMY BOXING ASSOCIATION (ARMY BA) AIDE MEMOIRE
“But there is neither East nor West, border, nor breed, nor
birth when two strong men stand to face though they come
from the ends of the earth.”
Rudyard Kipling
INTRODUCTION
AIM
2. The aim of this publication is to provide personnel tasked with organising boxing
events or advising Commanding Officers with an accurate source of ready
information in a simple, Service recognised format. This Aide Memoire is not to be
considered to be a ‘rules book’. Personnel who require more detailed information
should familiarise themselves with the following publications:
ABAE
English Institute of Sport Sheffield
Coleridge Road
SHEFFIELD S9 5DA
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Email: aba@ascb.uk.com
Website: www.army.mod.uk (Sport)
c. Games and Sports in the Army (AC 61021). Available from unit administration
offices.
FORMAT
3. This Aide Memoire is designed to have stand-alone subject matter sections, which
will facilitate a simplified photocopying process for intra-unit use.
AMENDMENTS
INDEX
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SECTION 1 - ARMY BA STRUCTURE
GENERAL
1.1 Army boxing is organised and controlled under the auspices of the Army Sport
Control Board, sub-delegated to the Army BA. The Army BA is a member
of the Combined Services Boxing Association (CSBA), which in turn is a
member of the Amateur Boxing Association England (ABAE).
GENERAL COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Medical Adviser
Officials Representative
Coaches Representative*
Ladies Boxing Representative
The Army Team Manager
The Army Team Coach*
The Secretary
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MAJOR PANEL
DISCIPLINARY PANELS
1.3 Breaches of Army BA competition rules will be dealt with via a disciplinary panel,
the composition of which will be decided by the Chairman Army BA. Representation
of all Formation HQ Army BA Associations involved in the case will be included on
such panels. The decision will be notified under arrangements issued by the
Chairman Army BA and shall be final.
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ARMY BOXING ASSOCIATION (ARMY BA) AIDE MEMOIRE
SEASON
The Army BA has adopted season dates in line with ABAE, the official Army Boxing
Season will be 1 Jun – 31 May. This affects all boxers, coaches and
officials initial and annual registrations (all registrations will be binding for
the season only)
COMPETITIONS
2.2 Army BA competitions are held annually in the categories below, subject to
sufficient entries from units/individuals. Secretary Army BA will notify the decision on
which events are to proceed immediately after the start of the Army BA season (1
Jun annually) and the degree of interest is known.
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General format and instructions for the competitions are at Annex A to this section.
Specific format and instructions will be included in calling notices for
competitions.
GENDER RULINGS
2.3 Under NO circumstances are males and females permitted to box each other
competitively. Additional protection is required for females. Therefore, all female
boxers are required to complete the certificate at Annex F to Section 5 at the start of
boxing training and on every day of competition. On competition days it is to be
handed to the OIC Weigh-In at the weigh-in. The OIC Weigh-In is to check the
certificate for accuracy and hand it to the OIC Officials together with all other
documents from the weigh-in. Upon completion of boxing, the certificate is to be
retained in individual medical records.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
2.4 All medical information has been centralised and is contained in Section 7 of this
Army BA Aide Memoire.
AGE CATEGORIES
2.5 Age categories within the Army BA reflect those of the national governing body
(NGB) and are given below as:
a. Junior. A junior boxer within the Army BA is deemed to be aged less than 17
years of
age. Upon attaining his/her 17th birthday, an individual ceases to be a Junior
boxer,
irrespective of previous success in earlier rounds of current competitions.
(Coaches and Boxing Officers MUST appreciate this fact when formulating team
compositions at the start of the season). Junior boxers are NOT permitted to box
competitively an opponent outside of their own age category.
b. Senior. A senior boxer within the Army BA is deemed to be aged 17 years and
over, but aged less than 34 years of age. All competitive boxing ceases when
individuals reach their 34th birthday, irrespective of any success gained in
preceding rounds of team competitions. (Coaches and Boxing Officers MUST
appreciate this fact when formulating team compositions at the start of the
season).
EXPERIENCE CATEGORIES
2.6 The experience categories within the Army BA reflect, where possible, those of
the NGB and are given below as:
a. Junior. Juniors may enter a Junior Novice Inter Unit Team Championships if
they have less than 20 bouts recorded on their F/Boxing/162 / ME3 or have
never won a National title. Juniors with 21 or more bouts or who have won a
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National title may not compete in the Junior Novice Inter Unit Team
Championships but are eligible to enter the Junior Open Individual
Championships.
(1) Male Novice Class ‘A’. A boxer with 0-10 bouts recorded on his
F/Boxing/162 / ME3.
(2) Male Novice Class ‘B’. A boxer with 11-20 bouts recorded on his
F/Boxing/162 / ME3.
(4) Female Novice Class ‘C’. A boxer with 0-5 bouts recorded on her
F/Boxing/162 / ME3.
(5) Female Novice Class ‘B’. A boxer with 6-10 bouts recorded on her
F/Boxing/162 / ME3.
(6) Female Novice Class A. A boxer with 11 or more bouts recorded on her
F/Boxing/162/ ME3 or who has competed in an Open Senior Championships,
but has not won an Association Title.
(7) Open. A boxer who has won a Senior Championship Regional Association
Title (eg, CSBA) or above or has boxed at senior level for his/her country.
WEIGHT CATEGORIES
a. Senior & Junior. The following table lists the weight categories in which
seniors and juniors can participate. Under NO circumstances are these
categories to be altered, nor may boxers be matched against an opponent
outside of their weight category.
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Light Heavyweight Over 75kg, not to exceed 81kg
Cruiserweight Over 81kg, not to exceed 86kg
Heavyweight Over 86kg, not to exceed 91kg
Super Heavyweight Over 91kg
b. Female. The following table lists the weight categories in which females can
participate.
Under NO circumstances are these categories to be altered, nor may boxers be
matched against an opponent outside of their weight category.
WEIGHT CRITERIA
WEIGHT CATEGORY
Light Flyweight Over 44kg, not to exceed 46kg
Flyweight Over 46kg, not to exceed 48kg
Bantamweight Over 48kg, not to exceed 51kg
Featherweight Over 51kg, not to exceed 54kg
Lightweight Over 54kg, not to exceed 57kg
Light Welterweight Over 57kg, not to exceed 60kg
Welterweight Over 60kg, not to exceed 64kg
Middleweight Over 64kg, not to exceed 69kg
Light Heavyweight Over 69kg, not to exceed 75kg
Cruiserweight NA
Heavyweight Over 75kg, not to exceed 81kg
Super Heavyweight Over 81kg,
2.8 Notwithstanding the rules on age, gender and experience categories, there is no
reason why juniors, females and experienced boxers cannot represent their units in
team competitions providing that:
a. Their opponent meets the same criteria of weight, gender, age and experience
category.
b. Units appreciate that progression to the next round of the competition may well
mean that such individuals may not be available if their next opponent does not
fulfil these criteria.
ELIGIBILITY
b. Personnel have a current F/Boxing/162 / ME3 and meet the gender, age, and
experience and weight criteria given in paras 2.5 - 2.8 above and have secured
medical clearance to participate as stated in Section 7.
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Annex:
GENERAL
1. The subject Championships are held at the Army Boxing Centre, Maida
Gymnasium, Queens Avenue, Aldershot usually in April.
Male Senior Novice Class A Male Inter Unit Novice Class A/B
Male Senior Novice Class B Female Inter Unit Novice Class A/B
Male Junior Novice Class A
Male Junior Novice Class B
Female Senior Novice Class A
Female Senior Novice Class B
Female Juniors Novice Class A
Female Juniors Novice Class B
Note: Dependant upon the number of entries, classes may be amalgamated (eg
Junior Class A and Class B amalgamated to Junior Open). Decision will be made
after closing date for entries and promulgated accordingly.
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RULES
5. The Army BA has adopted the same rulings on age and experience categories as
stipulated by the National Governing Body (NGB), ABAE. Full details are contained in
the Army Boxing Aide Memoire (Sep 09). For convenience, main points are:
a. Experience categories:
(1) Male Novice Class A. A boxer with 0-10 bouts recorded on F/Boxing/162 /
ME3.
(2) Male Novice Class B. A boxer with 11-20 bouts recorded on F/Boxing/162 /
ME3.
(3) Female Novice Class A. A boxer with 0-5 bouts recorded on F/Boxing/162 /
ME3.
(4) Female Novice Class B. A boxer with 6-10 bouts recorded on F/Boxing/162 /
ME3.
b. Age categories:
(1) Junior. A junior boxer is deemed to be less than 17 years of age. On 17th
birthday, boxer ceases to be a Junior, irrespective of previous success in earlier
rounds of current competitions. A junior boxer is not permitted to box
competitively against a senior boxer.
c. Registration. All boxers must be registered with the Army BA or ABAE via
Combined Services Boxing Association (CSBA) and be in possession of a current
valid Boxing Card (F/Boxing/162 / ME3). Details of registration of boxers are in
Section 4 of Army BA Aide Memoire.
ELIGIBILITY
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6. The Championships are open to regular serving personnel, male and female,
registered as Novice Class A and Class B boxers.
7. Boxers representing unit teams are to be on the posted strength of the unit (and
have been so for a period of at least 30 days prior to the date of the competition).
ENTRIES
8. Units/boxers are to submit entries on the form attached to the calling notice, direct
to the Army BA office, together with the entry fee of £5.00 per boxer. Cheques to be
made payable to Central Bank Army Sports Control Board.
10. Closing date for entries will be annotated on the calling notice. After this date,
units and boxers that, for valid reasons, wish to be considered for late entries are to
first contact the Army BA office for approval.
11. Units and boxers will be notified of accepted entries and administrative
instructions willbe sent by return of post.
12. Units and boxers must notify the Army BA office if, after sending in an entry, the
boxer is subsequently unable to attend.
MEDALS
13. Medals will be presented to the Winner and Runner up in each Final
Championship class and weight category.
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
15. The Army BA reserves the right to amend/alter this programme dependant on
number of competitors and in the interests of boxing.
EQUIPMENT
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17. All units/boxers are responsible for own arrangements for accommodation
and messing.
TRAVEL
18. Army Sport Control Board (ASCB) authorises units/individuals to claim travel
costs for the event. Claims may be submitted for travel to and from the event only.
Travel arrangements are to be coordinated and be by the most economical means
available. Authority for claim is competition instruction, own unit UIN, LPC-
ZZP1E11403 and RAC-PDA002.
19. The Novice Class A/B Inter Unit Team competition will run concurrently with the
Army Individual Novices Championships. Units wishing to enter are to annotate the
entry form accordingly.
20. Boxers representing unit teams are to be on the posted strength of the unit (and
have been so for a period of at least 30 days prior to the date of the competition).
23. Team composition is to be pre-entered on the entry form and finalised at the start
of the preliminary rounds of the Individual Championships. No changes to the team
entry will be allowed once the championships have commenced.
24. Results of named boxers from Individual Championships will be extracted and
count for the Inter Unit Team Championships thus:
Winner 5 points
Runner Up 4 points
Losing Semi-Finalist 3 points
Losing Quarter-Finalist 2 points
Losing a preliminary bout 1 point
25. A boxer disqualified from the competition will receive nil points.
26. The winning team will be the team with the most points. In the event of a tie, the
team
with the most individual titles will be declared the winner.
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competitors do not wish to be named in articles or have photographs published on
webpages, they are to advise the event organiser accordingly.
ENQUIRIES
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ARMY BOXING ASSOCIATION
MAJOR AND MINOR UNITS SENIOR NOVICE BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. The Championships are held annually with preliminary rounds commencing in Nov
/ Dec (dependant upon number of entries) and Finals usually in April. All entries
other than BA(G) will be drawn together and provide 3 Semi Finalists, the winners of
the BA(G) competition will provide the fourth Semi finalist – the semi final containing
the BA(G) winners will take place alternately between Germany (even years) and UK
(odd years).
2. Default venue for the Finals of both competitions is the Army Boxing Centre, Maida
Gymnasium, Aldershot. The Finals will be hosted by the nearest located unit finalist.
Army BA will appoint an Aldershot-based admin support unit for the Finals. If not
acceptable to unit finalists, the Finals may be held at a UK unit venue by mutual
agreement of both unit finalists and Army BA. If no agreement is reached, Chairman
Army BA will decide venue.
ELIGIBILITY
4. Boxers representing unit teams are to be on the posted strength of the unit (and
have been so for a period of at least 30 days prior to the date of the competition).
5. Major Unit competition is open to units with an established strength of 300 and
over.
6. Minor Unit competition is open to units with an established strength of 299 and
under.
RULES
7. The Army BA has adopted the same rulings on age and experience categories as
stipulated by the National Governing Body (NGB), ABAE. Full details are contained in
the Army Boxing Aide Memoire (Sep 09). For convenience, main points are:
a. Experience categories:
(1) Novice Class A. A boxer with 0-10 bouts recorded on F/Boxing/162 / ME3.
(2) Novice Class B. A boxer with 11-20 bouts recorded on F/Boxing/162 / ME3.
b. Age categories:
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(1) Junior. A junior boxer is deemed to be less than 17 years of age. On 17 th
birthday, boxer ceases to be a Junior, irrespective of previous success in
earlier rounds of current competitions. A junior boxer is not permitted to box
competitively against a senior boxer.
c. Registration. All boxers must be registered with the Army BA or ABA (E) via
Combined Services Boxing Association (CSBA) and be in possession of a current
valid Boxing Card (F/Boxing/162 / ME3). Details of registration of boxers are in
Section 4 of Army BA Aide Memoire.
ENTRIES
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by the closing date annotated. Late entries are not acceptable.
10. In recent seasons, units have entered the competitions only to withdraw at a later
stage, after the draw has been made and rounds commenced. Units are requested to
note the requirement to ensure availability for full participation through to the final
stages of the championships. Units withdrawing after the draw has been made are to
write to the Chairman Army BA (via Secretary Army BA) stating reason.
12. Cheque, made payable to Central Bank Army Sports Control Board is to be
submitted with entry form.
13. The draw for the competitions will be held shortly after the closing date and
details promulgated thereafter. Number of stages in competition is dependant upon
number of entries.
14. The winning team will receive the FARELF INDIA CUP
15. The runner-up team will receive the KIAN AIK CHAN CHALLENGE CUP
17. During the event photographs may be taken and then published on Army Sport
Webpages. In accordance with competitors’ rights under the Data Protection Act, if
competitors do not wish to be named in articles or have photographs published on
webpages, they are to advise the event organiser accordingly.
ENQUIRIES
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SECTION 3 – EVENT ORGANISATION
GENERAL
PRE-TOURNAMENT ADMINISTRATION
a. Boxers.
Registration. All boxers, including reserves, must be registered with the ABAE, via
the CSBA, using the F/Boxing/162 / ME3 system described in Section 4, Para 4.2 .
Allow 4 weeks from original registration for receipt of the books.
(4) Coaching. Coaches must be trained, qualified and current. The minimum
level for unit boxing is the ABAE Assistant Club coaching award. Boxers must
receive coaching prior to entry into competitive boxing.
(a) Gum Shield. A gum shield must be used. It is strongly recommended that this is
a dental fitted gum shield. Gum shields must not be red or pink in colour. Allow at
least three weeks for receipt from the first dental impression. Gum shields must be
checked regularly for correct fitting and serviceability.
(b) Bandages. All boxers must wear Crepe type bandages or AIBA approved wraps
when competing. A bandage must not be longer than 4.5 metres and not shorter than
2.5 metres. The bandage should be 5.7cm (2”) wide. NO OTHER KIND OF
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BANDAGES MAY BE USED. The use of any kind of tapes, rubber or adhesive
plaster as bandages, is strictly forbidden. A single strap of adhesive not to exceed
7.6 cms (3 in.) long in length and 2.5 cms (1in) wide, but in no case to exceed 5cm
width may be used on the upper wrist to secure the bandages.
(c) Boots. Ensure that boxing boots/training shoes are serviceable, fit correctly and
are broken-in prior to the event. Heels, spikes/cleats etc are forbidden.
(d) Personal Protectors. Ensure that all boxers and reserves have correctly
fitting personal protection. Head guards require a degree of familiarity before
boxers
accept them. It is mandatory for females to wear chest protectors during all
competitive boxing, military and civilian, and sparring sessions
b. Officials.
Para-medics. See Section 7 Annex A para. 2 sub para (d) – Ringside Medical
Support to Boxing.
(2) Medical Officer. See Section 7 Annex A para. 2 sub para (d) -Ringside Medical
Support to Boxing.
(3) Referees & Judges. Apply for referees and judges/timekeepers from the
Formation Army BA Officials’ Secretary. Where formation Army BA Officials’
Secretaries are unable to provide the requisite number of officials or officials of the
required standard for an event to take place, they are to apply to the Secretary Army
BA Major Panel Officials, through the Secretary Army BA, for assistance. A
minimum of three weeks’ notice is required. Under no circumstances are officials to
be requested by any other means. Host units are responsible for hosting officials
and providing accommodation, if required.
(4) Internal Officials. Arrange for internal officials via the unit chain of command.
Ensure that the Master of Ceremonies (MC) receives a copy of the brief at Annex N
to Section 5.
(5) OIC Weigh-In. Contact the formation Army BA rep to appoint an OIC Weigh-In
and agree the date, time and venue for the weigh-in to be conducted.
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d. Equipment. Ensure that all boxing equipment complies with the AIBA-approved
pattern and is serviceable. Book all of the equipment necessary for the event via the
unit chain of command.
e. Event Documentation. Ensure that all technical documentation necessary for the
event is current Army BA (Section 5 refers). Check with formation Army BA reps.
Arrange for the programme to be designed and printed.
f. Boxing Ring. Liaise with the formation G7 PD Branch for the provision of a 4-rope
boxing ring and the ancillary equipment. Arrange for APTC assistance with the set-
up of the boxing ring to ensure that the lay out conforms to current Army BA rulings
(Annex A.1 & A.2 to Section 3)
g. Fire Inspection. Arrange for an advisory fire inspection visit, during the fire
inspection you will be told the seating capacity of your venue.
h. Lighting Plan. Adequate lighting is required for the field of play and more
specifically, above the boxing ring. The organisers are responsible for ensuring that
this is provided. All lighting should be thoroughly inspected prior to the event. An
emergency lighting plan must also be considered, even if this involves expense via
an ‘on call’ duty electrician.
i. Band/Pipes & Drums. Book external Bands or Pipes & Drums well in advance.
The band programme is usually organised at least 6 months in advance. If music is
to be utilised within the overall show, arrange for a ‘DJ’.
l. Function Venues. Agree the format of the event with the Commanding Officer (CO).
Write to Mess PMCs for agreement to use the various Messes. Organise catering,
security, fire cover etc. Draft the Administrative Order for CO’s approval and
disseminate once given.
POST-EVENT TASKS
3.4 The major post-event task is to conduct the event ‘wash-up’. Lessons learned
and improvements must be discussed with those responsible, accounts need to be
balanced and audited and letters of thanks written to sponsors and outside agencies.
Upon receipt of the bill for para-medics forward it to the formation G7 PD Branch or
relevant office for processing (do not send a photocopy as the Fin Br will not process
them).
Tournament Record Sheet must be faxed to the Army BA Sec (94222 3525) the day
after the event.
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The Event Score Cards to be filed for a period of no less than 28 days.
OTHER-RELATED ISSUES
a. Numbers of Contests. The maximum number of bouts permitted in any one season
is:
Seniors. Seniors, both male and female, may box a maximum of 18 bouts in any one
season, excluding Championships and Internationals.
Juniors. Boxers up to the season of their 17th birthday are allowed to box a maximum
of 14 contests per season, excluding Championships and Internationals.
b. Three Day Rule. 3 clear days between contests is the rule to be followed. This
rule does not apply in the following circumstances:
(2) Intra -unit events held to select a unit team for Army BA Championships.
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ANNEX A.1 TO
SECTION 3 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
3 4
THE RING
2 5
COMPUTER SCORING
THE RING
A C
CALCULATER SCORING
REGISTRATION
4.1 All personnel involved in boxing are to be registered with the Army BA or ABAE
(through Army BA). Registration falls into the categories of:
a. Boxers. All boxers, irrespective of their age, gender or experience category, or the
level of boxing they intend to participate at, are to register using the F/Boxing/162 or
ME3 Medical Record Card. Boxers participating in Service Boxing (ie intra unit
(coy/sqn level) or inter unit (bn/unit/regt level) are to be registered utilising the Army
BA F/Boxing/162 system. A boxer participating against a civilian boxer must be
registered utilising the ABAE ME3 system. The procedures to be followed for initial
registration and annual re-registration thereafter is given at para 4.2.
b. Season. The Army BA boxing season runs from 1 Jun to 31 May. In compliance
with ABAE guidelines for audit, units/individuals are to ensure that any 162 or ME3
registrations for boxers in current season are at the Army BA office for processing at
least 4 weeks prior to tournament or Championships.
4.2 Boxers Registration Procedure. The registration process for boxers is:
a. Initial Registration.
A passport sized photograph, with Number Rank and Name in BLOCK CAPITALS on
the back.
Each boxer is to ensure they have completed an Annual Medical and ensured that
the Medical Officer or Doctor has completed and attached Annex D to Section 7 of
the Aide Memoire.
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Each boxer must fill out a Statement of Informed Consent (Annex E to Section 7), the
form must be signed by the MO and stamped with the Med Cen date stamp.
(7) Completed Annexes A, B & C of Section 5 and Annexes D & E with a passport
photograph with Name, rank and number are forwarded to Army BA at the address
shown on annexes with your previous seasons Registration Card (162 or ME3. If the
Registration Card is lost a letter from the Unit Boxing Officer is required for
verification.
Previous Boxing Experience. Boxing Officers must brief all boxers on initial
registrations of the degree of severity which false declarations or failure to disclose
any previous boxing experience, either as a civilian (including junior bouts) or in-
Service, will be dealt with. All civilian (ie non-CSBA) ME3s are to be forwarded to
Sec Army BA together with the application for registration. Breaches of declaration
of previous boxing experience will be dealt with via a disciplinary panel convened
under direction of Chairman Army BA. Proven cases will result in disqualification of
the individual and unit from the competition. Disciplinary action may also be
recommended.
Female Boxers – Female Boxers must complete a Female Boxers Declaration Form
(Annex F to Sect 5)
Note: It is mandatory for the Army Boxing Team boxers to re-register annually with
ABAE. Army BA pays for registrations.
(1) Insert a passport-sized photograph of the individual inside the front cover and
endorse it by over stamping with the unit stamp.
(2) Certify that the photograph is a true likeness of the individual and sign to this
effect.
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an F/Boxing/162 / ME3 be lost/misplaced between postings, the unit that received the
F/Boxing/162 / ME3 from Sec Army BA is to complete a statement relating to the
loss, the action taken to find it and then forward the statement to Sec Army BA.
f. Lost F/Boxing/162 / ME3 / Duplicate Card. The loss of an F/Boxing/162 / ME3 will
result in an automatic 28 days suspension being imposed,unless it can be proven
that the individual concerned in the loss of his/her F/Boxing/162 / ME3 is blameless,
an automatic 28 days suspension will be imposed, the start date of which shall be
when Sec Army BA receives the application for replacement. Applications for
replacement F/Boxing/162 / ME3 are to adhere to the policy for initial registration and
be accompanied by a letter of explanation of the loss/action taken to find it and the
fee of £3 / £10 in the form of a UK cheque.
4.3 Coaches Registration Procedure. ABAE coaches are required to register on initial
qualification and annually thereafter. Coaches are to register initially either with
ABAE or Army BA and re-register annually with either Army BA (service only boxing)
or ABAE as described below:
a. Initial. Upon receipt of the ABAE Certificate from the Coaches’ Representative,
photocopy the certificate, complete Individual Registration Application (Annex D to
Section 5) and forward, together with a UK cheque for £20 (made payable to ABAE
Ltd) OR a UK cheque payable to Army Boxing Association to Central Bank Army
Sports Control Board at the address shown on Annex D.
b. Re-registration. A coach’s record book is valid for the season shown on the
sticker (1 Sep – 31 Aug). It must be renewed annually, thereafter. The process to
follow is to forward the registration book, completed Annex D and a UK cheque for:
(2) Army BA registration (service only boxing) - £3 made payable to Central Bank
Army Sports Control Board to Sec Army BA at the address shown on Annex D.
Coaching outside of the expiry date of the sticker is not permitted. Coaches are
responsible for the safekeeping and updating of their registration books. Coaches not
in possession of valid ABAE registration are not permitted to participate in any
activity (coaching, seconding, handing up, etc) when civilian boxers are involved.
Note: It is mandatory for the Army Boxing Team Coaches re-register annually with
ABAE. Army BA pays for registrations.
4.4 Officials Registration Procedure. ABAE officials are required to register on initial
qualification and annually, thereafter. Officials are to register initially either with
ABAE or Army BA and re-register annually with either Army BA (service only boxing)
or ABAE as described below:
a. Initial. Officials are registered initially by the Course Tutor (eg for courses
conducted at ASPT, tutor will notify Army BA of results and send collated applications
and payments to Army BA). Individuals qualifying under non-collective arrangements
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(eg individual attendance at civilian course) are to provide proof of qualification on
application.
b. Re-registration. An official’s record book is valid for the season shown on the
sticker. (1 Jun – 31 May). It must be renewed annually, thereafter. The process to
follow is to forward the registration book, completed Annex D and a UK cheque for:
(2) Army BA registration (service only boxing) - £3 made payable to Central Bank
Army Sports Control Board to Sec Army BA at the address shown on Annex D.
Officiating outside of the expiry date of the sticker is not permitted. Officials are
responsible for the safekeeping and updating of their registration books. Officials not
in possession of valid ABAE registration are not permitted to participate in any
activity (refereeing, judging, timekeeping, recording, etc) when civilian boxers are
involved.
Note: It is mandatory for all Major Panel officials to re-register annually with ABAE.
Army BA pays for Major Panel registrations.
4.5 Government and Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) legislation stipulates that CRB
clearance is required by individuals participating in sports administration (eg coaches
and officials) and that CRB clearance for the sport concerned is valid only when
effected via the NGB-appointed umbrella body. This ruling means that CRB
clearances are non-portable between organisations. The NGB for Amateur Boxing
(ABAE) has appointed 1ST ACE LIMITED as the CRB umbrella body.
4.6 ABAE requires all personnel involved in boxing administration (eg coaches,
officials, etc-but not boxers) to be CRB cleared for valid registration. The CSBA,
under the aegis of MOD, has agreed that CRB policy be dictated at single-service
level. Army BA policy, recognizing that the majority of personnel involved in boxing
do so in a service-only boxing environment, is that:
a. Major Panel officials and the Army Boxing Team Coaches – mandatory CRB
clearance (Army BA pays)
4.7 The procedure for CRB clearance is that personnel complete application form
(available from Army BA) and submit together with payment, UK cheque for £6
payable to 1ST ACE LIMITED to Army BA for verification. Secretary and AO Army
BA are 1ST ACE LIMITED appointed verifiers. Army BA forwards applications to 1ST
ACE LIMITED CRB officer. The CRB officer will contact individuals direct with any
queries for clarification. Clearance status (may take up to 6 months) will be notified to
Army BA. Army BA is not privy to reason if clearance is refused and recall
registration card for CRB stamp. CRB clearance is valid for 3 years.
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TEAM LISTS
4.8 There is no requirement to exchange team lists between units prior to weigh-ins.
Units boxing ineligible boxers will be subject to a disciplinary panel hearing and may
well be disqualified from the competition, with disciplinary action recommended.
WEIGH-INS
4.9 The local Army BA representative will appoint an OIC of the weigh-in and the
venue. The OIC is to:
a. Ensure that all boxers and reserves are in possession of a current andvalid
F/Boxing/162 / ME3.
c. Ensure that all female boxers have in their possession a fully completed
certificate (Annex F to Section 5). Retain the certificate and pass it to the Official IC,
together with the other documentation shown below.
d. Ensure that the scales to be used are calibrated and have a current certificate
(Annex G to Section 5) to that effect. The certificate is to be passed to the Official-in-
Charge.
e. Certify the weight of each individual when the coach has confirmed the weight
category of the individual via the Team/Individual Weigh-In Proforma (Annex H to
Section 5) and confirm the eligibility of boxers to the Official-in-Charge.
h. Sign and date the OIC’s Weigh-In Declaration Form (Annex K to Section 5)
and pass it to the Official-in-Charge.
WEIGH-IN RULES
8
4.12 Weight Category Rule. As a general rule, it should be noted that no boxer is
permitted to take part in a contest where the weight differential is greater than that
allowed in the championship weight category.
4.13. Additional Weigh-In Rules. The following additional weigh-in rules apply:
(2) A chaperone must be present during the weigh-in of boxers aged less than 17
years of age.
b. The weigh-in is not to take place more than 12 hours prior to the
commencement of boxing.
c. The official scales will remain securely sealed until 1 hour before the official
time for the weigh-in and be opened only by the OIC Weigh-In.
e. The official scales are to close no later than 30 minutes prior to the
commencement of boxing.
Senior. A boxer may not lose more than 1kg to reach the desired weight he/she has
previously been entered for.
4.16 Number of Weigh-Ins. Boxers may have as many weigh-ins as required until
they reach the desired weight, but subject to the caveats listed in paras 4.14d and
4.154above.
4.17 Team Representatives. One team representative from each team may attend
the weigh-in but is not permitted to interfere in any way.
9
WEIGHING SCALES
4.18 Weighing scales are to be used to weigh-in all boxers and reserves as
described in paras 4.10 – 4.15. Army BA recommends the use of digital scales
(annual calibration). The official scales are to be inspected, calibrated and certified
using the certificate at Annex G to Section 5 in a location adjacent to the event within
48 hours of the meeting and are then to be securely sealed by the engineer. Once
sealed, the scales are not to be moved under any circumstance. They are to remain
sealed until 1 hour prior to the weigh-in and be opened only by the OIC Weigh-In.
The certification of inspection, calibration and accuracy is to be given to the OIC
Weigh-In, who, in turn, is to pass it on to the Official-in-Charge.
4.19 Within Army BA competitions the duration and number of rounds and intervals
duration depends upon gender, experience and age considerations. The following
table should be used to ascertain what format to use:
CIVILIAN BOXING
4.20 The Army BA demands the highest possible standards whenever Army
personnel compete for civilian clubs or against civilian boxers. In the interests of
boxing, and to maintain the high reputation of the Army BA, the following procedure
is to be adhered to whenever Army boxers compete against civilian opposition:
10
a. Authority to compete is to be sought from Commanding Officers. An example of
the
template for a Commanding Officer’s letter of authority is given at Annex L to Section
5.
b. Units are to seek authority from the Army BA with an information copy sent to the
Formation Army BA Association. UK-based events (including NI) require the
application 7 days in advance. For events outside of the UK, the application is
required 5 weeks in advance.
RULES ON DRESS/ATTIRE
5) Wear boxing shorts, which must reach to mid-thigh, but not extend below
the knee and a vest/singlet during competitive boxing. (Lycra type cycling
shorts are not to be worn as the primary form of shorts, but may be worn under
boxing shorts provided they are not visible).
11
Note. Tassels may be worn on shorts or boots. However, sequins are not
permitted on any item of dress or boxing equipment.
iii. Female boxers must wear a T-shirt under their singlet to preserve
modesty.
Boxers under 17 years of age must wear shorts or underpants and be accompanied
by a chaperone when weighing in.
b. Officials. During preliminary rounds, orders of dress for officials may be mufti and
working dress. However for all finals of competitions, officials and their orders of
dress are to be:
c. Seconds. Seconds are to wear white shirts with open necked collar, white long
trousers and white training shoes/boxing boots.
3) Referees. Referees are to be dressed in a plain white shirt worn with a plain
black bow tie, white long trousers and white training shoes/boxing boots. A
blue/black blazer should be worn when not actually in the ring.
12
e. Secondary Officials. Secondary officials and their orders of dress are:
1) Medical Officer Liaison Officer. See Section 7 Annex A para 2 Sub para d.
5) Stewards. Stewards are to wear Mess Dress or Service Dress or its equivalent
in warm climes.
13
SECTION 5 – ARMY BA DOCUMENTATION TEMPLATES
INTRODUCTION
5.1 This section has been designed to standardise the administration and
organisation of events by offering a natural progression of like subject Army BA
documentation in stand-alone sub-sections. For ease of photocopying and
subsequent dissemination to relevant personnel, all templates are designed as
Annexes to Section 5.
REGISTRATION
5.2 The following Annexes relate to the registration of boxers, coaches and officials:
A. Boxers Individual Registration Application.
B. Boxers Registration Nominal Roll.
C. Boxers Registration Fees Proforma.
D. Coaches/Officials Registration Application
E. Spare
WEIGH-IN
5.3 The following Annexes relate to, or are required at, the Weigh-In.
F. Female Boxer’s Declaration Certificate.
G. Certificate of Calibration – Official Weighing-In Scales.
H. Boxing Team/Individual List.
I. Certificate of Team/Individual’s Eligibility to Box.
J. Official Weigh-In Proforma.
K ..OIC Weigh-In Declaration Certificate.
BOXING TOURNAMENT
5.4 The following Annexes relate to the Boxing Tournament, less the documentation
necessary for the Officials.
L. Authority to Box in Civilian Events – Application Template.
M. Tournament Record Sheet.
N. Master of Ceremonies Duties.
O. Officials Duties.
P. Medical Care after Boxing Form.
Q. Notice of Boxing Injury Form.
OFFICIALS’ FORMS
14
R. Official-in-Charge Report Form.
S. Spare
T. Spare
U. Judges Proforma (Calculator) 3 Round Bout.
V. Judges Proforma (Calculator) 4 Round Bout.
W. Referees Stoppage Form.
X. Official-in-Charge Notice of Disqualification Form.
Send to: Sec Army BA ANNEX A TO
MOD ASCB SECTION 5 TO
Clayton Barracks ARMYBAAIDEMEMOIRE
ALDERSHOT DATED SEP 09
HANTS GU11 2BG
INDIVIDUAL BOXER’S REGISTRATION APPLICATION*
*Applications are to be accompanied by Nominal Roll (Annex B), Registration Fees proforma (Annex C)
and Passport sized photograph of boxer (NAME + SERVICE NUMBER written on reverse)
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE1
F/Boxing/162 GENDER
BOUTS JUNIOR2 BOUTS SENIOR2 UNIT CIVILIAN
/ME 3 number Win Lose Win Lose CLUB3
(Army BA entry)
Notes: 1. All boxing experience must be declared on initial registration, including intra-unit bouts.
2. Enter total number of bouts, including those prior to enlistment (including Junior bouts).
3. 2nd Claim status.
DECLARATION
2. I declare that the above information is true and no details have been omitted. I understand
that false information or non-declaration will result in serious consequences including
possible disqualification of myself / team and subsequent disciplinary action. The severity of
any such failure has been fully detailed to me by my Boxing Officer/Team Coach.
Signature:……………………………………………………..……………………...
15
BLOCK CAPITALS
Notes:
1. This nominal roll must be word processed/typewritten and details thoroughly checked for accuracy
before submission.
2. Boxing Officer should not sign this form until the details on Annexes A and C are correct.
Boxing Officer:………………………………………………………………..............
BLOCK CAPITALS
Unit: …………………….…………………………………………………………
Address: ………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………
16
E Mail: …………………………………………
1. Total registration fees of £ ………… (Boxer £3 per F/Boxing/162, £10 per ME3, Coach/Official £3
per Service Boxing card, £20 Civilian Boxing card)* are enclosed for ………………… (insert number)
personnel from this unit.
2. This form should be used for registration/re-registration of all boxers, coaches and officials and
accompany the relevant Annexes relating to the category of applicant.
a. F/Boxing/162*: £ ……………
b. ME 3*: £ ……………
Signature:……………………………………………………..……………………...
BLOCK CAPITALS
Unit: …………………….…………………………………………………………
Address: ………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………
17
Computer Input Date: ……………… Ints: …………………..(Army BA use only)
b. Civilian Boxing*
c. Initial registration*
d. Re-registration/Amendment* (Registration Card enclosed)
Coach* (for initial registration only - Photocopy of ABAE Certificate enclosed)
Official* (for initial registration only - Proof of qualification enclosed)
Referee* (for initial registration only - Proof of qualification enclosed)
e. A replacement for a lost Card* (Letter of explanation enclosed)
APPLICANT DETAILS
2. Details of the applicant are:
FEE
3. A UK cheque is enclosed:
b. Civilian Boxing - £20 payable to Army Sports Control Board Central Bank
Signature of Applicant:………………………………………………………………...
BLOCK CAPITALS
Rank and Name: ………………………………………………………………..
Unit: …………………….…………………………………………………………
18
Address: ………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………
Tel No: ………………………………………..
Fax No:. ……………………………………… Mobile No: ……………………………………
E Mail: ………………………………………… Date: …………………………………………
ANNEX E TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
Spare
19
MEDICAL IN CONFIDENCE WHEN COMPLETE
ANNEX F TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
1. The following declaration must be completed and signed by all female boxers
at the start of boxing training and on the day of all competition bouts. Competition-
day declarations must be passed to the OIC Weigh-In.
a. Number: ………………………………………….
b. Rank: ………………………………………….
c. Name/Ints: ………………………………………….
e. Unit: ………………………………………….
f. Address: ………………………………………….
………………………………………….
2. Competition Details:
a. Title: ………………………………………….
b. Date: ………………………………………….
c. Location: ……………………………………………..
Signed: ……………………...
Date: ………………………..
20
ONCE COMPLETED THIS FORM IS TO BE HANDED TO THE OIC WEIGH-IN AT
THE ACTUAL WEIGH-IN. IT IS THEN TO BE PASSED TO THE OIC AND
ULTIMATELY, BE RETAINED WITHIN THE INDIVIDUAL’S MEDICAL RECORDS.
b. Make/Model. ……………………………………
a. Date. ……………………………………
b. Time. ……………………………………
c. Location. ……………………………………
d. Building. ……………………………………
3. I further certify that the unit representative attending the inspection was
strongly advised that the scales must not be moved from the place where the
inspection was conducted. I securely sealed the scales.
Signed: ……………………………………….
Name: …………………………………………..
Appt: …………………………………………...
21
Unit: ……………………………………………
This is to certify that I supervised the weigh-in of the following personnel and confirm
their eligibility to compete on ……………………(date) at ……………….……(location):
22
Signed: …………………………………………………..
Name: ……………………………………………………
OIC Weigh-In
TO BE PASSED TO OFFICIAL-IN-CHARGE AND ULTIMATELY HELD BY THE
HOST UNIT FOR 28 DAYS AFTER THE EVENT, TOGETHER WITH ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTATION
23
ANNEX I TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
I hereby certify that all of the boxers annotated on this certificate are eligible to box in that they are amateurs, on the permanent posted
strength of this unit, have declared their F/Boxing/162 / ME 3 status in an honest manner, meet the criteria relating to bout
number/experience, gender and age categories and comply with the rules and regulations relating to eligibility as defined in Games and
Sports in the Army.
REGT NO RANK NAME & INTS F/Boxing/162 / ME 3 DATE TOS FROM UNIT
REG NO
Commanding Officer
LIGHTWEIGHT 1
>57kg/<60kg 2
>54kg/<57kg 3
LIGHT 1
WELTERWEIGHT 2
>60kg/<64kg 3
>57kg/<60kg
WELTERWEIGHT 1
>64kg/<69kg 2
>60kg/<64kg 3
MIDDLEWEIGHT 1
>69kg/>75kg 2
>64kg/<69kg 3
LIGHT 1
HEAVYWEIGHT 2
>75kg/<81kg 3
>69kg/<75kg
CRUISERWEIGHT 1
> 81kg/<86kg 2
3
HEAVYWEIGHT 1
>86kg/<91kg* 2
>75kg/<81kg 3
SUPER 1
Sep 09 I-26
HEAVYWEIGHT 2
>91kg 3
>81kg
Weights in Bold – Male - Female boxing weights
RESERVES
Reserves, which must have been weighed-in at the same time, venue and location as the team, are to be listed
here in their weight classes:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Signed: …………………….…………………………………………
BLOCK CAPITALS
Rank: ……………………………..................................................
Date: …………………………………………………………………
OIC Team
Sep 09 I-27
To: Official-in-Charge Event ANNEX K TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
2. I am satisfied that the weighing-scales were sealed and I was the official who broke the seal. The certificate of
calibration (Annex G to Section 5) is/is not* enclosed.
3. I verified/did not verify* the following documentation for every boxer presenting for weigh-in, which was
conducted without any variation from the procedure outlined in Section 4 of the Army BA Aide Memoire. I confirm
also that all boxers were weighed-in and made the weight for their declared category of boxer:
* - delete as appropriate
Signed: …………………………………………………..
Date: ……………………………………………………..
Time: ……………………………………………………..
Enclosures:
1. Completed Annex F to Section 5 for every female boxer who made the weigh-in.
2. Annex G to Section 5.
3. Annex H to Section 5.
4. Annex I to Section 5.
5. Annex J to Section 5.
Sep 09 I-28
Unit Details Block ANNEX L TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
Date:
Reference:
1. As outlined in Ref A, the following boxer from this unit has been authorised to compete/box against civilians
as indicated:
b. Rank: ………………………..
c. Surname/Ints: ………………………………….
a. Venue: …………………………………………
b. Date(s): ………………………………………..
3. A completed Army BA Tournament Record Sheet (Annex M to Section 5) will be forwarded to Sec Army BA
immediately after the event has concluded.
Lt Col
Commanding Officer
Distribution:
External:
Action:
Sec Army BA
Information:
Sep 09 I-29
Sep 09 I-30
Sep 09 I-31
Sep 09 I-32
Sep 09 I-33
ANNEX N TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
GENERAL
1. It is customary within Army BA circles to invite the senior Warrant Officer within the hosting
unit to undertake the duties of Master of Ceremonies (MC). These individuals are usually
highly experienced, intelligent and sensitive to the need for a common-sense approach to
military boxing events. These advisory notes should, therefore, be given to the MC well before
the event, together with an explanation that they are offered for advice and assistance with the
role.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY
2. The major responsibility of the MC is to ensure the safety and good order of those attending
the event. To this end the MC will require the assistance of seating stewards, fire piquet and
similar ‘duty’ personnel. A safety briefing is to be given by the MC to the whole audience prior
to the start of the event.
BOXING DUTIES
3. The MC’s boxing duties are to call for the boxers to enter the arena/ring, to introduce them
to the audience at the appropriate moment and announce the judges’ decision.
4. The MC should enter the ring to deliver the introductory briefing. The following script is
offered in order to cover the fundamental points that need to be included within the safety brief.
There are, of course, local factors for the environment/building that will need to be addressed
also.
“Before the start of the boxing, and in the interests of safety, there are a few points that I need
to bring to your attention. Firstly, please switch off/or switch to silent mode, any mobile
phones. In the unlikely event of a fire or other circumstance that requires the building to be
cleared, you are to leave in an orderly manner via the following exits.” (Illustrate which section
of the audience is to vacate the building by the most appropriate door.)
“Once outside of the building you are to move to (state where) and to form up in (state which)
groups, where the senior person present is to call the roll. You are then to await further
instructions.”
“In the event of a failure of the main boxing lights you are to remain seated and to keep silent.
Either the main hall or emergency lighting will function - you will then be briefed as to what
action you are to take.”
Sep 09 N-34
AUDIENCE BEHAVIOUR/SUGGESTED SCRIPT
5. The following script is offered to cover the fundamental points that need to be included
within the audience behaviour brief:
“You are encouraged to support your boxers. However, the following points are to be noted
and complied with. There is to be no booing, slow-handclapping, jeering, whistling, catcalls or
chants of ‘easy’. Boxing is not easy. You are to remain silent at the following times: when I am
talking; whenever I blow my whistle; whenever the referee is talking to the boxers; whenever a
boxer is receiving a count from the referee or the boxer is down on the canvas; whenever the
Medical Officer is talking to or attending a boxer; when the boxing lights fail.”
FOLLOW-ON FORMAT
6. Having covered the points in paras 4 and 5 above, the MC should tell the audience to ‘sit
easy’ until they are told to either stand or sit up upon the arrival of the principal
officer/guest/VIP. The MC should remain in one neutral corner of the ring. Immediately prior to
the arrival of the Principal, call the audience to the state previously decided. Upon the arrival
of the Principal at his/her seat, move forward and halt without stamping the foot. Give the
welcome and ask for permission to continue; once given, return to the neutral corner and give
permission for the audience to relax. The referee will then enter the ring and move to the free
neutral corner; boxing can now commence.
7. Call ‘boxers’. The boxers enter the arena in the pre-arranged order and enter the ring via
their respective corners. When they are both in the ring the referee will go to one boxer to
check the dress and equipment. The MC should go the other boxer to confirm the personal
details are as published on the programme and to offer good luck. When the referee moves to
check the other boxer, the MC should establish the details of the opponent and repeat the
good luck offering. The MC then retires to the neutral corner and the referee to the other one.
When both are present, the MC then makes the following announcement:
“ The (state number) bout on your programme is a (state weight) contest between in the
red corner and representing (state unit, boxer’s rank and surname) and in the blue
corner representing (state unit, boxer’s rank and surname).”
8. After this announcement, the referee will move to the centre of the ring and call both boxers
to come together there. After a short briefing and shake of hands the boxers are instructed to
return to their respective corners. When they arrive there, the MC states loudly:
Leave the ring via an area adjacent to the neutral corner. The referee will then start his pre-
bout checklist with officials; check the ring and apron are clear and tell the timekeeper to begin.
9. On the conclusion of the bout, re-enter the ring via the neutral corner area. Wait there until
the referee has completed the check on scoring with the OIC. The referee will than approach
you with the decision that you are to announce. The referee will then call both boxers to
together at a pre-designated area, face them towards the principal and take hold of the wrist of
the inside arm of both boxers. The MC then delivers the decision to the audience as one of the
following announcements:
Sep 09 N-35
b. “By a knockout, (state colour) is the winner.”
c. “The referee has stopped the contest; (state colour) is the winner.”
10. After the announcement, both boxers leave the ring. When the referee is assured that the
MO is present and the officials are ready, announce, “boxers” and the process is repeated. If
the MO is not present at the ringside, announce to the audience, “there will be a short delay
whilst the MO is checking on a boxer. Boxing will resume when the MO returns.” After the
announcement of the winner of the bout preceding the interval, the MC orders, “Sit up.”
Approach the Commanding Officer and seek approval to invite the guests to leave the area
and the other members of the audience to depart once the guests have left. Once approval is
given, return to the neutral corner and announce the arrangements made by the OIC Boxing,
together with a notification of what time people are to return and be seated by. Leave the ring.
Return in good time to repeat the 2nd phase of the evening and continue the process.
POST-BOXING ARRANGEMENTS
11. Once the last boxers have left the ring, the ring-manager will arrange for the presentation
table, trophies and medals to enter the ring. When this phase is complete, the MC calls,
“boxers” and all boxers and the coaches enter the arena and then into the ring. Ensure that
the boxers are kneeling in two rows on either side of the ring facing inwards and opposite their
opponents. Approach the Commanding Officer and invite him/her and the agreed
guests/sponsors to enter the ring. After the Commanding Officer/senior guest have entered
and have spoken, announce,
“The runner up of the (state weight) is (state Rank and Surname) of (state unit).
“The winner of the (state weight) is (state Rank and Surname) of (state unit).
Note: Prize giving for individual bouts may take place throughout the tournament, after each
bout
12. Depending on what agreement has been reached previously regarding who is to present
what trophies/medals and where in the proceedings speeches are made. The next
announcement is:
“As judged by the Official-in-Charge, the most gallant contender is (state Rank and
Surname) of (state unit).
“The award of best boxer as judged by the Official-in-Charge is (state Rank and
Surname) of (state unit).
“ The winners of the (state year and competition title) are (state team).
14. The MC then orders the audience to, “Stand up.” The National Anthem is played. On
completion, seek the authority of the Commanding Officer to carry on. Once given, assist the
Sep 09 N-36
Commanding Officer/guests to leave the ring. After they have departed the building, ask the
officers to leave, followed by the warrant officers and senior non commissioned officers and
then the other ranks. Often, there will be photographs taken of the boxers, Commanding
Officer and principal guests. These arrangements should be under the control of the OIC
Boxing, but be masterminded by the MC.
Sep 09 N-37
ANNEX O TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
GENERAL
OFFICIAL-IN-CHARGE
a. Assist the OIC Event with the organisation and smooth running of the event and advise on
all technical matters arising.
b. Verify that the weigh-in was conducted correctly and the OIC Weigh-In hands over all
documentation relating to the weigh-in. (Section 5, Para 5.3 refers).
c. Verify all documentation, including F/Boxing/162 / ME3s validity, correct completion and
medical examinations as required by the Army BA.
d. Ensuring that the ring set-up and ringside equipment, including documentation, is correct.
e. Ensuring that all officials are present and the correct application of the rules by all
officials.
f. Briefing the MC and ensuring the MC understands the duties of that role.
g. Ensuring that qualified trauma para-medic cover/ambulance is present and the medical
officer is ringside whenever boxing is taking place. Ensure these duties are conducted as per
the Army BA Aide Memoire and advise as necessary.
h. Receiving manually completed Judge’s Score Sheets from the Referee on the completion of
the bout and verifying the accuracy of the information. Computerised scoring is to be validated
throughout.
i. Ensuring the accurate completion of all ringside documentation in a timely manner and the
documentation is forwarded to the respective addressees for action/information and retention
as dictated by the Army BA.
j. Ensuring that F/Boxing/162 / ME3s are accurately completed and returned to the Team
Manager/Coach after the last bout.
k. Upgrading boxers with exceptional talent above the initial grading stipulated on the
F/Boxing/162 / ME3 or reaching the limit of bout numbers for that class and annotating
F/Boxing/162 / ME3s in red ink to that effect.
Sep 09 N-38
l. Forwarding the Official-in-Charge Report Form (Annex R to Section 5) as stated.
OFFICIAL-IN-CHARGE (OFFICIALS)
a. Briefing all members of both teams, separately, on what is expected of them throughout the
event.
b. Compiling 2 x copies of a duty roster for the officials. One copy is to be passed to the
Recorder; the other remains available for the officials.
c. Briefing all officials on the correct application of the rules, accuracy of information and need
for the maintenance of the highest possible standards.
d. Checking judges manually completed score slips for accuracy and consistency of
judgement. Comment on these performances as necessary after the last bout. Computerised
scoring performances are to be subject to adjudicator’s access and assessment and be
discussed as and when time is available at the event.
e. Ensuring that judges score slips are under control of the Recorder are not made available to
non-officials.
f. Handing the judges slips and all Referees’ stoppage forms (Annex W to Section 5) to the
OIC Event with the instruction that these documents must be safely retained for 28 days after
the event.
OFFICIAL-IN-CHARGE WEIGH-IN
4. The responsibilities of this appointment can be found in Section 4, Paras 4.8 – 4.18 refer.
Further, specific, advice is available for personnel given this appointment from the event
Official-in-Charge or appointing authority.
Sep 09 N-39
ANNEX P TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
FORM D
(Venue)
on (date)
This amateur boxer has suffered a KO or RSC(H) during his contest and has been seen by the
tournament Medical Officer before leaving.
If an amateur boxer suffers from any of the following complaints after a contest, he is to be
taken as soon as possible to the nearest hospital, with this proforma:
1. Headache.
3. Giddiness or unsteadiness.
(2) May start light training, if fully recovered, after one weeks rest.
Sep 09 N-40
ANNEX Q TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
Injury
The boxer above has been given a Medical suspension of days, commencing
on
(Signature)
BLOCK CAPITALS
(Name)
(Rank)
Distribution:
ARMY BOXING ASSOCIATION (ARMY BA) OFFICIAL IN CHARGE (OIC) REPORT FORM
2. TOURNAMENT DETAILS:
a. DATE(S):…………………… b. VENUE:…………………………………………
c. PARTICIPATING UNITS:
d. COACHES DETAILS:
3. OFFICIALS:
a. RNK/NAMES: COMMENTS
(1) REFEREES:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) JUDGES:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
4. MEDICAL COMMENTS:……………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. OVERALL COMMENTS………………………………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Appendix:
Sep 09 N-42
1. Officials’ Rota Template
Note:
1. Official-in-Charge duties can only be undertaken by a qualified Army BA official who has passed the
Official-in-Charge examination and is current. However, for semi-finals and above the Official-in-
Charge must be a Class 1 qualified and current referee.
APPENDIX 1 TO
ANNEX R TO
SECTION 5 OF
Sep 09 N-43
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
ANNEX S TO
SECTION 5 TO
Sep 09 N-44
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
SPARE
ANNEX T TO
SECTION 5 TO
Sep 09 N-45
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
Spare
ANNEX U TO
SECTION 5 TO
Sep 09 N-46
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
RED BLUE
………………………… V …………………………
(NAME) (NAME)
TOTAL SCORE
ROUND
………. 1 ……….
………. 2 ……….
………. 3 ……….
WINNER ………………………………………..............
(NAME) In the event of a draw the winner
will be decided in order of a, b or
COLOUR ……………………………………….............. c.
a. Leading Off
JUDGE'S NAME ………………………………………... b. Style
(BLOCK CAPITALS) c. Defence
SIGNATURE …………………………….………………
DATE ……../..……/..……
(DD MM YY)
Appendix:
APPENDIX 1 TO
ANNEX U TO
Sep 09 N-47
SECTION 5 OF
ARMY BA AIDE
MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
1. To switch ON press ON/C button - Now you may use it as a normal calculator.
2. To go to the boxing mode press BOX/CAL the score 00-00 and the glove picture will
appear.
3. To start calculating the boxing points press the START/DISPLAY button. The score will
disappear and there will be ROUND 1 flashing in the upper part of the screen.
4. Press the RED and BLUE buttons for scoring blows to the respective boxer.
5. Press the YELLOW 'W' buttons for warnings to the respective boxer.
6. To go to the next round press the ROUND button. The sign on the top of the screen will
indicate the round number you are in.
7. At the end of the last round press the START/DISPLAY button, the total score will be
displayed.
9. To review and record the individual round scores press the ROUND button. The sign on the
top will indicate the round number.
10. After the MC has announced the result press the START/DISPLAY button to switch to
the next bout.
Notes:
1. While the boxing is in progress there will be NO points displaying on the screen. This will
continue till after the final round, only after the final bell and pressing the START/DISPLAY
button will you be able to see the total points.
2. The calculator switches off automatically after 20 minutes of not being used.
3. The definition of a scoring blow is, “A punch delivered with the front knuckle part of a
clenched glove of either hand with sufficient force on the target area without infringing the
rules.”
4. The target area is defined as, “An imaginary line from the natural hairline down to the top of
the ears, around the back of the ears to the ear lobe. Then, across the top of the shoulders to
a line where the vest is. Down the front of the shoulders to underneath the armpit. Down the
side of the body, approximately 1-inch behind the seam of the vest. Culminating with an
imaginary line from the pelvic bone through the navel.”
Sep 09 N-48
ANNEX V TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
RED BLUE
………………………… V …………………………
(NAME) (NAME)
TOTAL SCORE
ROUND
………. 1 ……….
………. 2 ……….
………. 3 ……….
………. 4 ……….
WINNER ………………………………………....................
(NAME) In the event of a draw the winner
will be decided in order of a, b or
COLOUR ……………………………………….................... c.
a. Leading Off
JUDGE'S NAME ……………………………………………. b. Style
(BLOCK CAPITALS) c. Defence
SIGNATURE …………………………….…………………..
DATE ……../..……/..……
(DD MM YY)
Appendix:
Sep 09 N-49
APPENDIX 1 TO
ANNEX V TO
SECTION 5 OF
ARMYBAAIDE MEMOIRE
DATED SEP 09
BOXING CALCULATOR SCORING SYSTEM GUIDANCE NOTES
3. To switch ON press ON/C button - Now you may use it as a normal calculator.
4. To go to the boxing mode press BOX/CAL the score 00-00 and the glove picture will
appear.
3. To start calculating the boxing points press the START/DISPLAY button. The score will
disappear and there will be ROUND 1 flashing in the upper part of the screen.
4. Press the RED and BLUE buttons for scoring blows to the respective boxer.
5. Press the YELLOW 'W' buttons for warnings to the respective boxer.
6. To go to the next round press the ROUND button. The sign on the top of the screen will
indicate the round number you are in.
7. At the end of the last round press the START/DISPLAY button, the total score will be
displayed.
9. To review and record the individual round scores press the ROUND button. The sign on the
top will indicate the round number.
10. After the MC has announced the result press the START/DISPLAY button to switch to
the next bout.
Notes:
1. While the boxing is in progress there will be NO points displaying on the screen. This will
continue till after the final round, only after the final bell and pressing the START/DISPLAY
button will you be able to see the total points.
2. The calculator switches off automatically after 20 minutes of not being used.
3. The definition of a scoring blow is, “A punch delivered with the front knuckle part of a
clenched glove of either hand with sufficient force on the target area without infringing the
rules.”
4. The target area is defined as, “An imaginary line from the natural hairline down to the top of
the ears, around the back of the ears to the ear lobe. Then, across the top of the shoulders to
a line where the vest is. Down the front of the shoulders to underneath the armpit. Down the
side of the body, approximately 1-inch behind the seam of the vest. Culminating with an
imaginary line from the pelvic bone through the navel.”
ANNEX W TO
SECTION 5 TO
ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
Sep 09 N-50
DATED SEP 09
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Signed: ……………………………………………………………………
Rank: …………………….………………………………………………
Name: …………………………………………………………………….
RESTRICTED STAFF
(When complete)
Sep 09 N-51
To: CO ANNEX X TO
………………… (Insert unit) SECTION 5 TO
………………… (Insert address) ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE
………………… DATED SEP 09
…………………
…………………
1. The following boxer from your unit was subject to a disqualification decision at a
c. Surname: …………………………………….
e. Circumstances: ………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………….…………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Signed: ………………………………………………………
Rank/Name: ………………………………………………..
Date: ………………………………………………………..
RESTRICTED STAFF
(When complete)
Sep 09 N-52
GENERAL
Tournament officials are qualified as per the National Governing Body’s (ABAE) rules for
tournament officials. The following grades of officials are applicable:
Currently cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and in possession of an Official’s
book bearing a likeness photograph and the current season’s registration stamp. The book
must be carried at all times when on duty and presented to the OIC upon request. For
insurance whilst on duty, he must also be registered on the ABAE National Database for the
current season.
Sit and pass a control exam at the appropriate level every 3 years.
Re-assessed by written, oral and practical examination, if inactive for 2 or more years, before
being allowed to resume his duties.
An active boxer over 17 years of age may qualify as an Official, but may not officiate until he
has retired from boxing.
A judge/referee must have served for at least two years before being allowed to take the OIC
examination.
Each Division/District shall compile a panel of Grade A / Grade B / Grade C registered OIC’s,
Referees, Judges, and Timekeepers who must be qualified by examination. Grade C officials,
must not be used for Championship events.
An OIC, Referees, Judges, MOA, Recorder and Timekeeper, shall be appointed by the
Regional Associations/Divisions for all tournaments. For National Semi-Finals, National Finals
of all Championships and Home Internationals, the ABAE R & J Commission will appoint
Grade A/ EABA and AIBA OIC’s, Jury, Referees, Judges, Timekeepers, MC and Computer
Technicians.
1
Grade C officials who do not have current CRB clearance will not be permitted to register as an official with the ABAE and cannot officiate at
civilian events. They must however be registered with the Army BA and can officiate at Army only events, ie, Bn Inter Coy competitions.
Sep 09 N-53
Any OIC, Referee, Judge, or Timekeeper who has been active in that capacity at Grade C may
be nominated for upgrading to Grade B. Any Grade B official, who has been active in that
capacity, may be nominated for up-grading to Grade A. Details of upgrading procedures and
Major Panel selection is outlined below.
All newly qualified judges must sit in at a tournament and judge a minimum of 10 bouts
alongside the appointed judges. There results will be assessed by a qualified Grade A referee
from the Army Major Panel and they will be told when they are competent enough to be
appointed to tournaments.
Newly qualified referees will be assessed at a tournament by a qualified Grade A referee from
the Army Major Panel. They will be told when they are competent enough to be appointed to
tournaments.
Individuals wishing to qualify as a Grade C official should apply in accordance with the
instructions below.
Courses
During the boxing season courses are run at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) to
qualify service personnel as boxing officials. These courses are usually run by a suitably
qualified member of the Major Panel.
All individuals who wish to qualify as a boxing official i.e. Judge & Timekeeper (JTK) are to
apply to the ASPT via the normal procedure. On successful completion of the appropriate
course, examination and practical assessment, they will be qualified as a Grade C official. The
results are to be forwarded to the Secretary Army BA and the individuals’ Divisional Secretary.
Upgrading Criteria
Criteria for upgrading of boxing officials is set by the Army Major Panel and are:
(2) Attended and officiated at a minimum of 5 different events in each season, with details
of number of bouts recorded.
2
Exceptions may be made by the Secretary Army BA on advice from the Army Major Panel Secretary, where sufficient experience and
knowledge is demonstrated by the individual. Each case will be dealt with on merit.
Sep 09 N-54
Refereed and logged a minimum of 15 contests in each season.
Upgrading to Grade A can only be conducted through the ABAE R & J Commission via the
Army BA Officials Secretary.
The minimum qualifications needed to run JTK courses and upgrading to Referee Grade B are:
Upgrading Procedure
Candidates who wish to be selected for upgrading must have a recommendation from their
Division/District representative in consultation with at least one Major Panel Grade A Referee.
Active/Inactive Officials
Any boxing official who has not officiated for a period of 2 years will be deemed as inactive. To
reactive qualification, individuals must sit a controlled theory examination and shadow for at
least 1 competition. This process is controlled by Divisional/District representatives who will
appoint a minimum of one Major Panel Grade B Referee to carry out the assessment.
The Army Major Panel of officials oversees all aspects of Boxing in the Army with regard to
Tournament Officials (Referees, Judges and Timekeepers).
Selection
Due to the nature of tournaments at which Army Major Panel members officiate (ABAE civilian
shows, CSBA / single service championships, etc) all potential officials for the Major Panel are
required to have a high level of experience. The minimum criteria expected for candidates
wishing to be considered for the Major Panel is:
Application
Sep 09 N-55
Applications must be submitted in writing by Division/District rep to the Army Major Officials
Secretary at least 14 days prior to Army Individuals Championships. Contact details are
available via the Secretary Army BA or the Army Boxing web site.
Assessment
An overall assessment of the written and practical examinations will be evaluated and a
summary given to each candidate by the OIC of the Championships and/or the Officials’
Secretary. Competent candidates will then be elected to the Major Panel.
The Army BA Officials’ Secretary is to maintain a list of all of Grade A/Grade B/EABA/AIBA
registered OICs, Referees, Judges, Jury, and Timekeepers who must be qualified by
examination by the Army BA/CSBA/ABAE R & J Commission. All Officials must be members
of a Club or other affiliated Association (e.g. CSBA). Only Officials from this list will be
authorised to officiate at preliminary, Association, pre-¼ Finals and ¼ Final rounds of all
Championships and representative matches.
Appointment to ABAE Semi Final Rounds will be appointed by ABAE R & J Commission.
Standards
Major Panel members are expected to attend a minimum of 3 contests each season. Failure to
do so may result in removal from the Major Panel. Dispensation will be given to members
involved on operational deployments.
Review
Major Panel membership is reviewed annually at a meeting of the Major Panel. Members who
have elected to be removed or those deemed not to be active or supportive will be removed.
Discipline
Sep 09 N-56
Only Grade B Army Major Panel Officials will be nominated by the Army BA Officials Secretary
to the CSBA for upgrading to Grade A. All Grade A officials are ABAE Major Panel Officials.
Only Officials from this list will be authorised to officiate at preliminary, Association, pre-¼
Finals and ¼ Final rounds of all Championships and representative matches, with the
exception of. Grade C officials, who must not be used for Championship events.
Nomination to EABA and AIBA will be via the CSBA representative on the ABAE R & J
Commission, through single service Officials’ Secretaries. Individuals receiving
recommendations for upgrading to EABA and AIBA via ABAE Regional Associations/Divisions
are to notify their single service Officials’ Secretary immediately.
Sep 09 N-57
References:
1. Introduction.
a. Aim. This edition of this aide memoire updates Ref D; its aim remains the optimising of
supervision of Army amateur boxing in order to minimise the risks of participation in this sport.
b. Risk Minimisation. Like many militarily popular sports, amateur boxing has some
intrinsic risks entailed in participation in it3 so the aim of medical supervision of the sport, as of
skilled refereeing, is risk minimisation, by protecting participant and aspirant boxers from
avoidable or preventable damage.
(2) No-one boxes without giving their informed consent to accepting the risks of
participation;
(3) Anyone sustaining brain injury when boxing has enforced rest periods to allow recovery;
(1) Standard English requirements of medical cover for amateur boxing as at Ref A and, in
addition,
(2) Those additional regulatory features deemed necessary by ArmyBA because service
boxers box on duty, to even further optimise/tighten service boxing medical supervision
standards (Refs B+C)5.
Sep 09 N-58
a. All service boxers must:
Give their un-coerced and medically fully informed consent to participation in boxing.
Have fully recovered after a medical suspension, before resuming sparring + boxing.
Be less than 34 years of age, as all amateur boxers must retire on or before their 34th birthday.
b. Service boxing authorities ensure full compliance with ABAE rules on registration of
boxers, the number of bouts a boxer may take part in per year and inter-bout intervals
required.
c. There must be appropriate acceptance of responsibility for the health of the boxer, shared
between the individual boxer, his6 coach, unit Boxing Officer, CO and unit MO7.
3. Ringside Medical Supervision and Cover. Full details regarding this important area are at
Annex A.
5. Dress and Protective Equipment. All boxers are to be dressed in accordance with
CSBA Constitution and Rules, ie including abdominal protector, headguard, gumshield, as
necessary re specific requirements for female boxers, etc.
There has been much discussion at ABAE recently about gumshield colour issues; this has
obscured the key point - it must fit properly. This holds whether bought commercially and heat-
moulded to the gum/ teeth or custom-made by the unit dental centre – the latter is clearly
preferable if available.
ABAE rules updated on 15 Feb 09 clarify the colour issue: no red coloured gumshields may be
worn.
b. Female boxers – breast protection. For female boxers, breast protection and specific
requirements such as T-shirts under singlets apply.
(1) The requirement for breast protection to be worn is not yet mandated except in the Army
but ArmyBA believe that it should be and will be seeking to influence opinion on this matter at
Combined Services, National and International level. The concern here is that the breasts are
6
This is a gender-free document: all statements refer to male and female boxers. For ‘he’ read ‘he or she’, for ‘his’ read ‘his or her’ and for ‘him’ read ‘him
or her’, etc. In exception to this convention, any specific to female boxing issues that arise will use the female pronouns.
7
‘Unit MO’ means the RMO where the unit has one, or whatever other type of primary care MO supports the boxer’s unit. The latter includes another
uniformed MO in a military garrison group practice and/or the various other types of civilian medical practitioners (CMPs) employed or contracted to this
work at various MOD locations.
Sep 09 N-59
in the target area for scoring punches and blows to breast tissue can cause fat necrosis, which
presents as a lump which can mimic cancer and lead to surgery; the risks of this arising can be
minimised by correct protection.
(2) External to the T-shirt padded suiting as used in some martial arts inhibits the ability to
move and punch freely and is not to be used.
(3) What is required is an appropriately designed specialist sports bra with a secondary
layer of cloth material outside the normal bra, creating a layer into which can be slid a fitting
piece of protective material similar to the force-attenuating foam in headguards and gloves.
Protectors including hard materials can cause damage themselves from sharp edges and
should be avoided; similarly protectors that restrict the ability to move freely in the ring are not
to be used. A number of manufacturers make such kit and advice on this if needed should be
sought from Army BA Medical Advisor.
(4) Just like a normal bra, breast protectors need to comfortably fit the individual boxer’s
breasts and so individual equipment should be purchased and costs of this to the boxer
reimbursed to the individual from appropriate funding sources eg PRI sports funds etc.
(5) At annual and prebout medicals, MOs should ensure that female boxers understand the
rationale for the wearing of protection, explaining that blows to the breast potentially cause fat
necrotic lumps so she must understand the necessity for regular self-examination and
reporting at once any lumps found.
6. Drug Misuse.
a. Drug abuse in amateur boxing is strictly prohibited, as is the use by a boxer of any
substance that may effect his physical/mental state in such a way as to potentially improve
performance.
c. The finding of a banned drug or any of its metabolites8 in the boxer’s body will constitute
an offence normally attracting an Executive Council of ABAE lifelong ban, exceptionally
reviewable after 5 years9.
d. Any person assisting or inciting others to drug abuse shall be considered to have
committed an offence against the rules of ABAE and will be subject to disciplinary action by
Army BA authorities.
7. MRI Brain Scanning. The BMA asserts that boxers run the risk of cerebral scarring from
repetitive brain injury and that such scarring risks are potentially cumulative. No compelling
evidence exists that regular MR imaging of the brain will influence or prevent the development
of chronic traumatic brain injury1. Should an individual boxer wish to seek an MRI scan as part
of their determination of their informed consent to box, they are to be referred to the ArmyBA
Medical Advisor by email10.
8
‘Metabolites of drug X’ means the physical chemical breakdown products of the metabolism in the body of drug X.
9
Mitigating circumstances may be considered for first offences but the decision lies with the ABAE Disciplinary Committee.
1
10
Contact details are at Annex H.
Sep 09 N-60
8. Documentation. Medical documentation standards must be high - to optimise boxer
protection, to ensure observance of suspension periods and for medicolegal reasons. Details
are at this Section’s Annex G.
9. Other Medically Relevant Forms in this Aide Memoire. Copies of other medically relevant
forms etc are appended after Annex H for ease of cross-reference and for completeness; these
are as follows:
a. Female Boxer’s Declaration Certificate - Section 5’s Annex F – this is required of female
boxers at pre-bout medicals that they self-certify that to the best of their knowledge they are
not pregnant and have no other specific to female health issues that they need/wish to declare.
b. Head Injury Advice Card - Medical Care of a Boxer after a Contest – Section 5’s Annex
P. This is issued to a boxer who has been stopped by a KO(H) or RSC(H)11 or to any other
boxer where the MO deems this necessary; its content includes direction to avoid alcohol,
which clashes with the Army’s tradition of boxers attending a mess after a contest for drinks.
Coaches must enforce on this issue and ensure that a boxer given this card has zero alcohol
intake. The reason for this is that even mild to moderate blood alcohol levels can cause
physical signs that mimic an emerging brain bleed or concussion, cause diagnostic confusion
and therefore raise avoidable risk.
c. Notice of Boxing Injury - for the unit of a boxer losing KO(H)/RSC(H) or subject to a
suspension for any other reason: Section 5’s Annex Q. Like Section 5’s Annex Ps, these are
available for use ringside for MO’s completion and officials’ distribution to units. This form
formally notifies a period of ban from sparring and boxing until a subsequent re-medical has
been passed, in addition to the notation to that effect in the boxer’s personal record card
FBoxing162 (the Army’s version of the ME3 used by civilian boxers). The requirement for the
passing of a re-medical before resuming sparring after a ban period has too often been widely
ignored so this issue requires reinforcement: sparring or boxing after a ban period is NOT to
restart until a post-suspension re-medical has been passed to check that there has been full
recovery from the injury that led to the ban.
REFER TO
SER SUBJECT MATTER
ANNEX ……
1 Ringside Medical Supervision + Cover Requirements A
2 Medical Examinations – General Descriptive Points B
11
Terms like these are defined at Annex C.
Sep 09 N-61
3 Guidance Notes For MOs on Boxing Medical Examinations C
4 Form For Recording Annual Medical Examination Results D
Form For Recording Decision on Fitness to Box12 and
5 E
Informed Consent at Annual Examination
6 Form For Recording Pre-Bout Medical Examination Results F
7 Medical Documentation G
Potentially Useful Contact Details for when Advice is
8 H
Needed.
9 Female Boxer’s Declaration Certificate Annex F to Sect 5
Head Injury Advice Card - Medical Care of a Boxer after a
10 Annex P to Sect 5
Contest
11 Notice of Boxing Injury Annex Q to Sect 5
Example of Standard Transfer/Referral Letter from Ringside
12 Encl after Annex H
to A+E Dept
References:
12
This is a change – reasons at Annex G.
Sep 09 N-62
A. Medical Aspects of Boxing (2006): Medical Commission of the Amateur Boxing Association
of England Ltd.
B. Surgeon General Policy Letter (SGPL) 12/00: D/SG(Med Pol)350/7/9 dated 18 Oct 00.
C. DGAMS Policy Letter (DGPL) 35/2001: D/AMD/31/33/1 dated 6 Feb 01.
D. ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE - SECTION 7 - MEDICAL ASPECTS OF BOXING: REVISION
FEB 2005.
a. No boxing can take place without the MO physically present ringside. Eg, if the MO is
busy attending to a boxer post bout, the next bout will be delayed. It is good practice to advise
the Official in Charge if such delays are going to be more than brief, as if so, a break for the
boxers, officials and the audience can be announced. If the MO is supported by well trained
military medics or civilian paramedics, post bout checks can sensibly be delegated to them –
entirely at the MO’s discretion - with the MO only being called if the medic/paramedic has
concerns; this allows the boxing to flow smoothly with the MO ringside without avoidable
interruption.
b. If a boxer is injured, the referee will call the MO into the ring to treat a boxer who is
down, or to check the boxer’s fitness to continue or not.
c. It is unusual for an MO to be concerned about an injury that a boxer has received, but
not be called into the ring to make medical checks, but sometimes the MO will spot something
that the referee was blind-sided to. If this arises, the MO has options as follows:
(1) If the MO feels that s/he needs to check the boxer immediately, s/he should speak to
the Official in Charge, who is seated on the same side of the ring at the right hand end. If the
Official in Charge concurs with the MO, he can require the referee to stop the fight at once and
to call the MO into the ring to make any necessary examination.
(2) An alternative solution is for the Official in Charge to speak to the referee during the
next break between rounds and advise the referee that the MO wishes to check the boxer that
s/he is concerned about. The MO and referee will not normally interrupt the boxer’s inter-round
briefing from his second. Instead the convention is that in these circumstances, the referee will
restart boxing for the next round and then immediately stop it to invite the MO to make the
checks that s/he wishes to.
(3) Dispute between referee and MO over any such issue is exceptional; if this arises, the
MO should liaise with the Official in Charge; the latter can direct the referee and will back the
MO as necessary13.
d. If the MO’s examination in the ring indicates that the bout must be stopped, the referee
will stop the fight in favour of the other boxer, who will thereby win. If the injured boxer had
been winning up to that point, such medical decisions can potentially be highly unpopular with
the boxer, his second and coach, and the crowd of supporters14. Notwithstanding this, the
decision rests with the MO, who must be prepared to ‘stick to their guns’ when necessary. In a
case of a ‘close call’, the MO may choose to discuss it with the referee and/or the Official in
Charge. The default setting is always in favour of boxer protection from further injury: officials
will react accordingly and tend to err on the safe side15.
13
In extremis, a not listened to MO could stop a bout by leaving the ringside or even by ringing the bell him/herself to end the round prematurely. The way
that the officials/referee-MO relationship is normally conducted in ArmyBA is such that this has not been required.
14
The more senior the bout, the more highly charged such issues.
15
If the MO makes a call to stop a bout and the Official in Charge disagrees, the OIC will back the MO’s decision and stop the bout, and then discuss any
matters arising with the MO later, privately.
Sep 09 N-63
2. Ringside Personnel and Equipment Requirements.
a. Serious injuries in service amateur boxing are rare. However, the ability to deal with
such safely when they do occur is essential for clinical, medicolegal, ethical and media
management reasons. The ABAE line on this is crystal clear: ringside MOs must be ‘confident
and competent to manage the airway’ of an unconscious boxer; this is the baseline
requirement.
b. Personnel cover requirements are summarised below, based on the definitive tri-service
guidance given at Ref B and relevant single service additions to that, eg for the Army, Ref C.
When detail beyond that given below is required, Medical Advisor to ArmyBA should be
consulted. There is no change from Ref D – the last edition of this document.
c. All necessary resuscitation and casualty movement kit16 must be available ringside; the
ensuring of this is the MO’s responsibility, irrespective of what support personnel they have
present with them.
d. The skills mix of the medical team can vary as described below:
(1) Option one: A ringside MO who holds an in date resuscitation skills qualification5, with
whatever medic support the MO deems necessary to allow them to safely care for a boxer who
is seriously injured, the minimum being a Class One Cbt Med Tech or RMA 1 who holds a
current BARTS qualification or equivalent thereof6.
(2) Option two: A ringside MO who does not hold an in date resuscitation skills
qualification5, supported by medics who are paramedic qualified678, to give the medical team
the required resuscitation skills.
(3) Option three: At senior bouts, when the risk of injury to the boxers is de facto higher,
whether or not the MO is personally resuscitation qualified, the supporting medics must be
paramedic qualified7, seated as noted6.
e. In maintaining the required standards in this area, the Official in Charge has a clear duty
to satisfy himself of the adequacy of medical cover. However, in medicolegal terms, in the
event of any problem, the final responsibility lies with the MO concerned, who has a clear
personal duty to insist on correct standards of personnel and equipment. The MO must
exercise this duty well ahead of the bout - at the planning stage: to leave it until the
day/evening of the bout and then announce that the situation is inadequate and that the boxing
must be abandoned would be unacceptable to all concerned.
f. Funding and related issues8 dictate that the first port of call for ringside medical support
must be uniformed medical support. Only if this is not available can public funds be used to
16
See, for example, Ref C Paras 8 - 10. Spinal boards for safe movement of a possibly C-spine injured boxer are essential.
5
A BATLS qualification, or an RN, RAF or civilian equivalent PHLS or ILS or ALS qualification.
6
Such a medic will be seated ringside next to the MO and (for historic reasons) is called the ‘Medical Officer Liaison Officer’ or ‘MOLO’. Additional
medics that the MO chooses to have in his/her team should be seated in the front row just behind the MO and MOLO, readily available to the MO when
needed. When paramedics are used in this way, one is to be seated as the MOLO and the other as above, accessible to the MO nearby in the crowd front
row; in this circumstance, there is then no requirement for an additional uniformed person to act as MOLO.
5
7
Such a requirement for paramedics will normally imply the buying in of civilian support. If a service medic is used in this role, to qualify as a paramedic
in these terms, they must hold a recognised Institute of Health Care Development (IHCD) qualification in resuscitation techniques or equivalent
qualification. If any doubt arises about this issue, advice must be sought from the Army BA Medical Advisor.
8
Approaches to funding vary between Divisions and Commands at time of writing. In most areas, funding of civilian support when required is provided
from central funds through divisional medical branches (not APHCS, who are not funded to support this area). The position of the Executive Committee of
the Army BA is that - as boxing is an official Army sport, and as boxers are boxing on duty, and as the regulations on medical cover requirements are
centrally defined – the costs of meeting the required medical cover provision should definitely be centrally funded, with the alternative approaches of using
unit funds (eg PRI money) being unacceptable. Units who experience any difficulties in this regard should seek support from the Secretary Army BA, who
will enlist support of senior members of the Executive Committee to address the issues raised by the unit concerned to their higher formation.
7
6
Sep 09 N-64
purchase in civilian medical support; when this is necessary, event organisers must approach
their divisional medical branch for funding authority with ample notice (at least a full month).
g. This edition of the regulations changes the position about ambulances significantly - as
follows.
(1) Many years ago, we lost the old system where all military medical centres had their own
ambulances; by tradition - as opposed to because of evidence of a requirement for it – these
were parked ringside in case of need for them. Civilian clubs have no such tradition. The only
utility of a ringside ambulance – as opposed to one summoned by a 999 call – is to cover the
extremely rare eventuality of a boxer being knocked out and staying unconscious,
necessitating their rapid transfer to hospital with the MO as escort (and hence the
abandonment of the boxing competition).
(2) Henceforward, where boxing is to be held at a location with a rapid 999 response time,
there is no further requirement for a pre-positioned ringside ambulance, as one can be made
available quickly by 999-demand. Organisers are to abide by the following;
999 Response time of more than 10 minutes – an ambulance is required at your event venue.
The decision on this, as per the above guideline response time ‘cut-off line’, lies with the
ringside MO who has clinical responsibility for the care of the boxers, so event organisers
MUST engage early with their MO and agree the above well ahead of the event to allow
ambulance provision to be organised in good time if required. If MO or event organiser is in
any doubt on this point, they should seek advice (with ample notice) from ArmyBA Medical
Advisor.
(3) Cases needing transfer to hospital less urgently than the scenario in subpara (1) are much
more common, eg a boxer who needs less urgent A+E further assessment for some reason eg
someone who is concussed but apparently recovering, dislocated shoulder, facial fractures,
etc. In such cases, the ringside ambulance is NOT to be used (unless the issue arises towards
the end of the contest) as its function is as described in subpara (1), and a secondary
additional ambulance should be summoned with a 999 call. Alternatively, non-ambulance
transport for the case at hand can sometimes be used, the decision on which is appropriate
resting entirely with the clinical discretion of the ringside MO.
(4) It has for some years been deemed unacceptable to use ‘green’ ambulances for road-
transport of casualties on UK roads. So for example, they may be used off-road to move an
exercise-casualty from a location on a training area to its edge, where an ambulance exchange
point will provide for the casualty’s transfer to a fully equipped civilian ambulance for transfer to
hospital. ‘Green’ ambulances are therefore an unacceptable option as a pre-positioned
ringside ambulance designed to manage the worst-case scenario at subpara (1). Where a pre-
positioned ambulance is deemed necessary, this therefore immediately implies a requirement
for civilian support; note the funding issues as above.
g. If any doubt or difficulty arises about any of the points above, Boxing Officers arranging
tournaments or MOs should seek advice from the Army BA Medical Advisor, contact details as
given at Annex H.
Sep 09 N-65
relied upon to perform their ring preparation duties, this is entirely optional and has never
presented a problem issue in recalled experience.
a. The pre-bout medicals are done on the day of the bout sometime between the end of
the weigh-ins and the start of the boxing. Officials prefer immediately after the weigh-ins as
doing the medicals then provides immediate confirmation of certainty of all the boxers’ fitness
to compete, facilitates the draw in a multi-stage contest, etc. However, issues around MO
availability and competing commitments upon their time are increasingly recognised as
potentially preventing this approach.
b. The medicals can be done at the unit medical centre (MC) that day: as MCs are always
already busy with other tasks, this approach will require considerable early warning and prior
arrangement between the Boxing Officer arranging the tournament and the MC Practice
Manager. Late notice requests will seldom be actionable. Doing the prebout medicals at the
MC has the considerable advantage that the examining MO will have full visibility of the
medical history on the pan-services medical software DMICP; this is a great deal better than
taking the boxer’s word for it as fallacious denial of any problems by those keen to compete
after months of training is commonplace.
c. Alternatively, the pre-bout medicals can be done by the ringside MO arriving early
enough ahead of the start of the bouts to do this task. When this approach is taken, the
Boxing Officer arranging the tournament is to ensure that the MO has available the following:
(2) Annex Fs and biros (not pencils) for the boxers to fill in the questionnaire section of this
Annex.
(3) Annex Fs to Section 5 for any female boxers to make their declaration.
d. After completion at the medical centre or immediately pre-bout, the Annex Fs are to be
kept together for use of the MO ringside. At the time of endorsing the Annex F that the boxer
is fit to box, the MO also endorses the FBoxing162/ME3 to that effect, using a red pen. The
Annex F is available to the MO ringside to make contemporaneous notes if required during and
after the bout. These forms should be shredded post bout if of no further relevance or
subsequently the MO should add ringside notes data to DMICP when that is appropriate
instead.
5. Injury Recording into the FBoxing162/ME3. The ringside MO should record (in red pen)
the following injury data, noting with this any medical suspension that is required as a result (as
set out at Para 8 below):
Sep 09 N-66
Concussion, which may arise in those knocked out or stopped RSC(H) or RSC or in any other
boxer who has a hard bout with multiple head blows exchanged. After bouts where any of
these scenarios apply, careful post bout checks by the MO and/or one of his/her team (as
authorised as competent to do these by the MO) are required.
(1) ‘RSC’ means simply that the Referee has Stopped the Contest.
(2) The referee may stop the bout because the boxer is outclassed, clearly going to lose and
so the bout is stopped for the avoidance of unnecessary further injury: this is a simple RSC; no
automatic suspension of the boxer is required but the MO may choose to apply one, depending
on the results of a post-bout examination.
(3) If the referee stops the contest because the outclassed boxer has sustained too many
Head blows, this is called an RSC(H) and attracts an automatic suspension like a KO(H), of at
least 28 days, extensible at the ringside MO’s discretion.
(4) The referee may choose to classify an RSC stoppage as an RSC(H) after one or more
hard head blows to an outclassed boxer leading to an 8 second count, or must stop the bout
after 3 such 8 second counts in one round or 4 such counts in the whole match, which the
referee may or may not class as an RSC(H). If the referee classes such a stoppage as RSC,
the MO’s discretion applies to any ban period allocated.
RSC(H) or knock-out from a head blow [KO(H)] or body punch [KO(B)]. KOs are classified as
follows:
KO(B) means knocked out due to a body punch that the boxer does not get up from inside 10
seconds; post bout examination once intra-bout endorphins have normalised should be
performed to exclude rib fracture or intra-abdominal injury; so long as none is found, no ban is
normally needed. The range of standard suspension period for a KO(B) is 0-28 days, with the
default remaining at 28 days, reducible to 0 if the MO is happy from the later examination that
no significant harm has been done. ABAE rules update on 15 Feb 09 on page 75 at para 7
refers. As always, ban periods can be extended at the ringside MO’s discretion if necessary.
KO(H) means knocked out by a head blow, this category being sub-divided as below:
6. Injury Notification and Head Injury Advice Forms. Whenever appropriate, Annexes P +
Q to Section 5 are initiated ringside. [Copies are after Annex H for ease of cross-reference.]
7. Referral of an Injured Boxer to Hospital. Before any boxing bout, it is good practice as
a courtesy measure for the MO (or a delegated member of his/her team) to notify the nearest
A&E unit of the fact that boxing is to take place. Boxers should be transferred - by ambulance
with airways support and on oxygen - in the following circumstances:
a. Boxers to be transferred to A+E without MO escort. Any boxer - whether or not KO’d,
RSC’d or otherwise - who shows signs of concussion at a post-bout check and whose
examination-signs of concussion do not rapidly resolve with oxygen treatment, but whose
clinical condition is not such as to demand immediate transfer as at subpara 7b below. Note
Sep 09 N-67
the implied requirement here for competent post bout checks for any signs of concussion.
Annex B gives more detail on such checks.
b. Boxers to be transferred to A+E with MO escort. If the boxer’s clinical condition is such
that the MO deems it wise to accompany the patient10, this should be done using the on-site
ambulance or a 999 summoned one (as above), and the A&E unit notified whilst on route (by
mobile phone). A bona fide emergency scenario such as this is extremely rare, very serious
and highly media-sensitive and so must be notified at the latest on the next working day to the
Medical Advisor and Secretary of Army BA.
8. Suspension Periods. All the periods noted below are MINIMA, to be applied by the
ringside MO who saw the injury occur and assessed the boxer immediately post-bout. The
ringside MO can allocate a longer ban if he considers it clinically appropriate. These
suspension periods may be extended but not reduced by unit MOs following up the boxer later.
Minimum suspension periods to be applied are as follows:
Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) - boxer outclassed and stopped to prevent further
punishment: zero - 21 days, depending on the injuries observed by the MO and the post-bout
examination findings11.
KO(H) with recovery within 2 minutes: 28 days but consider increase particularly carefully.
RSC(H) or KO(H) twice inside a 3 month period: 84 days from second such injury.
RSC(H) or KO(H) 3 times inside a 12 month period: 1 year from the third such injury12.
‘Unfit to box or spar for XX days AND until post suspension medical re-examination has been
passed’.
11. Annexes P and Q to Section 5. Annexes P and Q to Section 5 are completed whenever
appropriate; Annex P (Head Injury Advice Card) is given to the boxer or coach by MO or
MOLO6, with emphasis on alcohol avoidance and Annex Q (Notification of Boxing Injury) is
passed to the Chief Official for passing to the unit.
10
Postponement of the rest of the contest due to the MO having to leave will clearly be required.
11
In service boxing, the standard of refereeing is so high that boxers who need to be stopped RSC are usually stopped early, in which case limited injuries
will have been received and no ban at all will be required.
12
There is a strong argument for no resumption of boxing ever in a boxer who has had this injury record. Ref B refers. Before resumption is allowed,
referral for full neurological assessment (incl scans, psychometric tests, etc) is mandatory.
6
Sep 09 N-68
12. Discretion. MOs experienced in supervising boxing have a duty to advise coaches
and boxers when they sometimes see a boxer who continues to keep trying but repeatedly
loses, suffering pointless re-injury. Sometimes, such boxers need the doctor to point out to
them what they are doing to themselves and to advise as bluntly as necessary that it is time
that the boxer considered stopping boxing and instead taking up another sport. The issue in
such cases being that for reasons of psychological denial, misplaced pride, etc, the boxer is
treating the health risks of the sport in a fashion that implies that he lacks proper understanding
of these, so raising concerns about his ability to give proper informed consent to participation
in the sport.
13. Injury Follow Up. It is the responsibility of coaches and seconds to ensure that a boxer
who has had a suspension applied, or had any other significant entry made by the MO in his
FBoxing162/ME3, reports sick for follow up examination on the next working morning after
return to his unit. Unit boxing officers and coaches are to ensure that boxers on post-bout
bans or otherwise under medical supervision do not spar or train (let alone box) until cleared to
do so by their unit MO. When the unit MO is satisfied that the boxer is recovered, he is to
endorse the FBoxing162/ME3 ‘Recovered - Fit to resume boxing’.
14. Dress. At many bouts, unit Officers and Warrant Officers will be wearing Mess Dress.
When this is so, serving MOs may do so too if they wish. However, if the MO prefers to do so,
working dress can be worn instead to avoid the risks of damage to expensive Mess Dress (or
other formal wear) from blood, saliva, etc. Changing across to Mess Dress post bout for a
subsequent mess function is then an option if required. Civilian equivalent dress code applies
on a purely advisory basis: eg if a bout is one at which Mess Dress is being worn, the MO may
choose to wear black tie to match the spirit of the occasion, but should only do so if
unconcerned by the potential for damage to clothing by blood etc.
References:
A. Medical Aspects of Boxing (2006): Medical Commission of the Amateur Boxing Association
of England Ltd.
B. Surgeon General Policy Letter (SGPL) 12/00: D/SG(Med Pol)350/7/9 dated 18 Oct 00.
C. DGAMS Policy Letter (DGPL) 35/2001: D/AMD/31/33/1 dated 6 Feb 01.
D. ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE - SECTION 7 - MEDICAL ASPECTS OF BOXING: REVISION
FEB 2005.
1. Introduction. Civilian amateur boxers are required to have 5 yearly fitness to box medicals
and a pre-bout check by the ringside MO for any new problems or intercurrent illness.
Sep 09 N-69
Because service boxers are boxing on duty, MOD sets tighter standards than this: service
boxers are therefore required to have:
2. Annual Medicals.
a. These are to be performed annually, normally at the start of each boxing season (ie in
September) but they must normally be at least 10 days before the boxer’s first bout that year
(see below at subpara e).
b. Annex C gives full details of the various conditions that permanently debar from service
boxing, require a specialist’s clearance for approval, or attract a temporary bar.
c. To record the history and examination findings at this medical, MOs are to use the
proforma at Annex D. The administration of the questionnaire section17 and the run-ups
section of the form can be delegated to members of the practice team in the same way as
completion of the Fmed1 PULHHEEMS questionnaire etc. Completed copies of Annex D are
to be managed as follows:
(2) One copy to be photocopy-shrunk to A5 and filed in the Fmed4 as a permanent folio (ie
not loose in the pocket but under the clip on the right).
d. Whilst general fitness training can commence before the pre-season medical is passed,
sparring training commencement must wait for this medical to be passed.
e. Therefore, there must normally be at least 10 days separating the pre-season medical
from the first bout to allow at least a minimum of time for the boxer to work on his boxing
fitness between the medical and his first bout. This time-rule may only be waived when the
following all apply: bona fide extenuating circumstances exist such that the Secretary of the
Service Boxing Association gives dispensation AND the Official-in Charge and bout MO are
satisfied that the individual is indeed fit and are prepared to accept the situation in the
individual case. In cases of this ilk, if the boxer turns out to have inadequate technique and is
outclassed in the ring, the referee will stop the bout particularly quickly in the opponent’s
favour.
3. Pre-Bout Medicals.
a. Coaches must either exclude themselves (or seek medical confirmation of the need to
exclude) boxers with the following conditions:
Cuts or bruises that will fail the boxers at the pre-bout medical.
17
This questionnaire will require to be administered as the patient will not understand many of the terms used. (If medics not nurses are to take this task,
they may need training in the meaning of some of the terms themselves before doing this task.)
Sep 09 N-70
Hair length and facial hair that is not as per regulations.
b. It is stressed that these medicals are designed to provide a quick check that there are
no new problems arising since the full annual medical that would put the boxer at excessive
risk in the ring.
The entry of the annual medical into the FBoxing162/ME3 (and add it in if not in the book);
The A5 sized copy of Annex E stapled into the back of the book;
The boxer’s pre-bout check-questionnaire at Annex F, and then record onto Annex F the
results of whatever examination s/he deems necessary to exclude any new problems that
should prevent boxing.
a. The ringside MO18 is to make a post-bout examination of any boxer who is KO’d, loses
RSC(H)19 or who receives multiple hard head blows during a bout (whatever the result of the
bout).
b. As at Annex A, if there is any doubt about the boxer’s post-bout recovery, their
ambulance transfer to the nearest A+E department for further assessment is to be undertaken
with appropriate clinical urgency.
c. Some MOs choose to make it their standard practice to make a brief check20 of each
boxer after each bout, or to have their paramedics do so, as an extra safety precaution. The
best way to ensure such good practice without disruption to the flow of the competition is to
delegate this task to collaborating paramedics2, who only need call the MO from ringside if they
have concerns about a checked boxer.
d. Ringside and post-bout medical notes can be recorded on to Annex F. If this data then
merits long-term retention, the MO will retain the Annex F and add that data to the boxer’s
DMICP record the next day. Otherwise, Annex Fs need not be retained after the bout and the
MO should ensure that they are shredded.
18
MOs may choose, on their own responsibility and authority, to delegate this task to paramedics working with them. Clearly, the more serious an apparent
injury, the less acceptable will be such delegation.
19
Definition of RSC(H), as opposed to RSC per se, is at Annex A subpara 5c.
20
Usually a brief CNS check – orientation, pupil reactions, nystagmus, etc. If in doubt, giving the boxer 10-15 minutes’ oxygen from the paramedics has a
primary logic to it although there is no formal evidence of any benefit from doing so.
2
Sep 09 N-71
SECTION 7 - ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE - MEDICAL ASPECTS OF BOXING - REVISION
FEB 09:
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The purpose of medical supervision of boxing is to ensure that the known risks of this amateur
contact sport are reduced as far as possible towards zero, whilst recognising that elimination of
all medical risk from boxing is de facto no more achievable than it is for rugby, football, or any
other contact sport.
To this end, the annual medical check is the most important that the boxer has. Pre-bout
fitness checks do not allow time for a full review of personal history; this must be scrutinised
and recorded properly annually.
Sep 09 N-72
The medical risks of boxing are well known, as is the qualitative and quantitative distinction in
risk level between amateur and professional bouts. Details are at Annex E, the informed
consent form. Going through the contents of that form with the boxer is the most ethically
important part of the medical and must be done fully.
If the boxer fully understands the risks that amateur boxing entails and still chooses to go
ahead, this is then informed consent and the doctor should respect that decision by the
individual. If there is any hint whatsoever that the individual is being coerced by their coach or
commander to take part without their full personal enthusiasm, this individual must be passed
as unfit and action as at note 32 in the table below taken.
5. Any doctor unwilling to proceed with a boxing medical despite the availability of adult,
informed, un-coerced consent from the individual should refer the patient to another doctor
who does not feel this way. (This being ethically analogous to the behaviour required of a
doctor who does not support termination or pregnancy who declines to take part in managing a
patient seeking an abortion and will instead refer the case to a colleague who holds ethical
views that allow him to manage the patient’s request.)
6. Many of the conditions noted in the questionnaire attract advice to seek specialist guidance
on an individual’s fitness to box. Where this is called for, what is clearly implied is that there is
probably more risk than average in a case. On realising this, many individuals will not wish to
proceed, in which case referral will not be needed. Where they do wish to have a specialist’s
opinion, the patient must be instructed to report back to the medical centre after the
appointment and ask the receptionists to ensure that he/she is called for a further appointment
as soon as the specialist’s written report is received. At that stage, if passed fit by the relevant
consultant, the full medical can then be undertaken and the specialist’s report should be
appended to the completed Annex D.
In the interval between the decision to refer for a consultant opinion on one specific issue and
the receipt of the report, the individual can be passed fit for general boxing fitness training but
not sparring. This approach is only safe if the MO can be absolutely sure that the boxer and
coach will respect the distinction being drawn. If not thus sure, a straight fail should be applied
until the consultant report is received and the case re-assessed.
8. If the examining MO is in doubt about any point that does not demand a consultant opinion
but where a boxing-experienced MO’s view may help, the MO should feel free to email the
ArmyBA Medical Advisor to seek advice - contact details are at Annex H.
9. When a referral for further advice is made, the boxer’s FBoxing162/ME3 record card must
be endorsed inside in red pen “UNFIT TO BOX OR SPAR PENDING SPECIALIST OPINION”.
After the specialist opinion is received, this entry is to be supplemented by an entry in
whichever direction the advice received dictates to be necessary.
10. When an individual is deemed to be permanently unfit to box, the FBoxing162/ME3 must
be endorsed as such in red, the iHR summary list updated as such with an entry in the active
problems list marked as permanent so it cannot be missed if the aspirant boxer tries again in
the future. For the same reason, the FMed4 should be marked on the outside in unmissably
large red letters “Permanently Unfit To Box”. If time and resources allow, the raising of a brief
documentary FMed23 medical board describing the reasons for failure is optimal practice as
this generates a permanent record to support the iHR entry fully.
11. The notes in the table below are numbered to cross-refer to the entries at Annex D.
Sep 09 N-73
NOTES - SERIAL NUMBERS CROSS REFER TO NOTES NUMBERED IN TEXT OF ANNEX
D
Note
Details Applying:
No:
Full History Required. For all history questions, it is essential to fully review the contents of the FMed4 and
iHR as well as asking the patient: an individual who has set their heart on boxing is unusually liable to develop
0.
‘tactical amnesia’ in answering medical questions. The more experienced the boxer, the more strongly that
applies. Annual medicals can NOT be done without the FMed4 available and iHR accessible.
Amateur Boxing Must Cease on 34th Birthday Latest. Age: 34th birthday = must cease boxing.
1. Ensure that boxers who are 33 at this medical know that they are approaching their STOP line.
Endorse FBoxing162/ME3 in red a date reminder of the boxer’s 34th birthday.
Aspirant Boxers Graded Lower Than P2FD. Anyone graded below P2FD must be e-referred to Med Advr
ArmyBA for advice on their fitness to box. Some conditions where their non-FD status is just a ‘marker’ may
2. be safe to box; eg: well controlled asthmatics who are P3 because they need to use preventative medication
to achieve full fitness; someone with TFTs normalised by use of maintenance thyroxine; someone
downgraded because they must carry epipens due to a history of significant allergic reactions; etc.
Neurology - History Questions. A history of the following neurological conditions are permanent bars to
participation in boxing: epilepsy; other fits/convulsions of other type/cause, except a fully investigated single
febrile fit which may be allowed on appeal to ArmyBA Medical Advisor; unexplained blackouts or faints; skull
3.
fracture or other severe head injury; intracranial haemorrhage or any form of brain surgery; Huntingdon’s
Chorea or similar genetic NS disease in the family. A history of meningitis, encephalitis or similar, and of
migraine, may be a bar but these cases should be referred to ArmyBA Medical Advisor.
Neurology – History of Repeated Serious Head Injuries. A boxer who has had 3 significant head injuries
[‘significant head injury’ means a KO with recovery taking longer than 2 minutes or obvious signs of post-bout
4. concussion that last over 5 minutes even without a KO having happened] should be banned and e-referred to
ArmyBA Medical Advisor for referral for consultant neurological assessment including MRI, psychometric
testing etc (Refer to SGPL 12/00.).
Ophthalmology – History Questions. All the following ophthalmic conditions are permanent bars to
participation in boxing: any surgery to the eye at all [except that previous squint surgery with good results is
allowed], and note that this INCLUDES all types of corneal refractive corrective laser surgery [as this gets
5. more common in our population this exclusion from boxing can cause controversy but consensus international
ophthalmological opinion is that such surgery may weaken the cornea against direct blows, hence the bar on
this]; glaucoma; any retinal injury/disease; intra-ocular bleeding beyond hyphaema; corneal scarring; optic
neuritis; keratoconus; cataract.
ENT – Previous Surgery. Previous nasal or maxillo-facial surgery is normally a bar to further service boxing;
6. if the boxer appeals this, e-refer to Medical Advisor ArmyBA. Not ALL ENT surgery need attract a bar;
examples of non-problematic issues include previous grommet surgery, adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, etc.
ENT – Other Factors. A grommet in situ in either ear now bars until removed, TM healed and everything has
settled down, though a past history of grommet surgery is no problem if the audiogram is now OK. Bilateral
7. deafness such that hearing aid use is required is presently a bar as the boxer may not be able to safely follow
the referee’s instructions; this is an issue being challenged to ABAE Medical Commission on the grounds of
disability discrimination but the present position is as stated.
Haematological Diagnoses. The following haematological diagnoses are permanent bars to participation in
8. boxing: any known coagulation defect/bleeding diathesis, serologically proven infection with hepatitis B or C or
HIV, sickle cell anaemia (not SC trait), porphyria.
Recent Fractures and Lacerations. No participation in sparring or boxing should be allowed until at least
one month after any fracture and they are discharged from the relevant hospital clinic’s follow up and fracture
9. site soundly healed on examination at the time of the medical. No boxing with 28 days of laceration required
suturing. These are good examples of cases where it may be reasonable to certify someone as fit for boxing
fitness training only, with NO sparring, and then review them at the end of subject period.
Orthopaedic Problems and Training/Sports Injuries. Note any history of training or sports injury liable to
10. be aggravated by intensive high-impact boxing training, eg skipping regularly causes stress fractures and shin
splints, etc. Such may make a bar appropriate. If in doubt, seek e-advice from Medical Advisor ArmyBA.
Asthma History. Well controlled asthma need not necessarily bar from boxing; anyone who needs regular
11.
preventative medication anyway must be graded P3 and so e-refer to ArmyBA Medical Advisor as at note 2.
Present Medication. Any patient on medication should be assessed in the light of the diagnosis for which
12. they are being treated and a decision on fitness to box can be taken on that. One specific point needs stating
on this area: anticoagulant therapy renders someone needing it unfit to box for obvious reasons.
Sep 09 N-74
No:
Conditions That May Cause a Bar but Need Special Consideration.
ON the basis of alleged disability discrimination, ABAE has recently had its bar on participation in amateur
boxing by insulin dependent diabetics subjected to a vigorous challenge with legal support, leading to the
allowing of this group’s participation in boxing subject to certain special conditions being applied. There are
also some conditions which have traditionally been seen as bars which the Medical Commission of ABAE
appreciates may lack an evidence-base for that historical view. In these possible special case scenarios, if
anyone is picked up with a qualifying history, they will need individualised special assessment organised by
the ArmyBA Medical Advisor with input as necessary from opinion from members of ABAE Medical
13. Commission and/or other specialist assessment. This concerns those where there is a history of any of the
following conditions:
malignancy of any sort; tropical infectious disease; peptic ulceration; pancreatitis; gallstones; inflammatory
bowel disease; congenital or rheumatic heart disease [but investigated asymptomatic murmurs not preventing
full duties are NOT a problem]; significant congenital abnormality of GU system; renal calculus or nephritis;
nephrectomy; orchidectomy or uni-orchidic status for any other reason; major abdominal surgery; a family
history of retinal disease; hyphaema; spontaneous pneumothorax; insulin dependent diabetes; one or more
febrile fits; meningitis, encephalitis or similar; migraine; other condition raising concerns not specified above.
Any boxer with history of any of these diagnoses should be e-referred to ArmyBA Medical Advisor.
Where the answer to any of the questions on Annex D has been a yes, there is space left after Q14 for
14.
comment; replication of similar notes onto the iHR entry for the boxing medical is obviously also appropriate.
EXAMINATION FINDINGS ASPECTS
UN-Corrected Visual Acuities. THESE MUST BE MEASURED WITHOUT GLASSES AND WITH NO
CONTACT LENSES BEING WORN. CHECK ALSO FOR HISTORY OF REFRACTIVE SURGERY IF THE
VAs FOUND ARE SUDDENLY MUCH BETTER THAN THEY WERE HISTORICALLY.
The worst acceptable uncorrected VAs are 6/12 in better eye and 6/24 in the worse. If either eye has VA
15. worse than these standards, this is a fail. This is because ovoid non-spherical myopic eyes are much more
liable to retinal detachment than normal eyes due to their different physical shape.
For any aspirant boxer whose uncorrected vision is worse than 6/5 6/5, an up to date optician’s report on their
VA is required and if their findings are acceptable within the 6/24 6/12 criteria, an A5 sized copy of that report
must be stapled in to the back of the FBoxing162/ME3 for other Ringside MOs’ future reference.
16. H grades worse than H2H2 indicate a bar. If this is appealed, e-refer to Medical Advisor ArmyBA.
If BP is up and stays up so on follow up (ie not a ‘white coat effect’), this is a permanent bar from boxing until
17.
controlled on treatment and passed fit to box after e-referral to ArmyBA Medical Advisor.
18. Any persistent abnormality will need a bar from boxing pending diagnostic specialist opinion.
Potentially glove-transmissible skin infections indicate deferral until treatment is successfully concluded.
19. Check specifically for impetigo and herpetic cold sores. Otherwise, there are few skin problems that should
bar from boxing.
If any abnormality is found, bar from boxing until management complete of problem found or specialist opinion
20.
obtained if indicated.
Tympanic membranes must be intact. If wax prevents inspection, refer to practice nurses for wax removal and
21. defer examination until the TMs can be seen properly. Post grommets tympanosclerosis is not a bar but
should be noted as a possible higher risk of perforation if a blow to the ear is received.
The following are bars: gross nasal deformity, including septal deformity, such that severe nasal obstruction
results, polyps and severe allergic rhinitis, until successfully treated. Mild to moderate deformity/obstruction is
not a bar but should be noted. Those who have boxed before should be asked if they regularly get epistaxes
22.
when boxing; if they do, this is not a bar to participation but the MO should offer treatment for sub-clinical
rhinitis if this appears causal, and check carefully for vessel dilatation in Lyttle’s area. If that is found, that is
not a bar either but again, treatment should be arranged.
If tonsillitis/pharyngitis is found, treat and defer the medical. Treated cleft palate needs specialist clearance to
box so e-refer to Medical Advisor ArmyBA. If dental abnormalities are found, arrange a dental opinion and
23.
defer the medical till that is available. Active sepsis/caries bars till treated. Malocclusions and protuberant
teeth such that gumshield fit will be a problem are a bar until treated and passed fit to box by the unit SDO.
In the absence of a history of CVS, RS or abdominal disease, it may reasonably be assumed that there will be
no abnormalities to find in these systems (BP having been checked above). Individual MOs will make their
24.
own decisions on how much detail is required in checking these systems. A minimum would be a check for
any scars of surgery in case of history non-disclosure.
Note
Details Applying:
No:
Testicular check examination is recommended whilst opportunity presents itself but not all MOs consider this
25.
necessary as most soldiers are committed to regular check self-examination.
26. CNS examination should clearly be done fully.
Sep 09 N-75
NS examination is the most important aspect after the eye examination. Individual MOs will have their own
27.
preferred techniques for how much detail they wish to go into in NS examination.
Active training/sports injuries etc may require deferral until resolved and sorted out. Anyone awaiting an
28. orthopaedic or R+R opinion should get that first and be deferred on this medical and then examined after the
specialist report has been received.
For female boxers, check that they are aware that they will have to make their declaration at each bout that
29. they believe themselves not be pregnant, and brief on breast protection issues, including in particular the need
to regularly self-examine and report at once any lump found ? fat necrosis ? other, for investigation stat.
If informed consent is not forthcoming, this is a fail of the medical. If the soldier does not want his coach or
30. unit to know why, withhold this information to preserve confidentiality. If any hint of coercion is detected, class
this as a fail – and immediately notify details to Army BA Medical Advisor - contact details at Annex H.
If unfamiliar with boxing, before undertaking this pre-season medical, please read the guidance
notes at Annex C. These notes are cross-referred to down the table below in the right-hand column.
If YES to any history question, give details after Q14.
NUMBER:……………….RANK:…………NAME:……………….…………UNIT:……………DOB:
…………
Sep 09 N-76
Annex
Q C’s
Question Answer
No Notes
No.
For history questions, remember to take just not just a verbal history but
also fully check the history in FMed4, incl RG8 for pre-service data, and 0
iHR DMICP Record.
1. Is the boxer too old to box? Yes No 1
2. Is the boxer downgraded? Yes No 2
7. Are there any other ENT problems that should attract a bar?
A grommet in situ in either ear now or bilateral deafness such
Yes No 7
that hearing aid use is required should attract a bar.
If YES to either of these Qs, bar from boxing and stop here. If
NO, continue.
Sep 09 N-77
Serologically proven infection with hepatitis B or C or HIV,
Sickle cell anaemia (not SC trait),
Porphyria.
If YES to any of the above, bar from boxing and stop here. If
NO, continue.
Annex
Q C’s
Question Answer
No Notes
No.
Have they had any recent fractures or lacerations? See note 9
9. Yes No 9
re pass / fail criteria.
If pass allowed, comment after Q14 and continue.
Sep 09 N-79
EXAMINATION SECTION – Refer to Notes at Annex C as required please.
Annex
Q C’s
Question
No Notes
No.
19. Skin: 19
21. Ears: 21
22. Nose: 22
24. CVS: 24
25. RS: 24
26. Abdomen: 24
27. Genitals: 25
28: CNS: 26
31. FEMALES ONLY – any special concerns? Briefing on breast protection etc 29
done?
Sep 09 N-80
and the medical treated as a FAIL until this has been investigated and
excluded as an issue.
DECISION RECORDING
Decision on pass/fail for fitness to box – based on the above history and examination findings
– to be recorded on to new Annex E and it is a copy of that which is placed into the
FBoxing162/ME3. This change deals with previously expressed ‘Caldicott’ concerns about
clinical data, even negative data, being placed in the boxer’s record card without confidentiality
restrictions on it being read by officials etc ringside.
Disposal of the completed Annex D: one as folio clipped into F Med 4, one scanned into the
DMICP iHR.
Sep 09 N-81
SGPL – MEDICAL REGULATION OF COMBINED SERVICES BOXING: REVISION FEB
2009 -
Unit: DOB:
This soldier has had their annual boxing fitness medical as recorded at Annex D and is passed
as being
FIT / UNFIT TO BOX throughout the forthcoming calendar year. Their uncorrected VAs were:
R 6/ L 6/
And where this is good enough for boxing but not perfect, an in-date optician’s report is attached
(delete if N/A).
Dated:
BOXERS STATEMENT
I have read the list at page E-2 of the possible risks to my health from participation in amateur
boxing, discussed it with my doctor had any questions that I have about it answered to my
satisfaction - and despite realising the risks involved, I give my consent to continue to take part
in boxing.
Further, I confirm that I have been placed under no pressure, by my coach or anyone in my
chain of command, to take part in boxing against my will.
Signed:
Name:
Signed:
Dated:
Sep 09 N-82
Disposal of this record:
Both pages: one copy scanned into DMICP iHR, another filed as an A5 copy folio into F
Med 4,
Page E-1 only: two to the coach – one A5 copy to be stapled into the back of the
FBoxing162/ME3
and one copy to go to central records (Secretary Army
BA).
The known medical/health risks of participation in amateur boxing are as follows, listed in order
of commonness, with rare but very serious risks at Para 5:
1. Boxing training involves heavy impact training (eg running and skipping) so ‘overuse’ lower
limb injuries are common; examples of this include stress fractures of tibia and foot, ‘shin
splints’ and knee pain. Boxers developing any such problems are strongly advised to desist
from boxing training and seek early medical advice; the earlier that medical advice is sought,
the quicker and better the outcomes of treatment.
2. Received punches inevitably can cause painful bruising, which can heal by itself with time.
3. Blows to the face and nose can cause fractures. Sometimes, surgery can be required to
repair these.
4. Blows to the ear – especially ‘cuffs’ which are not scoring blows - can cause rupture of the
eardrum. These are usually only obvious to the boxer after sparring or a bout. They normally
heal by themselves with time.
5. Serious risks that are rare in amateur boxing but are seen more often in professional
boxing:
a. Direct or glancing blows to the eye can cause damage to the eye – particularly
detachment of the retina, the nervous membrane at the back of the eye. If this arises,
major surgery will be needed, which will usually, but not always, be able to restore sight. If
struck on the eye and aware that vision may have been damaged, in sparring or boxing,
boxers MUST ‘take a knee’ and adopt the injured boxer position and immediately notify the
referee so he can have the boxer medially assessed at once.
b. There is a statistically tiny chance of sudden death in the ring, which is estimated to be
smaller than 1 in 100 000 bouts, due to a bleed from a blood vessel within the skull.
c. Repeated exposure to head blows carries the possibility of developing brain scarring.
This carries with it the theoretical possibility of developing the ‘punch-drunk’ syndrome or
other brain function problems later in life.
d. These last three serious injuries occur rarely in amateur boxers but the fact that it can
happen must be acknowledged.
Sep 09 N-83
SECTION 7 - ARMY BA AIDE MEMOIRE - MEDICAL ASPECTS OF BOXING - REVISION FEB
09:
For Soldiers:
For Civilians:
Have you ever had any of the following? Delete or circle answers below
as necessary:
Dated:
Sep 09 N-84
Doctors Examination Notes:
Hands: Eyes:
ENT: Gen:
Doctors Signature:
1. General Principles. Medical documentation must be of the highest standards, for the
protection of the boxer, to ensure observance of suspension periods and for medicolegal
reasons, given the known risks of boxing and the MOD’s particular position in this regard, as at
Para 8 of SGPL 12/00: D/SG(Med Pol)350/7/9 dated 18 Oct 00.
a. The FBoxing162/ME3 is only valid with a current Annex E PageE-1 (+optician report if
appropriate) stapled into the back of it. When a boxer has had his annual medical renewed
and a new Annex E Page E-1 becomes available to be stapled into his FBoxing162/ME3,
those from previous years are to be shredded by the medical centre’s practice administrators.
b. The body of the FBoxing162/ME3 also needs endorsing with the findings of the annual
medical, in red, signed by the MO and dated when the medical was done, to say – ‘Annual
Medical – Fit To Box’.
c. When a boxer is new to the sport and his FBoxing162/ME3 is not available for his first
pre-season check, when the coach receives the new card, he is to take it to the medical centre
and ensure that an A5 copy of Page E-1 of Annex E (and copy optician’s report when required)
is stapled into back of the book and he is to endorse the text of the card ‘Annual Medical by Dr
XXX completed on DATE: Page E-1 of Annex E is in the back of this FBoxing162/ME3’.
Adding this data to the FBoxing162/ME3 is NOT to be left to the MO doing prebout checks
when the boxer is about to box for the first time.
d. The 162/ME3 is to be produced to OIC Weigh-In and Official in Charge at the start of
each contest.
e. The 162/ME3 must be available to the examining MO on each and every occasion that
a boxer attends for a boxing medical of any kind, to ensure completeness of the record is
maintained.
All medical examination results: annual medicals, prebout medicals before contests, post-bout
checks when there is something needing recording, and after suspensions.
Sep 09 N-86
3. FsMed4. The FMed4 is the soldier’s master paper medical record, being superseded in
importance with the passage of time by DMICP’s Individual Health Record – their iHR.
a. The DMICP iHR and FMed4 must be available to unit MOs when undertaking annual
medical examinations and when undertaking post-suspension re-examinations. Neither of
these medicals can safely be done without these available, as the full history is required on
both occasions.
b. Ringside notes should be made on Annex Fs, this being one of their functions. When
there is anything of longterm importance noted, this is to be transcribed onto the iHR at the
next opportunity. Annex Fs of no importance after the bout, and ones that did have notes on
which have been transcribed, are then to be shredded securely.
4. Other Medically Relevant Annexes to this Aide Memoire. These are as follows:
a. Annex C. Guidance notes for MOs performing annual medicals – giving specific details
of what conditions constitute a permanent bar to boxing, a possible bar demanding a specialist
opinion, a temporary bar, etc.
b. Annex D. Form for recording the full annual medical examination of each boxer. After
the medical is completed, the completed Annex D is copied and filed as follows: one A5 copy
as an F Med 4 folio and one scanned into the iHR.
c. Annex E. Form for recording the outcome of the annual medical and the boxer’s
Statement of Informed Consent to participation in boxing. Handling of these Annex Es is as
Annex D plus two A5 copies of page E-1 go to the coach – one for sending to the Army BA
Medical Registrar and one to go into the back of the FBoxing162/ME3, with an optician’s report
too, if one is needed.
d. Annex F. Form for recording the results of a pre-bout boxer’s questionnaire and MO’s
examination. This form can also be used for recording ringside notes or post-bout notes. Post-
bout handling of Annex Fs is to be as at subpara 3b above.
e. Ringside Medical Supervision Forms - Annexes P+Q to Section 5. (Copies at the end of
this Section 7 too for ease of reference, after Annex H.) Both these forms are initiated ringside
by the MO and disposed of as below.
Annex P. This form is to be completed in respect of any boxer who has suffered a KO(H) or
RSC(H) – both terms defined at Annex A - or who has signs of a possible concussion at post-
bout examination. It is essentially a ‘Head Injury Advice Card’ like that issued to such patients
by A+E Departments, etc. Experience is that boxers regularly ignore the advice on this form
to avoid alcohol after significant head injury, especially if invited for post-bout drinks in a mess
or wardroom. This can cause major problems with their later clinical assessment if they do
develop downstream symptoms and have to be assessed at A+E. Coaches are responsible for
ensuring their boxers comply with the instructions given to them on Annex P and are similarly
responsible if any subsequent problems arise as a result of these instructions being ignored.
Best practice is for MO or paramedic to physically give the form to the boxer with the coach
present, drawing the attention of both to comments on alcohol avoidance and reminding the
coach that insistence on compliance with this is his responsibility too.
Annex Q. This standard Notice of Injury form is initiated ringside by the MO and distributed by
officials as shown on the form itself.
Sep 09 N-87
f. Fs Med 566. Note that there is absolutely no further requirement for the use of form F
Med 566 at any stage.
Sep 09 N-88
1. Introduction. Annex C’s Guidance Notes for MOs give plentiful detail for MOs’
information about medical fitness to box issues. However, it is impossible to cover every
eventuality or scenario, so should further queries arise, MOs should contact Medical Advisor
ArmyBA for advice on individual cases.
Email addresses:
If REALLY too urgent to wait for an email response, call the mobile = 0 (044) 797 393 1004
As a database is being built of what queries arise, please direct these through the ArmyBA
Medical Advisor as above.
5. Conclusion.
The whole thrust of this section of the ArmyBA Aide Memoire is about optimising boxer safety
in a sport which has documented but minimisable risks to the participants. If there is doubt as
to an in individual’s fitness to participate, the bottom line message will remain: ‘If in doubt,
class as Unfit for Boxing and refer for advice’.
Sep 09 N-89