Boxers

1. Boxing is a sport where the competitors are evenly matched and so all Boxers must be registered with a true record of their experience, their gender and their age. All the criteria detailed in this section are to be completed to ensure that Boxers are correctly registered.

 

Registration of Boxers

 

2. All service Boxers MUST be registered through their sS Boxing Association this is due to their status as employees of HM Forces. There are 2 types of registration, England Boxing Registration (RNBA and RAFBA) and Service Only Boxing (Army only), details of the Boxer’s registration process can be found in Section 7 (Registration).

 

1. Service Only Boxing (Army Only) – For boxing other Service personnel on Service property only.

 

1. England Boxing – For Boxers who wish to box civilians or at civilian premises.

 

Declaration of Experience

 

3. All Boxers are required to declare all of their previous individual combat sport experience at the point of registration. All information about the Combat Sports and the process for registration is contained in Section 7.

 

4. Any Boxer who fails to declare experience is risking the welfare of an opponent, this action conflicts with the Royal Navy’s CCDRILs, the Army’s core values of Honesty, Integrity and Respect of Others and the RAF’s RISE principles. The discipline process for failure to declare bouts or experience is as follows;

 

1. Discovered on Registration – Boxer and unit offered the opportunity to explain reasons. If unsatisfactory a 6-month suspension will be imposed.

 

1. Discovered after boxing within experience category – Boxer and unit offered opportunity to explain reasons. If unsatisfactory a 1 calendar year suspension will be imposed immediately on the Boxer, and the unit will be expelled from any competition that Boxer has been entered in.

 

1. Discovered after boxing at a lower experience category – Case referred to the Major Discipline Panel.

 

Annual Medical

 

5. All Boxers must undertake an Annual Medical and be passed Fit to Box by a Service Employed Dr prior to any boxing training (See Section 12 Medical Management of Service Boxing).

 

 

Age & Experience Categories

 

6. Boxers are categorised by Year of Birth and not Date of Birth. Age categories within the UKAFBA reflect those of England Boxing and are given below as:

 

1. Junior – The term Junior Boxer is an age category classifying Boxers by their year of birth and are eligible to compete as a Junior Boxer from the start of the calendar year in which the Boxer turns 15 to the end of the calendar year in which the Boxer turns 16 (for confirmation see Boxing Matrix 2021 at the end of this Section).

 

1. Junior bouts are to be 3 x 2-minute rounds with 1-minute interval between rounds.

 

• Junior Boxers may be matched against other Junior Boxers, there may not be more than a 24-month age gap between Boxers; extra caution must be taken when matching Boxers with more than a 12-month age gap.

 

• Junior Boxers may be matched against Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Boxers but there may not be more than a 12-month age gap.

 

1. It is recommended that Junior Boxers shall be restricted to 14 contests per season including skills bouts but excluding championships.

 

1. Youth – The term Youth Boxer is an age category classifying Boxers by their year of birth and are eligible to compete as a youth Boxer from the start of the calendar year in which the Boxer turns 17 to the end of the calendar year in which the Boxer turns 18 (for confirmation see Boxing Matrix 2021 at the end of this Section).

 

1. Youth bouts may include 3 x 2 minutes rounds, 4 x 2-minute rounds and 3 x 3-minute rounds all with a 1-minute rest interval between rounds.

 

• Youth Boxers may be matched against other Youth Boxers, there may not be more than a 24-month age gap between Boxers; extra caution must be taken when matching Boxers with more than a 12-month age gap.

 

• Youth Boxers shall be restricted to 18 contests per season excluding Championships.

 

1. Senior – There are two classes of Senior Boxer – Development and Elite.

 

1. Development. A Senior Development Boxer is a Boxer with limited experience and classified by age as a Senior (a Boxer that turns 19 years old in a calendar year to the end of the calendar year in which the Boxers turns 40 years old (for confirmation see Boxing Matrix 2021 at the end of this Section).

 

1. Male Senior Development – Is categorised by England Boxing as a Boxer who has not entered in to the National Amateur Championships and has less than 20 bouts (including Skills bouts at ½ a bout per skills bout) Male Development Boxers may not enter the National Development Championships until they have had a minimum of 5 contests.

 

1. Female Senior Development – Is categorised by England Boxing as a Boxer who has not entered the National Amateur Championships and has less than 11 bouts (including Skills bouts (at ½ a bout per skills bout)) Female Development Boxers may not enter the National Development Championships until they have had a minimum of 2 contests.

 

1. Bout limits for Development Boxers for UKAFBA competitions are;

 

R N Dev Champs 0- 5 / 6 – 10 / 11 – 20 / Open

Intra unit – 0 – 7 bouts (inter sqn, coy, bty)

Corps / Regional (male) 2 – 10 bouts (female) 0 – 7 bouts

Army Inter Unit Championships – 2 – 10

Army Open Boxing Championships (male) 2 – 10 / 11 – 18 / Open

Army Open Boxing Championships (female) 0 – 5 / 6 -10 / Open

RAF Lord Wakefield Championships 0- 5 / 6 – 10 / 11 – 20 / Open

 

• Elite. An Elite Boxer is a Boxer that enters, or has entered, a National Amateur or Open Championships (entry means weighing in and entering the draw) and is categorized as Elite by age; a Boxer that turns 19 years old in a calendar year to the end of the calendar year in which the Boxers turns 40 years old (for confirmation see Boxing Matrix 2021)

 

• Once a Boxer has entered a National Amateur or Open Championship and participated at any stage of this competition, they can no longer box at a lower level (participation means weighing in and entering the draw).

 

1. Coaches and Boxing Officers / ProjOs MUST be aware on the rules of matching Boxers (detailed in paragraph 8 below and in the matrices at the end of this section.

 

Note: Pre-service individual contact sport experience (junior and youth bouts, white collar or professional bouts and all martial arts contests) count towards a Boxer’s experience.

Weight Categories

 

7. Championship Weight Categories:

 

1. Male Elite Boxers – The following table lists the Championship weight categories in which males can participate. Under NO circumstances are these categories to be altered, nor may Boxers compete in championships against an opponent outside of their weight category.

 

 

 

Weight Category	Weight Criteria
Light Flyweight	Over 46kg, not to exceed 49kg
Flyweight	Over 49kg, not to exceed 52kg
Bantamweight	Over 52kg, not to exceed 56kg
Lightweight	Over 56kg, not to exceed 60kg
Light Welterweight	Over 60kg, not to exceed 64kg
Welterweight	Over 64kg, not to exceed 69kg
Middleweight	Over 69kg, not to exceed 75kg
Light Heavyweight	Over 75kg, not to exceed 81kg
* Cruiser Weight *	* Over 81kg, not to exceed 86kg *
Heavyweight	Over 81kg, not to exceed 91kg
Super Heavyweight	Over 91kg

 

*Cruiserweight is a not a national pathway weight (not recognised by AIBA and therefore no opportunity to represent at National level) so for domestic competitions Cruiser Weight is a recognised weight category but for International Competition Heavyweight is 81- 91kg.

 

1. Female Elite and Youth – The following table lists the Championship weight categories in which females can participate. Under NO circumstances are these categories to be altered, nor may Boxers compete in championships against an opponent outside of their weight category.

 

 

Weight Category	Weight Criteria
Light Flyweight	Over 45kg, not to exceed 48kg
Flyweight	Over 48kg, not to exceed 51kg
Bantamweight	Over 51kg, not to exceed 54kg
Featherweight	Over 54kg, not to exceed 57kg
Light weight	Over 57kg, not to exceed 60kg
Light Welterweight	Over 60kg, not to exceed 64kg
Welterweight	Over 64kg, not to exceed 69kg
Middleweight	Over 69kg, not to exceed 75kg
Light Heavyweight	Over 75kg, not to exceed 81kg
Heavyweight	Over 81kg

 

 

2022 Weight Categories 

 

Male Elite and Youth

 

Weight Category	Weight Criteria
Minimum Weight	Over 46kg  – not to exceed 48kg
Flyweight	Over 48kg  – not to exceed 51kg
Bantamweight	Over 51kg  – not to exceed 54kg
Featherweight	Over 54kg  – not to exceed 57kg
Lightweight	Over 57kg  – not to exceed 60kg
Light Welterweight	Over 60kg  – not to exceed 63.5kg
Welterweight	Over 63.5kg  – not to exceed 67kg
Light Middleweight	Over 67kg  – not to exceed 71kg
Middleweight	Over 71kg  – not to exceed 75kg
Light Heavyweight	Over 75kg  – not to exceed 80kg
Cruiserweight	Over 80kg  – not to exceed 86kg
Heavyweight	Over 86kg  – not to exceed 92kg
Super Heavyweight	Over 92kg

 

Female Elite and Youth

 

Weight Category	Weight Criteria
Minimum Weight	Over 45kg  – not to exceed 48kg
Light Flyweight	Over 48kg  – not to exceed 50kg
Flyweight	Over 50kg  – not to exceed 52kg
Bantamweight	Over 52kg  – not to exceed 54kg
Featherweight	Over 54kg  – not to exceed 57kg
Lightweight	Over 57kg  – not to exceed 60kg
Light Welterweight	Over 60kg  – not to exceed 63kg
Welterweight	Over 63kg  – not to exceed 66kg
Light Middleweight	Over 66kg  – not to exceed 70kg
Middleweight	Over 70kg  – not to exceed 75kg
Light Heavyweight	Over 75kg  – not to exceed 81kg
Heavyweight	Over 81kg

Matching

 

8. Matching does not need to be complicated but does need to be safely managed, below is the rules and guidance for matching Boxers;

 

1. Senior Boxers – Elite and Development Boxers should be matched on Weight and Experience. Round duration is to be determined by Coaches and the Supervisor but within the guidelines in Para 10 to this section.

 

1. Youth Boxers – may only be matched against another Youth, there may not be more than 24 months age difference between the Boxers and extra caution must be taken when matching Boxers of more than 12 months age difference.

 

1. Junior Boxers – may be matched against another Junior Boxer; there may not be more than 24 months age difference between Boxers and extra caution must be taken when matching Boxers of more than 12 months age difference. A Junior Boxer may be matched against a Schoolboy/girl, but the age gap may not be more than 12 months and the round duration will be 3 x 1.5 minutes.

 

1. Weight – all Boxers must be matched at no greater weight difference than the smaller weight category of the 2 matched Boxers, for example;

 

9. Example – Red is a light welterweight and Blue is a welterweight, the Light Welterweight category spans from 60 – 64kg (4kg) and the Welter weight category spans from 64 – 69kg (5kg) so the Boxers must be matched at no more than 4kg apart.

 

10. The guidance for all Coaches is that all Boxers should be matched within 1kg of each other. No Coach should be pressured into taking a bout that is not right for their Boxer.

Gender Rulings

 

11. Under NO circumstances are males and females permitted to spar or box each other competitively.

 

12. An additional declaration is required for females who are required to declare they are not pregnant; this is achieved by a declaration at their Annual Medical and on every pre-bout medical form prior to the medical with the Ringside Doctor.

 

13. Additional dress/attire rulings for females in the UK Armed Forces are:

 

1. Female Boxers must wear chest protectors
2. Female Boxers must wear female abdominal protectors.

 

Boxers Dress and Appearance

 

14. Boxers are to adhere to the rules of dress and appearance as follows;

 

1. Youth and Female Boxers only are to wear an AIBA-approved head guard during all forms of competitive boxing, Elite male Boxers (see Section 4) do not wear head guards for competitive boxing. All Boxers are to wear head guards during any sparring or training activities involving a risk of head injury.

 

1. All Boxers are to have a personal gum shield (dental-fitted mouth guards are strongly recommended) in place during all competitive boxing, including sparring and activities involving a risk of mouth injury. Gum shields must not be red or partially red in colour.

 

1. A groin/abdominal protector must be worn. (It is mandatory for females to wear chest protectors during all competitive boxing, military and civilian, and sparring sessions).

 

1. Wear boxing shorts, which must reach to mid-thigh, but not extend below the knee 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).

 

1. A vest or singlet, properly fitting vests should be worn by competitors.

 

1. Wear boxing boots or trainers, without raised heels or spikes/cleats.

 

1. Wear socks that are visible above the boots/trainers.

 

1. All Boxers must wear approved wraps when competing;

 

4. Wraps must not be longer than 4.5 metres and not shorter than 2.5 metres.

 

5. Wraps should be 5.7 cm (2 inches) wide and have a Velcro closure.

 

• No other kind of bandages may be used.

 

1. AIBA approved gloves must be worn for all competitive boxing as;

 

1. 10oz gloves – All Boxers in weight categories 64kg and below.

 

1. 12oz gloves – All Boxers in weight categories above 64kg

 

• Any bout matched with Boxers either side of 64kg will wear 12oz gloves.

 

1. Competition gloves must be clearly marked with the weight on the cuffs in indelible marker.

 

1. All hair must be secured within the head guard. The use of a hairnet, nylon swim caps or bandannas are encouraged if hair is long.

 

1. Kinesiology tape may be worn by a boxer but only on the legs and back.

 

1. Non-petroleum skin protective jelly is the only cream permitted; Vaseline and Cavilon are no longer permitted to be used.

 

4. Soft Contact lenses may be a worn (see AIBA Technical Rules para 4.2.5.2.5).

 

1. The Hijab may be worn by female Boxers, permission to box must be gained from the Supervisor at the Weigh in.

 

 

Prohibited items

 

15. The list of clothing, jewellery and fashion items not permitted to be worn is extensive however there are a number that are routinely asked by Officials to be removed and they are;

 

1. Piercings of any kind whether on or off the target area.
2. False eyelashes
3. False Nails
4. Make Up.
5. Cavilon Barrier Cream or Vaseline

 

Duration and Number of Rounds and Intervals

 

16. Within UKAFBA competitions the duration and number of rounds and intervals duration depends upon experience and age as follows;

 

1. Elite Boxers – 3 x 3-minute rounds with a 1-minute rest interval between rounds.

 

1. Development Boxers – 3 x 2-minute rounds with a 1-minute rest interval between rounds.

 

Boxing against civilian opposition or at a civilian venue

 

17. When boxing against civilian opposition or in a civilian environment the sS Secretary must contact the Regional Association where the event is taking place and the Regional Association to which the opposing Boxers are registered. Failure to do so will mean the show is classed as unlicensed and the Boxer not insured for injury (procedure details are at Section 8).

 

Count Limits

 

18. Standing Counts for Boxers before the Referee must end the contest are as follows;

 

1. Junior – 3 Counts in a single round or 4 in a contest

 

1. Youth – 3 Counts in a single round or 4 in a contest

 

1. Senior –

 

1. Female – 3 Counts in a single round or 4 in a 3-round contest

 

1. Male – 3 Counts in a single round or 7 in a 3-round contest.

 

Related Rules

 

19. Medical Suspensions – any Boxer who has a medical suspension must not train or box until they have had a full Annual Medical once the suspension has been served.

 

20. 10 Day Rule – No Boxer may take part in competitive boxing if they have no competitive boxing experience and their Annual Medical is less than 10 clear days prior to the competition.

 

21. 12 Hour Rule – No UKAFBA Boxer will be permitted to box twice in a single day.

 

22. Decisions – a complete list of boxing decisions can be found at Section 6 Annex F.

 

23. Fouls – a complete list of fouls in boxing can be found at Section 6 Annex G.