Amateur boxers may understand boxing safety better than professional boxers, according to an article in Northwestern University's "Medill Reports." The article reports on a study that suggests most amateur boxers do not suffer from long-term brain trauma. USA Boxing is the national governing body of amateur Olympic-style boxing in the United States, and enforces safety regulations that help ensure the utmost safety for boxers.
Examinations
USA Boxing mandates that all boxers are examined by an attending physician before and after a contest. The physician determines whether a boxer can participate in a contest. USA boxers must pass annual medical exams that declare them fit to participate in contests. The medical exam must determine that a boxer does not have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, chest pain or a history of chronic headaches. A boxer's blood pressure must be lower than 145/90. The exam must include a graded exercise EKG every five years for boxers 45 and older.
Gear
All USA Boxing boxers must use 16-oz gloves, and headgear that is approved and tested by USA Boxing. USA Boxing inspects the gloves and headgear for impact standards. Boxers may not wear glasses in the ring. Boxers cannot wear bandage and wound dressings in the ring. Male boxers must wear protective cups on the groin. Boxing trunks must fit loosely and lack adornment or patches. Shoes must be soft with no spikes or heels. Metal, buckles and necklaces are prohibited in the ring. A boxer must wear a custom-made or custom-fitted mouthpiece during each round of a competition.
Disease and Medical Conditions
A boxer may not participate in the sport of amateur boxing under USA Boxing regulations if he has the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), active Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. Boxers must have vision that is better than 20/60. Boxers cannot box if they have wound lacerations or blood swelling on the scalp or face, unless collodion covers the abrasion.
Physical Regulations
USA Boxing regulations do not allow mixed-sex competitions. Men may only compete with men, and women may only compete with women. USA Boxing rules require boxers to have hair that does not extend more than five inches below the base of the headgear without barrettes and hairpins. Boxers may not have goatees or beards and must be clean-shaven.
Ring
USA Boxing regulations require that a boxing ring is 16 to 20 ft. square within the ropes, and not more than 4 ft. above the floor. Ring ropes must connect to ring posts, which extend 58 inches above the ring floor and connect to the posts.
Blows
Blows must land directly on the knuckle of the closed glove, on any part of the front or sides of the head or body and above the belt. Blows may not occur with the side or inside of the glove. Blows may not occur with an open glove or land on any part other than the knuckle of the closed glove. Any blow that fails to meet these standards does not score points.
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