The sport of amateur Olympic-style boxing in the United States is highly regulated and governed by USA Boxing, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. USA Boxing is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee. To participate in an officially sanctioned USA Boxing event, boxers, referees and other officials, coaches and ringside physicians must be registered with USA Boxing. In addition, coaches, officials and physicians must be certified by USA Boxing.
Registration of Athletes
To participate in a USA Boxing-sanctioned event, athletes must first be registered as boxers with USA Boxing. Registration takes place through one of the local boxing committees in each state and includes passing a mandatory physician-administered physical exam. Any athlete who has previously competed as a professional boxer is ineligible for registration with USA Boxing. Athletes under age 18 are required to have parental permission. Foreign-born athletes are precluded from participating in events that lead to international competition.
Coaches
Coaches who work with registered USA Boxing athletes must be certified at one of four levels. Certification is obtained after completing a five-hour Level 1 through Level 4 coaching certification clinic and passing a written exam that covers boxing safety, athlete nutrition, training, rules and regulations and the code of conduct. The coaching certification is valid for two years, after which coaches must be recertified.
Officials
All officials participating in USA Boxing-sanctioned events, including referees, judges, timekeepers, weigh masters, inspectors, clerks, glove stewards and competition directors, must be registered and certified with USA Boxing. Certification is obtained through the local boxing committee and requires participation in a certification clinic and possibly a written test. Certification must be renewed every two years.
Physicians
Physicians working in attendance at USA Boxing events must be registered with and certified by USA Boxing. Physician certification is available to licensed M.D. and D.O. physicians who have participated in the annual Ringside Physician's Certification Course and passed the Ringside Physician's Certification Test.
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