Coaching Refresher Update

 05/04/24

As many of you will now be aware, the Workforce Department are currently reviewing all England Boxing qualifications to ensure that they meet the current needs and requirements of the sport.

This review has come into effect as a result of the untimely death of Ed Bilbey (a young amateur boxer who passed away after an EB bout in 2017) and the publication of the Charles Thomas Report  in 2023.

The report highlighted several out-dated coaching practices – including the use of bin bags/sweat suits whilst running to lose weight in preparation for bouts – that could have been avoided if coaches had regularly refreshed their coaching knowledge.

It has been identified since the publication of the Charles Thomas Report that many coaches have not completed formal coaching development or education since passing their last course, in some cases many years or decades prior.

As coaching practices, medical advice, nutritional information, and legal cases affecting the world of sport are in a constant state of development, it is England Boxing’s duty to upskill and safeguard coaches & their boxers alike by informing them of the latest coaching guidance.

For peace of mind, the new coaching refresher course will not be rolled out until after June 2025. England Boxing fully intend to continue delivering the refresher course over a duration of approximately 3 hours, and to ensure it remains online at a minimal cost so that communities can have access without it being a burden or barrier.

Whilst the refresher course is being developed over the next year, England Boxing will conduct a period of consultation with the community to ensure you can contribute to its development.

In the meantime, it is important that coaches continue to update their existing pre-requisites (namely, an enhanced DBS, First Aid, Safeguarding & Protecting Children, and EB approved coaching qualification that have all been completed within the last 3 years). Without these in-place, coaches will be uninsured.

England Boxing has delivered x10 free of charge coaching and officiating courses in the last 12 months as part of the B2022 Legacy Programme and awarded grants totalling over £300,000, both of which have specifically targeted clubs & members in the greatest need.

Club Support Officers are available to clubs in every region as a direct benefit of your membership and they are eager to support you with cost saving and fundraising initiatives, including the reduction of overheads such as funded coaching courses.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out by email on enquiries@englandboxing.org