Return to Boxing framework

Following a meeting with the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), England Boxing can confirm the initial steps – in line with the government’s roadmap – towards a Return to Boxing following the easing of the current Covid-19 lockdown.

Please note that, until then, the only indoor activity that can take place at this stage is for disabled provision or specific educational and wrap around care, as advised in an earlier update.

Return to Boxing Step 1 – From Monday 29th March

Children / Under 18 before 31st August 2020 (government definition)

From 29th March, provided the Return To Boxing Framework (March 2021) guidance, as well as England Boxing Rules, Regulations and Guidelines, are adhered to, then those Under 18 before 31st August 2020 shall be permitted to train outdoors at phase 2 of the guidance, which includes sparring.

However, after a year without full activity, and whilst there will be understandable demand for sparring, boxers will return at different levels of fitness and preparation. So, for the first two weeks up until 12th April, it has been agreed that all boxers shall start with phase 1, which includes pad work.

This also takes into account not only the significant safety considerations, but also the fact that activity is only permitted outside. It  will also give time for Clubs to get all the registrations – coaches and boxers, medicals etc – in place. It will also allow clubs to set up the necessary mitigation, protective equipment and procedures.

This training is permitted only as part of organised sport, as explained below.

Adults / over 18 on or before 31st August 2020 (government definition)

From 29th March, provided the Return To Boxing Framework (March 2021) guidance, as well as England Boxing Rules, Regulations and Guidelines, are adhered to, then those adults (over 18 on or before  31st August 2020) shall be permitted to train at phase 1 of the guidance, which includes pad work. This shall be 1-2-1 between a boxer and coach as per the guidelines. Sparring is not permitted at this stage.

This training is permitted only as part of organised sport, as explained below.

 What counts as organised sport?

For the avoidance of doubt, organised Sport is defined as follows:

Where the rules mention ‘organised’ sport, this means sport which is formally organised by a qualified instructor, club, national governing body, company or charity and follows sport-specific guidance. If the sport is not organised by one of these groups (for example, some friends having a kickabout) or the sport’s NGB guidance is not being followed (for example, a football club ignoring the FA’s safety measures), this is considered to be informal or self-organised sport.

Taking part in organised sport sometimes means that other restrictions such as legal gathering limits don’t apply when taking part. This is because the organising body has considered the risks and set out ways to mitigate them so people can participate safely. Informal or self-organised sport is not covered by any exemptions.

For organised outdoor sport there are no specific limits on numbers. However, social distancing and other Covid-19 guidelines (such as the rule of six) must be maintained when not specifically training. The sessions themselves must also remained socially distanced except for pad work:

Organised sport and supervised children’s sport and physical activity can take place outdoors in any number, but people should maintain the rules on social contact before and after sporting activity. This applies to organised outdoor (individual and team) sports, outdoor exercise classes, organised sports participation events and outdoor licensed physical activity.

Participants should adhere to social distancing when not actively participating (e.g. during breaks in play, or when awaiting substitutions). Social interaction before and after playing any sport should only take place outdoors, and in separate and distinct groups consisting of up to 6 people or two households.

Return To Boxing Step 2 – Not before 12th April, to be confirmed

 The government and DCMS will confirm what will be permitted at this stage one week before the scheduled move to this step. This step will not be before 12th April.

In order that Clubs can start preparing, its hoped that this will mean that Step 1 guidelines will be permitted at indoor venues from this date.

Numbers will be limited to Covid-19 venue capacities – as detailed in the Return to Boxing Framework – plus there will be additional restrictions for adults.

For under-18s, in addition to the Covid capacity regulations, it is recommended that groups of no more than 15 are convened (following Department of Education guidance). Further details and confirmation on this follow in the lead-up to the anticipated opening date.

Competitive boxing

Competitive boxing in any form will not be permitted until DCMS confirms that it can go ahead. We will provide updates as soon as this information is available.

Boxing Abroad

To aid with planning, permission to Box Abroad will not be granted until the government allows it under the International travel regulations. The next update on this is anticipated from the government on 12^th April.

Enquiries

Please direct any queries or questions to enquiries@englandboxing.org