The IBA technical rules are governing the Sport of Boxing. England Boxing wants to ensure that its members have a clear understanding of how the rules affect them.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we have received so far, along with answers. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email it to enquiries@englandboxing.org
You can find the full IBA rules here.
FAQs relating to IBA Technical Rules
Rule 1.5 – professional boxers
Q: Is this rule mirrored at federation level that any ex-professional boxer is not allowed to compete within England Boxing?
A: Yes.
Rule 2.1.2 – medical examinations
Q: Is the rule that the medical examination is to be performed before the weigh-in, to be implemented throughout all regional club shows?
A: No. There must be a medical, but it can take place after the weigh-in if necessary.
Rule 2.1.4.1 – annual medical
Q: Is the current five-year medical scheme with mandatory annual participation staying in place for the immediate future?
A: All boxers must have an annual medical.
Rule 2.1.6.1 – rest periods
Q: Is the mandatory 12 hour rest period for a boxer between 2 contests to be implemented in domestic championships?
A: Yes – all championships at every level.
Rule 16.1.2 – AM/PRO coaches
Q: Are AM/PRO coaches now not permitted to do corner in domestic championships/club shows?
A: There has been communication on this topic. No change during this season and further information will follow.
Rule 17 -rings
Q: Do the rules relating to the boxing ring (i.e. label and dimensions) apply to domestic championships/club shows?
A: They apply to all domestic championships but practicalities will dictate.
FAQs relating to AOB Competition Rules
Rule 4.1.10 -weigh-in genders
Q: Does the weigh-in need to be conducted by officials of the same gender at domestic championships/club shows?
A: No, but this is preferable.
General FAQs
Age limit
Q: What is the age at which a boxer must stop competing, under IBA rules?
A: The current cut-off for boxing at the age of 40 is 31st December of the same year that they have their 40th birthday
For example:
- 40th birthday is on 5th June 2015 – they can box until 31st Dec 2015.
- 40th birthday is 10th Feb 2015 – they can box until 31st Dec 2015
- 40th birthday is 1st Dec 2015 – they can box until 31st Dec 2015
Age differences
Q: On club shows, does the 12-month age difference still to apply to all boxers under the age of 19, or can they box within the age groups as per international tournaments?
A: We should keep to the 12 months, outside of international tournaments.
Masters boxers
Q: Are ‘masters’ boxers now classed as mainstream boxers and can participate against any boxer from 19 years and above?
A: Yes.
Youth v Elite
Q: Can an 18-year-old box a 19-year-old?
A: If they are both born in 1995, then yes (both are Elite). However, an 18-year-old Youth (born in 1996) cannot box an 18 or 19-year-old Elite boxer.
Glove weights
Q: Are the 12oz gloves for all 69kg+ boxers who are 19+ years old or just for boxers who don’t wear head guards?
A: All Senior boxers 19 -40 to wear 12oz gloves if they weigh 64kg+.
Obviously, if a boxer is outside the <64kg classification he now falls within 69kg and will have to wear 12oz gloves. For example, a 67kg boxer will wear 12oz gloves.
Club shows scoring
Q: For club shows, am I right in assuming that the 10/9 scoring system is to be in place and that it will be run with 3 judges?
A: Yes. It should be 3 judges for club shows.
Records
Q: On club shows, does the MC, when introducing the boxers, announce the boxer’s records as per IBA’s rule?
A: No
Round lengths
Q: Do Elite Senior boxers do 3 x 3 minute rounds (as in Novice Box Cup tournaments) in Europe at club shows?
A: Youths can do 3 x 2 minute rounds or 4 x 2 minute rounds in club shows. An Elite Senior Boxer (open class) must box 3×3 minute rounds at club shows. An Elite Senior should not box in Novice events.
Championship replacements
Q: Is it possible to replace injured winners with/re-entering losing boxers in championships?
A: In the case of championships – EB NAC, EB Youth & EB Junior (both male & female) – A boxer who has lost cannot be re-entered if the winning opponent is unable to proceed to the next stage for any reason.
In the case of all other championships – The losing boxer may replace the winning boxer, should he be unable to proceed to the next stage due to sickness or injury.
Approved equipment
Q: What equip,ent has been passed as fit to use at Championships and club level?
You can click to view a list of IBA’s official boxing equipment licensees.
