Expert: Melanie Ley - 7/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

  Let me start by saying thank you for taking the time to read my question. After about an hour of google searches I just couldn't find the answer. Ok well it starts with when I was about 13 I picked up boxing just training and I had 1 fight in the silver gloves. After that I stopped just because of school and other things. Well at the age of 17 I had eye surgery for a retinal detachment in my left eye. I know this is not from boxing however I now at 18 would like to get back into Amateur Boxing. I know I can’t get a professional boxers license in NY for having this surgery. However is it the same for amateur boxing? Can I get an amateur boxing license to fight as well as participate in the Golden Gloves or Olympics? If you don’t know the answer do you know who I might be able to find and ask. I know you get an eye exam while getting your amateur boxing passport to fight and I know they would be able to tell I had this surgery being that it is somewhat noticeable if I turn my eye very far. And being an eye professional you probably wouldn’t miss it. So is it possible for me to amateur box in NY? having had this surgery. Thanks - Mike

ANSWER: Mike - there is no specific rule covering eye surgery - just on the wearing of glasses and contact lens.  You do not have to have an eye exam to register as an amateur boxer.  I would, however, check with your doctor and tell him your plans and see what he says from a medical point of view.  The most important thing in amateur boxing is the safety of the boxer and you need to make sure it's medically okay to box.

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QUESTION: Thank you, you answered my question somewhat. But for some reason I remember having to fill out a paper that said on it "have you had retinal detachment surgery" is this just so they know, im just worried I will go to get my USA boxing passport and they will deny me. Now I know NY has a lot more rules for Boxing than say Las Vegas. I have talked to my doctor to get an eye exam from him once every month, if anything happens to it im out for good. But are you sure? Thanks again for your time your a great help.

Answer
Hi Mike - the membership rules are supposed to be the same no matter what state you live in.  I don't remember ever seeing anything about "retinal detachment surgery" on an athlete membership form, however I will look at one tonight and let you know for sure.  Where do you live in New York?

Mel

P.S.  This is nothing on the athlete membership form that asks about detached retinal, or any, surgery.  Maybe for the pros, but not with the amateurs.