AboutLian Shoemake Expertise I can answer questions regarding rules for both pro and amateur boxing; upcoming bouts; fight analysis/predictions; various other questions. I am an experienced amateur boxing official with USA Boxing (14 years) and I have completed a yearlong professional officials` clinic with the California State Athletic Commission.
Question I used to box as a kid. I now work full time (8-5)
I was thinking about becoming either a coach or an official to get back into the sport and for extra cash.
#1 What are the steps I need to take to do so?
#2 What kind of extra cash are usually paid for local tournaments? What are realistic expectations? Or is the money so bad that it's basically doing it for the love of the sport?
#3 After the first steps are taking, is it a situation were I have to promote myself as a ref, like I would if I was a fighter?
Brandon
(in Texas)
Answer Hi Brandon,
Thanks for the question.
I'm not sure if you're referring to amateur or professional boxing, and the answers would be very different.
Since you mentioned local tournaments, I'll assume you mean amateur boxing.
For either coaching or officiating, you'll need to register with USA Boxing through your Local Boxing Committee (LBC). You can get direct info on how to do that through www.usaboxing.org by following the membership link.
There is no payment for officiating or coaching amateur boxing; in fact, there is a registration fee involved. So it is a labor of love :)
You should not have to promote yourself as an official since everyone is volunteering. Local politics can vary from LBC to LBC, but in general it should be a positive, supportive environment.
I hope this helps, Brandon.
Thanks again for writing!
Regards,
Lian
