Expert: Lian Shoemake - 10/15/2006

Question
Where and how does one get started as a boxing referee? Is there a school or licencse requirement? Thank you.

Answer
Hi John,

Thanks for the question.
The answer is, "it depends." Are you interested in amateur boxing or professional boxing? Or both?

My recommendation would be that you start with amateur boxing. You'll get a true appreciation for the safety of the boxer. To start on the road to becoming an amateur boxing official, you need to register with USA Boxing in the Local Boxing Committee in your geographic area. To learn how to do that, go to:
http://www.usaboxing.org/10_1577.htm
and follow the instructions to contact your local registration chairperson. You'll be required to learn how to judge and keep time as well, since a good referee should be fully apprised of the roles of all his or her ringside officials.

For professional boxing, you need to get in touch with the boxing commission or athletic commission in your state. Requirements vary from place to place. You can usually find contact information for the commission in the government section of your local phone directory, or online at your state's official web page.

I hope this helps, John.
Thanks again for writing.

Regards,

Lian