USA Boxing Gloves Not Guns Program

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 21 Dec 2007, 14:08

Below is a press release regarding the Chicago implementation of the program that was outlined to us at the USA Boxing annual meeting. In my experience, this is nothing new - most of our gyms and coaches have been operating with non-paying boxers for years. I'd like to hear all your comments about this "new" program.

CHICAGO (November 9, 2007) – With the goal of introducing Boxing to young people who otherwise might not be exposed to the sport, World Sport Chicago is formally launching its new Gloves Not Guns Program today in cooperation with USA Boxing, the Police Athletic League, and the Chicago Park District.

The program provides free instruction and coaching for all attendees at designated Gloves Not Guns clinic events conducted by PAL and the Parks Department.

“Thanks to the Gloves Not Guns program Chicago will have a long-term boxing program dedicated to our youth,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley. “Most importantly, this program will provide our kids with positive alternatives and keep them off the streets and away from the dangers of gangs, guns and drugs.”

World Sport Chicago President, William Scherr said, “by motivating young people to spend their spare time in the gym, rather than on the streets, we’ll be using sports to change people’s lives for the better.”

Gloves Not Guns is being funded by an Olympic Opportunity Grant awarded to World Sport Chicago by the United States Olympic Committee. The grants were awarded to programs nationwide that focused on increasing diversity and youth participation in Olympic and Paralympic sport.

Co-developed and endorsed by World Sport Chicago and USA Boxing, Gloves Not Guns focuses on the superb exercise and conditioning elements of the sport, which were fundamental in a recent ESPN.com poll of coaches, trainers, and medical specialists that ranked Boxing as the Number One sport, in terms of pure athleticism. Clinic participants will learn the techniques of offense and defense, while experiencing shadow boxing, jumping rope, speed bag and heavy-bag routines.

The program will be facilitated by USA Boxing certified coaches and instructors, as the Chicago program will serve as a prototype model for the organization’s national grass-roots program.

“Our mandate as an organization is to attract and involve more young people in our sport,” added USA Boxing CEO, Jim Millman. “Gloves Not Guns will have a positive effect on the community organizations we engage in the program, and will ultimately strengthen America’s participation and interest in Olympic sports.”

Dennis · Post by **Dennis** » 21 Dec 2007, 17:49

Anything to get more people involved in our sport is a good thing. More boxers is a big plus.

Dennis · Post by **Dennis** » 21 Dec 2007, 17:52

Our gym gets kids from juvenile homes and community service workers who become boxers. Some get straightened out, others do not. Boxing can't fix everyone, but it sure helps a lot of kids and young adults stay out of the streets.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 21 Dec 2007, 18:30

Dennis - why do you think this particular program will bring more boxers to the LBCs?

Dennis · Post by **Dennis** » 22 Dec 2007, 00:37

Anytime they do anything to encourage kids to go into boxing it helps increase the numbers. It usually takes 5 kids to try it to get one boxer. The rest quit before they even get going.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 22 Dec 2007, 01:03

Okay - this might work IF a city or parks and rec takes it upon themselves to advertise via newspapers or TV or however. As you know, individual clubs don't usually have the money or nohow to get blanket coverage. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

JMac · Post by **JMac** » 22 Dec 2007, 22:34

I think it's great!. It's not new by any means. Many gyms across the US do the same thing but since it is in a big city with Park and Recs and the group that put on the world championships behind it, it will get lots a publicity and that's a great thing. Good for them to take advantage of the successful world championships to help get kids off the streets and into the gyms.
BTW, a gym in Baltimore has two mottos, one is "books before hooks" and "put down the guns and put on the gloves."

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 23 Dec 2007, 21:22

Now, maybe, the Parks & Rec people will sanction their "amateur" bouts. Remains to be seen.........

Dennis · Post by **Dennis** » 24 Dec 2007, 02:00

Why, they insure their own bouts. It is called self-insurance. It is a big enough entity to do that.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 24 Dec 2007, 12:35

Why, they insure their own bouts. It is called self-insurance. It is a big enough entity to do that.

However, since the bouts are not sanctioned by USA Boxing and are not put in their passbooks, there are rather large descrepancies in the number of bouts Chicago boxers may or may not have had. Many have had 11 or more Park bouts but they compete as novices in USA Boxing sanctioned shows. This isn't right. It has been an ongoing battle for years. It's not an insurance problem.

Dennis · Post by **Dennis** » 23 Jan 2008, 11:46

boxmel wrote:
Why, they insure their own bouts. It is called self-insurance. It is a big enough entity to do that.
However, since the bouts are not sanctioned by USA Boxing and are not put in their passbooks, there are rather large descrepancies in the number of bouts Chicago boxers may or may not have had. Many have had 11 or more Park bouts but they compete as novices in USA Boxing sanctioned shows. This isn't right. It has been an ongoing battle for years. It's not an insurance problem.

I think that these bouts should count towards becoming an open-class boxer or an A-class J.O. boxer. I also think that the use of exhibitions should be allowed as long as the bouts get entered into their passbooks.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 23 Jan 2008, 14:23

I think that these bouts should count towards becoming an open-class boxer or an A-class J.O. boxer. I also think that the use of exhibitions should be allowed as long as the bouts get entered into their passbooks.

Dennis - way back when I first got involved, exhibitions were allowed. The reason they were stopped is because many, if not most, were not entered into passbooks. It's easier to not allow exhibitions or unsanctioned bouts than it is to police every single show and make sure passbooks are kept accurate. Sad but true.

squarering · Post by **squarering** » 24 Jan 2008, 15:47

Was the word put out to ALL the small struggling gyms that need funds so badly and could do the same thing, or is the City of Chicago's dept of recs the only ones that have received any funding to experiment with expanding the athlete numbers.? Are there still funds available? How do you apply for them ? Does your program have to be a municipality to be eligible? Was any information about this program and the availability of fund sent out to the general membership or was a mailing like that too costly? and, Where the hell is help for the non- profit program that are already doing exactly what they are trying to do but need help to do more of it? I have much more but
you can only put so many feet in your mouth at one time.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 24 Jan 2008, 17:22

City of Chicago's dept of recs the only ones that have received any funding

This program is NOT being funded by USAB (remember, they don't have any money).

squarering · Post by **squarering** » 24 Jan 2008, 22:57

It just seems that only a government agency would have the time and resources to be able to take advantage of this type of help.

boxmel · Post by **boxmel** » 24 Jan 2008, 23:03

This "new" concept was presented at the annual meeting. In my opinion, it is not much more than most coaches are already doing in their gyms - except the "potential" boxers won't be charged a gym/training fee. I don't see it as being either innovative or a means to beefing up USAB.