Judging in BBBofC fights

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 12 May 2006, 09:27

I made an enquiry recently regarding becoming a judge, and wondered why there was no licensed judge category on their website. I sent an email and was told that in order to become a judge, you would have to first become an A class referee!

Does anyone else think this is a little strange. If you want to be a judge, then why should you have to train as a referee. I don't want to be a referee, it's far too much responsibility presiding over a bout where someone could be killed if you don't do your job properly. However, I reckon I could become a judge, but due to the stupid bloody system, I never will be.

josh fg · Post by **josh fg** » 12 May 2006, 09:34

Proberbly because they don't use judges as standard in this country just fights that are sanctioned by international bodies in which case I believe they often have there own training requirements for judges

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 12 May 2006, 09:42

Yes, that's what I figured. But here's the problem, if you wish to become a WBA, IBF or WBC judge, you need to have representation from your local commission, in my case the BBBofC. So therefore there is no way of ever becoming an international judge, without first becoming an A Star referee (itself a long and bloody hard process) if you live in the UK.

I'd love to be a boxing judge, but there's just no way it's ever going to happen with that system.

BigEars · Post by **BigEars** » 12 May 2006, 09:45

If you were really desperate you could enquire with the Boxing Union of Ireland , if you are prepared to travel a little . Although it's possible they have a similar policy .

Freiheit · Post by **Freiheit** » 12 May 2006, 11:14

If the system is like here then it would be very good having amateur judging experience before "turning" pro.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 12 May 2006, 11:18

With or without amateur judging experience, you still cannot become a licensed referee without being a licenced judge, what a fornicating stupid system. No wonder Britain has so few international referees, because there are very few A Star class Referees, and you have to be A Star class before you can even begin TRAINING as a judge at bottom level.

Stupid system, should be changed.

josh fg · Post by **josh fg** » 12 May 2006, 11:20

jamesmcdonnell wrote:With or without amateur judging experience, you still cannot become a licensed referee without being a licenced judge, what a fornicating stupid system. No wonder Britain has so few international referees, because there are very few A Star class Referees, and you have to be A Star class before you can even begin TRAINING as a judge at bottom level.

Stupid system, should be changed.

sounds very much that way.

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 12 May 2006, 11:28

Does sound a bit over the top by the BBBoC, I'm guessing its there way of making sure the judges have a sound knowledge of boxing, and are mainly impartial.

Thanks for finding out this info James

looks as if i'll have to give up hopes of being a judge now

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 12 May 2006, 11:35

Just compared this to the NABC the closest American equivalent. There you start as an upaid official learning the ropes as an amateur and attending seminars and the like at your own expense, then over time begin working as an assistant where you can be assessed and so on.

I don't actually think being a good referee is going to make you a good judge, certainly not judging by some of the baffling decisions handed out by British refs in judging fights.

This whole system hampers Britiain in having a large contingent of internationally appointed judges.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 12 May 2006, 12:01

It's fornicating ridiculous, it's so closed shop. The fact that the BBBofC doesn't even have a bloody judging category says it all, it's jobs for the blazer wearing brigade as usual, and fornicate all chance for anyone else to get a look in. Judging isn't some sort of dark art, I'm sure anyone who follows the sport, and takes an interest in learning can become a good judge. What I don't see is any transition available from being an amateur judge to a professional judge.

Don't you have to have been a former amateur boxer or trainer to be an amateur judge?

josh fg · Post by **josh fg** » 12 May 2006, 12:11

thats mad, maybe asking at local clubs mite be a way into ametre judging if a gym has to recomend you.

RobD · Post by **RobD** » 12 May 2006, 12:37

That's a mighty closed door way of running things. Abit of the good old boys club.

I live in Pennsylvania in the states, and I just have to serve a two year apprenticeship doing amatuer shows. Start out as a time keeper and such. After the two years you can move on to the paid ranks.