BoxRec

Should proficiency be judged on a yearly basis instead of a blanket restriction based upon age?

Age is a nonsense if you can still do the job, look at John Coyle

Coco wrote:Age is a nonsense if you can still do the job, look at John Coyle

I agree, If you're fit enough you're good enough.

Mandatory Retirement Age is an issue in all occupations. The issue in question is currently being challenged in the European Court of Justice by 'Heyday'. The general standpoint may change in the foreseeable future ........

If someone is still meeting the standards and requirements of the job then why not let them continue whilst there being an annual review - Micky Vann despite some criticisms is a very good ref.

Does it only apply in Britain, i'm sure i've seen older refs work abroad, or is it just as judges?

Spud wrote:Micky Vann despite some criticisms is a very good ref.

I also heard he's sh*t hot at ball room dancing..

This is Gonna Hurt wrote:

Spud wrote:Micky Vann despite some criticisms is a very good ref.

I also heard he's sh*t hot at ball room dancing..

F*ck me hilarious!!!

Coco wrote:Does it only apply in Britain?

It doesn't apply to any Athletic Commission in America.

Spud wrote:

This is Gonna Hurt wrote:

Spud wrote:Micky Vann despite some criticisms is a very good ref.

I also heard he's sh*t hot at ball room dancing..

F*ck me hilarious!!!

I've heard that too.... he's pretty serious about it, by all accounts.

I watched his footwork after I got told about it, and he's a smooth focker around the ring.... honestly, watch it, and you'll notice (Perhaps I got a little too into it...)

Rediculous to think the likes of Joe Cortez - fantastic in his day but long gone now, is reffing and Vann isn't (plus others). Need to be annually tested.

However, isn't there like a 7 year waiting list to be a ref.... so with the old guard are aloud to continue, that would hinder the new breed a bit.

I agree with the majority, that if you're still capable of doing the job then age shouldn't matter, but StuJones mafkes an excellent point about it restricitng opportunities for the new breed of ref

Coco wrote:Does it only apply in Britain, i'm sure i've seen older refs work abroad, or is it just as judges?

I think it only applies here, ITV mentioned something about him still being able to work abroad.

I think there exists a rolling assesment of all referees in this country from the time they apply for their licences to the time their retirement age is reached.

As with all assesment systems run by humans, they are open to abuse, error and to some degree, favouritism. But I know of very few, if any cases where 'bad' referees have been allowed to progress beyond that point where mistakes are made. I suppose by bad mistakes, I mean those where the boxers safety is compomised, as opposed to a decision made with integrity and honesty, that is disagreed with.

In essence, if an applicant referee is not up to the job, he wont be granted a licence. If, and only if, he displays the required proficiency will he progress to A and then Star class.

I know of at least three referees who, having been granted licenses to officiate, have either resigned, being sufficienly concerned that they compromisd the safety of one, or either boxer, or had their licenses to referee withdrawn.

I see no reason, why, providing it is done independantly (as opposed to by his mates / colleagues) that a similar system of assessement couldn't be carried out on a ref's performances, once a he reaches his ceiling, whatever his level. ( not all competent ref's make star class)

This is what happens in football at the higher levels. My Father, having retired from refereeing (therefore not having an interest in having a ref removed from a rota - thereby creating more availible appointments for himself) attended top level games to assess the performance of the officials.

I don't think a boxing referee becomes incompetent overnight, I think it is a gradual process brought about by failing health / fitness / advancing years.

I would say that ALL referees should be subject to a yearly medical, which would include sight and hearing as well as some recognised way of testing reaction. In addition I would subject all referees, no matter what their grading, to regular independant assessment for fitness for the job in hand.

For what it's worth, I think Mr. Vann is a first rate referee and I think his presence in British rings would be missed.

Micky's probably happy with the decision.
He'd look a lost soul without Hatton to ref.

I didn't agree with his take on the McGuigan vs McDonnel match up and "he did him a favour" cause he was losing. Barry was a notorious starter, he was just warming up. I think he would have worn and beaten McDonnell.

If Vann can still do the job and he wants to it's crazy to let him go.

Lets be truthful, he's probably in a lot better nick than most of our other refs!

Vanns timing in that contest was impeccable. McGuigan was shot. The cut was bad. Mcguigan conceded as much once he'd had time to collect his thoughts (he didnt use the word shot).

As for McDonnell being worn down and beaten by McGuigan, we'll never know, but at that stage of their respective careers I doubt it.

Micky is in better shape than many fighters. Seriously.

He often spoils fights on TV for me. He's always skipping in the way of the cameras

I bet Darkie Smiths pissin himself.

I've always found Vann a good ref, think he is still very capable, and this is a stupid rule

He should tell the board he wants no naughties with his human rights If he wants to continue, that would be funny.

Mickey Vann's been a good referee. I wish him well in the future.

BUT, his comments on Barry McGuigan were cheap and nasty.

McDonnell was winning IMO but the outcome was not a certainty at the point of the cut eye stoppage. To say McGuigan was going nowhere is a fecking joke. He was one win away from challenging for a world title, how the hell is that "going nowhere" :??

Depends on the individual, Arthur Mercante was a perfectly competent referee well into his 70's. Overall I think Vann has been a decent ref, although he got a bit over excited for Lewis - Bruno. And of course his judging is the stuff of conspiracy theories. But he's still up to the job and looks fit as a fiddle.