Referee (boxing)
Encyclopedia
The referee in the boxing
is the individual charged with enforcing the rules
of that sport during a match.
In the past, referees were involved in judging
the fight. However, that role has been progressively replaced by a panel of judges, except for domestic fights in some countries.
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
is the individual charged with enforcing the rules
Marquess of Queensberry rules
The Marquess of Queensberry rules is a code of generally accepted rules in the sport of boxing. They were named so because John Douglas, 9th Marquess of Queensberry publicly endorsed the code, although they were written by a sportsman named John Graham Chambers. The code of rules on which modern...
of that sport during a match.
The role of the referee
Referees have the following roles:- Gives instructions to both boxerBoxingBoxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
s before the fight - Determines when to start or stop a count when a fighter is down
- Determines when a foul is so egregious that a warning should be given or points taken away
- Signal when the round is over
- Determines when one fighter's health will be endangered by more blows and thus, stops the fight.
In the past, referees were involved in judging
Judge
A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and in an open...
the fight. However, that role has been progressively replaced by a panel of judges, except for domestic fights in some countries.
Attire
Normally, a white or blue Oxford shirt is worn, as well as black slacks, black leather shoes and a black bow tie. Latex gloves are sometimes worn for sanitary reasons. For professional matches a patch is usually worn on the left breast bearing the insignia of the organization sanctioning the fight. The referee may also wear a patch on his left sleeve bearing the flag of his home country. This is especially common in matches between fighters from two different countries.Criticisms
The main critique involves the subjective nature of boxing refereeing; there are guidelines for referees, but enforcement of the rules still involves judgement.Notable referees
- Steve SmogerSteve SmogerSteve Smoger is an American boxing referee. He works exclusively on the East Coast, and is often featured as the referee in world title or major fights taking place at East Coast venues...
- Joe CortezJoe CortezJoe Cortez is a Puerto Rican boxing referee who has worked many important world title bouts.-Biography:Cortez moved to Puerto Rico during his childhood. Living there, he became fluent in Spanish. Cortez had a good amateur boxing career, winning various Golden Gloves tournaments from 1960 to 1962...
- Daniel Van de WieleDaniel Van de WieleDaniel Van de Wiele, born on November 10, 1956 in Leuven, Belgium, is a boxing referee, most notable for his refereeing of the WBC heavyweight titlefight between Lennox Lewis and Hasim Rahman on April 21, 2001...
referee judge - Ruby GoldsteinRuby Goldstein"Ruby" Goldstein , the "Jewel Of The Ghetto," was an American boxer and prize fight referee.-Boxing career:Before he became a referee, Goldstein boxed professionally from 1925 to 1937...
- Mills LaneMills LaneMills Bee Lane III is a retired boxing referee, a former boxer, was a two term Washoe County District Court Judge, and television personality...
- Arthur MercanteArthur MercanteArthur Mercante Sr. was an international boxing referee. His career lasted from the 1960s until 2001. Mercante's son also became a noted referee. In his youth, Arthur Mercante Sr. was a member of the Merchant Marines....
- Jay NadyJay NadyJay Nady is a championship boxing referee and the uncle of Chicago Cubs outfielder Xavier Nady.-Biography:Nady boxed and played football at the University of Nevada, Reno in the 1960s. For his accomplishments on the field and in the ring, he was inducted into the UNR Hall of Fame in 1986.Nady's...
- Randy NeumannRandy NeumannRandy Neumann, born and raised in Cliffside Park, New Jersey in 1948, is a former professional boxer who has been a referee for the New York State Athletic Commission since 1982...
- Richard Steele
- Mickey VannMickey VannMickey Vann and based in Leeds, is a former boxer and British boxing referee. Vann was a 'Class A Star' referee and boxing judge. He arbitrated his first professional bout on 14 January 1985, and since has refereed many World, regional, and national title fights.Before becoming a referee, Vann...
- Pete PodgorskiPete PodgorskiPete Podgorski is a former amateur and professional light middleweight boxer, as well as a boxing official. As an amateur, Podgorski compiled a 45-12 record, along with twenty knockouts, The 1972 C.Y.O. Welterweight Champion, 1973 Fox Valley, Wisconsin Golden Gloves Champion, and 1977 C.P.D. Open...
- Tony Weeks
- Brian Garry
External links
- How to Become an Official - Boxing - guidance for the United States