1. Introduction
Amateur boxing under AIBA (now operating as the International Boxing Association) follows a strict, standardized set of technical, medical, and procedural rules to ensure fairness, safety, and consistency across all international competitions. Understanding these regulations is essential for coaches (“Seconds”), boxers, and support staff to avoid penalties, disqualifications, or missed opportunities (e.g., protests).
This guide covers:
- Duties of Seconds
- Prohibited behaviors
- Scoring system (10-point must)
- Bout result protocols
- Foul classifications
- Weigh-in and anti-doping procedures
2. Duties of Seconds (Corner Team)
Who Can Be a Second?
- Only AIBA-certified coaches and certified cut technicians are permitted.
- Maximum of 3 Seconds per boxer, but:
- Only 2 may stand on the ring apron
- Only 1 may enter the ring during breaks
Key Responsibilities
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Carry atowel,transparent water bottles(provided by organizers), and anapproved medical kit(max size: 30×20×20 cm) |
| Medical Support | May use onlyapproved substancesfor cuts: |
- Adrenaline 1/1000
- Collodion, Thrombin, Gelfoam, Surgicel
- Ice bags, Enswell, swabs | | Retirement | May throw the towel to stop the bout—except during the referee’s 8-count | | Post-Round Protocol | Must clear the apron before each round starts—remove stools, buckets, towels |
Example: If a boxer suffers a cut above the eye in Round 2, the cutman may apply adrenaline-soaked swab—but not petroleum jelly (prohibited).
3. Prohibited Activities for Seconds (Field of Play – FOP)
Violations can lead to warnings, ejection, or disqualification.
Strictly Forbidden Actions:
- Yelling, arguing, or gesturing at referees, judges, or opponents
- Inciting spectators (e.g., clapping to rally the crowd)
- Touching the ring ropes during a round
- Using communication devices (phones, radios, smartwatches)
- Administering oxygen or inhalers (even for asthma)
- Throwing objects (e.g., a water bottle in protest)
- Leaving the designated corner area (1.5m × 2.5m zone, 1m from the ring)
Real Consequence: In the 2022 Asian Championships, a coach was disqualified for arguing with the referee after a close decision—resulting in the boxer’s loss standing.
4. AIBA Scoring System: 10-Point Must System
How It Works:
- 5 judges score independently using electronic pads.
- Each round is scored as:
- 10–9: Close round
- 10–8: Clear dominance
- 10–7: Total domination
- Minimum score per round: 7 points
- Every round must have a winner—no draws.
Scoring Criteria:
- Number of clean, quality punches to legal target areas (head & body above belt)
- Technical & tactical superiority (ring control, defense, counters)
- Competitiveness (aggression with purpose)
Example: Boxer A lands 12 clean jabs and 3 crosses; Boxer B throws 20 wild hooks (most blocked).
→ Boxer A wins 10–9, even if B was more aggressive.
Score Display:
- Only the current round’s scores are shown during the 1-minute break.
- Cumulative scores are NOT displayed until the bout ends.
- The final decision shows each judge’s full scorecard publicly.
5. Bout Result Types & Protocols
| Result Type | Abbrevation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Win on Points | WP | Unanimous (5–0) or split (3–2, 4–1) decision |
| Referee Stops Contest | RSC | Due to injury, excessive punishment, or inability to continue |
| Abandon | ABD | Boxer quits, or the coach throws a towel |
| Disqualification | DQ | For flagrant fouls (e.g., biting, intentional headbutt) |
Tiebreak Rule:
- If total scores are tied, judges with even scores must declare a winner based on overall bout impression.
Note: There is no “technical draw” in AIBA boxing.
6. Filing a Bout Review (Protest)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Within 1 minute of the result announcement, Second submits a yellow protest card to the referee.
- Proceeds alone to the Equipment Manager to get the Bout Review Form.
- Completes form in English, signs it (agreeing to pay protest fee).
- Submits within 30 minutes of the bout result being recorded in the AIBA system.
- Bout Review Jury examines video evidence—decision is final.
Critical: Only one Second (who was in the corner) may file. No team huddles or delays.
7. Classification of Fouls
A. Minor Fouls (“No Harm, No Foul”)
- Low head (not making contact)
- Light holding or pushing
- Handled with verbal caution only (no hand signal)
B. Major Fouls
- Low blows
- Holding + hitting
- Not stepping back on “Break”
- Spitting out the mouthguard intentionally
- Passive defense (covering up without engaging)
- Taunting or clowning
- Using ropes for leverage
Penalty:
- 1st offense: Caution
- 2nd offense: Warning (1-point deduction)
- 3rd offense: Possible disqualification
C. Flagrant Fouls (Automatic Warning or DQ)
- Intentional headbutt (especially if cut occurs → DQ)
- Biting
- Hitting a downed opponent
- Deliberate blow after “Stop” or bell
- Extreme unsportsmanlike conduct
Example: In a 2023 World Championship bout, a boxer was disqualified after a second intentional low blow in Round 3.
8. Weigh-In Procedures
Key Rules:
- Daily weigh-ins are required before each bout day.
- First weigh-in: Must be within weight class limits (both min & max).
- Subsequent weigh-ins: Only the maximum weight is checked.
- Zero tolerance for overweight—even 0.1 kg over = disqualification.
- Naked except for underwear/swimsuit.
- Same-gender officials conduct weigh-ins.
- Minimum 3 hours between weigh-in and first bout.
Example: A 63.5 kg boxer in the 64 kg class weighs 64.1 kg on Day 2 → disqualified from competition.
9. Anti-Doping & Medical Requirements
Pre-Competition:
- Medical certificate required:
- AIBA events: Within 3 months of the competition
- Affiliated events: Within 1 year
Pre-Bout:
- Same-day medical exam during weigh-in.
- Must be declared “fit to compete” by the ringside doctor.
Post-Bout:
- Mandatory medical check if bout ended via RSC, KO, or injury.
Note: Gender verification may be conducted at AIBA’s discretion.
10. Practical Summary for Coaches
✅ DO:
- Use only approved medical supplies
- Stay in your designated corner zone
- File protests immediately and correctly
- Ensure the boxer makes weight daily
❌ DON’T:
- Argue with officials
- Use phones or unapproved drugs
- Allow mouthguard spitting (3rd time = warning)
- Ignore foul warnings—points add up!
Conclusion
AIBA’s rulebook is designed to protect athletes, ensure fairness, and uphold the integrity of amateur boxing. While the regulations are detailed, they create a level playing field where skill—not gamesmanship—determines victory.
Final Tip: Review the full AIBA Technical & Competition Rules before every major tournament—small details (e.g., mouthguard rules, protest timing) can change outcomes.