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Worth a read. We asked Boxing Queensland's R&J Coordinator, Steven Wade ten questions.
You're the referee. The bouts about to start. What do you need to check before it starts?
Just before the bout starts I need to check that all the judges, the Ringside Doctor, the Technical Delegate and the Timekeeper are seated in their positions. Following, I obtain permission from the Technical Delegate to start the bout, then indicate to the Timekeeper to ring the bell.
How many standing eight counts can a boxer take in a round?
A maximum of 3 eight counts in a round or 2 eight counts in a round for boxers aged 15 and younger. Once this maximum is reached, the bout will be stopped and the opponent is announced as the winner. This is called the compulsory count limit.
Someone is given an eight count, do they automatically lose the round?
No. An eight count has no bearing on the scoring of the bout. The blow which caused the knockdown is relevant to the scoring criteria and will be considered by the judge when he scores the round but being given an eight count does not automatically lose the round. On a number of occasions, I have seen a boxer who has received a mandatory eight count actually win the round.
Which of these do you prefer to do? Online shopping, do shopping in-store, neither - I don’t like shopping!
I definitely enjoy in-store shopping. Especially if it includes a coffee or lunch at a nearby café.
What lend you to boxing?
I was 15 and sports mad. I had a mate who was a good boxer so I decided to give it a go. I loved it and still do.
Who would win in a bout between Superman and Batman?
Superman - He has super powers and Batman doesn’t. Bateman only has super gadgets.
Why do you love boxing?
Where do I start. The bouts can be amazing and very exciting and some of our boxers are truly gifted and talented. Boxers are some of the fittest athletes on the planet. I have seen boxing help a lot of kids. Some were heading in the wrong direction. Others were shy or the Victims of bullying. Boxing has instilled great qualities into these kids such as direction, confidence, respect and dedication. All of which are qualities that have helped these kids in other areas of their daily lives.
How good are your boxing skills?
Not too bad. I walked into my first boxing gym at 15. It was run by the famous Jack Rennie. Over the years I have been to several different gyms and competed in 9 bouts. Since walking into my first boxing gym at 15 I have always gone to a boxing gym and trained several times a week and I still do.
Name some of the many reasons to become a referee or judge.
You can remain involved in the sport after your competition days are over. If you don’t want to compete or if you are getting older, it is an opportunity to get involved or remain involved in boxing. It is wonderful to watch young boxers come into the sport then grow, improve and mature in front of your very eyes. Referee’s and Judge’s have the best seats in the house and are right next to all the action. You get to officiate with some wonderful people and it is definitely a team effort. There are opportunities for advancement and you can get to see many different places both in Australia and Worldwide. You also have the opportunity to represent your State and Country as an Official.
Who do you follow in the AFL?
Collingwood
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