Coach's Notebook

Note to coaches: Proof of coach's certification is required to work corners. Be sure to bring your certification cards to shows!

Coaches responsibilty of boxer's equipment

It is the responsibility of all coaches to make sure that their boxers are properly fitted for their safety equipment. This equipment includes the headgear, mouthpiece, protective cup and the boxer's attire.

The headgear has three (3) adjustments that need to be made well before the boxers enter the ring. The adjustments on the headgear are made at the top, back and bottom of the headgear that is USA Boxing approved. If your boxer's headgear becomes loose and needs adjustments during a bout, remind them that they can simply raise their hand to the referree so that they may return to their corner for their headgear to be corrected.

The mouthpiece should be that where the boxer's jaw is properly set and kept from coming out of the mouth. In the Texas State Golden Gloves, a boxer's mouthpiece came out during the bout. It was obivious that his mouth was always open during the bout and he had a hard time keeping it closed. When his mouthpiece came out, he was hit with a punch so hard, that he suffered a cut in his mouth. Please remind them of the importance of keeping their mouth closed during a bout.

When it comes to their attire, try to make sure that the tank top and the trunks are of a different color. This is so that both the judge and referree can see a belt line and be able to distinguish from a legal or illegal blow.

Coaches and Boxers remember:
Respect your opponent
Respect the sport
Respect the rules

3/12/10