Several people enter the world of officiating, but few make it to the ranks of professional. While one can have the skill, desire and heart to be a professional boxing official it sometimes takes a bit of luck to get picked to join the ranks of a professional boxing official. Professional boxing is a fast paced and exciting sport. The ability to officiate a fair fight is difficult. Therefore, State Athletic Commission members take selection of officials seriously.

  • Several people enter the world of officiating, but few make it to the ranks of professional.
  • The ability to officiate a fair fight is difficult.

Outfit yourself with the supplies needed to be a boxing referee.

Study the boxing rule book to understand the sport and the rules the fighters must follow.

Register for memberships in specific boxing organisations. Organisation like the National Gold Gloves Officials of America, the Unites States Amateur Boxing Association and United States Boxing are great places to join.

Begin officiating young children as a Level I official. Officials are not paid, but it is a good practice. These matches should be sanction by the United States Amateur Boxing Association.

Once a Level I official officiates several matches they must pass a test and attend clinics to advance their levels. Levels II and III should be obtained before applying for a professional license.

  • Register for memberships in specific boxing organisations.
  • Levels II and III should be obtained before applying for a professional license.

Contact your State Athletic Commission to get an application and understand the rules for applying to be a boxing official.

Join the commission closest to where you live. Often there are meetings and training sessions that are held in a jurisdiction that are required for licensing and this will save on travel costs and lodging expenses.

States often require that an official be 21, never convicted of a felony or a crime of deception, submit names of references, pass a test on the rules and regulations of the sport, take an internship with the commission, and pay all licensing fees.

Once accepted state will often license officials from other states for a fee as well as documents from the other state athletic commission showing you to be a proficient official and in good standing.

  • Contact your State Athletic Commission to get an application and understand the rules for applying to be a boxing official.
  • Once accepted state will often license officials from other states for a fee as well as documents from the other state athletic commission showing you to be a proficient official and in good standing.

Professional officials continue to practice their skills and educate themselves. Professional boxing officials often attend or conduct clinics, read publications and stay in shape to be at their absolute best.

TIP

To become a professional exposure is the key. Often the first couple years of officiating will not yield a lot of money.

WARNING

State Athletic Commissions control their membership and issuance of licenses. Following these steps will not guarantee that you will become a professional boxing official.