FAQS

I NEED HISTORY, EITHER AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL, ON A FRIEND/RELATIVE WHO WAS AN AMATEUR/PROFESSIONAL BOXER. CAN YOU HELP?

Because USA Boxing Metro was incorporated in 1978, we do not have any history prior to that. In addition, because we are amateur only, we would not have information about professional boxers.

  • For information about professionals, you can go to boxrec.com.
  • For historical information about the Golden Gloves, please contact the Daily News at 212-210-2100. Ask for the Golden Gloves.
  • For tapes of Metro bouts, contact Bill Butterworth at 212-228-3729.
WHAT IS A DEVELOPMENT BOUT?

The purpose of Development Bouts is to develop technical competence in boxers in order to prepare them for competition. Coaches and Referees are to discourage Boxers’ aggression and heavy punching.

The guidance regarding Development Bouts is as follows:

1. Development Bouts may only be conducted as part of an event sanctioned by USA Boxing.
2. All Development Bouts must take place prior to competitive bouts.
3. Boxers are matched on age, weight, and experience. Boxers, their coaches, the event Supervisor, and the Sanction Holder must approve Development Bouts.
4. Boxers participating in Development Bouts must be registered with USA Boxing.
5. Development Bout boxers must complete weigh-in, pre-bout physical, and post-bout physical.
6. Only registered Boxers, who have had less than three (3) judged Bouts, may participate in Development Bouts.
7. The Ring Announcer must clearly identify and announce the purpose of Development Bouts.
8. The Referee must conduct the Development Bout as a competitive bout.
9. The Development Bout is entered in the Decision section of the USAB passbook as “Dev Bout.”
10. Development Bout contests are limited to three (3) rounds of one (1) minute, with one (1) minute rest between rounds.
11. The use of approved headgear is mandatory.
12. Gloves may be 12oz or 16oz. Both boxers must wear gloves of the same weight.
13. During Development Bouts, one (1) coach per corner must remain standing on the ring apron.
14. Judges may not score the Bout. There is no decision. At the conclusion of the Development Bout, both boxers’ hands are be raised by the Referee in the center of the ring.
15. A Boxer may participate in a maximum of six (6) Development Bouts.
16. A Boxer may revert to a Development Bout after having a competitive bout, but not once the Boxer has had three (3) judged Bouts.
17. Development Bouts may not count toward mandatory experience needed for open status, nor for national events that require minimum experience, such as USA Boxing advancing tournaments.
18. Exhibition bouts are prohibited.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPETITION IN AMATEUR BOXING SUCH AS SENIOR, JUNIOR, MASTER, AND OPEN AND NOVICE?

Junior – A Junior boxer is a generic term used for athletes between the ages of 8 and 16. (You cannot register with USA Boxing until you are 8 years of age.) The subdivisions in the Juniors include:

  • Pee Wee – 8 – 10
  • Bantam – 11 – 12
  • Intermediate – 13 – 14
  • Junior – 15 – 16

 
Age determination is usually year of birth but is sometimes determined by start of tournament. You must read each tournament fact sheet to know.

Youth – 17 – 18
Senior – A Senior boxer is an athlete between the ages of 19 and 40. Open Senior boxers are generally referred to as Elite.
Master – An athlete is a Master boxer once he/she has turned 41 years of age. Seniors can also opt to convert to Master division at age 35.
Open Class – An Open (Post-Novice boxer) is:

 

  • A boxer who has competed in ten (10) or more sanctioned boxing matches.  This includes all bouts as a Junior, Senior, or Master. Developmental bouts do not count.
  • A boxer who has competed in ten (10) or more boxing matches as a senior boxer in any country.
  • A boxer who has been a finalist in any major tournament. Major tournaments include the Golden Gloves, Metro Gloves, Ringside, State Final Competitions, Regional USA Boxing Championships, or National Junior Olympics.
  • At the discretion of the coach and boxer, a boxer who has competed in five (5) or more sanctioned bouts is eligible to compete as an Open class boxer.
  • At the discretion of the coach and boxer, a boxer who has not competed in five (5) or more sanctioned bouts may petition the Board of Directors or Tournament Organization Committee to enter said boxer in the Open class. The Executive Committee shall grant permission for said boxer to compete in the Open class only upon the determination that said boxer would be competitive in the Open class.
  • A boxer who has prior amateur experience in striking combat sports or MMA. A waiver of this rule can be obtained by petition and evaluation by contacting Sonya Lamonakis.
  • Once a boxer has competed in the Open class said boxer cannot revert to the Novice class.
  • “Walkover” decisions and “byes” do not count as sanctioned USA Boxing matches.
  • Novice Class – A male boxer is a Novice boxer until he has 10 bouts in his passbook as a Senior boxer; until if he has had fewer than 20 bouts as a Junior Olympian; or until he been a finalist in a major competition as a novice boxer. A boxer who is eligible to enter a tournament as a Novice boxer shall remain in the Novice class for the duration of that tournament. 
HOW CAN I BECOME A REGISTERED AND CERTIFIED USA BOXING OFFICIAL?

To register, please go to our registration page for information.

Once you have obtained your blue book from Sonya, contact Chief of Officials Michael “Biggie” O’Connor at 347-582-5043.

In a nutshell, it consists of:

 

  • Basic Rules and Hints for Beginning Officials (available on USABoxing.org)
  • Practicing judging, timekeeping, and refereeing at club shows
  • Becoming certified at a certification clinic
HOW CAN I OBTAIN A SANCTION FOR A BOXING SHOW?

Our Vice President Sonya Lamonakis sanctions shows for USA BOXING METRO.  Once you pay the sanction online at www.usaboxing.org she will contact you with any questions. slamonakis@yahoo.com

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HOLDING A SANCTION
To get a sanction:

  • You must be a registered USA Boxing gym in good standing for at least one year.
  • You must have at least five active registered boxers in your program.
  • Complete the Events Listing Form on the Forms page in order to have your show listed on the Events page.
  • Your show cannot be listed until you pay the sanction fee.
  • There cannot be more than one sanctioned show in one night. Any exceptions are at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
  • If your sanction fee is not received within 5 business days of your request, the date will not be held for your event.
  • The 2020 sanction fee schedule is as follows:
    • Ringmaster Shows – to be negotiated with sanction holders. Base price is $2,000.
    • Club Shows – $453
    • Premium Show – $1003—A premium show is at a premier venue, serves alcohol, ticket prices have no limit, and requires approval from the board.
    • If there are two rings, the sanction fee is doubled, approval must be specifically granted by Chief of Officials and President, and there cannot be more than 10 bouts per ring.
  • Fundraisers (this includes PD/FD or other group shows) – $1,000-$5,000–all requests must be submitted to Vice President: slamonakis@yahoo.com

To prepare for the show:

  • Send a check or money order to USA BOXING METROPOLITAN 130 Water Street Brooklyn, NY 11693 *attn. S.Lamonakis
  • Utilize the Registered Clubs page on the website to solicit participants.
  • Pre-matching is necessary  but does NOT ensure a full card as frequently boxers do not show up or are not at the weight which they said they would be.
    – Know the rules! You cannot pre-match your card unless you know the rules of matchmaking.
  • If you are making posters or fliers, they must include “Sanctioned by USA Boxing Metro.”
  • If you are selling tickets in advance, you cannot charge more than $25 per ticket for general admission, unless it’s a premium or fundraiser.  You may have special ringside prices or table prices but general admission must remain at $25 or below.
  • Confirm with Chief of Officials that officials have been assigned and discuss with him the configuration of the ring and where officials will be stationed.
  • Confirm with slamonakis@yahoo.com that you have a Doctor that is a member of USA BOXING.
  • When you get the doctor and/or announcer, make sure he/she is registered and background check is cleared. Doctors cannot work a show without having cleared the USA Boxing background check.
    • Doctors receive $250 from sanction holders for expenses.
  • Ensure you have all required ringside equipment including buckets, stools, towels, ice, water, oxygen, etc.
    • Oxygen MUST be present at ringside! It is strongly recommended that you have an EMT crew at your event, but at the very least you must have a canister of oxygen bought at a surgical supply store.
  • You must have security barriers and dedicated security personnel. Officials must have at least six feet of space between their seats and the attendees. Barriers must be sturdy and easily recognized as such.
  • Ensure that you have sufficient dressing rooms for the athletes with seating for coaches and boxers to wrap their boxers’ hands.
  • Ensure that you have sufficient and separate dressing rooms for officials.
  • Ensure that you have a separate room for USA Boxing Metro staff who will be administering the event (e.g., matchmaking, paperwork, etc.). The room must have at least one clean, smooth-topped table and three chairs.
  • Ensure that you have clean restrooms.
    • You must supply the gloves with the USA Boxing Approved stamp inside.
    • You must have three pairs of 10 ounce and three pairs of 12 ounce gloves.
    • Metro can supply the gloves at a cost of $85, when available.
    • It is strongly recommended that you purchase your own gloves as Metro gloves are not always available.
    • It is recommended that you also supply gauze for competitors, but not required.

At the show:  (PREMIUM AND FUNDRAISER SHOWS HAVE NO LIMIT ON TICKET PRICES)

You may not charge more than $25 per ticket for general admission at the door. You may have special ringside prices or table prices but general admission must remain at $25 or below. Registered athletes with their passbooks MUST be allowed in for $10, registered coaches with registration and certification credentials MUST be allowed in for $15 if they are not participating in the event. (Unregistered family and friends of Metro members must pay full price.)

  • As early as possible, Ring Captain should be provided with carfare for officials and $250 for doctor. It is recommended that officials receive up to $25 carfare each.
  • Check that all ringside equipment is in place.
  • Check that security barriers and personnel are in place.
  • Check that dressing rooms are clean, ready, and clearly marked.
  • Check that Metro event administration staff room is clean, ready, and clearly marked.
  • Check that you have gloves and, if possible, gauze for wraps.
  • Ensure that ringside is clear of anyone except officials.
  • Only registered and certified USA Boxing Metro members can enter the ring.
  • Card girls or presenters must use neutral corner platforms and have proper attire. They are not permitted in the ring due to insurance restrictions. You may request special permission for special events, but it is not guaranteed that it will be granted.
  • Absolutely NO unregistered coaches or coaches whose background checks have not cleared are allowed in the corners or in the ring.
    • It is VERY strongly recommended that you require coaches to show their registration AND certification credentials as they enter the dressing room with their boxers.
HOW CAN I GET A CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY FOR MY BOXING EVENT?
You request the certificate of liability when you register your show online. They will ask you for an email address to send the C.O.L.
WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ON THE INSURANCE PROVIDED BY USA BOXING AS PART OF MY REGISTRATION FEE?
Go to the the back of your boxing book. Remember, your primary insurance is used first. This is only secondary insurance.
I REGISTERED WITH USA BOXING METRO BEFORE NOVEMBER OF LAST YEAR. WHY AM I REQUIRED TO REGISTER AGAIN IN JANUARY?
All memberships expire on December 31st of each year, no matter when a registration is received. Athletes can register after November 1 and the membership will be valid for 14 months. 
WHAT ARE THE SUBSTANCES CURRENTLY BANNED BY THE U.S. ANTI-DOPING AGENCY?

Go to the this site to see the SUBSTANCES CURRENTLY BANNED BY THE U.S. ANTI-DOPING AGENCY.

WHAT ARE THE POLICIES ABOUT TAKING A TEAM FROM THE US TO OTHER COUNTRIES?

POLICIES FOR TRAVEL AND PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL CLUB/GROUP MEMBER COMPETITION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

  • The request for permission to participate in an international club competition outside the United States must be made directly to the LBC President or registration chairman, who will forward all material to USA Boxing Headquarters for approval a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the team’s departure. This excludes military athletes assigned or deployed overseas. The information required is as follows:
    1. A copy of the letter of invitation from the foreign club, including the financial agreement (travel, to include international/domestic, meals, lodging, per diem, additional expenses, etc.) with the foreign club.
    2. A list of all USA Boxing club/group member delegations’ names, addresses, and registration numbers.


Insurance Coverage:

The TravMed insurance fees are $3.50 per person per day, for athletes and non-athletes. TravMed coverage is used when traveling internationally. When a person is involved in an accident or suffers a sudden illness requiring emergency medical services, and in the event adequate medical facilities are not available, Medex will arrange and pay on a secondary basis for medical evacuation to the nearest facility capable of providing appropriate care. In addition, Medex will cover all costs of services provided under Medex’s direction, on a secondary basis, up to a maximum of $100,000. This coverage is available to all of the athletes and any registered USA Boxing member who is traveling with them. Application for the coverage must be made 10 days prior to departure. The LBC should send the list of individuals and the total fee to USA Boxing, ID cards will be sent to the LBC President or Registration Chair.

If application is not made prior to departure, delegations of athletes and non-athletes traveling outside the United States may not have insurance coverage in case of illness or injury. The sports accident insurance coverage provided through USA Boxing will still apply for injuries sustained during practice or competition, but international providers will most likely require payment at the time of service, which will be reimbursed by the insurance company to the injured party at a later date.

  1.  Within ten (10) days after return to the United States, the USA Boxing club/group member must submit a report, to include: medical injuries, financial information, match results indicating what decision was rendered in each match, and a brief informational report of the event.
  2. Usage of athletes from outside the LBC requesting permission to travel and participate shall be conducted through the presidents of the Local Boxing Committees affected, agreed to in writing, and submitted to USA Boxing.
  3. No team other than the USA National Team may use USA on their uniforms in club/group member competition or in the advertising of its event.
  4. Teams, whether USA Boxing club/group members or foreign, must be designated as club teams and may not be referred to as national teams.
  5. Teams participating in international club/group member competition must adhere to all the general rules of competition. Junior Olympic age boxers who are matched must be within two years of each boxer’s birth date.


REQUIRED FORMS:

International Group Member/Club Exchange Checklist
International Group Member/Club Exchange Results Form

POLICIES FOR TRAVEL AND PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL CLUB/GROUP MEMBER COMPETITIONS OUTSIDE THE U.S. WITH CANADA/MEXICO BORDERING PROVINCES AND CITIES

Outside the United States:
Clubs must inform the Local Boxing Committee (LBC) president or registration chairperson of their intent to participate and travel to Canada or Mexico for an International Club/Group Member Exchange with a bordering province or city. After local approval, all required material shall be forwarded to USA Boxing Headquarters for approval. If at all possible, the material should be forwarded at least 10 days prior to travel. This excludes military athletes assigned or deployed overseas. Requirements:

  1. List of delegation members to the LBC president or Registration Chair.
  2. The LBC president or registration chairman will issue a USA Boxing Travel Permit to the delegation leader, who will take the permit with him to Canada or Mexico. The permit must be filled out in its entirety and signed by the official in charge of the Canadian or Mexican event.
  3. Within 10 days after the event, the person in charge of the event must send the completed Travel Permit to the LBC president or registration chairman, who in turn will send it and the insurance premium to USA Boxing’s Headquarters.
  4. Participants in Club/Group Member Exchanges must be registered and in good standing with their National Governing Body (NGB) and all general rules of competition must be adhered to.


REQUIRED FORMS:
International Group Member/Club Exchange Checklist
USA Boxing Travel Permit For Border Club Exchanges with Canada or Mexico
International Group Member/Club Exchange Results Form

ALL FORMS FOUND ON THE FORMS PAGE

WHAT ARE THE POLICIES ABOUT BRINGING A TEAM FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY TO THE US?

POLICIES TO TRAVEL AND PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL CLUB/GROUP MEMBER COMPETITIONS INSIDE THE U.S. WITH CANADA/MEXICO BORDERING PROVINCES AND CITIES

  1.     The application for sanction must be made directly to the Local Boxing Committee. After approving the application the LBC shall forward all the required material to USA Boxing Headquarters before the date of competition.
  2.     The sanction application must state that the competition is an International Club exchange and that boxers from Canada or Mexico have been invited.
  3.     Within ten (10) days after the competition, the sanction holder must submit a report to the LBC to include injuries, financial information (travel expenses, meals, lodging, per diem, and other miscellaneous expenses incurred) and the results of the competition. The LBC will forward the information to USA Boxing Headquarters.
  4.     All participants of club/group member exchanges must be registered and in good standing with their respective National Governing Body (NGB) and must adhere to the rules of USA Boxing.

POLICIES FOR TRAVEL AND PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL CLUB/GROUP MEMBER COMPETITIONS INSIDE THE UNITED STATES

  1. The application for sanction must be made directly to the Local Boxing Committee (LBC) president or registration chairman. He or she shall approve and forward all required material to the USA Boxing Headquarters Office a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the date of competition. The application for sanction must include the following:
    1. The letter of invitation to the foreign club, to include the provisions of the financial agreement (travel, to include international/domestic, meals, lodging, per diem, additional expenses, etc.) with the foreign club.
    2. A letter of approval from the foreign club’s national governing body (NGB).
    3. A list of all USA Boxing’s club/group member delegations’ names, addresses, and registration numbers.
    4. A list of all USA Boxing certified officials (referees, judges, timekeepers, clerks, etc.) being used for the competition(s).
    5. A list of all the foreign delegations’ names.

Insurance Coverage:

The TravMed insurance fees are $3.50 per person per day, for athletes and non-athletes. TravMed coverage is used when traveling internationally. When a person is involved in an accident or suffers a sudden illness requiring emergency medical services, and in the event adequate medical facilities are not available, Medex will arrange and pay on a secondary basis for medical evacuation to the nearest facility capable of providing appropriate care. In addition, Medex will cover all costs of services provided under Medex’s direction, on a secondary basis, up to a maximum of $100,000. This coverage is available to all of the foreign athletes and anyone who is traveling with them. The insurance fee may be waived if a certificate of insurance coverage for the foreign delegation is provided to USA Boxing and includes the amount of coverage and a stipulation of coverage while traveling and competing in the United States.

 

  1.     Within ten (10) days after the competition, the USA Boxing club/group member must submit a report, to include: medical injuries, financial information, match results indicating what decision was rendered in each match, and a brief informational report of the event.
  2.     No international club/group member competition date will be approved which conflicts with other USA international competitions.
  3.     Usage of athletes from outside the LBC sanctioning the competition shall be conducted through the presidents of the Local Boxing Committees affected, agreed to in writing, and submitted to USA Boxing.
  4.     No team other than the USA National Team may use USA on their competition suits in club/group member competition or in advertising its event.
  5.     Teams, whether USA Boxing club/group member or foreign, must be designated as club teams and may not be referred to as national teams.
  6.     T.V. coverage
    1. Television coverage (local or regional) must receive approval of USA Boxing.
    2. Approval will only be granted for local or regional coverage and a copy of the agreement must be forwarded to USA Boxing for approval before execution and issuance of sanction.
    3. USA Boxing shall have the right to assess an agreed-upon percentage of any income derived from regional telecasts.
  7.  Teams participating in international club/group member competition must adhere to all the general rules of competition. In addition, the following items must be complied with:
    1. Pro/Am competitions are permissible if held within the guidelines established by the Pro-Am ad-hoc committee. Amateur boxers cannot compete against professional boxers.
    2. Junior Olympic age boxers who are matched must be within two years of each boxer’s birth date.