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29.02.2012 Boxing

'Boxing Officiating Needs Restructuring'

29.02.2012 LISTEN
By Daily Guide

In our quest to improve boxing standards as a nation, we must institute a pre and post-fight procedure systems aimed at upholding highest possible officiating standards.

President of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF), Ambassador Ray Quarcoo, who made this remark, explained that the system would cover all areas of the two National Boxing Authorities' responsibilities including the performance of ring officials during competitions.

He disclosed that his earlier observation was vindicated after the weekend's international boxing tournament that left most participants and spectators complaining about the standards of officiating, which is one area of significant importance for the development of the sport.

'Stakeholders therefore need to hold post-fight review meetings to analyse our performance as administrators and officials,' he noted, suggesting the formation of a national boxing database aimed at archiving all boxing material, records and memorabilia for future references.

He was of the view that since the officials control the progress of the sport they must be seen to be independently minded, honest and fair and without reproach.

'A referee has to be prepared when he enters a boxing ring to keep two out-for-blood opponents from breaking the rules to score a perfect win. A boxing referee's job is central to the fight. He can be the crowd's goat or hero in a close fight, and his decisions can make the difference in the outcome. To become a boxing referee, therefore proper training background is essential,' he said.

Evaluating what was witnessed at the weekend during the international boxing tournament dubbed 'Moment' of Truth', which some newspapers have rightly christened as 'Moment of Shame', he said 'if we are really serious to take the sport to the desired heights, then our referees and other officials, like any other professionals, require a more structured training, good vision, and quick reflexes. They must be equipped with a thorough knowledge of the sport, its rules and regulations and above all, appropriate remuneration to enhance their professionalism and better performance than what transpired that night.'

From The Sports Desk
 

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