The International Boxing Association has vowed to create a robust system for selecting its technical officials, referees and judges for major competitions, which is both transparent and efficient.

In October 2021, the IBA asked the McLaren Independent Investigation Team (MIIT) to deploy a three-step vetting procedure of the R&Js and ITOs invited to participate at the World Championships in Belgrade. 

This was a pilot project aimed to test the viability of technology in a sport context, the ease of implementation and the effectiveness at preventing bout manipulation.

The pilot project was confirmed successful, and MIIT was invited to participate on the vetting procedure of the R&Js and ITOs for the main IBA competitions.

Together with MIIT, the IBA developed and approved a new edition of Rule 25 regarding eligibility of the competition officials, which allows to refrain from appointing at the world and confederation competitions those officials who are found to be “high risk” or otherwise identified as being “problematic” in result of the background vetting checks.

Random draw system and vetting

A random draw system is now used by the IBA to appoint its referees, judges and technical officials for flagship competitions such as the World Championships.

Members of the IBA's Referees and Judges and Competitions Committees first hold meetings to draw up a list of officials who have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience, in order to ensure the event is officiated to the highest standards.

For the 2022 Women's World Boxing Championships in Istanbul, this list was then forwarded on to the MIIT for vetting.

Any official declared "high risk" by McLaren's team, or someone who refused to be assessed, was removed from the list and not considered for the Championships.

Replacements were then found.

Pre-course requirements are also in place for all officials eventually chosen.

At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, there was a 50-50 split of male and female officials in attendance following the random draw.

Every referee and judge was obliged to attend a one-day workshop of refresher training prior to the event.

This covered the latest technical and competition rule updates, along with bout analysis and scenario discussion.  

An ethics and behaviour programme was also rolled out to all in attendance, followed by interviews conducted on site by the MIIT team. 

The Women's Aspire Programme, run by the IBA, is an educational scheme aimed at re-qualifying female referees, judges, technical officials, cutpersons and doctors. 

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Five judges and round-by-round scoring

The IBA factors in scoring from five judges to determine the results of its bouts - an increase from the three-judge system it previously used.

This is part of efforts to ensure the correct result is reached after IBA contests, meaning fairness for the boxers.

Previously, five officials judged each bout, with a computer then randomly selecting three whose scores were counted.

Another recent innovation designed with transparency in mind sees the scores from every judge flash up on a public display at the end of rounds one and two.

This replaces a system which saw the judges' scores only revealed at the end of the fight following round three.

The round-by-round scores, however, must not be visible to the five judges, the referee or the field of play.

Judges must push a button on a scoring pad to register their marks, within 15 seconds. 

These scores are then transmitted directly to a computer system, and no alterations or additions can be made after the initial transmission.

The IBA set up an independent whistleblower system on its website for any concerns about refereeing and judging to be reported.

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Education

Education is hugely important for the IBA as it aims to ensure the best standards across its events, and fair and correct decisions.

In September 2022, the first multi-module instructors course for referees and judges was held at the European Boxing Academy in Assisi.

A total of 16 former IBA three-star referees and judges completed the programme, which consisted of three development modules.

These were designed to refresh knowledge of the sport's judging, as well as improve the organisation's evaluation and instructional capability.

Those taking part were identified as potential referee and judge instructors.

The first module consisted of an international technical officials course, to expand the knowledge of officials outside of refereeing and judging.

This provided a foundational understanding of all officiating roles on the field of play.

Educational aspects of the refereeing and judging evaluation process were discussed in the second module, with reference to new changes to the IBA database.

Finally, the third module focused on teaching techniques, skills and methods of instruction.

This ended with presentations on different competition and technical rule topics.

In August 2022, the IBA's development programme for Africa held referee, judging and coaching courses in The Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo.

In April 2022, an IBA ringside doctors course for the Americas region took place in Ecuador.

This came after the IBA decided that the continuous re-qualification of doctors was needed on all continents and at all levels.

A deal was signed in January 2022 between the IBA and the International University Sports Federation (FISU).

Acting FISU President Leonz Eder and IBA President Umar Kremlev penned the collaboration agreement, promising to further develop boxing on campuses and at competitions for university athletes.

At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, training was held for medical staff and cut teams, covering areas including concussions and evacuation drills.

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Boxing Independent Integrity Unit

The IBA first announced plans to set up the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU) in November 2021, following meetings held at the Men's World Championships in Belgrade.

Proposals were developed by a group of independent experts on governance, chaired by Swiss professor Ulrich Haas.

The Integrity Unit deals with issues including competition manipulation, abuse, harassment and the eligibility check of candidates.

In September 2022, the rules for the Unit were unanimously approved.

The BIIU consist of three units - the Compliance Unit, Nomination Unit and Education & Development Unit.

Within the Compliance Unit two bodies have been set up - the Tribunal and the Dispute Resolution Chamber. The Tribunal will decide on ethics and disciplinary cases, and the Chamber will settle disputes between boxing stakeholders.

The Nomination Unit shall be in charge of eligibility checks and assessment of appointments and elections.

The Education and Development Unit shall be in charge of organising and developing education programmes related to the sporting integrity.