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Issue
#5
Welcome to issue #5 of Hastings
Westhill ABC's newsletter.
The newsletter is published
on an, as and when basis so check back to our website on a regular
basis.
www.westhill-boxing.com
We are always happy to publish
editorials from guest authors, so if you wish to assist us with
this newsletter, simply email your suggestions to:
info@westhill-boxing.com
General
The next Westhill Youth
Club Boxing Show will be held at Bexhill Athletic Club
on Dec 9th 2006.
Guest Editorial
Author:
Rees Hopcraft, respected Sussex ABA referee.
See previous issues
of this newsletter and review Parts 1 and 2 of Ree's series. These
insightful editorials are not to be missed. Both coaches and Boxers
alike however experienced will find them beneficial.
Part
#3
The
Standing Count
For many boxers and coaches
the 'Standing Count' is either viewed with elation or disgust,
but take a moment to think about what it really means to the
referee and the judges - the people that really decide whether
you win or lose.
Firstly allow me to clear up possible confusion, as some of
you may not be aware that new rules state, for the junior or
female boxer, two standing counts in a round and three in a
contest means automatic stoppage.
For a senior boxer it is three
standing counts in a round or four in a contest. But why do
you think that is?
Simple
– The benefit of the boxers and their well being!
Akin with all
referees my main priority is a boxer's safety and welfare. When
a boxer is STUNNED or HURT or appears unable to defend himself
then a standing count is issued. I am then able to evaluate
the boxer’s condition and make an informed decision whether
the boxer should be allowed to continue.
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At times the reason for a count
is less obvious for those watching the fight 3 rows back in an
atmosphere packed hall, for example if a boxer lays on the ropes
or remains in the corner with his gloves up as a guard around
his head, taking blows I will not allow him to do so indefinitely.
I have to see the boxer attempting to compete, throwing return
punches and trying to manoeuvre away from his or her opponent
or a count will be issued.
The standing count is in place to allow a boxer who has taken
a (brief) beating the opportunity to have a breather,
and as stated previously allow us referees time to check their
ability to continue.
Before I issue a standing count I will stop the
action (as per my last newsletter entry) and send the boxer who
has administered the punishment to a neutral corner before the
count is started.
I will point to the corner I want
that boxer to go to.
Well-schooled boxers, remain alert,
and follow my instructions quickly; they ensure that the count
can start without delay, giving their opponent minimum respite
However those of you who go to
the wrong neutral corner, take time to wave at your mates in the
crowd, or try and steal a quick chat with your coach are adding
to the time your opponent will have to recover as this all puts
time on the count of eight seconds.
I will start the count - looking at the Time Keeper
who will be bringing his hand down to count each second. For the
boxer being counted it's all over before it's begun - for the
other boxer it goes on forever!
Once I commence the count I will
continue to glance around to make sure that the boxer in the neutral
corner is ready to resume boxing. Beware when you are in this
position because if I see you leaning against the corner with
their arms hanging over the top ropes, totally knackered, I will
stop the count, whereby your opponent will receive
additional time to recover,
ABA Rules in
fact state that if you are seen to be 'Hanging Helplessly
on the Ropes' then YOU too should receive
a standing count as well, so be disciplined otherwise your actions
could extend an eight second standing count into
a twenty second or more standing count.
Specifically
when will I issue a standing count?
When referring junior bouts I will look for two or three unanswered
head shots, in senior bouts I will allow slightly more, because
of their age and maturity. If a boxer looks stunned or hurt from
one punch, whatever age, I will issue a standing count.
My main problem
with standing counts is when I have to administer them to a boxer
who is simply not fit.
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Often boxers who
are winning a bout receive a count in the last round because they
run out of steam and are being hit to frequently for no other reason
other than they are tired, some are stopped thereafter and lose
to a less skilled opponent.
It is disappointing when I give a count and a member of the crowd
or a coach barracks me for what I am doing, no one should want to
see a boxer hurt unnecessarily.
Remember
this:- A standing count does not have any bearing on the
contest decision
If a boxer is caught
with a clean shot that stuns them and a standing count is issued
the fact remains that:
ONE PUNCH
= ONE POINT
As such the standing
count offers the boxer the opportunity to recover and have a quick
rest – Use it to your advantage
Another two instances where I will issue a standing count is when
a boxer does not pay attention when I give a command - which means
they may not be ready to box. And when the seconds are blatantly
not out of the ring after the five-second warning by the timekeeper
of "Seconds Out".
My next installment will be "Boxing to Win from a Judge's
perspective"
Rees Hopcraft
Boxing
Results
(Westhill Boxer -
Listed on the left)
Aldershot (Golden
Belt) 18th Nov 06 Southern Counties Finals
- J. Towse WPTS. L. Frewin
- O. Bristow LPTS. M. Price
- L. Destin WPTS. K. Thompson
- J. McMahon LPTS. J. Hughes
- J. Towse WRS3. D. Dolan
- K. Logan Won by default
Special Thank You
A very big "Thank You"
goes to www.Warriorboxing.com
who has supported our newsletter by adding a prominent link to
our site from their homepage, thus ensuring that the information
contained benefits everyone involved in the UK amateur boxing
scene.
Let's not forget the fact that
they also offer the database of UK based boxing clubs, which is
fantastic!
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