What Are the Safety Rules of Boxing?

It may seem slightly ironic to consider safety rules in boxing, where the goal is to punch your opponent. Since the danger of the sport is inherent, however, adhering to safety concerns is essential. For boxers to be healthy and have long careers in the sport, they follow all of the rules, especially those involving their own safety. These rules help to preserve respect, safety and continuation of the sport as well as the health of the athlete.

Physical Exam

Boxers should have regular physical exams by a doctor approved by his or her local boxing commission, according to World Boxing Foundation. The boxer, or contestant, must have the results of his or her physical exam available at each contest, proving he or she is in good health for the contest.

Wear Proper Safety Gear

The boxer needs to wear the proper gear for the fight. Headgear is usually multi-layered and gel-lined, and it covers the head, ears, cheeks and often the chin. A mouthguard will protect the boxer's teeth, while handwraps will help protect his oer her hands by acting as an added buffer against impact for the bones and skin. The boxing gloves take the direct impact for the fists as they make contact against the boxer's opponent. According to Evansville Boxing Club rules, amateur boxers wear 10- and 12-ounce shock-absorbing gloves while pros wear 6- and 8-ounce shock-transmitting gloves. Male boxers should wear protective cups, while female boxers should wear breast protectors.

Ringside Physician

The ringside physician is present and able to enter the ring between rounds to assess the boxers' health and safety. The physician can inform the referee his or her findings and recommendations about either opponent.

Determine the Proper Match-up

Opponents are determined according to their weight, age and experience. These criteria help to assure the safety of the boxers so they are not overmatched by their opponents.

Train Properly

As in any sport, the boxer should train and condition properly. Boxing requires endurance, speed, strength, agility and balance training. All of these elements can help to keep a boxer safe in the ring.

Stopping the Match

Referees also have the power to stop a bout anytime they feel a boxer is overmatched--before the boxer gets hurt or knocked down, according to the Evansville Boxing Club. Others who can stop the match include the ringside doctor, either boxer or the event holder.