When are the new amateur rules going to take effect? (The no-headgear rules). Also will this change effect only international tournaments or will it effect lower level competitions as well? I think this change would be very bad to enact for learning fighters or those new to the sport.
I haven't taken the time to read up on the rules, but the no headgear rule is already in effect and applicable to local shows, at least in my country. But it only applies to more experienced elite level fighters. Novice fighters still use headgear.
In the UK, as things stand, head guards will still be worn in all domestic bouts run by the ABAE. AIBA have introduced this ruling, but the ABAE members voted to keep head guards for all domestic bouts. I seriously doubt we will accept the ruling unless strong evidence is provided that not wearing them will improve safety. All national federations are supposed to adopt AIBA rules, and AIBA may put pressure on the ABAE to get rid of head guards, but as things stand, head guards will continue to be worn. British boxers competing for GB under BABA (British Amateur Boxing Association) in AIBA internationals won't wear them though.
we already have it in croatia, nationals and league is done without headgears and pro scoring is in game. i could upload my fight, but i am little bit shy
I feel like what RichC said is the best way to do it. I just think that it could turn away new comers if they don't see headgear.(Reguardless if it protects people or not, the public THINKS it makes it safer). I personally also think cuts and headbutts will be much more frequent. The scoring is probably a plus and should be adopted everywhere, just because thats how its done in the pros. I just think that no headgear should be reserved for high level competition. These guys have been around enough to know what they are in for, and its actually worth getting your face chopped a bit to win international tournaments. I also do think the no-headgear might be necessary for the olympics because it will generate interest in a sport thats popularity has been waning.(Don't want it to get the axe like wrestling). I just feel like in the end this could create a lot of problems. You hear about pros getting cuts and building scar tissue on their face that breaks open in their next bout. What the hell is going to happen if you get headbutt in the olympics? All your fights are over the course of a few weeks. These pros get 4+ months in between their fights. I don't know. I just worry, don't want this to end up being a nail in the coffin.
^I do agree about the scoring. You are just as likely to get robbed(if anything MORE likely) than you were before. Not sure if anything can really be done about that though. However, I think it is good because the audience will understand it more(most casuals are more familiar with pro scoring) and I think it will encourage more of a pro style.(knockdowns count for more etc.)
