Is there anyone on here who knows anything about obtaining a judge/referee license? Preferably in Texas. I've looked on the regulatory board website and the wording is extremely vague. Perhaps this is how corruption remains in boxing, because the fresh faces that would sign up are jaded by the bureaucracy of the process. One of the things it mentions is having 3 years experience in the amateurs before applying for the license. Does that mean just go ask some gym owner, who hosts amateur fights, if I can officiate their fights? Surely you'd have to be qualified to referee amateur fights as well, right? Anyway, anyone who could give me accurate information would be greatly appreciated because the Texas commission website is a joke. Admins, sorry for not posting this in the "Training/advice" forum, but it seemed pretty dead and I'm interested in a quick answer. Any help is appreciated!
Email Pauline Easley at This content is protected Texas Boxing is in the process of being reformed, now would be a good time to put your name in for a position. I have plenty of contacts in boxing if you need referrals.
You want to start by applying for a licence with your state athletic commission so that you can ref/judge amateur bouts. It's all volunteer, but you might get a meal out of it. You do that for a good long while and you might get called up if you are doing well and are in good with the promoters and athletic commission. It takes a long time to get to the point where you are officiating major fights though. What you want to do in the mean time is apply for your non-combatant license with the amateur boxing association in your state, then, start going to gyms, ask to practice your refereeing. (I'm serious about this.) You can do it by watching and taking notes, getting in there with them Etc. Watch a ton of fights and start learning the ins and outs of officiating for 3rd men in the ring for the different governing bodies and any major differences in major fight cities. Look into meeting up with amateur refs in your area and get pointers, etc. Your state will have seminars for trainers, judges, and refs, so you can learn a lot there. Hope that helps.
Appreciate that, man! After I make initial contact I may hit you up with some questions, if that would be alright. Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the advice. One thing I noticed about the application though is that it seems to require prior experience (3 years), so would it possibly save me $125 to try and gain experience before applying?
Yeah, but that experience can be in a gym, boxing, training, learning, anything. You will have to cut your teeth somewhere, so actual practice is essential. As weird as it sounds, asking to referee sparring at your gym should not be an issue. Hell, just being in the ring and moving around with the fighters will give you an idea of where you should be. Not every ref can work with smaller guys, and not every ref's style is ideal for certain style clashes. Really start looking into what YOU are looking for, what YOU would have done in this or that situation. That is the experience they want, enough time actually working with/alongside fighters so that when you are in the thick of it, you are able to perform. Saving or spending the money is really up to you and what you think you can get in regards to the positive aspects of licensing. You generally have to be licensed for some of the seminars and what not. So if you think you will absolutely go to those meetings, seminars, and clinics, which sometimes also cost a bit of money, then you should get your license. I recommend waiting out for a few months, get your name and face out there. You will want to go to a lot of amateur fights and pick up the names, refereeing styles, and details of the local refs. You need to learn what is expected in your local boxing environment. The faster you can perform as expected for your state/city/county. The faster you will catch on and eventually be selected. Get to know the refs in your city, I can't stress this enough. The more connections you have the better. Stay modest and eager to learn, and someone is bound to take you under their wing. Just put yourself out there. After you have been going to matches, observing, learning the craft, approach the refs. Ask questions, see if they get together. Express your interest in learning the craft. It will come together.
