Requirements of trainers and matchmakers
Trainers
Licensed trainers play a significant role in ensuring contestant safety and upholding the highest levels of integrity. The licence conditions and responsibilities of all licensed trainers are the minimum standards expected in fulfilling the role of a trainer.
Licensed trainers must comply with the conditions of their licence, including compliance with the Board’s First Aid Certification Policy, and fulfil a range of responsibilities. Licensed trainers must also comply with the Board’s Code of Conduct, the Act, the Regulations and the Board’s rules for the conduct of professional contests in Victoria.
The Board may make, vary or revoke any conditions specific to a trainer licence and will write to trainers to advise of any changes. Failure to comply with the conditions may result in changes to the conditions or cancellation or suspension of the licence.
Licensed trainers are encouraged to be informed of the offences in the Act and the applicable penalties for breach of an offence.
Download: List of offences PBCS Act - table of offences (DOCX 141.32 KB) 
Matchmakers
Regulation 7(2)(e) of the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Regulations 2018 requires that each professional contestant is adequately matched regarding experience, competence and weight.
The Board licences matchmakers, who are responsible for proposing match-ups of contestants that are premised on protecting contestant safety and ensuring the integrity of a proposed contest.
The Board expects that all matchmaking provides a reasonable opportunity for either contestant to win. This is important to avoid putting contestants in positions where they are unable to defend themselves.
All matchmaking is scrutinised by the Board. In certain circumstances, completion of a matchmaker declaration will be required for Board consideration.
Licensed matchmakers must comply with the conditions of their licence. They must also comply with the Board’s Code of Conduct, the Act, the Regulations and the Board’s rules for the conduct of professional contests in Victoria.
The Board may make, vary or revoke any conditions specific to a matchmaker licence and will write to matchmakers to advise of any changes. Failure to comply with the conditions may result in changes to the conditions or cancellation or suspension of the licence.
Licensed matchmakers are encouraged to be informed of the offences in the Act and the applicable penalties for breach of an offence.
Download: List of offences PBCS Act - table of offences (DOCX 141.32 KB)
Code of conduct
This Code of Conduct sets out the expected standard of behaviour required of registered contestants, licensed officials, promoters, matchmakers and trainers, and ringside doctors. Compliance with this Code of Conduct is a condition of registration and licences, and a requirement of ringside doctors. A breach may result in variation of the conditions, suspension or cancellation of a registration or licence, or withdrawal of approval as a ringside doctor.
- Follow the rules and accepted practices of boxing and combat sports.
- Be respectful, honest and courteous towards everyone involved in boxing and combat sports.
- Accept and follow the decisions and directions of the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board and licensed officials.
- Do not engage in violent, derogatory, threatening, obscene, indecent or abusive conduct, whether in person or through digital communication (including social media).
- Do not vilify, sexually harass, intimidate or victimise anyone.
- Do not discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, culture, religion or any other irrelevant personal characteristic.
- Do not match-fix or improperly influence the outcome of any boxing and combat sport contest.
- Do not gamble on any activity that you are directly or indirectly connected with.
- Always put contestant health and safety first. Disclose information about a contestant’s health (including recent injuries, illness, rapid weight loss and use of drugs and medicines) and follow medical advice, concussion protocols and medical suspensions.
- Do not engage in, administer or encourage the improper use of drugs and medicines.
- Accurately complete and update your registration and licence records (including health information if required).
- Keep informed and up to date on communications and changes in boxing and combat sports.
- If you are a licensed judge, referee or timekeeper, maintain an appropriate level of fitness for your role.
- Do not behave in a way that harms the reputation or interests of the boxing and combat sports industry.
Page last updated: 16 September 2026