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
Licensed trainers and matchmakers are expected to exhibit exemplar standards at all times and not engage in:
- Violent, threatening, obscene, indecent or abusive language or behaviour.
- Vilification of any kind towards another person.
- Discrimination against another person based on their age, gender or sexual orientation.
- Discrimination against another person based on their race, culture, religion or any other personal characteristic (protected or otherwise).
- Sexual harassment, intimidation or victimisation of another person.
- Competition manipulation and gambling on any activity that you are directly or indirectly connected to.
- Improper use of drugs and medicines.
- Conduct that is detrimental to the reputation or interests of the boxing and combat sports industry.
Page last updated: 23 January 2026