Requirements of referees, judges and timekeepers
Licence conditions and responsibilities
Licensed officials (referees, judges, and timekeepers) play a significant role in ensuring contestant safety and upholding the highest levels of integrity. The licence conditions and responsibilities of all licensed officials are the minimum standards expected in fulfilling the role of a referee, judge, or timekeeper.
Licensed officials must comply with the conditions of their licence and fulfil their responsibilities. Licensed officials 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 referee, judge or timekeeper licence and will write to officials 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 officials are encouraged to be informed of the offences in the Act and the applicable penalties for breach of an offence.
Download: List of offences (DOCX 141.32 KB) PBCS Act - table of offences (DOCX 141.32 KB) 
Officials 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