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: Conditions of licence and responsibilities of officials Licensed referees judges and timekeepers conditions of licence (DOCX 275.32 KB)

Download: List of offences (DOCX 141.32 KB) 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.

1. Follow the rules and accepted practices of boxing and combat sports.
2. Be respectful, honest and courteous towards everyone involved in boxing and combat sports.
3. Accept and follow the decisions and directions of the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board and licensed officials.
4. Do not engage in violent, derogatory, threatening, obscene, indecent or abusive conduct, whether in person or through digital communication (including social media).
5. Do not vilify, sexually harass, intimidate or victimise anyone.
6. Do not discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, culture, religion or any other irrelevant personal characteristic.
7. Do not match-fix or improperly influence the outcome of any boxing and combat sport contest.
8. Do not gamble on any activity that you are directly or indirectly connected with.
9. 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.
10. Do not engage in, administer or encourage the improper use of drugs and medicines.
11. Accurately complete and update your registration and licence records (including health information if required).
12. Keep informed and up to date on communications and changes in boxing and combat sports.
13. If you are a licensed judge, referee or timekeeper, maintain an appropriate level of fitness for your role.
14. Do not behave in a way that harms the reputation or interests of the boxing and combat sports industry.