The Games and Amusement Board has set guidelines for judges and referees in an effort to further improve the quality of officiating in professional boxing matches.
“Basically, the Code of Ethics is just a reminder because the ring officials are all professionals and they already know how to act with integrity and professionalism (inside the ring),” said GAB chairman Richard Clari.n
He said the code was approved and adopted by GAB to “serve as a guide for GAB-licensed professional ring officials in the exercise of their roles and functions to ensure that they uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, impartiality, and accountability.”
Clarin believes the code will elevate professionalism as it creates a standard of conduct that is expected from top professional ring officials.
“By following this code, they will be reminded and have a guide for their roles and responsibilities, helping them make ethical decisions consistently.”
The resolution, signed by Clarin and commissioner Sherwin Bugarin, has 18 provisions that include barring ring officials from publicly criticizing the performance of any professional fighter, as well as the appointment of fellow ring officials in a particular bout.
Ring officials should also refrain from discussing the progress of the contest, whether during or in between rounds, and showing any act or sign of favor toward any of the fighters.
Ring officials are also not allowed to request, directly or indirectly, boxing promoters, athletes or trainers, and GAB officials, for assignments in any board-sanctioned cards.
“It is a significant step toward protecting the reputation and integrity of professional boxing in our country. It demonstrates our commitment to transparency and accountability in professional boxing,” Clarin added.
The Code of Ethics is part of the 3xPRO advocacy, which is to promote, professionalize, and protect Philippine sports, as envisioned by Clarin since his appointment as head of the government’s regulating body for professional sports.
“I encourage all our GAB-licensed professional ring officials to embrace this code, as it not only benefits the sport, but also their own professional growth. It will ultimately lead to a more fair, safer, and more reputable professional boxing events, benefiting everyone involved, from the boxers, promoters and ring officials to the general public.”
Those who are found to have violated the provisions in the code shall be barred from officiating a boxing match pending the results of investigation.
