Coronavirus update: 17th March 2020

England Boxing is now in a position to issue its latest guidance and updates, following on from the Government advice on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Following the latest Government advice concerning the Coronavirus, please find detailed latest England Boxing guidance and updates.

The latest Government advice can be found by clicking here.

One of the essential recommendations yesterday was that it’s time to stop non-essential contact and stop all unnecessary travel. Furthermore, the government will no longer support essential services at major events (understood to be above 500 people).

National Championships

As well as the above advice, we have to consider whether its right to use the doctors and medical support that is critical to our sport at this time. On top of this, we have to take into account the age profile of some of our membership and, when certain boxers or coaches can’t attend as a result, the integrity of the competition.

Therefore, alongside the postponement of the England Boxing National Junior Championships 2020, it has been decided that it would be inappropriate to carry on with the England Boxing National Amateur Championships 2020 (regional and national rounds), England Boxing National Schools Championships 2020 (regional and national rounds) and GB Junior and Youth Three Nations 2020 at this stage. They are therefore postponed.

Obviously, we don’t know how long this Pandemic will last, but it is our ambition to ensure the Championships do take place this year and that our boxers have the opportunity to become regional and national champions.

To provide some level planning, it is confirmed that rearranged dates will not be before the 1^st July and, when we do rearrange, we will need to take into account the following:

• Sufficient time for organisers, clubs and boxers to prepare
• The August close down
• Congested calendar
• Whether there needs to be a weight allowance or other competition considerations.

There will no doubt be the need for compromise, but we will endeavour to try and balance all of the necessary considerations. Once we have further information, we will give updates, but we reiterate it’s our aim to get these Championships rearranged.

Club Shows / Box Cups

The decision on whether to cancel these shows lies with the respective organisers, but in making these decisions, England Boxing recommend that Government advice is followed and that same consideration is given to that which has been given to the National Championships. This is namely:

• Government advice on social gatherings / major events
• no unnecessary travel
• use of already stretched medical staff etc
• risk to those involved.

Clubs and organisers should check their agreements carefully in regards to cancellation terms and conditions, noting the government advice.

Should clubs themselves remain open?

Again, this is a decision for respective clubs, especially as they vary in size, location, age groups and activities they undertake aside from boxing.

However, its again recommended that the Government advice is followed, especially with regards to hygiene.

Coaching Courses

England Boxing Coaching courses for the remainder of March and April are postponed with immediate effect. This includes Level 1, Level 1 Refresher, Level 2, Safeguarding, Time To Listen and Box In Mind.

We will reschedule these courses for later in the summer and early Autumn. Where someone can’t make a rearranged course, then we will do our best to accommodate them or offer them a refund.

Those who have part-completed a course will be allocated future dates to complete it in full.

Further updates will follow.

England Talent Pathway and international competition

Several competitions and training camps have already been cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, including the European Youth Championship 2020.

Information regarding future England Talent Pathway activities and international competition will be sent out separately, when available.

Thank you for your understanding

Given the level of support we have received, it’s clear the amount of understanding there is in the boxing community regarding the extensive issues caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

These are extremely difficult times, but it’s essential we do what it takes to ensure we remain as safe as possible and that boxing does it bit to help alleviate the current situation.

However, we will no doubt get through this and start to produce high-class boxers and champions once again and, as importantly, play our full roles in the communities we represent.

We trust all is clear, but should there be any queries then please do not hesitate to contact us via enquiries@englandboxing.org