I am a registered and certified USA Boxing coach that has participated in Virginia amateur boxing for the past 30 years. Currently one of my sons, Jermoine is ranked 2nd United States Youth Junior Boys 114 lbs. weight class in the 2016 Independent Worldwide Amateur Boxing Rankings.  Virginia also has one (1) Junior amateur boxer ranked 6th in the 123 lbs. weight class, one (1) ranked 5th in the 132 weight class and another boxer ranked 2nd in the 165 lbs. weight class. Virginia youth boxers, their coaches and clubs with enormous  pride represent Virginia Association of USA Boxing, Inc. and the Commonwealth of Virginia well. You must allow them to continue as Amateur boxers in VA.

I have trained thousands of young people in the sport of amateur boxing teaching those skills and proper techniques required for them to be competitive in the sport while learning self-discipline and increases their self-esteem that promotes good character and life skills that they carry with them their entire life.   

It is wrong that since the changes were made for amateur boxing effective October 1, 2015, Virginia is the only state in the United States of American that does not provide opportunity for our VA amateur boxers to become champions to represent their state, region or nation in Junior Olympic championships.

Virginia boxers are not permitted to box in another state championship because they must compete in the state (Local Boxing Committee) where they reside. 

Most parents will not agree to have their child blood tested every 6 months. Majority of the parents if they did agree to the blood testing could not afford to pay for the tests.

Most club owners and the average boxer’s parent can only afford competitions held in Virginia. The do not have money to spend on travel, food and motel accommodations required to take their child to a lot of weekend events in order to gain experience.

It is a no win situation for amateur boxers in Virginia.  It is wrong for Virginia to include amateur boxing under Department of Professional and Occupations Regulations (DPOR) Chapter 18 VAC 120-40.   There is no logical reason why VA DPOR professional boxing rules for wrestling and martial arts should apply to Amateur boxing in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Please repeal or amend the changes to Department of Professional Boxing and Wrestling Event Regulations made and that became effective October 1, 2015, and make USA Boxing, Inc. the governing body and sanctioning organization for ALL Amateur boxing in Virginia.  USA Boxing's number one priority if safety of the athletes and all who participate in the sport.  All 46 pages of USA Boxing Official Rule Book Competition Rules and 27 pages of USA Boxing Official Rule Book Technical Rules Effective January 1, 2014 make amateur boxing one of the safest amateur boxing sports in the United States. USA Boxing regularly updates the rules and as needed.

In addition, I strongly oppose House Bill No 1228 Offered January 19, 2016 to amend the code of Virginia  relating to the DPOR; boxing and wrestling events; sanctioning organizations.  Please DO NOT LET THIS BILL PASS.  We must keep amateur boxing alive and well in Virginia.