The Official's Task Force has been asked many questions to help clarify rules for LBCs.  One of the most frequently asked question that we receive is can equipment that has only the AIBA approval and not the USA Boxing label be used at a local boxing show?

Many boxers have headgear and gloves with only the AIBA label and not the USA Boxing label.  In the past,  if the equipment had the AIBA label it was acceptable to use in USA Boxing sanctioned events.  This was formally clarified by a recent interpretation and ruling from the Rules and Regulations Task Force which clearly ruled that ALL headgear and gloves are REQUIRED to have the USA Boxing label in USA Boxing sanctioned events. 

So referees take an extra moment during your equipment check to verify that the gloves and the headgear are approved by USA Boxing and are appropriately labeled.  Should a boxer or a coach raise the issue that they have used this in other past events please be understanding and explain to them that this is, indeed, a new decision clarified by the Rules and Regulations Task Force.  This enforcement, event though it might be difficult for the participants to understand, will go a long way in clarifying things with the insurance company should anything happen to either of the two boxers.