World Boxing has opened registration for three Continental Referee and Judge (R&J) Certification Courses, which will take place in Germany and Jordan in December 2026.
The courses are aimed at experienced national-level Referees and Judges seeking to progress to World Boxing Continental certification and are part of the organisation’s work to strengthen consistent, professional officiating standards across its Member Federations.
European course – Leipheim, Germany, 7-13 December.
The European Continental R&J Certification Course will take place in Leipheim, Germany, and is open to eligible candidates nominated by European National Federations.
Participants will arrive on 7 December, followed by the theory component on 8 December and practical sessions from 9–12 December. Departure is scheduled for 13 December.
Asian course – Amman, Jordan, 5-12 December.
The Asian Continental R&J Certification Course will be held in Amman, Jordan, for candidates nominated by Asian National Federations.
Participants will arrive on 5 December, with the theory session taking place on 6 December. Practical assessments will run from 7–11 December, followed by departure on 12 December.
Africa, Oceania and Pan-America course – Amman, Jordan, 10-17 December.
A third Continental R&J Certification Course will also be held in Amman, primarily for candidates nominated by National Federations from Africa, Oceania and Pan-America.
Arrival is scheduled for 10 December, followed by the theory component on 11 December and practical sessions from 12–16 December. Participants will depart on 17 December.
Depending on registrations and available quotas, a limited number of places may also be offered to eligible R&Js from Asia and Europe who are not selected for the first two courses.
National Federations are invited to nominate eligible officials through the World Boxing registration system and are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting applications.
Candidates must be supported by a World Boxing National Federation, have been certified as a national-level R&J for at least five years, and have officiated at a minimum of five national championships. They must also have a basic level of English sufficient to communicate refereeing commands and counts.
The deadline for applications and submission of all required documentation for all three courses is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Following the deadline, World Boxing will review the eligibility of all nominated candidates. Those accepted onto the courses will receive confirmation directly, together with preparatory materials and further information.
Where the number of eligible applications exceeds the available places, candidates may be selected through an official random draw managed by the World Boxing Development Department. A maximum of two R&Js from a single National Federation may be selected, with the second quota place required to be filled by a female R&J.
The certification programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical assessment.
Candidates will complete a knowledge examination based on World Boxing Competition Rules and officiating principles, as well as live judging and refereeing assessments. Judging evaluations will focus on the accurate and consistent scoring of bouts, while refereeing assessments will cover control, safety, command and the correct application of the rules. Professional conduct will also form part of the evaluation.
Candidates must meet the required standards, including an overall R&J evaluation score of at least 80 per cent, to successfully complete the certification process.
All registered candidates are also subject to World Boxing’s vetting process as part of the selection procedure.
The course fee is USD 500 per participant. Participants are responsible for their own flights, visas and accommodation. Further information on accommodation, meals and local transportation will be provided once participation has been confirmed.
National Federations are strongly encouraged to review the full World Boxing Continental R&J Certification Requirements and Eligibility Criteria before nominating candidates.
World Boxing Continental R&J Certification Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
For further information about the R&J Certification Course programme, please contact officials@worldboxing.org.