Recruiting and training volunteers can be a difficult task, but it is vital for the day-to-day running and future sustainability of most boxing clubs.
Scotland’s 127 boxing clubs each operate in their own distinct way, however, one thing they all share is a reliance on the time and efforts of many dedicated volunteers.
As the number of clubs continue to increase across the country, the governing body are putting plans in place to ensure they not only develop and retain existing volunteers but establish national plans to attract and support a new generation of volunteers into the sport.
Marianne Crichton, CEO, Boxing Scotland said:
“Volunteers are the foundation of boxing in Scotland, providing invaluable support, guidance and enthusiasm to our clubs and our young athletes.
As we look to the future, we need to make sure we do all we can to attract, encourage and develop the next generation of young volunteers, ensuring the continued growth and success of our sport.”
Pathway for Officials
Those who emerge as volunteers are often the beating heart of clubs, yet as people’s time becomes more valuable it is important that clubs consider their volunteers; how they can recruit, support, recognise and reward the work they do.
A key focus area for Boxing Scotland is the recruitment of referees, judges, and other officials. They have re-launched the existing Referee and Judges pathway to ensure that it aligns with other pathways which apply to boxers and coaches at both a regional and national level.
The newly launched ‘Pathway for Officials’ articulates clearly what it takes to become an official, the timeline and the benefits associated with it. A particularly important aspect of the pathway is attracting women and a diverse group of people into refereeing and judging and other voluntary roles.
The initiative was advertised on social media and has attracted a different demographic who the governing body have helped through training.
Kieran Fraser, Boxing Scotland, Development and Inclusion Officer (West North), said:
“While it is still early in the relaunch, the appetite from prospective officials has been strong, with applications coming from both inside and outside the boxing membership. The educational seminars have been valuable and enjoyed by all, with early participants already making the step to fully qualified official.”
George MacPhail recently completed the Pathway for Officials with Boxing Scotland and was a judge at the recent Development Championships in October. They said:
“Since I have been involved with Boxing Scotland, as a volunteer official and delegate for my club, I have been able to get a better understanding of Boxing Scotland’s officials’ pathway and development opportunities.
“I have learned a lot and gained confidence and experience on how officials operate at shows and judge bouts through probation and mentoring. I then passed my exam for the officiating qualification. As a previous boxer, it has helped me to understand the scoring criteria for Olympic-style boxing and how important this for the young people in the ring.
Being involved with Boxing Scotland has given me the buzz and inspiration to try and set-up my own club for young people in my area that I live in the future. The staff at Boxing Scotland have been helpful and very supportive in my journey.”
Cameron McAlpine, Boxing Scotland, Development and Inclusion Officer (West South), said:
“Our Pathway for Officials provides an established pathway for development, giving aspiring officials the knowledge, experience, and confidence to progress from a probationary level to a fully qualified official.”
“Through this pathway, we aim to build a stronger future for Scottish boxing by nurturing the next generation of judges and referees - supporting excellence, fairness, and opportunity at every stage.”
Volunteers in boxing
Boxing Scotland has recently established a series of volunteer committees (Tri-District Executive Committee, Referee and Judges (Officials) Committee, Coaches Committee, Boxers Committee and Championships Committee) which represent each of the three districts.
The committees will meet directly with senior staff of Boxing Scotland to discuss issues, review forthcoming plans, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard within the organisation.
Along with the volunteer committees, there is a clear action plan in place for the recruitment, induction, training and ongoing support of the volunteer workforce.
As part of this, Boxing Scotland advise that each club should have a ‘Volunteer Co-ordinator’. This role focuses on getting to know the club membership, identifying the volunteer needs of the club, recruiting new volunteers, providing feedback and support, and maintaining volunteers’ motivation.
Pamela Belshaw, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Johnstone Boxing Club, said:
“I've been with Johnstone ABC since the beginning and was part of establishing the club. Presently, I run parents' chat group, recruit potential volunteers into the club, keep our paperwork and communications up to date and provide encouragement where needed."
"I'm one of the boxers' main cheerleaders and I love being involved. Being a part of this brilliant team gives me a sense of pride, as well as seeing our kids grow and work towards their goals. It feels great to be involved with Johnstone ABC.”
Growing the sport
Building on a proud legacy of boxing in Scotland, the governing body continues to invest in the future of the sport by nurturing talent at all levels. Through grassroots initiatives, the Pathway for Officials, coaching development, and strategic partnerships, the organisation ensures that boxing remains accessible and inclusive.
These efforts not only sustain Scotland’s competitive edge on the international stage but also foster a vibrant community where athletes of all backgrounds can thrive.
Recent updates to the Scottish Championships have enhanced opportunities for female boxers and improved the overall experience for participants, in addition to the upcoming Development Championships which will feature various categories to accommodate different skill levels and age groups.
