Update: Revisions to the 2026 England Boxing Rule Book

England Boxing would like to update members on several amendments to the 2026 Rule Book which come into effect immediately from today’s date (August 19^th 2026) following recent approval at the Board meeting held on July 30th.

These updates follow recent requests for clarification from a range of members, including boxers, coaches and officials, regarding dress codes at competitions. In the interests of advancing the sport and leading the way for inclusion & diversity, England Boxing are pleased to provide the following Rule Book updates for members, which can also be viewed in the up-to-date Rule Book HERE.

Amendments

8.1.4

• Shorts must not be shorter than mid-thigh length, cannot cover the knee, and must not be worn above the belt line. The belt line can be described as a line from the navel to the top of the hips and must not cover the navel.

8.1.5

• Boxers may wear black skin coverings underneath their shorts and/or vest. The length of such coverings is unrestricted.
• Boxers may wear a black hijab (head covering) during a bout.
• Any injury or medical concern regarding the skin covering must be disclosed and, if needed, assessed during the medical examination by the Ringside Doctor.
• All permitted skin coverings must be close-fitting, non-padded, and must not provide any advantage or compromise the safety of either boxer.
• Supervisors must be informed at the competition weigh-in if a boxer intends to wear a skin covering during a bout. Any skin covering intended to be worn during the bout must be presented to the supervisor at that time

6.3.1. Officials dress codes:

• Officials, except Referees, should wear a blazer or jacket, trousers or skirt, blouse, or shirt with a collar; a tie is to be worn by male officials, and a tie or cravat may be worn by female officials.
• Referees should wear a white shirt/blouse, black bow tie, black trousers (not jeans) and black flat-soled training shoes.
• Master of Ceremonies – Tie (only required if working inside the ring)
• Female Officials, Referees and Master of Ceremonies can wear a hijab (head covering).

These amendments are consistent with the direction already taken internationally. World Boxing permits boxers to wear a full skin covering, including a hijab, under Rule 13.9 of its Competition Rules. It separately confirms under Rule 6.4.3 that Referees and Judges may also wear a head cover as part of the official dress code.

The proposed 8.1.5 reflects the same underlying principle, with additional operational detail (permitted lengths, colours, and the weigh-in notification process) to support consistent application by supervisors, coaches and officials at domestic level.

National Federations, under World Boxing’s own Competition Rules, are expressly permitted to adapt rules to their jurisdiction provided medical and safety standards are not undermined and this approach sits comfortably within the wider international framework rather than departing from it.