The IABA Board of Directors and Central Council are jointly highlighting that bullying, intimidating or abusive behaviour has no place in Irish Boxing. Such behaviour dishonours our sport and will be treated with zero tolerance.
Irish Boxing has a long tradition of teaching boxers the importance of respectful behaviour in the ring. Respectful behaviour outside the ring should be a cornerstone of our sport, and be part of all of our interactions with one another.
The BoD & Central Council are aware of unacceptable behaviours by some members of the boxing family towards staff of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association. This is deeply concerning from a staff wellbeing perspective, given that the IABA’s committed staff team work daily to serve the needs of our members and our sport. Neither the Board of Directors or the Central Council will accept any such behaviour from any member towards staff and will take appropriate and proportionate action in the event of such behaviour.
The BoD and Central Council add that, furthermore, Irish Boxing will not permit these behaviours towards bout officials, officers and competition administrators. These members are giving of their own time to our sport and ensure that competitive boxing takes place in every county and province in Ireland, as well as at national level. They should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times.
The IABA adopted a robust complaints and disciplinary procedure in 2019, including structures at county, provincial and national level. This includes the appointment of Disciplinary and Complaints Officers by all boards and units. Each DCO is empowered to begin an investigation in to incidents, including of bullying, intimidating or abusive behaviours if there are sufficient grounds to do so following initial assessment. This mechanism is available to any member who feels they are being subjected to inappropriate behaviour.
ENDS.