Hi Pete,
I understand what you are saying completely, and if this was solely a WKA sanctioned event I would expect nothing less than all WKA qualified officials, and all wearing appropriate dress.

This event is insured by the WKA, but is an open championship, fighters from all different associations and all used to slightly different rules and scoring criteria, that is why we always have pre-fight meetings with the fighters, instructors and officials to make sure everyone knows the rules of this event and the scoring criteria of this event.

There is nothing more frustrating than when you train your fighter to fight and score one way, with effect, he/she fights their heart out doing everything they need to win, knocking their opponent all over the ring for 5 rounds, and the judges score on number of shot landed or fancy spinning kicks etc that do no damage or even move your fighter.

Also the reason that we asked if anyone wants to officiate at this event is not just about associations, its so that there can be no claims of prejudice on decisions made, If your fighter wins its because they won the fights on the day, not because of where the Ref or Judges are from, what association they are from, or what club they are affiliated with, and anyone that does wish to officiate on the day must be qualified in the job they are doing.

I myself trained under Toney Myers, and am also WKA qualified, but that does not restrict me to just Refereeing at WKA events, ill work for who ever asks me, using Toney Myers rules.

I’m sure you know yourself Pete, how hard it is to please everyone, the offer was made to make everyone feel more comfortable, having unbiased qualified officials from their home town working at this event, not that you are guaranteed to have them at your ring.

Basic scoring criteria on the day will be good Muay Thai technique that lands cleanly on target with effect and visibly moves the opponent, also dominance of the ring, moving forward, being strong in the clinch, solid stance and a good defence. Those doing head shots will be full to the body, light continues to the head, any fighter throwing big bombs purposely trying to knock out their opponent will be warned or disqualified, if you stop your opponent with a punch, kick or Knee to the body or legs, so be it, its Muay Thai.
Pete, I hope this helps explain why the offer was made for officials wishing to help.
Karl
karljoncham@hotmail.co.uk