Like all shows, JFCC event 1, had it's minus's and it's plus's, but I say it, as I see it, and I at no time, during that event thought any of my kids safety was compramised. The rules of levels of engagement were clear, and so was the guidelines given to the officials on the matter of standing eight counts. The lad who fought Tyler recieved a standing eight after taking a stiff jab, causing his head to be rocked, so did Samuel Amposah Tyler's first ABA opponent, same technique same result, safety came first, no different.
A point also worth mentioning is the good old "Towel". During the course of the day I or Tyler threw the Towel in Four times. This, other than the refferee is the biggest single safety factor available. If as a coach you think winning the fight is beyond your fighter, or in your opinion he is outclassed, outpunched, or outpowered, use it, there is no disgrace, especially in open class tournaments.
I have a girl Sarah Smith 13yrs who was 6 and 6 before the JFCC's, when she got to the tournament she was pitched against the very talented very experienced and much bigger and older Shannon Graham, but she took the fight, and aquitted herself admirably, I felt I was in total control all the time, knowing if it got too hot in there I would pull her out. As it was she lost, ( of course ) but I learnt so much about her, and she herself, during that loss that the experience will greatly improve her as a fighter, and so was well worthwhile.
I had two fighters face Tom Smart from UFBDA in the WKA Open British Championships the following week, and too Toms credit he was far too good for my lads, so we threw the towel in on both occasions, thus making sure our lads had the oppotunity to compete but making sure it was not a bad experience for them.
On both dates JFCC and the WKA open the reffereeing was exemplary and safety of the young fighters was never an issue.
Q; When was the last ABA tournament when a jnr fighter was seriously hurt. And
Q; who as got a 7 yrs old kid that can command such power that he can inflict any real damage wearing ten oz gloves, most of my 7 yr olds struggle to lift em up.
I am, as always open to debate, and maybe an elder entry level into full contact might be given some thought too. But overall I entered 13 fighters into JFCC'S and 12 into the WKA's worst injury I got was a bruised shin, in a leg clash, which can happen on any light con event.
In summary, safety of the fighters should first lie with their coach, but during both these two events I, my young fighters, or their parent ( most notibly) had any cause for complaint with regard to levels of contact.
I look forward to Jons English Open, as do my boys and girls.


Remember; it ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it!