A TOTAL of 40 coaches, referees, and judges (R&Js) are taking part in a two-week International Boxing Association (IBA) 1-Star course, which officially kicked off online today.

According to Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) Secretary General Makore Mashaga, the course is being conducted by IBA instructor Gabriele Martelli of Italy and has attracted 30 local and 10 international participants.

Mashaga noted that local participants have convened at the CCM Manzese offices in Dar es Salaam, where interpreters have been made available to support them throughout the course.

“The IBA 1-Star online course gets underway today, and our local participants are gathered at CCM Manzese in Dar es Salaam. There will be interpreters to assist them,” said Mashaga. 

“The course aims to equip boxing officials with new knowledge and skills. It is part of a structured development pathway for coaches, referees, and judges  -progressing from national level to the elite IBA 3-Star certification.”

He added that the course will provide participants with valuable skills and insights that can open doors to global opportunities in the sport.

The IBA 1-Star Course is an introductory-level training program designed to enhance the quality of boxing officiating and coaching worldwide.

This marks the second consecutive year that BFT is hosting the IBA Star course. Last year, 39 participants from Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, and Uganda took part in a similar training held in Dar es Salaam.

The previous course was conducted by Sadie Duffy, chairperson of the IBA Referees and Judges Committee, and Godavarisingh Rajcoomar, chairperson of the Africa Boxing Federation (AFBC) Referees and Judges Committee.