2012 USA Boxing National Championships FAQ

1. When is the “reload”?

The tournament, which has come to be known as the “reload” is the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships. This event will be the final opportunity for boxers in the seven unqualified weight divisions to attempt to qualify for the Olympics.  The winners of the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships in those seven weight divisions will represent the United States in the final international Olympic Qualifier in May in Brazil.  The 2012 USA Boxing National Championships are not part of the Olympic qualification process for female athletes. The champions in the seven women’s non-Olympic weight divisions will qualify for the 2012 Women’s World Championships.

2. What are the seven men’s unqualified weight divisions?

The seven weight divisions that are currently unqualified for the Olympic Games are light flyweight (108 lbs), lightweight (132 lbs), light welterweight (141 lbs), middleweight (165 lbs), light heavyweight (178 lbs), heavyweight (201 lbs), and super heavyweight (201+ lbs). The additional three weight classes will be contested at the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships but will not advance to the Olympic qualifier.

3. How do I qualify for the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships?

There is no qualification process for the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships. Any open division boxer who is between the ages of 17 and 34 in 2012, a registered member of USA Boxing, and a U.S. citizen is eligible to compete. In order to compete, you must register by January 30, 2012. Full registration paperwork can be found here.

4. When and where will the tournament be held?

The 2012 USA Boxing National Championships are scheduled for February 27-March 3 at the Special Events Center in Fort Carson, Colo., just south of Colorado Springs. Should any weight division exceed 64 athletes, an extra day of competition will be added on February 26. An announcement on whether or not that extra day will be needed will be made on USA Boxing’s website on January 31. The Colorado Springs airport code is COS.

5. Will housing, meals and ground transportation be provided?

Participants will be responsible for their own housing, meals and ground transportation. USA Boxing has secured rooms at the Crowne Plaza hotel for a rate of $87 and reservations can be made here. All meetings and weigh ins will take place at the Crowne Plaza. Local maps will be made available. 

6. When and where is event registration?
Tournament registration will take place on Saturday, February 25 from 6-10 p.m., and Sunday, February 26 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza hotel.  No walk up athlete registrations will be accepted.

7. What does each athlete need to have with them at registration?

Each athlete will need a valid 2012 USA Boxing passbook and proof of citizenship, which can be a copy or photo of an original and current passport or birth certificate. Even if you have shown proof of citizenship at past tournaments, you must have it with you at event registration.

If you renewed your 2012 USA Boxing membership online, make sure you have submitted your passbook, membership confirmation receipt and signed health affidavit and waiver and release to your LBC registration chair and have a valid 2012 sticker in your passbook when you arrive at registration.

8. What does each coach need to work in my corner?

In order to work as a coach in the corner at the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships, every coach must have a valid red USA Boxing passbook and must be at least a certified level one coach. Coaches paperwork is available here. There will not be a coaches clinic at the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships therefore any coach wishing to work at the event must be certified upon arrival in Colorado Springs.

9. When will the tournament draw take place and can I attend?

The official tournament draw will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 26 at the Crowne Plaza. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Tournament brackets and schedule of competition by weight class will be posted on the evening of Sunday, February 26 online and at the Crowne Plaza.

10. Is Fort Carson a military base and what will I need to get on base?

Yes, Fort Carson is an active army base and you will need to go through security daily to access the base. All vehicles entering Fort Carson must show current vehicle insurance and registration. All rental vehicles come with proof of registration. Everyone who enters the base, even passengers in the vehicle, must provide government identification to the guards upon entering the checkpoint. No housing is available on Fort Carson.

11. Do my family members need tickets to see me box?

All preliminary, quarterfinal and semifinal sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Tickets for finals night are available for $12.50 prior to finals night or $20 at the door. Click here to buy tickets.

12. What is the competition format?

Male boxers will compete in three, three minute rounds and female boxers will compete in four, two minute rounds throughout the tournament. The event is single elimination and computer scoring will be utilized.

13. Will there be training facilities available?

Yes, local gyms will be available and a list will be provided at registration

14. Will gloves, gauze and headgear be provided?

Yes, gloves and headgear will be provided at the gloving table prior to each bout. Athletes may use their own headgear if it is AIBA approved headgear. Gauze and tape will be provided daily at weigh ins. Uniforms will be provided for all finalists at weigh-ins on Saturday.

15. Is there an entry fee?

No, there is no entry fee for the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships

16. Will the tournament be seeded?

The 2012 USA Boxing National Championships will be a seeded tournament. Click here to read full details.