Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Fouls
The following actions constitute fouls in WBO championship contests:
- Hitting below the belt line, striking the kidneys, or hitting the back of the head or neck (rabbit punches).
- Hitting an opponent who is down or who is in the process of rising from a knockdown.
- Holding and hitting simultaneously, or holding with one hand and striking with the other.
- Butting with the head, shoulders, elbows, or forearms.
- Gouging the eyes, biting, spitting on an opponent, or any unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Hitting with the open glove, the inside of the glove, the wrist, or the backhand.
- Clinching excessively without attempting to throw punches or work out of the clinch.
- Pushing, wrestling, or throwing an opponent.
- Hitting on the break after the referee has called "break" and before stepping back.
- Attacking after the bell has sounded ending the round.
- Using the ropes for leverage to deliver punches.
- Intentionally spitting out the mouthguard to gain a rest period.
- Using abusive or profane language in the ring.
Penalty System
- Warning: The referee may issue a warning for a first offense, without deducting points. The referee shall clearly communicate the warning to both the contestant and the judges.
- Point Deduction: For repeated fouls or a flagrant first offense, the referee shall deduct one or more points from the offending contestant's score. The referee must inform the judges of the exact number of points deducted and the round in which the deduction applies.
- Disqualification: For egregious fouls, repeated intentional fouls, or conduct that endangers the safety of the opponent, the referee may disqualify the offending contestant. Disqualification results in an immediate loss.
Low Blow Recovery
When a contestant is struck with a low blow:
- The referee shall call time and allow the injured contestant up to five (5) minutes to recover.
- If the contestant is unable to continue after the five-minute recovery period, the bout shall be decided based on the scorecards if four (4) or more completed rounds have elapsed, or declared a no contest if the foul occurred before four completed rounds.
- The referee may deduct a point from the offending contestant for a low blow, whether intentional or accidental, at the referee's discretion.
Drugs and Prohibited Substances
The WBO maintains a strict anti-doping policy and strongly endorses the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) clean boxing program:
- Mandatory pre-fight and post-fight drug testing is required for all WBO championship contests. The WBO prefers VADA-administered testing, which includes random out-of-competition testing in the period leading up to the bout.
- The use of any performance-enhancing drug, illegal substance, or banned stimulant before or during a championship contest shall result in disqualification and potential suspension.
- Any substance other than plain water given to a contestant during the course of the bout is prohibited.
- Approved coagulants such as Adrenalin (1/1000) may be used between rounds to treat minor cuts. The use of "iron type" coagulants, such as Monsel's solution, is prohibited.
- A discretionary amount of petroleum jelly may be applied to the face; however, the use of excessive lubricant, grease, or any foreign substance on the arms, legs, or body is prohibited and shall be grounds for penalty or disqualification.