Rules governing female competition are the same as those for male competition, except women are required to wear breast protectors. The following rules are for the open class. The rules and weight categories for Junior Olympics are different, featuring shorter rounds, four age groups and more than 17 weight classes. The Referee Referees are the sole authority in the ring, and they must maintain control of the match from start to finish, placing the foremost importance on the boxers' safety. Before the match begins, the referee checks each boxer's gloves and attire for suitability.
Referees are all-powerful in the ring.
Any boxer who does not obey immediately may be disqualified. Using their best judgment, referees may stop a match any time they think it is too one-sided, the boxers are not in earnest or one of the boxers seems unable to continue due to injury. Referees may disqualify a boxer, with or without warning, whenever a boxer acts aggressively toward them or delays in obeying a command. When a boxer commits a foul, the referee usually cautions the boxer and indicates the foul through hand motions. After three cautions for the same foul, the referee will warn the boxer, which results in the boxer losing a point.