Evening journal., 1918-06-24
New Army Boxing Code
Favors the Agqressor

I upon aggressive determination and at
tack even more than upon skill. Boxing
develops this aggresslveness in offense
a flerce-attacking forward-actlon bay
onet charge means a 9S per cent. quota
OF fighting men returned 20 safety. Thai
is one important reason why the new
boxing rules set a high premium upoI
offensive rather than on defensive fight.
ing"
All back stepping. covering up and
purely defensive work are discouraged
under the army boxing rules and each
contestant is made subject to a penalty
for such work. This latter recommen-
dation Is a direct departure from the
accepted standard Of ring strategy
which puts a premium on purely de-
fensiye tactics.
Under the new rules a total OF six
blows constitutes the ground plan OF
the boxing program. The maintenance
OF such a series OF blows must be taken
into consideration in the final judgment
OF points. The value Of attack can
not be Over-estlmated, and should be
considered a prime factor in the allot-
ing OF points" II is stipulated.
Under the army rules the referee IS
shorn Of much power. Many OF his ac-
tive functions have been delegated to
two judges. each OF whom Is assisted by
clerk. Fouls are clearly defined and
are within the jurisdiction Of the ref
cree, who may dlsqualify Immediately
any contestant for attempted unsports-
man like tactics. Downs are limited
to the standard OF 20 seconds. To gain
fast action the time limit per round
has been made two minutes instead
OF three minutes for novice bouts. Four
rounds viii be boxed, except In the
case OF divisional championship con-
tests, which may run six rounds.
Develops Close-Ranqe Fighting.
The big contribution OF boxing TO
military training IS TO develop in men
the willingness and ability to fight at
close range. It's purpose is TO teach
soldiers to give and take punishment.
There Is a close relation in the qualities
required for boxing and bayonet Tight
ms. Both require agility Of body.
quickness Of eye, good balance and con-
troll in giving a punch or thrust and
an aggressive fighting spirit that breaks
down or weakens defense and makes
openings for an effective finish"
An ef1cient fighting soldier must not
only be trained in the technique OF Of
fense and defense. but must be "charg-
ed" with the proper lighting spirit. We
are dealing with men who are strangers
in the main TO personal combats OF
any nature. and II is toward this class
OF soldiers that the major portion OF
atnletic and boxing activities should
be directed. Forward action and ag-
gressiyeness ia bayonet fighting is es-
sential. Aggressive action In boxing
tends 10 the same end and should be
given due credit in the Judging OF con-
tests.
The principal features Of the army
boxing code arc as follows.
The ring. which Is not 10 be less than
i6 nor more than 20 feet square. must
be enclosed by at least three ropes,
covered with cloth wrappings. to be
stretched from four posts, propdrly
padded. The floor OF the ring shall eT-
tend beyond the lower ropes for dis
tanee OF not less than two feet. II the
floor Is Of wood or other hard sub
stance, it is TO be padded with mating,
corrugated paper or felt, or dampsned
saw dust covered with tightly stretch
ed canvas,
Gloves in all novice contests shall not