page_title: Arthur Frederick Bettinson
section_title: Founding
hierarchical_section_title: Arthur Frederick Bettinson / Origins of the National Sporting Club / Founding
caption_attribution_description: English: 43 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JY "This building was once known as The National Sporting Club March 1891-October 1929 which under its president Hugh Cecil Lowther the Fifth Earl of Lonsdale and co-founders Arthur 'Peggy' Bettinson and John Fleming became the home of modern glove boxing"
context_page_description: Arthur Frederick "Peggy" Bettinson was a skilled pugilist, becoming English Amateur Boxing Association Lightweight Champion in 1882. In 1891 Bettinson co-founded the National Sporting Club. As its manager, he implemented a strict code of conduct, rules and etiquette that was adhered to by both boxers and spectators, ushering in a culture change that brought respect and legitimacy to what had been a barely regulated, lawless and chaotic sport. He was one of boxing's most prominent and powerful advocates in England's courtrooms in an era when boxing's legal status was uncertain.
  Utilising his extensive knowledge of the sport and his no-nonsense reputation, Bettinson promoted many fighters, events and tournaments in boxing and wrestling. His crusade for firm rules and fair play encouraged a growing number of wealthy backers to pour their influence and money into these sports.
  Bettinson refereed bouts in London and Wales, controversially disqualifying Jim Driscoll in 1910. The NSC enhanced the reputation and reach of boxing during World War I, working with various regiments to lay on training and tournaments for the British and French armed forces.
context_section_description: In search of a new premises, Bettinson and Fleming found and purchased a once-popular evening restaurant and concert room, the Old Falstaff Club, which had gone into liquidation. Bettinson recruited all the founding members, including most of the prominent bookmakers in London. Hugh Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale was to be the face of the club as its president. The National Sporting Club (NSC) opened 5 March 1891 at 43 King Street, Covent Garden, London. The opening night was a major success according to newspapers of the time. Bettinson provided most of the capital that had underwritten the new venture, and was said by several sources to have been opinionated, outspoken and autocratic and a benevolent dictator.
  Primarily due to boxing's dubious legal status at that time the NSC was a private members club, an arrangement tolerated by the courts. The NSC  "was a businesslike undertaking of business men for other business men". A strict code of conduct was expected of the club's patrons, such as a formal dress charter, silence and a no-smoking policy at ring side during bouts. This culture change was rigorously enforced by Bettinson. A modified version of the Queensberry Rules, called the National Sporting Club rules, were enforced by the referees during boxing matches. This included a maximum of 20 three-minute rounds, with one minute's rest in-between; 4-ounce (110 g) padded gloves were worn and a rudimentary points system was introduced. The boxers would comply with the referees' decisions at all times and bow to the crowd when the bout finished.  As the NSC was one of the only sanctioned boxing venues in 1890s London, its board acted as the national supervisory agency for boxing. This helped to standardise boxing rules and practice. The NSC board was the precursor to the British Boxing Board of Control.
  In November 1897 John Fleming was found dead in a toilet cubicle at the NSC. Out of respect, all business at the club was suspended until the following month. Bettinson carried on as sole manager.
caption: The original National Sporting Club building at 43 King Street, Covent Garden
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