At North Staffordshire Kickboxing, we’re always looking for ways to grow — not just as fighters and coaches, but as a team that understands every side of the sport. That’s why members of Team NSK recently took part in the ICO Refereeing and Judging Course, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in what it takes to officiate competitions at every level.
The course covered:
- Refereeing inside the ring – how to manage bouts safely, fairly, and confidently
- Judging from ringside – scoring fights accurately and consistently
- Rules and regulations – a deeper understanding of ICO standards across all disciplines
- Practical application – stepping into real officiating scenarios and learning to make quick, clear decisions under pressure
For our team, it was an eye-opening experience. It gave us a greater appreciation of the huge responsibility referees and judges carry in every fight — and how vital they are to keeping competition safe and fair.
Taking part in this training also means that NSK can contribute even more to the wider martial arts community, supporting events not just with fighters but with qualified officials too. It’s another step in our mission to give our students as many opportunities as possible — whether they’re competing, coaching, or learning about the sport from a different perspective.
A huge thank you to the ICO and Fight Team Boxing for hosting such a brilliant course. We’re proud to have added another string to our bow and can’t wait to put this knowledge into action at future competitions.