Future of Youth Boxing

BILLINGS - Thousands of boys and girls in the U.S. participate in the sport of youth boxing, but a recent statement by a pediatricians group delivers a strong blow to the sport.

The American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement saying because boxing may result in serious head injuries. It opposes the sport. Many wonder how deterring kids from participating will affect the future of boxing.

Aaron Romero coaches youth boxing at Stars-n-Stripes in Billings. He himself a boxer since he was eight, Romero sees the sport as empowering and motivating for kids.

Aaron Romero; Stars-n-Stripes boxing club president says, “You see a kid get hit and he gets a bloody nose, but you don't see the good parts in his life, the joy that he has and the confidence he gains from it.”

But boxing is a collision sport in which winning is based on landing punches on your opponent's head and body.

“By definition, it's certainly not a beneficial sport for growing children,” said Dr. Patrick Sauer; Pediatrician at Billings Clinic.

For that reason the American Academy of Pediatrics stops just short of saying boxing should be outlawed for kids.

“The point of the article is reviewing kids admitted or seen in the emergency room and the high percentage that involve face, neck, and head injuries as compared to other contact sports,” said Dr. Sauer.

Romero argues that with proper training and with safety equipment many injuries can be prevented.

“You know you've got your hands up learning to protect yourself and bob and weave,” said Romero.

Romero said the benefits of keeping kids active and out of trouble outweigh the risks of injury, not just the three minutes they're in the ring getting hit and hitting other kids, that's not what it's all about.

Doctor Sauer recommends an Impact Test for anyone involved in a contact sport, especially boxing. The test involves a series of questions the child answers before injury. It is then taken after a head injury to measure the severity of the damage.

“They should actually have a very good baseline to then detect changes, so if it's subtle or they're showing brain injury or cognitive functions, you then would choose not to do that sport,” said Sauer.

The test is offered to most high school football players, among many other sports, in Billings.

Romero would encourage his kids to take the Impact Test and says for him the bottom line is everyone assumes some risk when they step into the ring. He says a child's safety is the priority for coaches and referees.