Medical Suspension Periods Following Knockout (KO) or RSCH (Referee Stopped Contest – Head)
 

The following minimum suspension periods apply to all competitors following a knockout (KO) or referee stoppage due to head blows (RSCH). These measures are in place to protect athlete safety and must be strictly adhered to.

Single Occurrence

• KO or RSCH – No loss of consciousness:
  Minimum suspension: 30 days from all boxing and sparring

• Loss of consciousness (up to 1 minute):
  Minimum suspension: 30 days

• Loss of consciousness (more than 1 minute):
  Minimum suspension: 45 days

Repeated Occurrences

• Second KO/RSCH within 90 days:
  Suspension: 90 days from the date of the second occurrence

• If the initial suspension was:

  • 90 days → second suspension becomes 180 days

  • 180 days → second suspension becomes 365 days

Third Occurrence

• Three KOs/RSCHs within a 12-month period:
  Suspension: 365 days from the date of the third occurrence

• Any combination of KO or RSCH within this period will count toward the total

Medical Discretion

A competitor may also be suspended for a minimum of 30 days if:

• They have sustained multiple heavy blows to the head

• They have been knocked down repeatedly across bouts

This decision may be made on the advice of a qualified medical professional.

Application Beyond Competition

These suspension periods apply to:

• Competitive bouts

• Sparring sessions

• Training incidents

• Any external incidents involving head trauma (e.g. other sports or accidents)

Return to Competition

Before returning to training or competition following any suspension:

• The athlete must be medically cleared as fit to compete

• Clearance must be provided by a qualified medical practitioner

• A neurological assessment may be required

• Advanced imaging (CT or MRI) may be requested where deemed necessary

Athlete Safety

Fighter safety is the responsibility of all involved and remains the highest priority at all times.

Application to Event Types

The above suspension periods apply fully to Gala Events.

Due to the nature of Open Championships (shorter rounds and potential for multiple entries), WKO applies a separate KO/TKO policy, detailed below, to ensure safety is maintained while recognising the structure of these events.