Dr. Joe McKeever:

My name is Joe McKeever and I work as a trauma specialist and a day surgeon. I thank the committee, on behalf for the IABA, for the opportunity to take part in this meeting. We are very grateful for the opportunity to make a presentation on the implications of concussion in sport and how the issue is being addressed by the IABA.

The welfare and safety of our boxers is of the highest importance to us and their welfare and safety is always our top priority. Established in 1911, the IABA's main role is to develop, foster and control boxing in Ireland. As one of its rules, the IABA lists the fact that any person who enters a boxing club must first undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit to box. A boxer will not be allowed to partake in competition or in full training-sparring sessions until he or she receives a medical record book from the association. This book is used to record any competitive bouts the boxer is involved in and any medical information that would need to be recorded about the said boxer, including any periods the boxer has been restricted from taking part in competition or sparring. This book will accompany the boxer for the duration of his or her domestic boxing career.

The IABA is governed by the International Amateur Boxing Association, AIBA, or the world body for amateur boxing. Historically, the IABA self-regulated but was also governed by the AIBA. In the early 1970s, the relevant rules - which are listed at appendix 8 of my presentation - were introduced into Irish boxing. The AIBA in its Medical Handbook for Boxing, Eighth Edition, 2013, has set down rules in respect of concussion. The IABA is obliged to comply with AIBA rules and is happy to do so as they are strong than those which were previously in place. If the committee so desires, I can read out the relevant rules.