European Boxing to Host the 2nd Ringside Doctor Course in Zagreb

Invitation Program CBF Ringside Doctor Course Zagreb 2026 V1

European Boxing is pleased to announce the organization of the 2nd European Boxing Ringside Doctor Course, which will take place in Zagreb, Croatia, on 12–13 September 2026.

The course is organized by European Boxing in cooperation with the Hrvatski Boksački Savez – Croatian Boxing Federation and will be hosted at Hotel Diplomat in Zagreb. Arrival date for participants is scheduled for 11 September 2026.

Following the successful first edition, this educational initiative continues European Boxing’s commitment to the development of medical standards, athlete safety, and professional education within Olympic-style boxing across Europe.

The course is specifically designed for medical doctors, both experienced practitioners and newcomers, who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the role of the Ringside Doctor in boxing competitions. Participation is open exclusively to National Federations affiliated with European Boxing.

The educational program will be led by Dr. David McDonagh, Chair of the European Boxing Medical Commission and Chair of the Norwegian Boxing Federation Medical Commission, together with Dr. Maksym Maslyanyy, Member of the European Boxing Medical Commission and Chair of the Ukraine Boxing Federation Medical Commission. The course will be coordinated by Prof. Therese Bjørnaas of the Norwegian Boxing Federation.

The two-day program combines theoretical and practical sessions covering key medical aspects related to boxing competitions, including:

* Anti-doping procedures
* Management of cuts and facial injuries
* Concussion recognition and SCAT6 practical applications
* Down boxer practical management
* Fractures and soft tissue injuries
* Injury prevention and nutrition
* Emergency medical situations
* Return-to-boxing protocols and competition regulations

The course will conclude with both written and practical examinations, followed by the awarding of certificates to participants.

Due to the practical nature of the course, participation is limited to 20 attendees. National Federations are kindly reminded that 31 July 2026 is the final registration deadline, and no registrations will be accepted after this date.

European Boxing looks forward to welcoming medical professionals from across Europe to Zagreb for another important educational event focused on athlete health, safety, and medical excellence in boxing.

Free - NBF/European Boxing Ringside Doctor Course 6.-7. September 2025



Location: Oslo Airport Gardermoen, Norway

Date: 06 - 07 September 2025

Organized by: NBF - Norwegian Boxing Federation

Speakers: Dr. David McDonagh, Chair European Boxing Medical Commission, Chair Norwegian Boxing Federation Medical Commission and Dr. Ed van Wijk (NED), Chair Netherlands Boxing Federation, Medical Committee, Member World Boxing Medical Commission

Organizer: Prof. Therese Bjørnaas

Language: English

Registration:1st of July is the final date for registering. No registrations will be accepted after this date.

This course is for medical doctors, both experienced and newcomers,  wishing to learn more about the role of the Ringside Doctor in boxing. The course is open to national federations that are affiliated members of European Boxing.
Registration: Please email Therese Bjørnaas at tmib@dmmh.no to register.

Expenses: Participants are responsible for their own transportation and hotel accommodation costs. Breakfast will be included in the hotel price. You can reserve a room using the following link, which already includes a discounted rate: https://www.thonhotels.com/event/norges-bokseforbund-air/

Saturday - Lunch and evening conference dinner will be provided by the NBF.
Sunday - Lunch will be provided by the Norwegian Boxing Federation.

Number of participants: We have set a limit of 20 participants as there will be a practical session with instructors.                              
For any questions, feel free to contact Therese via email.
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Saturday 06 September

0900 – 0945 Participant presentation/ existing medical rules and guidelines/ best practices/ annual examinations, pre- and post-bout examinations, McDonagh

0945 – 1000 Break

1000 – 1030 Injury prevention programs, nutrition, hydration, hygiene, van Wijk, McDonagh

1030 – 1115 Management of Cuts, Nosebleeds, McDonagh

1115 – 1125 Break

1125 – 1200 Management of eye, ear and other facial injuries, McDonagh                                          

1200 – 1300 Lunch Break

1300 – 1345 Concussion – recognition and modern Best Practice Principles, McDonagh

1345 – 1400 Break                  

1400 – 1445 SCAT 6 and practical session, van Wijk, McDonagh

1445 – 1500 Break

1500 – 1545 Other Medical emergencies, incl. cardiac, respiratory, allergic, etc., McDonagh

1545 – 1600 Break                                                              

1600 – 1645 Return to Boxing, restriction periods, boxer´s competition book , van Wijk          

1645 – 1700 Discussion          

19.30            Conference Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

 

Sunday 07 September

0900 - 0930 Fractures, dislocations, neck and joint injuries, soft tissue injuries McDonagh        

1000 - 1015 Bus to Pugilist Boxing Club for practical session

1015 - 1145 Down Boxer, ring entry, boxer management – McDonagh, van Wijk                         

1145 - 1145 Bus back to Thon Hotel

1200 - 1300 Lunch Break

1300 - 1330 Antidoping, van Wijk                                                  

1330 - 1345 Summary, Discussion                                                 

1400 - 1500 Written exam

1500 - 1515 Break                                                              

1515 -1615 Practical Exam                                                             

1615 - 1630 Summary , McDonagh

1630            End of Course with certificate award ceremony.



Ringside Doctor Pool Invitation

Dear National Federation,

European Boxing has now taken it´s first step in the training of beginner and more experienced Ringside Doctors in Europe - the NBF/European Boxing Ringside Doctor Course in Oslo 6 – 7 September 2025. Our goal is to develop a pool of competent doctors who can assist federations nationally and European Boxing internationally.

Having completed the introductory course, we would like to choose one or two national Ringside Doctors to attend each of this year´s major European Championships (U15, U17, U19 and U23) to give them the necessary exposure and experience to participate at national and international events. They will be accompanied by an experienced European Boxing Medical Commission doctor for person-to-person training at these tournaments.

We are therefore requesting that each National Federation propose a minimum of one Ringside Doctor to join the European Boxing Ringside Doctor Pool. Beginner doctors should have attended the September course in Oslo. More experienced Ringside Doctors can be proposed directly. Finding doctors who are willing to take 10 days leave from their place of employment is not easy, so we would plan for a 4 – day stay at each event. Travel expenses will fall on the
National Federations.

We would ask each National Federation to support this important educational project, as it will benefit the organizers of boxing events at both a national and continental level.

We look forward to continuing support going forward.

Best regards,
Dr. David McDonagh
European Boxing Medical Commission Chair

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