ModBox supports youth toward a fighting chance

ModBox is an adapted form of boxing that aims to engage with youth and develop life skills in Uttarakhand, India. ModBox uses a humanistic approach to coaching with a focus on youth development. There is also an intention to raise awareness of environmental issues and to increase female participation in sport. The initiative has been named “Kangaroo BOXIND” and is being front ended by SEDA (Sports Education Development Australia’s India office) through its India Director Ms. Rekha Dey.

ModBox is a low-risk form of boxing that was developed over an extensive period, with stakeholder engagement being key to formulating training content and rules. The provision of encouraging and supportive environments is paramount to the personal development of participants. Emphasis is placed on athlete enjoyment and safety; the wearing of specialised impact-absorbing gloves is compulsory and participants are not permitted to attempt contact with opponents head or neck.

As a sport, boxing is highly disciplined and requires dedication by those taking part. In addition to this ModBox is underpinned by five core values:

• Safety
• Continuous learning
• Fair play
• Inclusiveness
• Respectfulness

All participants are required to comply with the essence of performance:

• All participants are responsible for upholding and adhering to the rules of ModBox.
• There is a strong belief and expectation that no participant will intentionally break the rules.
• Competitiveness should never sacrifice the mutual respect between participants, or the joy of play.
• Actions such as intentional fouling, dangerous play, disrespectful behaviour and a ‘win at all costs’ attitude are contrary to the essence of performance.
• Athletes are morally bound to abide by the rules of ModBox.
• The integrity of ModBox depends on the willingness of every individual to uphold the essence of performance, and this responsibility should not be taken lightly.

Program coordinator Paul Perkins said

"the program aims to provide space and time for young people to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise and to use informal learning through sport to teach important life skills”.

There is also emphasis on the participants to self-regulate the sport. This includes taking responsibility for their actions within the training environment, and ensuring they take the expected behaviours into their home life. Participants take part in opponent performance evaluation which helps to instil the values of respect and fairness.

These rules, values and expected behaviours ensure that boxing can be a valuable sport in a development context, and ModBox looks to create safe environments for participants to learn in.

The programme is due to begin early 2017, with implementation in 20 schools.

The Sector Skill Council for Sports, Physical Education, Fitness & Leisure (SPEFL-SC) formed by the MoSD&E under the Skill India program has offered to co-operate in the initiative and certify the Indian coaches under the Skill India Program.

Paul Perkins is a PhD Scholar at the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE) and the Participation Manager at Boxing Australia. Professor Alan Hahn has provided support and guidance with the development of this programme. The ModBox program is being supported by the Australian Government, Boxing Australia and SEDA India will be supplemented by contributions from an Australian company, VTara Energy Group Pty Ltd, the University of Canberra, and the NungshiTashi Foundation. The program is funded through Australia’s aid program in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

[This article has been edited by the Operating Team]