Why Clear Rights, Responsibilities & Accountability Processes Matter at Geelong Boxing Club

At Geelong Boxing Club, our mission extends beyond boxing, we are committed to holistic youth development, fostering resilience, respect, and responsibility. By establishing clear Rights, Responsibilities, and an Accountability Process, we ensure that our club remains a safe, supportive, and empowering space for all young people.

1. The Impact on Young People

✅ Promotes Self-Discipline & Accountability

• Research in positive youth development highlights the importance of clear expectations in shaping self-regulation skills (Lerner et al., 2018).
• When young people understand the rules and their purpose, they are more likely to internalise them and demonstrate self discipline.

✅ Builds Emotional Intelligence & Conflict Resolution Skills

• A structured process teaches youth how to recognise their actions, self reflect, and repair harm, key skills linked to emotional intelligence and social success (Goleman, 2006).

✅ Strengthens a Sense of Belonging & Safety

• Consistent expectations reduce anxiety and create a predictable environment where young people feel secure (Dweck, 2006).
• When youth trust that everyone is held to the same standard, they feel a stronger sense of fairness and inclusion.
  
  

2. The Impact on the Club

✅ Protects the Integrity of Our Space

• A socially prescribed boxing gym must prioritise psychological safety, ensuring that all members, especially vulnerable youth are in an environment free from harm (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).
• Having clear guidelines prevents disruptive behavior and helps maintain a positive training culture.

✅ Reinforces Coaching Effectiveness

• When coaches have a structured approach to addressing behavior, it eliminates inconsistency and strengthens their role as mentors and role models.
• This enables us to focus on skill-building rather than managing unnecessary disruptions.

✅ Supports Trauma-Informed Practice

• Many young people we train come from challenging backgrounds. A structured process ensures that disciplinary actions are not punitive but restorative, aligning with trauma informed care principles (SAMHSA, 2014).
• Instead of immediate exclusion, we prioritise understanding, repairing, and teaching.

3. The Impact on the Community

✅ Helps Develop Responsible, Community-Minded Young People

• Youth who experience structured, values based environments are more likely to contribute positively to their communities (Eccles & Gootman, 2002).
• By embedding respect, responsibility, and self discipline into their experiences at the club, we are shaping future community leaders.

✅ Reduces Anti-Social Behavior & Builds Pro-Social Skills

• Studies on sports based youth interventions show that structured programs with clear expectations and accountability significantly reduce antisocial behaviors (Holt et al., 2017).
• Boxing provides an outlet for stress and frustration, and our process ensures that emotional regulation is a key part of the learning experience.
  
  

A Framework for Growth, Not Punishment

By implementing clear Rights, Responsibilities, and an Accountability Process, Geelong Boxing Club ensures that young people feel safe, understand expectations, and learn from mistakes in a constructive way.

This approach:
✅ Empowers youth to grow into responsible, resilient individuals
✅ Creates a club culture of respect, discipline, and fairness
✅ Strengthens our impact as a community driven, socially prescribed gym