HERE’S WHAT OUR CLIENTS AND HIGHLY RESPECTED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS HAD TO SAY

“The World Boxing Organization is confident that “Sole Arbiter” provides a unique opportunity to learn from the best officials within the professional ranks.”

Please be advised that WBO President Mr. Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq., Third Vice President, and former WBO Referee, Mr. Gino Rodriguez and I [Michael Pernick], are proud to endorse the “Sole Arbiter Elite Boxing Officials Training” program. The WBO strives to provide our new and more experienced officials the best training resources, and this program serves such purpose.

The World Boxing Organization is confident that “Sole Arbiter” provides a unique opportunity to learn from the best officials within the professional ranks. We wish you and your colleagues all the best in your endeavors.

Michael Pernick

WBO Officials Committee, Chairman

“While I will still use my podium to call for a National presence in this sport, I feel both comforted and grateful knowing that the sport and the fighters now have what they have long needed, a learning tool and presence that makes the sport safer and more credible.”

For the past 24 years on ESPN I used my platform to rail against incompetent Judges and Referees in boxing, while advocating for better teaching systems to help develop knowledgeable and responsible ring officials. Unlike other sports where a mistake by an umpire may impact the outcome of the event, in boxing the consequences can be much more serious, even dire.

A referee in the wrong position during a match can lead to one of the fighters taking unnecessary punches, which can and has at times led to fatalities. I still have not fulfilled my personal mission to have a national commission in this great but difficult sport, so that unilateral rules can be both implemented and enforced to better protect the participants.

But recently there has been the formation of a learning system to help develop and teach referee’s for not only a career in the sport, but to make sure that the sole arbiter inside that squared circle is prepared to do his or her job the way it was meant to be done. To guarantee that no fighter ever takes that one punch that should never have been delivered, and for the fans to leave knowing they saw a fair and professional governed prizefight.

Veterans ref Jack Reiss has launched this teaching and learning seminar for referees called the “Sole Arbiter”. While I will still use my podium to call for a National presence in this sport, I feel both comforted and grateful knowing that the sport and the fighters now have what they have long needed, a learning tool and presence that makes the sport safer and more credible.

Teddy Atlas

American boxing trainer and fight commentator, Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation

“If referees had nicknames, Jack Reiss would share one with a great champion from England, Chris Eubank: “Simply The Best.”

You don’t need me to tell you that Jack Reiss is among the very best referees in boxing. The big-fight assignments that he regularly secures speak volumes about his skill level and reputation.

There are two things that separate Jack from most of his colleagues. One: Jack always explains his rulings as he makes them, which creates instant clarity for the commission in charge, the corners, the TV announcers, and most importantly, the fighters.

And two: Jack is willing to give back by sharing his knowledge with less experienced referees and referees-to-be. Anyone who studies under Jack at a referee seminar is fortunate indeed.

If referees had nicknames, Jack Reiss would share one with a great champion from England, Chris Eubank: “Simply The Best.”

Steve Farhood

Showtime boxing analyst & historian

“Coming from somebody that has spent their entire life in combat sports, the confidence that I gained from the Sole Ariber course is invaluable.I would recommend this course to anyone, whether you’ve been refereeing for 20 years or just starting your journey.”

I recently had the privilege of attending the Sole Arbiter course led by Jack Reiss and Tom Taylor and I can confidently say it was an exceptional experience. As a retired UFC fighter turned Referee and judge I found the course to be incredibly insightful and beneficial.

Jack Reiss’ depth of knowledge and experience in the field is unparalleled. His ability to break down concepts into understandable and practical lessons was truly impressive. His Passion for the sport and dedication to excellence shown through making the learning process both engaging and enjoyable.

Tom Taylor brought a wealth of experience to the course complementing Jack’s teaching perfectly. His insight into the nuances of refereeing were invaluable, providing a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and challenges faced by a referee.

The other referees involved and the entire team behind the Sole Arbiter course were also incredible. Their collective effort in organizing and delivering a top-notch educational experience was evident throughout.

The course material was well structured, and the practical exercises that we did in the ring where invaluable. I learned to look at being a boxing referee from a whole different perspective, the Sole Arbiter perspective.

Coming from somebody that has spent their entire life in combat sports, the confidence that I gained from the Sole Arbiter course is invaluable. I would recommend this course to anyone, whether you’ve been refereeing for 20 years or just starting your journey.

Chris “the Crippler” Leben

UFC Mixed Martial Arts Champion of the World, referee & judge

“Sole Arbiter is a “deep dive” into the craft of Boxing Refereeing. This course is the single most influential thing I have done in my career.”

As I close in on officiating 300 fights as a boxing referee, I’ve learned a lot about mechanics, rules and how to handle complex situations. What has been missing in my journey is learning the nuances and more advanced practices. Till now, these skills have only come to me from trial and error, or by asking questions of my mentors. Unfortunately, there has been no advanced Boxing Referee courses, until now!

Sole Arbiter is a “deep dive” into the craft of Boxing Refereeing. This course is the single most influential thing I have done in my career.

It’s the only seminar I have found that breaks down referee mechanics on an advanced level. It is the only program that gets you ready for televised and Championship fights. I’ve learned so much from this course, I’m going to be taking it for the third time. There is a wealth of knowledge and I find a deeper understanding each time I take the course.

Dave Braslow

World Class Referee and Judge who has officiated over 900 professional bouts

“This 3 day course will open your eyes to the knowledge, preparation skills, and dedication you must strive to possess in order to be a pro.”

Being a professional boxing referee is not easy, there is much more to it than most would think. Even those that transition from ameteur boxing with a high level of experience are not going to have an easy transition to the pros, because it is almost a different sport at the pro level. The Sole Arbiter class is a must for anyone wanting to become a professional referee. This 3 day course will open your eyes to the knowledge, preparation skills, and dedication you must strive to possess in order to be a pro. You will also meet lifelong friends that will mentor you and answer your phone calls to talk about boxing scenarios and help you to improve.

David Hartman

CSAC referee/judge

“I have taken several courses covering officiating best practices in multiple combat sport disciplines, and this course was simply exceptional.”

I recently attended the “Sole Arbiter” course as led by Jack Reiss where he provided course attendees with both theoretical approaches and real-world experiences around the practice of being a professional boxing referee. Regardless of skill level coming into the course, everyone who attended received valuable information that they will be able to leverage as an official.

I have taken several courses covering officiating best practices in multiple combat sport disciplines, and this course was simply exceptional. Jack calls upon his extensive professional refereeing career to deconstruct multiple, complex elements faced by officials in the ring and provides explanations and examples to reinforce the related principles within the framework of the unified rules of boxing. I strongly recommend this course to anyone looking to enter the world of officiating and to those experienced officials who are looking to continue developing their skills.

Greg Turnbull

Deputy Commissioner, BC Athletic Commission

“I would be remiss to allow more time to pass without acknowledging how impactful the Sole Arbiter program has been to me.”

After having attended many Convention referee clinics, and countless ABC seminars, I can unequivocally say that NONE compares to the experience, the mentorship, and the instruction I’ve gained from Sole Arbiter program. I had reached the point as a licensed professional boxing referee where “learning on the job” was no longer the ideal way to officiate. My assignments are increasingly more high-profiled, and it was obvious that I lacked the tools that distinguishes me from being a licensed professional, to becoming an elite world-class official. The Sole Arbiter program provides me with those tools. Through the program, I’ve developed a structured and analytical approach to all my assignments, because I owe it to the team at Sole Arbiter, to my commission, to the sport of boxing, and most importantly-to the boxers who step into that ring who deserve the best boxing referee that I can be. If you’re looking for in-depth instruction, true-lasting mentorship, and if you really want to improve your boxing referee skills and you love the sport of boxing, then make the investment and attend a Sole Arbiter course. I assure you that you’ll get more for your buck, than what you’ll ever get from any convention referee seminar. I am grateful to the Sole Arbiter team for having given me the opportunity to learn from the very best in the industry. I’ve recently had my first 12 round Championship fight, and I’ve never felt more confident than I did that night. That’s what Sole Arbiter did for me.

Thank you Jack, Russ, Tom and Ed!

Roberto Velez

El Paso, Texas

“The Sole Arbiter seminar is a must for anyone climbing into the ring, it absolutely enhances your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a referee, no matter what your current level.”

Scott Huff

Pro Boxing Referee & Judge

“The “Official’s Seminar” given by veteran Jack Reiss is the best and most informative I have ever seen. It’s the Ivy League course for officials.”

In my years of running the New York State Athletic Commission, I know how important “Official’s Seminars” can be. Fighters train regularly so they can improve their skills and work their way to the top of their chosen sport. Officials should do the same. We are always looking for ways to improve the sport.  The “Official’s Seminar” given by veteran Jack Reiss is the best and most informative I have ever seen. It’s the Ivy League course for officials. It’s the course designed for every official looking to improve his/her game. In the course, an official—whether a veteran or a beginner—gets to think…react…interact…and learn how to deal with and handle every situation which may arise in a professional boxing match. It’s the seminar which can make you a championship quality official.

Randy Gordon

Host, SiriusXM “At the Fights,” Former Chairman, New York State Athletic Commission, Former Editor-in-Chief, Ring Magazine

“The IPRO boxing course that you put on was the best professional boxing training course that I have ever been involved with or attended.”

In my current position in British Columbia, I hire and organize officials for pro combat sport events for the Province under the direction of the Office of the BC Athletic Commissioner. In addition, I work as the Technical Director for the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission and work for many of the Provincial Athletic Commissions across Canada. I have attended many training courses for Pro Boxing, Pro MMA, Kickboxing and others, and was an approved ABC Boxing judge.

The IPRO boxing course that you put on was the best professional boxing training course that I have ever been involved with or attended. The content of the course was excellent and very pertinent to what the referees and judges require to be skilled boxing officials. I received feedback from many of the officials that they found the course clear and straight forward to follow and felt that your course taught rather than dictated information. This is very important as the officials need to be meshed with the instructors to achieve the best outcome. Your course offers both classroom and hands on ring instruction with real life examples and scenarios that are very practical and authentic. Both experienced and new officials attended the course and even the most experienced referees and judges came away with fresh knowledge and were very charged to apply these newly honed skills at the next event they worked at.

I would highly recommend this course for anyone, whether new or experienced in the sport, who is looking for training that demonstrates the best practices in the sport with current unified rules and guidelines. The integrity of the course comes from the wisdom and experiences of yourself, with your years of officiating and knowledge. Your guidance is invaluable and cannot be replicated. I know the officials I work with here who took your course are now better officials because of it.

Michael Pattenaude

Professional Combative Sports Consultant, MP Consulting

“So, YOU want to be a Professional Boxing Referee? Jack Reiss prepares you!”

I was fortunate enough to sit through one of Jack Reiss’ thought provoking Referee seminars. He made me struggle and made me ask myself time and time again “So, YOU want to be a Professional Boxing Referee?” Jack would not only ensure the correct answer was delivered for his questions, but would ask what could you do better in that situation. Refereeing to me is a fluid environment. You can make a plan, but that plan is only as good as your preparation. JACK REISS PREPARES YOU!

Attending Jack Reiss’s training not only prepared me to become a Professional Boxing Referee, it gave me the intestinal fortitude to be prepared me for the boxing world. Being a referee isn’t all you have to deal with in the sport. You have to handle all of the aspects of being responsible for a boxer’s safety…their LIFE! Jack’s referee course is one that I will continue to take to stay sharp and to challenge myself to keep striving to become better. I credit his training in being influential with me earning my license in one of the most strigent boxing licensing states in the US…Nevada Athletic Commission and refereeing a international World Championship Boxing match! THANK YOU JACK! COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!!

Robert Hoyle

Boxing Referee & Judge, Las Vegas, Nevada

“After completing this course you will not only be given the tools necessary to be a better official, but you will know how to use these tools and implement them in the ring.”

The Sole Arbiter course is a must for all Ring Officials. The course is taught by one of the most experienced and knowledgeable officials in Jack Reiss. The course not only covers the importance of knowing all the rules and proper mechanics, but goes into depth on why and how a rule or mechanic came about and how to properly use it. The course will discuss the important relationship a referee must have with their Doctor, Inspector, judges, and Time Keepers. After completing this course you will not only be given the tools necessary to be a better official, but you will know how to use these tools and implement them in the ring. The knowledge you take away will go far beyond the course because you will now have a Sole Arbiter Guideline to refer back to anytime a situation arises. Jack Reiss is always available for critique and analysis and will help you to continue in the process of being the best Ring Official You can be.

Max DeLuca

Ring Official California

“I highly recommend this course taught by experts in the sport and I know you will definitely leave this course as a better ring official!”

I found the Sole Arbiter course to be a perfect fit to upgrade my skills as a professional boxing official. The course was led be one of the best in the business, Jack Reiss. Jack was engaging and highly interactive with our class over the 3-day intensive training course. Our days were balanced between discussion, written materials, video analysis, and in person demonstration and coaching; a perfect mix of in class and in the gym sessions. The material was thought provoking and challenged our group to consider and see boxing differently and pushed the class to be better and do better as ring officials and ultimately for the sport of boxing. Whether you’re a new or experienced official you will enjoy this course. It will start new officials off on the right track to be a successful referee or judge and for experienced officials it will challenge what you currently do, why you do it, and help you to do your role better. I highly recommend this course taught by experts in the sport and I know you will definitely leave this course as a better ring official!

Joel Scobie, MBA

Boxing Referee & Judge, Canada

“Jack generously draws upon decades of top-level experience to teach students how officials should operate to achieve the fairest, and safest, result possible for the fighters, the sport, and the fans.”

The judge and referee seminar led by Jack Reiss is an invaluable education on the finer points of boxing officiating. It’s critical for officials, commentators, and members of the media to have a working knowledge of the rules behind the sport so that we can all understand how rounds are meant to be scored and why certain calls are made. Jack generously draw upon their decades of top-level experience to teach students how officials should operate to achieve the fairest, and safest, result possible for the fighters, the sport, and the fans. I couldn’t recommend this seminar more.

Caryn A. Tate

Writer & Sports Commentator

“Thank you for providing the Course to our current and prospective officials.

The content of the course was ideal for what we needed to continue the high quality of refereeing and judging for professional boxing in BC.”

What was equally if not more important, was the manner in which you delivered the material. Our officials gained so much more than just learning the processes and procedures but found themselves truly understanding the dynamics of how to be a great official.
If this feedback is any indication of what the future looks like, the competitors are in good hands.

Kelly Gilday

BC Athletic Commissioner

“This course, the Sole Arbiter, presented by Jack Reiss stands out as one of the best I have ever attended. ”

I attended the judges only portion of the course. I have taken many seminars and courses on boxing, kickboxing and MMA over the years. I have been a huge supporter of enhanced education opportunities and always learn something from all courses. This course, the Sole Arbiter, presented by Jack Reiss stands out as one of the best I have ever attended. Not only did they make great use of graphical representation, but also presented a great live mental image of keeping your score and knowing clearly where you are at all times. This is really the essence of consistent judging. The criteria were clearly defined, and I was particularly impressed that they spent a considerable amount of time discussing the scoring of knockdowns, how to account for them, how to consider other factors.

Not only would I recommend this course to newer judges as it covers the basics very well, but it is a great tool for the seasoned judges as topics were discussed at a very advanced level with many real time examples from the leading officials in the sport.

Ed Garner

Licensed professional boxing & kickboxing judge, Nanaimo, Canada

“I attended the October 2019 Jack Reiss Sole Arbiter course and it was simply phenomenal! ”

Super in-depth course covering almost every aspect of referee mechanics and judging criteria. Excellent AV training slides that were highly enlightening and entertaining at the same time. The ring test the last day was challenging and you get world class advice on what to do better. They also take the time to actually send you your test results back with both of their feedback. I’d recommend this class to anyone wishing to be a new or better official.

Joseph “Joey” Passarella

Referee, Oregon

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