What is a BCR1?
The BCR1 is England Boxing's medical record for amateur boxers. A doctor on England Boxing's register checks you're fit to box and records the result, either fit to box or not fit to box, on your England Boxing profile.
- Every amateur boxer who wants to spar or compete needs one.
- It must be renewed every 12 months to stay fit to box.
- It covers England Boxing only. Boxers in Scotland and Wales, professional boxers and MMA fighters have different medical rules.
Before you book
A doctor can only add your BCR1 to your profile once these are done:
- Join an England Boxing club. To spar or compete you need a full club with a Level 2 qualified head coach.
- Get your membership on The Locker, England Boxing's member system. It's £15 a year for an amateur boxer. Go to The Locker
- Verify your age by uploading your ID on The Locker.
- Submit the pregnancy indemnity form on The Locker, if it applies to you.
What happens at the medical
The doctor goes through:
- Your history: boxing and other combat sports (kickboxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu and so on), knockouts, concussions, head injuries, fractures and operations.
- Measurements: height, weight and blood pressure.
- A urine dipstick test.
- An examination: heart, nervous system, muscles and joints, teeth and eyes.
Bring: photo ID, your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, a list of any medication and past injuries, and a urine sample if the clinic asks for one.
After the medical
- The doctor marks you fit to box or not fit to box and signs off your digital BCR1.
- It goes to your regional medical registrar, who registers it. This often takes several working days.
- Once approved, you're cleared to spar and compete for the next 12 months.
If something comes up
The most common finding is a heart murmur. The doctor will refer you back to your own GP for an ECG, an echocardiogram (heart scan) and a cardiologist's opinion. Your BCR1 stays unsigned until those results come back, which can take weeks or months.
England Boxing's guidance says these stop you being passed fit to box:
- Epilepsy, even if controlled with medication
- A previous stroke or bleed on the brain
- A detached retina
- A hernia that hasn't been successfully treated
- A fracture in the last 12 weeks, or wearing a cast
If you're unsure whether something affects you, mention it when you book and we'll check with the doctor first.
Cost and where to go
| Option | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Private clinic with an England Boxing-registered doctor | £40–£95 | Book quickly, often evenings and weekends. |
| Your own GP | Often £150–£200 | Only if they're willing. It counts as private work, so GPs set their own fee and can take weeks. |
| A doctor at your club | Varies | Some clubs arrange doctors for group medicals. We can arrange this for your club. |
Common questions
Can my own GP do my BCR1?
Yes, if they're willing. It's private work rather than NHS work, so they can charge their own fee or decline.
Do I need a new medical every year?
Yes. Your BCR1 needs renewing every 12 months to stay fit to box. A renewal (re-medical) is often quicker, and some clinics charge less for it.
Can I have my medical on the day of a show?
No. England Boxing doesn't allow the medical on competition day, and sign-off takes several working days, so book well ahead.
Do I need blood tests or a brain scan?
Not for a standard amateur BCR1. Blood tests, brain scans and eye specialist checks are for professional boxing and some MMA licences.
I've done other combat sports. Does that matter?
Yes, tell the doctor. England Boxing asks about previous experience in kickboxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu and similar sports.
What if I'm not passed fit to box?
The doctor will explain why and what to do next. Often that means further tests through your GP, then a re-check once you're cleared.
Based on England Boxing's BCR1 medical guidelines, doctors page and 2026–27 membership update. This guide is general information, not medical advice. England Boxing's rules can change, so check their site if in doubt.