They’re there to enjoy it, so why make it worse?
Welcome to Episode 106 of the podcast, where we’re thrilled to have Simon Mullan join us for an insightful conversation. Simon, an experienced referee and coach, shares his journey from starting boxing at just 11 years old to his impactful roles in the British Army and officiating. With his extensive experience, Simon touches on the importance of perseverance in boxing, the challenges referees face, and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way. He emphasizes compassion in the sport, ensuring both coaches and boxers maintain enjoyment and dignity in their pursuits. Get ready to dive into the world of amateur boxing with a seasoned expert who combines his military discipline with a genuine passion for the sport. Enjoy the episode!
Perseverance and Resilience in Boxing
Simon Mullan’s story in boxing began at 11 and is marked by perseverance. He shared how he lost his first four bouts but decided to stick with boxing, eventually winning titles at school and youth levels. This trajectory underscores an essential lesson for boxers: resilience is vital. Overcoming initial setbacks is part of the journey, and staying committed can lead to success.
The Importance of Enjoyment in Training
One of the most compelling themes from Simon’s discussion is the significance of enjoyment in boxing. As a coach and physical training instructor, Simon highlights that enjoyment should be a core part of the training process. He emphasizes making workouts enjoyable and manageable to help trainees want to do more. For coaches, this means finding ways to inject fun into training, ensuring boxers remain motivated and engaged.
Leadership and Leading by Example
Through his experience in the British Army as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI), Simon learned the importance of leading by example. He believes that if a coach or trainer sets the standard, boxers are more likely to follow suit. This lesson is crucial for anyone involved in coaching – it’s not just about instructing; it’s about demonstrating and embodying the values and discipline expected from athletes.
Compassion in Coaching and Officiating
Compassion is at the heart of Simon’s philosophy, as encapsulated in one of his memorable quotes from the episode: “They’re there to enjoy it, so why make it worse?” This mindset extends to his role as a referee. Simon advocates for a compassionate approach, understanding that boxers are there to enjoy and excel in their sport. For him, a referee’s role is to ensure safety and fairness, not to unnecessarily complicate or worsen an athlete’s experience.
On managing the decision as a referee:
“I always try to focus on more of the boxer that didn’t get the decision because the boxer that’s gets the decision, their adrenaline’s pumping. So I kind of think, right, let them have their moment and I’ll speak to the boxer who lost.”
Keeping It Simple: The Coaching and Refereeing Mindset
Simon shared a crucial lesson in simplicity, both in coaching and refereeing. His approach is to keep things straightforward: focus on whether boxers are following the rules and reward them when they deserve it. For coaches and referees, this means clarity in communication and decision-making, ensuring that athletes understand what is expected of them and how they can succeed.
Understanding and Nurturing Boxer Mindsets
Simon has worked closely with promising boxers like Lewis Richardson, emphasizing the importance of understanding each boxer’s mindset. He notes that recognizing when to push an athlete and when to pull back is vital for their development. For coaches, this highlights the necessity of building strong relationships with athletes, allowing them to tailor training to each individual’s needs and capabilities.
On Lewis dropping to 71kg:
“I said please, please, if you feel weak, if you feel ill or you can’t take a shot, stop. And he knows that I 100% care for him. He could be in the world final boxing for world title, unified any belts. If I thought he was getting hurt, I would stop it. I would pull him out and and he’s got that in his mind. He knows that that I would look after him.”
Reflection and Continuous Learning
Finally, Simon advocates for continuous learning and reflection, a practice that applies to both coaches and referees. He encourages using experiences and feedback to grow and improve, whether it’s a boxing match or a training session. This humility and eagerness to learn ensure that individuals remain adaptable and ready to enhance their skills and methods.
On embracing feedback for growth:
“If you were listening and you were trying to improve on it, you know you’re going to be really good. But if you think right, I know this, they’re wrong. Are you ever going to get better?“
Simon Mullan’s experience in the boxing world underscores the importance of compassion, resilience, and simplicity in coaching and refereeing. His insights remind us that boxing, at its core, is about enjoyment and personal growth. Whether you’re a boxer aiming for the top or a coach guiding the next generation of talent, these lessons provide a valuable framework for success in the sport.