Responsibilities of a Corner Man
Corner men need to be competent and professional at all times, the corner men’s role and responsibilities are very important to their fighters well being and safety.
Corner men are not to distract or abuse the opposition, referees - officials, fight staff or the general public. If this occurs a referee may deduct points from the offending corners fighter and may have the offending corner men removed from the arena.
During the one minute break in between rounds a corner man is allowed to enter the Cage/Ring to attend to their fighter.
Corner men are to make sure their fighter is to face the centre of the cage/ring and if given water they are encouraged to spit the remains of the water into a bucket. Due to health regulations and the image of the sport the fighter is not to spit on the canvas.
A corner mans basic duties include:
- A corner man has three stages that he needs to consider when looking after his fighter Pre-Fight or the Prep Stage. The Fight. Post Fight.
- Strapping the fighter’s hands for the referee to inspect and sign before the fight.
- Fit the fighter’s gloves for the referee to tape and sign off, so the fighter is ready to warm up and enter the arena when called.
- Warming up and stretch their fighter.
- Smear Vaseline on the fighters face, Brow, Nose and Cheeks only. NOT on the neck or ears.
- No liniments, Oils or Vaseline are allowed on any part of the fighter’s body.
- Assure their fighter is wearing a groin guard
- Walk to the entrance of the cage/ring and remove the fighter’s excess clothing.
- Insert the fighter’s mouth guard.
- Move to the corner assigned.
- In between rounds, attend to the fighter’s cuts and lacerations, supply fluids, wipe down, and give fighters instructions.
- Protect the fighter by throwing in the towel, stopping the fight if they feel their fighter is not defending themselves adequately.
- Ensure their fighters finger and toe nails are short prior to their fight.
The corner mans minimum equipment requirements for the cage/ring:
Pre Fight
- Petroleum Jelly – for the face or head for cuts
- Strapping tape
- Gauze tape
- Thai Pads/Focus Mitts/Warm up Gloves
- Skipping Rope
Fight
- Petroleum Jelly – for the face or head for cuts
- A towel - preferably white
- A bucket
- A spray bottle filled with water
- A sponge
- Ice (Ice pack)
- Ampoules of Adrenaline/Stop Bleed
- Fluids for the fighter (water bottle)
- Medical wipes
- Cotton Buds and Cotton Wool
- Timer or Stopwatch, so the corner men know approximately how long for the round to go
- Fighters Mouth guard
Post Fight
- Pain medication (Panadol, Ibuprofen)
- Liniment/Ice Spray
- Scissors
A handy carry case for the equipment is a fishing tackle box.
Thank you for observing the responsibilities of a MMA corner man set by the MMAOA.