The referee may penalize any contestant who fouls his or her opponent during a contest, by charging such contestant with the loss of points, whether such foul or fouls be intentional or unintentional. However, the referee shall use his or her own discretion in determining the number of points, if any, chargeable against the contestant in each instance, depending upon the severity or harmlessness of the foul and its effect upon the opponent. The referee shall, at the time of the infraction, inform each judge and the supervising commission representative of the nature of the foul, the identity of the offending boxer and the number of points deducted. At the conclusion of the round, the referee shall verify with the judges the identity of the boxer causing the foul and the number of points deducted in accordance with the referee's determination.

When necessary to deduct points because of fouls or other infractions of the rules, the referee shall warn the offender and at the end of the round notify both contestants of any penalties which may be assessed against either boxer.

Points deducted for any foul or infraction of the rules shall be deducted in the round in which they occur. No boxer shall be penalized in a later round by virtue of a previous foul or infraction of the rules.