Becoming a Wrestling Referee

Donations are greatly appreciated. (PayPal and Major Credit Cards are accepted)

High School and Below

Each State has an athletic or activities association that sets the guidelines for interscholastic competition. These associations also have the procedures for becoming an official. Typically to become a wrestling official you'll need to join the State Association, possibly join a local association, be a high school graduate, pass an annual exam, attend a annual rules update meeting and attend any training sessions that the state or local association requires.

Click here to find your State's Association

State and Local Wrestling Officials Associations (Updated May 7, 2012)

Wrestling Refereeing for Begineers by Jim Woolnough

Collegiate

Officials desiring to be NCAA certified must watch an on-line video or participate at an in person clinic and pass an exam by scoring 84% or higher. The exam and on-line clinic must usually be complete by Mid October every year. At the conclusion of each on-line video you can put in your personal information to get credit for this requirement and be put on the NCAA certified officials list. Coaches must hire officials off this list or face sanctions by the NCAA. Officials should contact a local association to work out assignments and scheduling and association specific training and certification requirements.

Details about the 2012 clinics can be found here: http://www.nwoaofficials.org/PDF/2012_wrestling_rules_clinic.pdf

To watch the video and take the exam, follow this link:

http://nwcaonline.com/nwcaonline/officials.aspx

Another angle is to join the National Colligate Wrestling Officials Association (NCWA). This group focuses on the many college wrestling clubs throughout the country.

Click here to join the NCWA

College Wrestling Officials Associations

International

USA Wrestling is the national governing body for International wrestling within the United States. Being licensed with the United States Wrestling Officials Association (USWOA) allows you to officiate Free-Style (Men & Womens) and Greco-Roman wrestling. Dues are paid annually and you'll receive a stamp for your license book and the current rules. You can become a pairings official through the USWOA.

2013 USA Wrestling Application

2013 FILA Application

RENEWALS: Click here for instructions to be a 2013 USA Wrestling official. Note: All officials are required to undergo a background check every two years.