Becoming a Wrestling Referee

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

Wrestling Refereeing for Begineers by Jim Woolnough

Collegiate

Each year around September/October the NCAA will make available an on-line NCAA Rules Update Video. Officials desiring to be NCAA certified must watch this video. 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. Check back around September 2008 for more information and the location on the Internet to watch this video.

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

Check the NCAA's Wrestling Page for Clinic Announcements

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.

Click here to download the 2008 USWOA application