Becoming a Wrestling Referee

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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

Officials desiring to be NCAA certified must watch this on-line video and pass an exam by scoring 80% or higher prior to October 19, 2009. 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. Starting in 2009, all officials must attend an on-site clinic once every five years to get certified. The off years can be completed via the on-line video. Officials should contact a local association to work out assignments and scheduling and association specific training and certification requirements.

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

2010-11 NCAA Officials Clinic Memo

2010 NCAA Rules Video and Exam (all officials wanting to work NCAA level matches must watch, score an 80% on the exam and sign in after the end of the video to be placed on the NCAA Certified Officials list)

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.

NEW OFFICIALS: Click this link and follow the steps for the on-line application.

RENEWALS: Click here for instructions to be a 2010 USA Wrestling official. Note: Starting in 2009, all officials are required to undergo a background check (cost $17).