Objective:

The goal of this initiative is to recruit and train new wrestling officials for the 2025-2026 wrestling season, strengthening our officiating pool and ensuring the continued success of youth and scholastic wrestling in our region.

The Issue:

Our wrestling community is facing a growing shortage of qualified officials. The need for more officials is urgent, as our region continues to expand and more tournaments and meets are scheduled. Many new officials enter the sport without sufficient training, which leads to mistakes during matches, more so officials number one job is safety and that importance placed on an official without proper training is dangerous. Without the experience and education needed, these mistakes can result in frustration from athletes, coaches, fans, and the officials themselves, which can escalate into harassment. This can not be completely removed from the experience of officiating in any environment but with proper training it can be mitigated and training can be taught how to handle such situations. Unfortunately, without the training on how to handle such situations, many new officials become discouraged, experience burnout, and ultimately do not return to officiating the following season.

Moreover, experienced officials who have had time off since the previous season often struggle to get back into the swing of things without a refresher course. This lack of preparation not only affects their performance but also the overall quality of the events they officiate.

This program is designed to address these issues by providing proper training and practical experience to new and returning officials before the season begins, ensuring they are confident, professional, and equipped to handle the challenges of officiating.

Program Overview:

We propose the development of a month-long training program designed to introduce and develop new wrestling officials. This program will serve as a clear recruitment and training opportunity, providing aspiring officials with the knowledge, skills, and experience required to officiate in wrestling matches at all levels.

The training will occur once a week over the course of four weeks, providing both theoretical and practical experience. Sessions will be designed to build knowledge of wrestling rules, improve officiating skills, and foster professionalism and confidence among new officials.

Training Breakdown:

  • Module 1: Introduction and Wrestling Handbook Review

    • Review USA Wrestling and state-specific wrestling rules and regulations.

    • Introduction to the duties and expectations of a wrestling official.

  • Module 2: Common Wrestling Positions and Mechanics

    • In-depth review of common wrestling positions (e.g., neutral, top, bottom).

    • Training on key officiating signals and mechanics.

  • Module 3: Professionalism, Visual Appearance, and Communication

    • Emphasis on professionalism on and off the mat.

    • Proper attire, punctuality, and communication with coaches, athletes, and other officials.

  • Module 4: Low-Pressure Live Tournament Work

    • Officials will gain practical experience by working in live tournament settings under supervision.

    • Focus on providing real-time feedback and building confidence in officiating.

    • Matches Not Medals Tournaments create a low pressure environment

Support and Supervision:

To ensure a quality learning experience, all new officials will be mentored and supervised by experienced officials throughout the training process. Feedback will be provided after each session, with opportunities for one-on-one mentoring to address specific questions or concerns.

Enhancing Officiating Skills Through Old Man Wrestling

A key component of this training program will be the inclusion of Old Man Wrestling sessions. These sessions offer a unique, relaxed environment that serves multiple purposes in the development of new wrestling officials.

The first major benefit of incorporating Old Man Wrestling into the training is the slower pace of practice. In this setting, there are natural breaks during training and live wrestling, which allows officials to pause and discuss situations or positions. This contrasts with high school practices, which are fast-paced and focused on individual athlete improvement, often leaving little room for officiating discussions. The relaxed atmosphere of Old Man Wrestling provides new officials with the space to digest complex situations and learn at their own pace without the pressure of a high-intensity practice.

Secondly, despite its slower pace, Old Man Wrestling still features high-level wrestling. Many of the participants are wrestlers with collegiate backgrounds or extensive coaching experience, bringing a depth of technique and strategy that is often difficult to find in youth-level wrestling. The quality of wrestling in these sessions is ideal for officials to observe. They can witness skilled positions, transitions, and holds that occur with clarity and purpose, offering an excellent learning experience that will better prepare officials for the challenges of officiating at higher levels.

Finally, the slower pace of Old Man Wrestling is particularly beneficial for new officials. In high school wrestling, positions often develop very quickly, and it can be challenging for an official to keep up with the speed of the action. Old Man Wrestling, on the other hand, offers a more controlled pace where positions develop at a speed that is easier to track and understand. This allows new officials to better identify and react to positions in real-time, building their confidence before they move into faster-paced environments.

By integrating Old Man Wrestling into the training program, we provide a supportive learning environment where officials can improve their understanding of wrestling techniques and positions, gain real-time experience, and develop the skills they need to confidently officiate at higher levels.

Expected Outcomes:


By the end of the training program, participants will:

  • Have a strong understanding of wrestling rules and regulations.

  • Be confident in officiating common wrestling positions and mechanics.

  • Demonstrate professionalism and effective communication skills.

  • Gain practical experience in low-pressure tournament environments.

Schedule

Session 1: September 4th, 11th, 18th, 21st 

  • Thursday, September 4th 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    • Module 1

  • Thursday, September 11th 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    • Module 2

    • Module 3

  • Thursday, September 18th 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    • Review

  • Sunday, September 21st 

    • Module 4

    • Matches Not Medals Tournament


Session 2: October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 19th

  • Thursday, October 2nd 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    • Module 1

  • Thursday, October 9th 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    • Module 2

    • Module 3

  • Thursday, October 16th 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    • Review

  • Sunday, October 19th

    • Module 4

    • Matches Not Medals Tournament


Session 3: November 6th, 13th, 20th 23rd

  • Thursday, November 6th 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    • Module 1

  • Thursday, November 13th 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    • Module 2

    • Module 3

  • Thursday, November 20th 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    • Review

  • Sunday, November 23rd

    • Module 4

    • Matches Not Medals Tournament