How to Become a Wrestling Referee?

Let’s start with that: Becoming a wrestling referee is no easy. Before you can be a referee, you need to meet a few, not easy, requirements. We will make things easy for you as we explain how to become a wrestling referee in this post. Let’s start.

Table of Contents

become a wrestling referee

How to Become a Pro Wrestling Referee?

The easiest way to become a professional wrestling referee is to be a former pro wrestler, as it makes things easier if you are familiar with the pro wrestling industry. You will also need to be physically fit and knowledgeable about the rules of wrestling, and also to know how to keep order without being too aggressive and stopping the match when it’s still in progress.

However, there is more than just knowing how to officiate a wrestling match. As with many professional positions, there’s the matter of contacts and networking. If you don’t know anyone within the company or organization, it will be very hard for you to get a foot in the door.

Unlike a boxing referee, a wrestling referee is not required to keep order all throughout the matches. In fact, it’s important for them to remain discreet and let the wrestlers.

How to Become a WWE Wrestling Referee?

The best way to become a wrestling referee in WWE is to become an experienced and skilled wrestler. Once you’ve accomplished this step, you can send your resume to the Human Resources department at WWE Headquarters in Stamford, CT.

While there are no specific qualifications required to become a wrestling referee, you need to have experience in wrestling and outstanding knowledge of WWE rules.

On top of it all, there is only one WWE referee who is female. It’s an unfortunate fact that women referees are not as common as they should be, especially if we consider the fact that WWE has an ever-growing fan base composed of both men and women.

How to Become a High School Wrestling Referee?

If you are interested in becoming a referee in high school wrestling, you should know that the qualifications required for this job are much stricter than those needed at the college or professional level.

High schools often require prospective referees to be graduates of official referee training courses. These courses deal with everything from basic knowledge about sportsmanship and fairness to advanced skills such as instant replay use.

As far as instant replay goes, it’s not just an advanced way to call the game. It’s also a very contentious issue in some schools due to its cost. Nevertheless, this technology has had positive results in wrestling matches all over the world, so it would be wise of you to implement it whenever possible.

How to Become a Youth Wrestling Referee?

If you want to become a youth wrestling referee for amateur wrestling, you will first need patience and calm. Even though young kids can’t hit each other as hard as their older counterparts, they can still hurt each other.

As a referee in youth wrestling, your job will be to teach the kids the basics of the sport without letting them get discouraged. You will also need to know how to teach team spirit and sportsmanship, along with what you learn in referee training.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in NJ?

If you want to become a wrestling referee in New Jersey, there are several ways of doing so. The easiest is to enroll at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ.

The school offers a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with several courses such as Introduction to Sport and Athletics, Fitness and Conditioning, and First Aid/CPR. The course catalog also includes several referee courses like Officiating Techniques in Sport and Introduction to Officiating.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in California?

Similar to New Jersey, California has its own requirements for prospective wrestling referees. The state requires high school graduation or GED certificates alongside professional training courses.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in Missouri?

In case you are wondering how to become a wrestling referee in Missouri, you will need to enroll at the University of Central Missouri. The school offers a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with several courses such as Introduction to Sport and Athletics, Fitness and Conditioning, First Aid/CPR, Officiating Techniques in Sport, and Coaching.

The course catalog also includes several referee courses like Introduction to Officiating, Intermediate Officiating Skills and Rules, and Advanced Officiating Skills and Rules.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in NY?

If you want to become a wrestling referee in New York, there are three different options available. The first is the Youth Advanced Officiating Clinic, a one-day course that you can complete over the weekend.

The second option is Varsity Advanced Officiating Clinic, held at Binghamton University. Finally, there’s Youth Advanced Officiating Clinic at Binghamton University which is also designed for high school students who want to learn how to become a wrestling referee.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in Florida?

In Florida, you can become a wrestling referee at Palm Beach Community College, a local school offering both day and night courses. The course catalog includes such referee courses as Officiating Techniques in Sport, Introduction to Tournament Officiating, and Officiating Skills and Rules.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in Texas?

The state of Texas offers several ways to become a wrestling referee. The first option is to enroll at the University of Texas in Arlington, where you can take courses like Officiating Techniques in Sport, Officiating Skills and Rules, and Advanced Officiating Skills and Rules. This option is available to high school students who want to learn how to become a wrestling referee.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in Ohio?

The state of Ohio also offers several ways to learn how to become a wrestling referee. The first option is the Officiating Camp at the University of Akron, a five-day camp that also includes plenty of referee courses.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in Tennessee?

Within the state of Tennessee, you can become a wrestling referee at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin. The school offers several referee courses like Officiating Techniques in Sport and Officiating Skills and Rules. The course catalog also features courses like Introduction to Officiating, Basic Wrestling Techniques, and Coaching Wrestling.

How to Become a Wrestling Referee in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, you can enroll at Lock Haven University and complete several courses to become a wrestling referee. The course catalog includes such referee courses as Officiating Techniques in Sport, Advanced Officiating Skills and Rules, Introduction to Tournament Officiating, and Officiating in Wrestling.

How to Become a Wrestling Ref in Iowa?

Similar to Texas, Iowa also offers several ways to become a wrestling referee. The first option is the IMG Officiating Camp at the University of Northern Iowa. This one-week camp includes several referee courses like Officiating Skills and Rules, Advanced Officiating Skills and Rules, Introduction to Officiating, and Officiating in Wrestling.

How to Become a Wrestling Ref in Idaho?

If you want to become a wrestling referee in Idaho, you can enroll at the University of Idaho and complete several courses that will teach you how to become a wrestling referee. The course catalog includes such courses as Officiating techniques in sport, Basic officiating principles and skills, Basic Wrestling Techniques, and Coaching Wrestling.

What Equipment Does a Wrestling Referee Need?

Pro referees are expected to bring a variety of referee equipment with them when they’re officiating. As such, prior to the event, the referee needs to make sure he or she has everything needed, including:

* Stopwatch;

* Two-way radio;

* Scissors;

* A clipboard and pen.

In addition to these essential items, there is other equipment that a referee may also need during the match.

These include:

* Podium and stand;

* Microphone and headset;

* Scoreboard and screen;

* Billard ball.

No fighting or wrestling equipment is needed.