Message from the Mat Officials Director (Jerry Glynn) January 2025 – Join me on the Mat!
Greetings my friends, first let me thank you for reading this and being interested in contributing to Alaska wrestling. All the information you need is on-line.
If you think you might want to be a Mat official: Here is information you need. Coaches and athletes feel free to review any and all Mat official instructional material.
• *An Official Must be at least 13 years old*and have 2 years wrestling Freestyle/Greco experience
• Follow the instructions for Membership renewal - Link
• 18 yrs & older must do background check (might take 3 or more days)
• Everyone must do SAFESPORT presentation video & get Certified. THEN you can pay & become a registered Wrestling Leader aka Mat Official. There are 3 refreshers available currently before you must complete the whole course again.
• Go to USWOA.com (the USA Wrestling Officials Webpage) Link look under the menu for Officials Education
1. Art of Refereeing 2024 9th edition (open it on-line - printing is not recommended) Art of Refereeing: 2024_-_9th_Ed_-_THE_ART_OF_REFEREEING_FREESTYLE___GRECO-ROMAN_WRESTLING.pdf (sportngin.com)
2. Download rule book – it also has links to videos - LINK the most current rule book in on-line
(in other words, if you Print a rule book it could be outdated the minute you pull it off the printer)
Other Educational materials available (check out the Last Updated date)
·Video of the Day – is available from March – late July on-line, and other social media options
·Quiz Question of the Day - is available from March – late July on-line, and other social media options
·Training Webinars - Several archived YouTube training webinars on officiating and training on TrackWrestling and FLO Arena tournament management software
·OEP (Officials Education Program) - A series of videos on the different aspects of Greco-Freestyle Officiating. OEO's are sometimes offered as in-person seminars before State, Regional National and National Competitions. These are usually out-of-state opportunities for in-person classes recently they moved on-line.
·Teaching Articles - Several archived articles written by officials on aspects of officiating wrestling.
• Concussion Training: Many states are now requiring officials to go through Concussion Protocol Training. If you have not completed a concussion course we highly suggest you complete the free HEADS UP online training. Especially if you travel to officiate Regional and National competitions. The Heads Up Training can now be taken by logging into the USAW membership system and use the "Manage" pull-down menu at the top and click on "Heads Up Concussion". This certification will then print on your membership card.
Again Download “The Art of Refereeing Freestyle & Greco Wrestling” AND STUDY IT!!
• There will be IN PERSON and ZOOM rules clinics before the season and a short review ONE HOUR before wrestling starts at the tournament (be there)
• AUSAW furnishes the shirt, whistle and arm bands
• Contact me so I know you are interested in officiating and when I have your email address, I can contact you with information/etc…
I know the information provided above, when studied, will make you a better official and also a better wrestler.
It is never one and done – I read the Art of the Referee and the Complete Rule book every year, many times.
Let’s get ready to WRESTLE!!
Jerry Glynn, Mat Officials Director
C - 907-317-6420
[email protected]