Become a Referee

Take your participation to the next level! Whether you're an athlete, coach, or supporter, becoming an accredited referee is the best way to deepen your technical knowledge and give back to the community. You will gain the official credentials to manage bouts safely and fairly, ensuring high standards for every match.

Follow this step-by-step process to obtain your Introduction to Refereeing (Level C) Accreditation.

Step 1: Prerequisites & Essentials

Before starting the technical coursework, there's some paperwork and checks you must complete. These ensure the safety and integrity of the sport.

• Working with Children Check (WWCC): You must hold a valid check relevant to your state or territory.

• Wrestling Australia or State Membership: You must be a current member (State or National Level).

• Code of Conduct: You must read, sign, and adhere to the Wrestling Australia Officials Code of Conduct.

Tip: Save all your paperwork, you'll need to email them later.

Step 2: UWW Academy Online Courses

Before attending the in-person course, you must complete the foundational online learning provided by United World Wrestling (UWW).

• Action: Create a free account on the UWW Academy.

• Required Courses:

  • Ready to Wrestle: An introduction to the sport.

  • Introduction to Refereeing / UWW Online Rules Test: Covers the basic mechanics, zones, and rules.

• Outcome: Save your certificates of completion.

Step 3: Submit Your Documentation

Once you have gathered your prerequisites and completed the external courses, you must submit them to Wrestling Australia so they can be added to your official file.

Please email copies of the following to admin@wrestling.com.au:

• Working with Children Check (WWCC)

• Signed Code of Conduct

• Certificates of completion for UWW Academy courses

Step 4: The In-Person Course (Theory & Practical)

Once you have completed the online learning, you are ready to attend the Introduction to Refereeing (Level C) course.

• Format: Typically a 1-2 day course held in conjunction with a state or national tournament.

• Content:

  • Role of the Judge and Referee Team duties.

  • Safety of athletes and risk assessment.

  • Point scoring, actions, and mat zones.

  • Mechanics: Using paddles, bout sheets, and positioning.

• Booking: Upcoming courses will be listed on the Events page.

Step 5: Practical Assessment

To achieve accreditation, you must demonstrate your ability to officiate live matches under supervision.

• What happens: You will shadow experienced referees and officiate matches (often as a Judge or Referee) during a competition.

• Assessment: An accredited educator (e.g., UWW Educator) will evaluate your performance, decision-making, and positioning.

Step 6: Final Accreditation

Once you have successfully completed the online requirements, attended the in-person course, and passed the practical assessment:

• You will be issued your Wrestling Australia Referee Accreditation.

• Validity: The accreditation is generally valid for 3 years and requires maintenance (officiating at events) to remain active.

Accreditation Fees

There is no cost for the Refereeing (Level C) Accreditation. These courses are provided as a complimentary benefit to all registered members.

Quick Summary Checklist

• [ ] Get WWCC 

• [ ] Sign Code of Conduct

• [ ] Complete UWW "Ready to Wrestle" & "Intro to Refereeing"

• [ ] Email all documents to admin@wrestling.com.au

• [ ] Attend In-Person Referee Course

• [ ] Pass Practical Assessment

• [ ] GOAL: Accredited Referee!

Questions 

Have any questions about the accreditation process, uniform requirements, or upcoming course dates? Please contact us at admin@wrestling.com.au