Wisconsin Aspiring Wrestling Officials Program

Purpose: In an effort to address the declining number of wrestling officials in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association (WWCA), in cooperation/collaboration with WIAA, proposed the implementation of the Aspiring Wrestling Officials Program. The goal of this program will be to provide ongoing initiatives for the growth and promotion of officiating for the sport of wrestling in Wisconsin.

Objectives:
1. To increase the number of qualified high school and middle school wrestling officials in the state of Wisconsin.
2. To continually retain an adequate number of qualified high school and middle school wrestling officials in the state of Wisconsin.
3. To maintain the high level of high school and middle school officiating currently being experienced by wrestling programs in the state of Wisconsin.
4. To assist in the development and education of the novice wrestling official.

Program Initiatives:
1. Officials’ Clinic as Part of the Annual WWCA Coaches Clinic Click here for clinic details
This breakout session will be conducted as an open forum that will provide an opportunity for officials to identify and discuss issues related to officiating wrestling in Wisconsin. Participants will brainstorm solutions to these issues and provide documentation to be shared with the WWCA Executive Board and the WIAA.
Stipulations:
a. Coaches, as well as officials, are encouraged to attend this breakout session.
b. Coaches and officials are asked to encourage aspiring wrestling officials to attend this breakout session.
c. There shall be no cost incurred for attendance by an aspiring wrestling official at this breakout session.
Other Considerations:
a. Encourage local Officials Associations to sponsor an “approved” clinic for the novice official.

2. Official’s Mentoring Program
The first few years for any new official can be the most difficult ones and tend to have the highest probability of individuals discontinuing as an official. This program shall provide an opportunity for an experienced official to be teamed up with an aspiring official in an effort to support and retain young officials in the sport of wrestling.
Stipulations:
a. Mentoring shall be on a volunteer basis only with a minimum commitment of two years.
b. Mentors shall not receive compensation for their work with an aspiring official.
c. Wrestling officials must hold a minimum of a Level 3 license before being considered as a mentor to an aspiring official.
d. Volunteers will agree to assist an aspiring young official for a minimum of three contests during the aspiring official’s initial season.
e. The mentor will agree to continue as an advisor to an aspiring official for an additional one year beyond the aspiring official’s initial season.
Other Considerations:
a. Encourage all veteran officials to invite an aspiring official to join them as a “silent partner” in a junior varsity and/or varsity contest. The aspiring official would come in uniform and act as an assistant official, but have no voice in the match.

3. Rules Interpretation Meeting & Officials Clinic Conducted at Designated University/College Sites
This part of the program will be introduced after more discussion with the WIAA.