Head Official, Maryland & Potomac Valley AAU
Spring 1992
Freestyle Officiating is Fun
Bruce Gabrielson
Head Official, Maryland & Potomac Valley AAU
Spring 1992
Introduction
So you really want to learn Freestyle wrestling but don't know much about it. Why not learn how to officiate? Officiating will help you learn the fine techniques of Freestyle very quickly, helping both your coaching abilities and/or your success in competitions. The money isn't great, but at least you get most of your expenses paid, and you really get to be where the action is.
This article is intended as an introduction to Freestyle officiating. It is intended for not only adults who have kids that compete, but also for high school age wrestlers who want to get a little more out of the sport plus help defray their competition costs.
What is Freestyle?
Freestyle is the international style of wrestling practiced in most countries of the world. Freestyle concentrates on attacking the entire body of the opponent. Wrestlers start on their feet, and points are accumulated by taking the opponent to the mat and exposing his back. Matches are one five minute period in the open and high school divisions, and two periods with a short break in between for younger age groups.
Since the emphasis is on attack and exposure, just controlling the opponent from on top with no continuous back exposure is considered a stalemate, and both wrestlers are brought to their feet after a short time in order for the bout to continue. Also, since back exposure is emphasized, a wrestler can easily score points or pin himself by exposing his own back unless he is very careful how he performs his movements. However, there is no penalty for failed moves if attempted correctly. If a wrestler attempts a takedown and slips such that he ends up being taken down by his opponent, his opponent does not score points.
Folkstyle Officiating Differences
If you've been to a traditional Folkstyle tournament, you have seen the way one official might control a match. The official is solely responsible for making judgements based on his or her opinion of what is taking place in the match. Mistakes are sometimes made, and there is usually no recourse for the contestant This occasionally leads to serious arguments and often results in bad feelings between officials and competitors.
Another difference with Folkstyle is the large draw at tournaments and the length of matches causes the events to last a long time and sometimes the event itself becomes very disorganized. In addition, neither Folkstyle officials or their kids can enter a tournament where they officiate.
Who wants to go through the hassle of the conditions at a such an event sheerly for the fun of wrestling? Certainly not a parent who has kids entered, or a high school or college wrestler who wants to enter or who might have friends in the competition. Officials at Freestyle tournaments are there for fun. They nearly always are entered or have their kids enter the event.
How is Freestyle Officiating Different?
Freestyle matches and tournaments differ greatly from Folkstyle events, particularly in officiating. In Freestyle, three officials are involved in a match, the Referee, the Mat Judge, and the Head Official. Scoring is always based on a majority decision of two of the three officials. This practice not only greatly reduces the potential for a bad call, but also provides direct visible support by the officiating team should a decision be challenged.
It is also difficult for only one official to control a match. No one official has a complete say in what transpired. The referee on the mat can make judgements as he or she sees them, but scoring only takes place upon confirmation by another official. The Head Official is basically an arbitrator who can only side with one official or the other should the Referee or Mat Judge indicate differing judgement calls.
Freestyle matches are much shorter than Folkstyle, and tournaments have significantly smaller draws. In addition, Freestyle uses an international pairing system which eliminates seating, and makes setting up weight classes and individual bouts go very quickly. This allows more flexibility in running the tournament, plus enables the events to last only a few hours.
Probably the biggest difference between Folkstyle and Freestyle is the attitude of the wrestlers and coaches. Freestyle wrestlers and coaches are definitely not seasonal individuals who don't follow wrestling closely. Since the participants know what they are doing, the emphasis at local events is very much oriented towards having a good competition rather than just winning. This takes a major burden off the officials who do, occasionally, make mistakes.
Is Freestyle Officiating Hard to Learn?
Competition rules for Freestyle are relatively easy to learn, and don't change much from year to year. A rules clinic is held for both competitors and officials just before every tournament, so there is always the chance to brush up or hear about something new right before the competitions start. Most officials pick up on the scoring fundamentals in one or two tournaments.
The common concern most new officials have is that they wouldn't know what to do on the mat. Remember, there are three officials. When a new official is learning, the most experienced officials are out on the mat. After a learning period as Mat Judge or scorer (technically the Head Officials position), the new official is allowed to referee on the mat. If he or she makes mistakes, the other two officials will insure the scoring is correct, thus heading off any problems from the competitors or coaches.
How Much Money Can an Official Make?
Freestyle officiating is not for those who want to make money. An average size tournament pays between $15 and $25, just enough to defray transportation costs. In some areas, competitors who also officiate are given a free entry, usually around $10. Food is normally provided for officials, plus housing is provided for those who officiate at most major events.
How Can A New Person Sign-up?
All AAU and USAW Associations in the US have someone who serves as wrestling chairman. This person can usually provide information about becoming a wrestling official. In order to officiate in AAU events, an AAU officials card must be obtained from the national wrestling official's registration chairman, currently at a cost of $12. USAW wrestling has a similar requirement, except that the card is $20.
Some associations also require attendance at an officials clinic, usually put on by the head official in the local area. These one or two evening sessions are similar to the clinics held at tournaments, but provide more detail and actual hands-on training. Some clinics also require a formal test.
In Maryland, new AAU officials are required to attend a two hour officials clinic held early in the Freestyle season at a local club practice. New USAW officials also often attend. Both Freestyle and Greco-Roman are covered, with an emphasis on match control rather than just rules. Practical demonstrations and typical calls are discussed in a relaxed informal environment. Official's application for both AAU and USAW are also provided to those who attend. Many parents, former wrestlers, and active competitors attend the event, not just those who want to officiate. Often people attend just to find out a little more about what's going on.
USAW Officials in Maryland can also sign up at MSWA sanctioned events. If you're interested in officiating, or just want a little more information about local events, stop by. There is no cost or obligation, and you just might have some fun.
Link to Southern Maryland Wrestling Club