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I. Professionalism & Core Philosophy
Why do we officiate?
- Safety First: To ensure safe participation for all student-athletes. The safety of the wrestlers is the primary concern. If a situation looks dangerous, stop it immediately.
- Fairness: To facilitate the match fairly, allowing the wrestlers to determine the outcome through skill and effort. You are the guardian of the rules.
- Service: To serve the sport and give back to the wrestling community.
Knowledge Check
What is the PRIMARY concern for a wrestling official?
Answer (flip to read):
Safety of the wrestlers - if it looks dangerous, stop it immediately.
What makes a good official?
- Reaction Time (Scholastic vs. Collegiate):
Understanding that scholastic athletes (grades 6-12) react slower to weight/pressure changes than collegiate athletes. You must anticipate but not over-anticipate. Do not officiate a high school match like it's the NCAA finals; give athletes time to react, but protect them if they cannot.
- Developmental Awareness:
Recognize that bone growth and muscular development in youth wrestlers affect how you evaluate "potentially dangerous" holds. Joint flexibility and strength are not fully developed. Err on the side of caution with twisted limbs.
- "Stay in Your Lane":
There are three distinct roles: Wrestler, Coach, Referee.
Do not coach the wrestlers (e.g., "Move your arm!").
Do not wrestle the match.
Officiate it.
Scenario: Coaching from the Referee Position
You're officiating a JV match. The bottom wrestler is clearly struggling and doesn't know how to escape. You see an obvious opportunity for him to stand up. A coach yells, "Ref, tell him to stand up!"
Correct Response: Do NOT coach the wrestler. Your job is to officiate, not instruct. Simply continue officiating the match. If the coach persists in asking you to coach, remind them at the next stoppage: "Coach, I'm here to officiate, not coach."
Scenario: Potentially Dangerous on a Young Wrestler
During a middle school match, the top wrestler applies a half nelson and begins to crank it hard. The bottom wrestler's shoulder is being forced in a direction that would be fine for a college wrestler, but this 7th grader's body is still developing. You notice discomfort but the hold is technically legal.
Correct Response: Stop the action for "Potentially Dangerous." With scholastic wrestlers, especially younger ones, you must err on the side of caution. Their joints and bones are not fully developed. No penalty points - restart in the same position.
Knowledge Check
Why should you officiate high school wrestlers differently than college wrestlers?
Answer (flip to read):
Scholastic athletes (grades 6-12) react slower to weight/pressure changes, and their bone growth and muscular development are not complete. Err on the side of caution.
Professionalism & Integrity
- Appearance:
- Short-sleeved knit shirt (Black/White stripes or Grey/Black pinstripes).
- Black full-length trousers (no jeans/shorts).
- Black belt (if loops exist).
- Black officiating shoes and black socks.
- Wristbands: Red on Left, Green on Right.
- Whistle: Black lanyard, black whistle. Plastic is preferred to avoid chipping teeth.
- Bias vs. Unbiased: You must eliminate "subjectivity" where possible. Adhere strictly to the mechanics in the MHSAA Officials Guidebook.
Knowledge Check
Which wrist does the RED wristband go on?
Answer (flip to read):
LEFT wrist. Remember: "Red on Left, Green on Right."
Pre-Meet Duties Checklist
Arrive 60 Minutes Early
- Locate Administration: Find the Tournament Director or Head Table.
- Mat Inspection: Walk the mats. Check for gaps in the tape/foam. Ensure safety zones (5 feet minimum recommended) are clear of tables/chairs.
- Skin Checks & Weigh-Ins:
- Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Boys and girls weigh in together, shoulder-to-shoulder by weight class.
- Visual Inspection: Look for ringworm (circular red lesions), impetigo (crusted sores), or herpes (clusters of blisters).
- Communicable Disease Form: If a wrestler has a suspicious mark, they MUST present the official MHSAA form signed by an MD/DO/PA/NP. A note on a prescription pad is not valid.
- Fingernails: Must be trimmed and smooth.
- Hair: Facial hair is now allowed, but must not be abrasive.
- Captains Meeting: Remind them: Sportsmanship is #1. Equipment check (laces tied/taped, headgear secured).
Scenario: Skin Check Dispute
During weigh-ins, you notice a circular red mark on a wrestler's arm. The coach approaches and hands you a note from a doctor on a prescription pad that says "Cleared to wrestle - ringworm treated."
Correct Response: This is NOT acceptable. A note on a prescription pad is not valid. The wrestler MUST present the official MHSAA Communicable Disease Form signed by an MD, DO, PA, or NP. Without the proper form, the wrestler cannot compete. Be firm but professional: "Coach, I need the official MHSAA form. A prescription pad note doesn't meet the requirement."
Scenario: Mat Safety Issue
You arrive at a dual meet and during your mat inspection, you notice the scorer's table is only 3 feet from the edge of the mat. The gym is small and the host coach says "That's as far as we can move it."
Correct Response: Safety zones require a minimum of 5 feet. Work with the host to find a solution - perhaps angle the table, use a smaller table, or relocate it entirely. If the safety zone cannot be established, document the issue and proceed with extra vigilance. You may need to stop action earlier near that edge to prevent wrestlers from colliding with the table.
Knowledge Check
What document must a wrestler with a suspicious skin condition present to compete?
Answer (flip to read):
The official MHSAA Communicable Disease Form signed by an MD, DO, PA, or NP. A note on a prescription pad is NOT valid.
Knowledge Check
How early should you arrive before a meet, and what's the minimum recommended safety zone around the mat?
Answer (flip to read):
Arrive 60 minutes early. Safety zones should be a minimum of 5 feet, clear of tables and chairs.