Something I say to the other referees I'm working with from time to time.
"We are going to start the day with 4 referees. The instant the first whistle blows everyone in the building becomes a referee. They will be able to see pins better than us, determine who is stalling and know the exact moment control is gained or lost. The only difference is they aren't going to step in and work a few matches for you when you need to use the restroom or get something to eat."
In order to become a licensed IHSAA wrestling official you can follow this link for details on the process.
https://ihsaa.org/Officials/Licensing
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Specific points about the On-Line Testing Process that you need to know:
Scholarships are now available for first year licensed officials, and most local official's associations will also waive their membership dues for the first year. For information on receiving a free license (you may officiate up to 3 sports at no additional cost, and $5 for each additional sport) please contact Chuck Barnett or Jim Russell, or any senior official in your local association.
Another option is the 3 year mentoring program. New recruit gets a mentor (IHSAA official) that helps to get them started the correctly. We can set a new official up with a mentor form there local area (this saves the recruit the $50.00 IHSAA fee + any association (approx $30.00) fees for 1 year)
The testing process is an on-line application. No longer do you need to plan to be at a site on a certain day. You do need to have access to a computer to take the test. The testing period is pretty much open all year This is not a timed test.
No on-site paper and pencil tests will be provided unless you are taking a class in that sport.
The early testing dates for wrestling are April 1-September 8, with regular season testing open from September 9-March 31. In short, you can now test pretty much all year.
The test is composed of 100 questions, mostly multiple choice. You must earn 75% or better on the test to become licensed.
You should receive your free rules books from IHSAA as soon as they are published and available by the NFHS. If you are testing in more than one sport, the books for the later seasons will be sent when those books arrive in the IHSAA office. Please begin to study for the test upon receipt of the rules books.
You may repeat the test at least one time per calendar year if you do not pass it the first time with 75% accuracy.
Time your testing wisely, as it does not behoove you to pay for your license once the season is practically over. All IHSAA licenses expire on May 31 of the calendar year and must be renewed between April 1-May 31 of the current calendar year.
You should receive timely feedback on your test results but you may not schedule contests until you receive confirmation of such from the IHSAA office, which should come within 7-10 days after your test is submitted (and you have scored 75% or better).
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Remember, you do not have to be licensed to officiate middle school events or elementary events, and this is a great venue to work and gain experience, especially for those of you who are unsure as to whether or not you actually want to proceed to the high school level. It's a perfect part-time job... especially for a college student. It's a 100 question test that is open book and done online, so you are allowed ample time to complete the examination with little or no stress.
Also keep in mind that nearly all officials begin at lower levels and work their way up, so you will not be thrust into the high profile varsity contest with 3000 screaming fans in the stands. If you like the sport and are physically able, becoming an official is a great hobby that pays well, gets you in the door for free, and gives you the best seat in the house!
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