ASSISTANT REFEREEING

1. Verbal communication is encouraged between the assistant referee and the mat official.
2. When the assistant disagrees with the mat official, it is mandatory that he bring it to his attention immediately. This should be done as soon as it is practical and should not interrupt the match while significant action is in progress.
   
3. If necessary, the assistant referee and referee should meet quickly in front of the scorer’s table to discuss the disagreement.
   
4. Do not allow yourself to be addressed by coaches.
5. In pre-match and post-match periods, and until the referee signs the bout sheet, the assistant referee should position himself on the opposite side of the mat from the scorer’s table, observing the wrestlers, coaches, and table activity. Remember: FIRST ON THE MAT - LAST OFF THE MAT!!!
6. Help with dangerous situations during out of bounds calls, otherwise straddle the out of bounds line on the opposite side of the referee.
7. Always let the mat official have the best position. Work 180 degrees as much as possible.
8. During pinning situations, move into the wrestling area, but only to observe illegal acts. Adjust to the referee’s position.
9. If action permits try to position yourself so that you are able to observe the clock as the period comes to a close, but remember your first duty is to help the referee make the correct call!!
10. If the referee goes to the table for any reason, remain in the center of the mat with both wrestlers.
11. During injury or recovery time, bring the clock out from the table so that the coach and injured contestant can clearly see. Keep them advised as to how much time they have used and have left.
12. Do not become overbearing if you disagree with the mat official. Discuss the situation is a calm rationale manner. Remember, the important thing is that the correct call is made!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t be afraid to change your call. You will look better in the eyes of the coaches, and spectators if the correct call is made.
13. When the mat official makes a tough call, support him by nodding. This helps diffuse possible problems before they begin.
14. If you want to let the official know that you feel a wrestler is stalling, run around the official and let him know without bringing attention to the situation. Do not use hand signals to let the official know that you feel one of the wrestlers is stalling.
15. NEVER tell a coach that the official made a bad call!!!!
16. If you disagree with the official place yourself away from both coaches as much as possible after the decision has been reached. This will help keep the coaches from addressing you.

REMEMBER: YOU’RE OUT THERE TO SEE THAT THE FAIREST MATCH POSSIBLE BE CALLED. THE WRESTLER’S, COACHES, AND SPECTATORS DESERVE OUR BEST EFFORT.