New Members
This area of the website is a one-stop source of basic information for our new association members. As you will discover, the information included here covers a broad range of topics ... all intended to help give you a solid start in your first season as an Alamo Area wrestling referee. 

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Uniform & Equipment
·   Shirt - Grey pin-striped polyester (or similar blend) v-neck shirt. Purchase at least 2 shirts.
·  Pants - Black polyester (or similar blend) pants with or without belt. Length should be 1" or so longer than normal pants. Purchase at least 2 pair of pants. Also, if required, buy an all black belt (if your pants have belt loops).
· Shoes - Black cross-trainer type shoe with comfortable innersole. Shoes must not be adorned with any light colored trim or logos. Wrestling shoes are not recommended.
· Socks - Black over-the-calf socks made from moisture absorbing material. Socks must not be adorned with any light colored trim or logos.
· Whistle - Black plastic whistle (we recommend Fox 40) with black lanyard. (Provided by the chapter)
· Wrist Bands - Set of red/green wrist bands. (Provided by the chapter)
· Flip Disk - Red/green plastic or rubber disk. In order to prevent rolling, an octagon shape is preferred. (Provided by the chapter)
· Ankle Bands - Set of red/green ankle bands. (Provided by the chapter If you are new to officiating)
(The Chapter will provide new officials with a starter kit which includes a whistle, lanyard, wrist bands, flip disk and ankle bands )

The pants, shoes and socks can be found at any local sporting good store (and maybe the shirt). The shirt can be found online at websites like the following:
·         www.getofficial.com
·         www.cliffkeen.com
·         www.refereescall.com
·         www.ump-attire.com

Registration
Registration and the payment of the $60 annual dues are made through the UIL/Arbiter website. Registration is required in order to receive your NFHS books, general liability insurance, online testing and to officiate any Texas wrestling event
·        To begin the registration process click HERE.
·         If you've previously registered with UIL/Arbiter, make sure to sign-in to the UIL/Arbiter website before registering for this season!
·         The process will require you to provide some basic information, disclose your conviction status, digitally sign several UIL statements, select our chapter from a list, upload a photo (optional) and submit your payment (credit card or e-check).
·         When completed, you will receive 2 emails ... one confirming your registration and another confirming your dues payment

 Beginners Checklist for Officiating Wrestling
So, you have decided to become a wrestling referee. What are the things you are going to need to start in this avocation? You will need: 
-  Thick skin
-  A sense of humor
-  The ability to take criticism
-  The ability to take pointers / critiques from peers
-  The ability to function when total chaos reigns
-  Black trousers (black belt if trousers have belt loops)
-  Black socks
-  Black shoes (all black)
-  Officials kit: black whistle, lanyard, red/green wrist bands, flip disk, red/green ankle bands (1 kit issued by the association)
-  Random Draw Kit (don’t need to buy you can make your own)
-  Short-sleeve gray shirt w/black pinstripes
-  A current rule book & case book (issued at state rules clinic) 

Some of the things that you will want to have are:
-  Spare pants
-  Spare shirt
-  Duffle/Gym bag for all items (association will issue one bag after you have officiated at your first training tournament)
-  A mentor
-  Spare officials kit
-  Did I mention a sense of humor? 

Once you have, at least, the required items it is time to attend a training clinic. Here you will learn the rules of wrestling as it is done in high school known as Folkstyle. Once your head stops spinning from the rules (as you know them to be not as you thought they were) it is time to work on the mechanics of being a referee.  You will be required to attend association meetings where we will discuss pre-, during- and post-meet duties and responsibilities as well as an in-depth look at the rule book and discuss proper mechanics and signals.  As a new referee it is not likely that you will be asked to work by yourself, you will have an experienced referee as your mentor and help you get comfortable.  You will start off working JV matches until you are experienced enough to work varsity matches.

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