In wrestling (high school, college, scholastic and the like) the official list includes the mat chairman, a judge, and the referee. Unlike professional wrestling, the amateur wrestlers have consistent rules to follow, and are required to be sporting in their matches. These roles help keep the rules followed as well as several layers of review on the many aspects of the wrestling match. In the end, it keeps the sport one of good character among the wrestlers competing.

The referee is in the ring during the wrestling match and calls the phases of the match starting from a handshake at the beginning, through to a coin toss on the second period start, and beyond. The referee is the front vision of the match, determines various holds, and other actions that occur within the match for scoring or pinning. As a tool, the wrestlers will have a green or red ankle band which makes it easier for the referee to identify each wrestler in the match.

The judge is required to follow the match very closely and issue points for the various actions within the match. The judge also records the points and keeps up the scoreboard. They are also obligated to raise the bat bringing things to the referee’s attention that the referee may have missed and other irregularities in the wrestling match.

The mat chairman also evaluates the holds in the match, and settles disagreements between the judge and the referee. They also co-ordinate the work of the referee and the judge, and cannot express their opinion until the judge and referee have come up with theirs. The chairman isn’t allowed to influence their decisions. It’s the mat chairman’s duty to bring up any serious error, give it official by the rules review, and potentially even have to review the video record of the match, in bringing about correct decision in these cases.

Overall, beyond the “professional wrestling” that many spend fortunes to see acted out; there are other levels that real athletes compete in. Above is a brief mixed explanation of the layers of protections that come with scholastic, amateur, college, Olympic, and similar levels of legitimate wrestling.

When competing, overseeing or a spectator of legitimate wrestling, you can be assured that it is sporting, has values, and can build character among the participants. And if you really enjoy it, you should push more encouragement on it’s viewing in the TV networks, and bring your family into its viewing.