Being in the MMA doesnt mean youre there just for the fight. However, there are some potential challenges that referees must face. Chuck Norris still trains well into his 80s, Entrepreneur Gary Vee gives advice to upcoming fighters. It's a real sport with real rules that is finally getting some attention.". To be eligible for certification, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to knowledge and experience of the sport. This can be done by shadowing experienced referees or attending referee seminars. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. So, be prepared to put in the dirty work, to begin with. Payments for pay-per-view events, which typically have larger budgets, can reach over $10,000 per fight, which is a significant sum of money. Unified Weight Classes - MMA; Medical Requirements; Boxing Judges; MMA Judges; Boxing Referees; MMA Referees; Boxing Acts; Sanctioning Organizations Compliant w/ Federal Law; States that Regulate Professional MMA; States that Regulate Amateur MMA; Training. Honestly, these are two of the best to ever do it so its possibly worth the investment. IMMAF grants licenses for international MMA refereeing and judging. Of course, this will differ from state to state and the internet is awash with exaggerated rumors anyway. For instance, if theres a ref who loves boxing then they may break up grappling exchanges quicker because they dont fully understand them. Fighting.net is an online community dedicated to all things combat sports. But in terms of gaining a qualification, there really isn't one. You still require many other attributes necessary to be a good official being authoritative, assertive, alert and quick-thinking are all boxes that need to be ticked. Referees such as John McCarthy, Herb Dean, and Mario Yamasaki are renowned for their knowledge and ability to control fights. It doesn't mean anything.". Goddard is the first UK referee to be appointed to a UFC fight card. According to Big John himself, his COMMAND course has three necessary prerequisites, without which you will not pass his courses and get the licence you want so badly. The class typically reaches its 20-person maximum with more participating in a separate judge's course. What is the process of becoming a MMA referee? Finally, referees must be able to maintain order in the ring or cage. If you want to qualify as a referee, you will need to be at least 14-years-old, live in England and successfully complete the FA Referee Course. Thats right, unlike the UFC some smaller organizations use one or two refs for the entire night. Some individuals will not be able to learn from someone like John McCarthy. Whilst the knowledge may not be as precise you will still probably learn something and it will probably cost less. Marc Goddard has been refereeing MMA bouts for 14 years. This is incredibly unusual, though, because a chokehold takes a long time to kill someone. How Can I Become An MMA Referee? - MMA Panda There were no formal regulations, which some read as the referee holding no power over the fight, implying that he couldnt even prevent the fighters from murdering each other. This job can take a toll on mental and physical health, as it requires being able to stay sharp and focused throughout each bout. MMA referee can make around $50,000 a year depending on the number of fights. C.o.m.m.a.n.d. I have to do whats right. That doesnt seem reasonable, does it now? The nickname stands for his demeanor and approach to every fight he officiates. After completing your program, you must be able to utilize the terminology given to you and be able to apply your understanding in discussion with the teachers. Money is conserved when this gets done. They recognize when the conflict has ended and will typically not let the other person cause too much-unwanted damage. Marc Goddard often does seminars in the UK, but these are few and far between. The acronym COMMAND means Certification of Officials for Mixed Martial Arts National Development and passing the training required before becoming a licensed ref. Each type of referee requires a different level of experience, knowledge, and certification. When it comes to becoming an MMA referee, there is a lot that goes into it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To become a certified MMA ref under the ABC, you must have a long list of experience in MMA. How To Become An MMA Referee? Step By Step Guide - Way of Martial Arts Do you need to attend MMA referee school? Equal work demands equal pay! McCarthy asked. What you learn in that course and how you utilize it will determine whether you can apply for (or purchase) a license. The logbook will be forwarded for review on completion of the required bouts, in order that the Cutman may retain his/ her Class A license. This was a very specific situation because most, if not all combat sports at least the officially recognised ones have some rules of combat that determine the aspects that were supposedly missing in the UFC 1 event. ", There was a time when there was no right or wrong in mixed martial arts. The first requirement is knowledge. Usually, this costs anywhere from $50-200 dollars depending on the state and you will have to pass some kind of formal test to get a license. Raimondi's legitimate questions: Lesnar back in the UFC? Private courses are more expensive, but they might also offer better insight and more detailed courses. Its no secret that Chuck Norris is an accomplished martial artist with a dedicated workout schedule. So, now that weve covered everything else, lets see how much money you could expect from professional refereeing! "I've been able to make money being an official but I've been doing this for 25 years," McCarthy said. detailed insight into this aspect of decision-making in the MMA. Unlike the UFC, several lesser organizations utilize only one or two officials for the night. Get dedicated, apply yourself and you will succeed. The question I am asked probably more than any other is, How do I get started as a referee and judge in MMA?. Whilst learning a crash course on MMA rules is ideal, its not really going to get your foot through the door and is purely based on knowledge rather than practicality. It is important for potential referees to understand the qualifications and requirements needed to obtain certification. One of the bigger names to become a COMMAND certified referee and judge is UFC Hall of Famer Frank Trigg, who sat in on our course. The ABC, or Association of Boxing and Combative Sports Commissions, is the most well-known training organization in the United States. Sadly, there is no equality between different categories or even genders. So what if he's throwing punches? These numbers concern only professional referees with a high reputation in the UFC. McCarthy was a spectator at UFC 1 on Nov. 13, 1993, at McNichols Sports Arena in Denver. Whilst MMA fighters usually take the glory when it comes to fights, we can all agree that MMA referees also play a huge part in keeping a fight fair and safe. With this in mind you may . "After the first one I said I would never do that again," McCarthy said. It's a handy pocket reference guide that contains the MMA Unified Rules, descriptions of MMA fighting . McCarthys COMMAND Course, according to material available on the Internet, contains around 115 distinct words that you must memorize and understand. John McCarthy, Herb Dean, Blake Grice, Kevin McDonald, and others all offer ABC-recognized courses that go a long way toward teaching rules and grading criteria. The fierce matches are most likely the first thing that comes to mind when you hear about UFC. Consistency, as the adage goes, breeds results. To do this, the best thing you can do is try to contact the organizer of the event and try to get on the card. He can deduct points for rule infractions, stop a fight, and declare a combatant unfit for further battle, but he cannot influence the winners decision. Summarized step by step guide to become and MMA referee: That was a brief overview of what it takes to become an MMA referee. I'm on my back on the second floor of Randy Couture's Xtreme Couture MMA gym, wondering whether the last image I would ever see is the smiling face of MMA referee Jason Herzog as he leans on me and applies more pressure to my chest. No? If you get that, then I've done my job. Be consistent and make a name for yourself, Nepotism exists on the MMA referee circuit. Of course, big names can earn even more (up to $2,000 per match), but this is an average number. Our experts use a first-hand testing and reviewing method. MMA referees are a third person inside the cage overseeing the action, while MMA judges sit outside the cage. In order to step into the octagon as a referee, you need to be licensed. If not, then it may appear quite alien to you. I will not put someone in that cage that doesn't know what they're doing.". So, how do you actually become a referee? Marc has been a long-time ambassador for competitor safety in MMA, becoming renowned for establishing the definitive MMA Referees and Judges Course in the UK and since taking and developing it on a Global scale. How To Become A Mma Referee - Fighting.net The way I watched fights as a fan was completely different than the way you must watch a fight as a referee or judge. The second examination is a written exam that includes everything studied in class and the present Standard Guidelines. Those who decide to pursue a specific certification can expect to take more specialized courses, such as rules and regulations, safety protocols, and officiating techniques. Few fighters have seen and done as much as Trigg in the cage, but McCarthy is cautious about putting him in certain situations as a referee. Unfortunately, there is no equality across different groups or even genders. Well go through how to become an MMA ref in this section. While taking a crash course on MMA rules is good, it will not get you in the door and is focused solely on knowledge rather than reality. I have to do what's right. Simply contact the referee development officer at your local County FA to get the ball rolling. This is crucial to being a successful referee. Referees need to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the sport, and have a comprehensive understanding of the scoring system. A licence can be obtained either from a public commission or via private courses. Of course, these are only official figures, and there are reports that some of them are significantly higher. He'll get to a point where he's ready for that main event.". For example, big name referees such as Herb Dean and Big John McCarthy earn substantially more than most of their peers for the same event and category, but that is business. If it's you taking the blame to protect the fighter, take the blame. Register Online; Training Attendees Lists; Boxing Referee & Judge Training Outline The requirements to officiate or judge MMA events can vary from state commission to state commission or organization. The third and final aspect is judging. When will Jamahal Hill defend? Additionally, experienced referees may also be sought after to officiate high-profile fights. Becoming an MMA referee - Outside the UFC - UFC Fight Club One example is COMMAND, a private refereeing course initiated by Big John McCarthy, one of the best and most famous MMA judges ever. It is important that referees have a comprehensive understanding of the sport and be able to make quick decisions in the heat of the moment. Both John McCarthy and Herb Dean provide referee training classes that will teach you the fundamentals of refining an MMA bout. To be successful in their application for a Class A licence, a Class B Cutman must demonstrate; In order to be eligible to participate in an IMMAF International Cutman Certification course, participants must already have a national level Cutman Certificates Grades C & B and have a minimum of two years national level experience. As he paces back and forth, McCarthy looks over the class and stops in front of Amir Rahnavardi, who had a 12-year career as an MMA fighter and now wants to be a referee and judge. But it doesnt imply that deaths in MMA havent occurred previously. Most states require referees to obtain certification from a recognized governing body in order to be allowed to officiate. Becoming a MMA Referee is an incredibly rewarding career. One thing is for sure if you do get licensed and ever make it to the big shows be prepared to take a ton of criticism. Although your priority should be on fighter safety and fairness, this is still something to consider. In short, treat this process like a serious job and dont think youre too good to try and improve on your refereeing skills. This requires having a strong presence in order to keep fighters and other personnel in line. The WPBSA currently operates a pilot scheme for aspiring snooker referees in England, which has been adopted by the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB) as the national governing body in the country. Who is Szymon Marciniak, referee assigned to Argentina vs France World I hate failing people, but I fail everybody," McCarthy said. What kind of referee certifications are available? Firstly, it is essential to have a comprehensive knowledge of the rules and regulations of MMA. Those interested in becoming an MMA referee should also research the requirements and qualifications needed to obtain certification. Referees must also understand the importance of their role and the responsibility that comes with it. "No one wants to go to a doctor that says the whatchamacallit next to the thingamabob. Weve previously mentioned that you need a license to work as a referee, but first, you must take a course. How To Become An Mma Referee - Fighting.net We need new referees and judges. It also ensures that the referee is up-to-date on any changes to the rules and has the necessary knowledge and skills to officiate matches. It is important to check with the governing body of the sport to understand the necessary steps for certification. Judges are ringside observers who score the match and make the final decision in case theres no K.O. The courses cover a variety of different aspects but more on that later while shadow refereeing covers the necessary practical knowledge. Remember, youre practically a nobody at this stage. Its safe to say that being an MMA ref is a beautiful job and if it interests you, you can make a decent career out of it, as long as youre prepared to put in the effort and, above all, fundamentally grasp how MMA works from a refs viewpoint. A Class C Cutman should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Unified Rules of MMA. 2 years officiating experience. Although the difference is probably well-known and weve [already discussed it in an earlier article], its not in vain to recapitulate the difference between these two very important roles in the system of MMA fighting. One of those paths takes you through a public commission. It's not that Frank can't handle the fight. To compete as an official in an IMMAF International tournament, all participants must have finished and passed the Ref & Judge course. Are you a practitioner in any martial art? Of course they had to stop the fighters from killing themselves. To be eligible for certification, prospective referees must first obtain a certification from a recognized governing body. These are one-day intensive workshops that normally cost a couple of hundred dollars. Finally, referees must be able to maintain order in the ring or cage. You just call up Dana White and youre in? It isn't easy to become certified by the ABC and it shouldn't be easy. Weve talked about them, too, but weve never discussed the process of becoming an MMA referee. In the United States the most recognized training is via the ABC, or . A certification ensures that the referee is well-versed in the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts and all other applicable rules and regulations. Realistically though, it probably helps. Hope this helps :) Which Bellator, Invicta, One and PFL champs could dethrone UFC titleholders? "This is not about you," McCarthy said. According to ESPN, McCarthy wants rookie officials to have this sort of unique information through the COMMAND Program. For experienced MMA referees, there is also the potential for job opportunities in the industry. So, in the beginning, be prepared to do the hard labor. The standards for officiating or judging MMA events differ by state commission or association. Another thing to note, you may referee an entire event without rest. The next thing you need to know is the rules, which are both anticipated and rational. If you would like to become a qualified referee you need to complete the FA Referee Course. McCarthy is in Las Vegas leading his popular three-day referee and judge training course called COMMAND (Certification of Officials for Mixed Martial Arts National Development). A referee gives the instructions to both fighters before the bout, determines when to stop or start a contest, The first portion is a technique exam in which you will view a video that includes all of the skills provided on this website. On top of that, applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional experience. COMMAND offers a varied and profound course that is very popular among future referees; it also offers a course for future judges. You have reached ESPN's UK edition. Suddenly everything I thought I knew about the sport, I began to second-guess. It takes a special kind of person to be able to stay in control of the situation in a fast-paced, chaotic environment. On average, an MMA referee can make around $50,000 a year depending on the number of fights and the experience they have. Furthermore, referees must become familiar with the rules and regulations of the sport, as well as any changes to the rules. Above all, an MMA referee must demonstrate ethics, professionalism, respect, and fairness. LAS VEGAS -- I knew I was in trouble when I heard my ribs crack as the air slowly left my body. Most state athletic commissions will need you to have a physical and, in some situations, an eye test, as well as some form of training. They also have to know when and what for they can and must deduce points, which can influence the outcome if the match goes to the judges. To summarize, consider this process seriously, and dont assume youre too excellent to strive to improve your refereeing abilities. Mike Beltran, for example, has a highly distinct appearance, while Mario Yamasaki has his signature heart logo. You may also participate in some actions e.g. The corners were told by the fighters not to throw in the towel, so they didn't, but I have a fighter who's mentally hurt to the point they can't continue. If it has impact, it scores. Jimi Manuwa excited to welcome Thiago Santos to light heavyweight division, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Former columnist and writer after five years with Sports Illustrated, Markazi has also written for Slam, King, Vibe and Playboy. McCarthy is standing in the front of the class alongside MMA referees Herzog, Jerin Valel, a former MMA fighter who has been working with McCarthy for the past nine years, Mike Beltran, a former McCarthy student who is famous among MMA fans for his long, unique facial hair, Mike Bell and Marc Goddard. This could include attending a referee training course, watching professional MMA fights, and studying the rules of the sport. MMA Officials Training Goddard MMA So, youve gotten your licence and youre now an official MMA referee.