How do you become a mixed martial arts referee in Washington state?

Answer 1

Unless you've had some training in some form of Martial Arts, it's not that easy to become a ref. You really need to know the sport starting from the inside. If you are experienced in MMA, it's important to align yourself with a local promotion or several promotions and ref some beginning and ammy fights. See how you do and get some experience. Talk to some pro-level refs and shadow them at events. Ask them questions and get to know more about the pro-end of the sport as far as refereeing. Once you've ref'd some fights, I suggest you then contact your state's Athletic Commission, the "AC" (this is true in any state, not just Washington.) Find out if they sanction and regulate MMA. If they do, you can then go online to download an MMA referee application form. Fill out the form, enclose any support documents the state requests, pay your fee, and then send it in. If they feel you're experienced enough and worthy, they'll certify you. Some states require you obtain formalized training...and often they have classes you need to attend. Each state is different. Or you can take an online class to get the basics on the standard rules and regulations (like by going here: www.mmarefschool.org/Workshops). What's important is what you do AFTER you've been certified. Just because you're licensed doesn't mean you'll get work. The AC assigns jobs to you, and it can be very political. In a perfect world, they should just go down their list and assign the next person in that area to ref, but it doesn't always happen that way. So I would call them on a regular basis and keep bugging them for work. Continue to ref local ammy events and let the AC know you're doing that. Eventually your persistance will pay off! You can go here to find out Washington state's requirements: http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/athletics/ Good luck -