Use the knowledge you already have
Experienced grapplers understand positions, submissions, control, safety, and match flow. Learn how that foundation applies to the NCGA ruleset.
No-gi • Collegiate • National
Become an
NCGA Official
Bring your grappling experience to collegiate competition.
Help build the officiating network behind the next generation of collegiate grappling.
National Collegiate Grappling Association
Early opportunity
Bring the mat knowledge.
Learn the officiating craft.
Learn the officiating craft.
A national sport needs a national standard
Help build what
comes next.
The NCGA is expanding collegiate no-gi grappling—and building the officiating network needed to support teams, preseason competition, duals, tournaments, and future championship events.
This is an opportunity for experienced grapplers, instructors, coaches, academy leaders, and other qualified members of the community to get involved early.
Put your experience to work
Why become an
NCGA official?
Build your grappling résumé
Add collegiate officiating experience to your involvement in the sport and become part of the growing NCGA community.
Officiating opportunities
As collegiate grappling grows, NCGA teams and event organizers seek qualified officials for matches, events, and tournaments.
Train and develop
Study the NCGA rules and officiating procedures, then build practical experience as the season develops.
You may already be a candidate
You may already have
the foundation.
If you are an experienced grappler, academy instructor, coach, or trusted upper belt, your existing knowledge gives you a strong starting point for collegiate officiating.
You do not need to present yourself as a lifelong professional referee just to learn more about becoming involved.
- Academy owners
- Black belts
- Brown belts
- Experienced purple belts
- Grappling instructors
- Coaches
- Existing grappling officials
- Experienced competitors
A realistic path forward
New to officiating?
There is time to learn.
Candidates who understand grappling already have an important foundation. Preseason matches and skirmishes can give developing officials an environment to learn NCGA rules, positioning, communication, scoring, and match management before higher-stakes competition.
Quality and preparation matter. The opportunity is to develop them deliberately.
- 01Learn the rules
- 02Preseason experience
- 03Regular season
- 04Championship opportunities
Assignments depend on preparation, event needs, availability, and NCGA approval.
From interest to involvement
How it works.
- 01
Learn more
Review what NCGA officials do and decide whether the opportunity fits your grappling background.
- 02
Register
Submit your background, contact details, and profile information through the official application.
Start registration → - 03
Prepare
Learn the current NCGA rules and procedures and use available educational guidance to get ready.
- 04
Get connected
After review and approval, your official profile and officiating tools become available for NCGA opportunities.
Your experience belongs mat-side.
Take the next step toward collegiate officiating.
Academy owners & coaches
Know someone who would make a great official?
You may have an instructor, upper belt, experienced competitor, or existing referee who would be an excellent fit for collegiate grappling. Send them this page.
The practical questions
Before you
step forward.
Interested is enough for the first step. Registration gives NCGA the information needed to review your background.
Do I need previous officiating experience?
No prior officiating experience is stated as a requirement on the current application. It asks about your belt rank, years of grappling, and any officiating experience so NCGA can review your full background.
Do I need to know a completely different grappling ruleset?
Registered officials need to learn and understand NCGA rules. Your knowledge of positions, control, submissions, safety, and match flow provides a valuable starting point.
Will training materials be available?
The current NCGA rulebook is available online. Additional preparation and educational guidance may be shared as the officiating program develops; no specific course or certification is promised at this time.
Will I be paid?
Officiating opportunities may become available through NCGA competition, but the association does not promise a rate, a number of assignments, or income on this page. Terms can vary by event.
Will I have to travel?
Opportunities depend on the locations and needs of participating teams and events, as well as your availability. Registering does not commit you to a stated travel requirement.
What happens after I register?
You submit your personal details, grappling and officiating background, address, and profile photo. NCGA reviews the application; after approval, the official role and officiating tools become available on your account.
Can academy owners recommend someone else?
Absolutely. Share this page with an instructor, upper belt, experienced competitor, or existing referee who may be a strong fit.
Collegiate grappling is growing.
Help shape
what comes next.
Bring your grappling experience to the collegiate level and learn more about joining the NCGA officiating network.