MMA Referee School | 134 followers on LinkedIn. Both John McCarthy and Herb Dean provide referee training classes that will teach you the fundamentals of refining an MMA bout. Those interested in becoming an MMA referee should also research the requirements and qualifications needed to obtain certification. "The state of California has wanted to put Frank in certain situations and I've told them, 'Don't do that yet. Even though he is neither a competitor nor an analyst, the referee must know everything they do. What are the qualifications and requirements to become an MMA referee? This can include having a minimum of two years of martial arts training, being in good physical shape, and having certifications from organizations such as the UFC or the Association of Boxing Commissions. So, when in doubt always respect the rules and to the best thing. With enough experience, referees can eventually become certified to referee professional fights. Additionally, it is important to make sure you have the right insurance and paperwork in order. Thats the location where its held and a contact number maybe worth calling them to find out more! Its a long way from getting your licence to becoming Big John and most of the referees dont even make it that far up. To be honest, getting on a small event in the first place is difficult, but using it as a springboard for greater things is much more difficult. Where the referee works, which promotion they are affiliated with, and their level of experience all play a role in determining their salary. Well, the answer is simple you become a referee by obtaining a licence! Choking someone out is a common technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu assaults. To move up the ranks, you will need to prove yourself to the Athletic Commission. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. On top of that, applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional experience. The course covers: The Unified Rules of MMA. "We want people to fight, not be warriors," McCarthy says. He needs repetitions. This requires having a strong presence in order to keep fighters and other personnel in line. McCarthy asked. It would end up being McCarthy's last UFC event as a spectator. ", Song punishes Simon in one-sided TKO victory, Sources: Dos Anjos-Luque to top UFC Fight Night, Sources: Injured Hermansson out of Allen fight, Masvidal keeps door open for return to cage, Adesanya: Title-winning KO made with torn MCL, Diaz surrenders to New Orleans police after brawl, Loughnane, Wilkinson headline PFL second round, Johnson's next ONE bout may be his last in MMA, UFC 288: Why Burns and Muhammad are taking the biggest fight of their careers on short notice, MMA divisional rankings: Sergei Pavlovich moves within striking distance of the top. IMMAF | Officials Area Having experience of training in at least one element (but preferably more) of MMA is essential. The difference is even more visible with pay-per-view events, where women earn just $3,000, compared to the more than three times higher amount their male peers earn. Marc Goddard is probably the most well known referee coming out of the UK. The nickname stands for his demeanor and approach to every fight he officiates. "No one can know it all. In the United States the most recognized training is via the ABC, or . How do I become a ref?(UK) : r/martialarts - Reddit That doesnt seem reasonable, does it now? It requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to learning the rules and regulations of the sport. In addition, many referees also look to supplement their income by teaching martial arts or working in the fitness industry. Knowing the rules and being able to enforce them is a must for any referee. 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. If the ref does not stop the battle in time, the individual may die from a lack of oxygen. Until next time! Made by Passion, Association of Boxing and Combative Sports Commissions, The Best Dumbbell Exercises for Chest Definition, Chess Boxing Rules (Plus) Definition Thereof, Hanb Vs. J Whats the DIFFERENCE (and Similarities). MMA now has extremely well-defined and explicit regulations to master before entering the combat arena. Fees for pay-per-view events, which usually have bigger budgets, can go as high as $10,000, which is a substantial sum. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. "Everybody who takes the course wants to pass, of course, but don't feel bad if you don't. This often requires completing an approved training course and passing an exam. For instance, UFC ref Marc Goddard was a professional MMA fighter in Britain and also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. You might not become Big John, but you can reach the top. But lets say that it is somehow just to pay the less experienced referees less, but what about women? There are four stages of assessment for certification; to be certified, you must pass all four portions with a 90% or above (in each section). In fact, there are simply too many in certain states to keep everybody working regularly. There's always going to be something you haven't seen or heard before. 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). This implies that obtaining a license is essential for your MMA refereeing career since you cannot legally continue without one. Member federationsmay contact [emailprotected] for information. It is critical to understand that this is not a certificate but rather an instruction. Personally, when I started refereeing over 10 years ago, it happened entirely by accident. Of course, reason prevailed and the rule-less sport soon got the necessary guidelines that have been expanded as the years passed. I dont give a fk if the fans boo or dont like me. Licenses are awarded on completion of IMMAF Cutman Certification courses and based on records of events serviced, as outlined below. Being in the MMA doesnt mean youre there just for the fight. It's a handy pocket reference guide that contains the MMA Unified Rules, descriptions of MMA fighting . Becoming a Referee in the FA Are you a practitioner in any martial art? A Class B license will allow them to service amateur matches only that take place over 3 x 3 minute rounds and only after they have participated in Fetac Level 5 first aid course, or similar. Well go through how to become an MMA ref in this section. Younger referees as little as $250 per match, but the less reputable pros manage to average about $500 per match. So, now that weve covered everything else, lets see how much money you could expect from professional refereeing! 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. Additionally, referees must also remain impartial during fights. What is he hitting? When McCarthy started his twice-a-year course back in 2007 in his hometown of Valencia, California, he did it so other referees didn't make the same mistakes he made when he was rewriting the UFC rulebook. The courses cover a variety of different aspects but more on that later while shadow refereeing covers the necessary practical knowledge. Another crucial point to mention is that a referee must continually monitor and stay current with changes. "There are times where you're going to take the blame for things when you did nothing wrong. "You were in a position where you felt pressure from side control and it immediately changed your perspective on side control," Herzog said. Some organizations offer general referee certifications while others specialize in specific areas, such as MMA or boxing. What you learn during that course and how you apply it will decide whether you can or cannot apply for (or buy) a licence. However, there are some potential challenges that referees must face. Expect a lot of chasing down, and be prepared to get annoyed. Types of Courses & Curriculum - Learn to be an MMA Official How To Become A Mma Referee - Fighting.net "When you think you know it all, quit," McCarthy said. So, your career is going to start off slowly. We don't give credit for defending. He put me on my back and applied pressure from a side control position. Referees such as John McCarthy, Herb Dean, and Mario Yamasaki are renowned for their knowledge and ability to control fights. Stay on current site or go to US version. Promoters often offer a flat fee for services rendered, while more experienced referees will be paid more for higher levels of competition. The devastating knockouts might take your full attention and focus. I know the ground, I know the stand up and I don't mind seeing people get hurt.". Be warned, its a long road and isnt easy but if youre determined enough then read on. McCarthy throughout the course continually stressed the responsibility the referee has in protecting both fighters. Fouls - explanations and break down. Mock judging of a 5 round fight that all participants shall score. The acronym COMMAND means Certification of Officials for Mixed Martial Arts National Development and passing the training required before becoming a licensed ref. Basically, in a world where most of the refs look the same, you should try to stand out and get recognized. Annually, the sum comes to almost $380,000.They get around $1,500 every match, assuming they have 2 to 5 years of MMA experience. So, what do you actually need? Our mission is to provide an online platform where martial arts enthusiasts can come together to share their ideas, experiences, and knowledge. There were no official rules, a fact some people interpreted as the referee having absolutely no influence on the fight, meaning that he could not even stop the fighters from killing each other. Most states require referees to obtain certification from a recognized governing body in order to be allowed to officiate. Becoming an MMA referee is a competitive field that requires dedication and knowledge. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases through various sellers. Step by Step Guide, Difference Between MMA Referees and Judges. For example, entry-level and female refs earn far less than professionals. They recognize when the conflict has ended and will typically not let the other person cause too much-unwanted damage. Now that weve once again covered this very important distinction, let us move forward with our topic. National Level Federation course or approval from Federation Officer/ license (in any country or state) or IMMAF officials certificate. For instance, Mike Beltran has a very unique look, whilst Mario Yamasaki had his classic heart logo. Ironically, some referees have also made headlines for the wrong reasons over the years whereby theyve made controversial decisions. 01216025712. In other words, you can have all the information in the world, but it will be useless without a license. For instance, if theres a ref who loves boxing then they may break up grappling exchanges quicker because they dont fully understand them. Its a question many aspiring referees ask, and the answer depends on a variety of factors. IMMAF grants licenses for international MMA refereeing and judging. Lastly, you can also try to make a name for yourself by having a unique image. Becoming An MMA Referee or Judge - ummaf.org Despite the announcement, all the matches had a referee and his role proved to be essential, because he probably saved the life of American fighter Teila Tuli, who got knocked down by Dutch fighter Gerard Gordeau early in the first fight of the event. You cannot be an arbiter, a referee if you dont know the rules you have to apply. He is also in charge of declaring the winner, but his real powers are restricted. To be eligible for certification, prospective referees must first obtain a certification from a recognized governing body. and later you could apply for a license after you complete the course. It takes more than just enthusiasm to become a certified MMA referee. While my dream of being an MMA referee or judge may have died as so many dreams do in Las Vegas, it will be hard not to watch a fight -- and certainly someone in side control -- without a newfound appreciation. While the knowledge may not be as exact, you will most likely learn something, and it will most likely cost less. It's not about making the fans happy. PRIOR TO A BOUT All judges will be seated separate from each other immediately adjacent to the ring, with an unobstructed view. I am an out-of-shape journalist who would find out later that I had torn the cartilage in my ribs while realizing how little I knew about the sport I have been watching for the past 15 years. Generally, MMA referees can make anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand for each fight. So, if you ever pondered about being an MMA referee youve come to the right place! So, basically, Gordeau couldve killed Tuli and the referee could to nothing about it? To summarize, consider this process seriously, and dont assume youre too excellent to strive to improve your refereeing abilities. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional experience. To be eligible for certification, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to knowledge and experience of the sport. Ever Wondered Why Do Fighters Put Vaseline on Their Faces? So, be prepared to put in the dirty work, to begin with. At the heart of this all-new training and qualification programme is a modernised Class 3 Snooker Referee course. Because of the nature of the task, COMMAND has strict passing criteria. Hes responsible for announcing the winner, but his actual powers are quite limited. These are one-day intensive workshops that normally cost a couple of hundred dollars. Its not comparable to learning civil and penal statutes that much we can say but its certainly not like reading a tabloid. Another thing to remember is that you may referee a full event without stopping. How much money can MMA referees make? Including five years as a MMA ref, proof of grappling experience, as well as knowledge or experience in other martial arts. Which Bellator, Invicta, One and PFL champs could dethrone UFC titleholders? But it doesnt imply that deaths in MMA havent occurred previously. When it comes to becoming an MMA referee, there is a lot that goes into it. "I owe it to the fighters to fail you if you don't know what you're doing.". Remember, its always much easier as an armchair fan compared to someone who does it for a living. REFEREE DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS. Where national federations donot offer their own course or licensing system, IMMAF provides national level courses and assessments all over the world. 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. Of course they had to stop the fighters from killing themselves. It is never complete and a good referee will always participate in new courses and seminars, despite his experience and reputation. We need to look into the next step of becoming an MMA referee certification. After the course, potential referees must pass a written exam to demonstrate their knowledge. It was ugly.". Just expect to do lots of chasing up and prepare to be frustrated. This is incredibly unusual, though, because a chokehold takes a long time to kill someone. How do you become a UFC referee? Who did the most damage? McCarthy convinced Gracie that referees could stop the fight if the fighter could not "intelligently defend himself," which was a rule added before UFC 3. The IMMAF Cutman Progression includes 3 levels (C, B & A) with professional licenses issued at levels B (National Level) and A (International Level). If you want to be an MMA referee, remember that youll need to educate yourself till you choose to retire. As mentioned in the previous section, theres also the point of nepotism. Mach Headquarters Gym, Birmingham. One example is COMMAND, a private refereeing course initiated by Big John McCarthy, one of the best and most famous MMA judges ever. He can, but if anything goes wrong, people will eat him alive and he doesn't deserve that right now. "You're not going to get rich doing this. Three persons truly matter in every spectacular UFC fight. Although the role of a UFC referee differs from that of a fighter, refs must still be able to fight before entering the cage. Referees need to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the sport, and have a comprehensive understanding of the scoring system. Once down, Gordeau proceeded to kick Tuli in the face, knocking one of his teeth out, which is when the referee jumped in and stopped the fight, effectively saving Tulis life. You could try and befriend influential people, but this is easier said than done. 10 point must, scoring criteria and its application. Equal work demands equal pay! We are here to provide you with news, views, high quality articles and more from a variety of disciplines. However, this isnt necessary. A man of his word, McCarthy happily failed me after my three days in his course because, frankly, I didn't know what I was doing. Be warned, it's a long road and isn't easy - but if you're determined enough then read on. However, judges must take into consideration the shoulders of a boxer as being in the scoring zone. There are the judges, whom we have already talked about here, but also the referees. A lot of the time, MMA refs do have a background in fighting which makes sense. Several variables influence the pay of UFC officials and referees. Therefore youll be compensated accordingly. He must be quick and decisive to rule the on-going fight in the cage. I found myself on my back after a conversation with Herzog on when to stand fighters up when he realized I had never actually trained in mixed martial arts. fighter safety first over self promotion, adherence to the use of natural hemostatic agents only (i.e. adherence to dress code and professionalism. A referee must be a knowledgeable person knowing everything about the fight, the rules and the laws of previous precedence. World Cup final official Szymon Marciniak was a "crazy player" who once told a referee that he was the worst he had ever seen after being sent off. This can change the dynamic of a fight and potentially lose someone a victory. Being an MMA referee offers a number of benefits. Have you sourced or contacted a local MMA show or promoter to enquire about offering your services for free, so you could shadow judge, time keep and get to know the workings of event day, weigh-ins, rules meetings, medicals and fighter briefings? I had never been a referee before. You have to know what the fighters can and cannot do; you have to know how to deal with the judges; you have to know what makes a fighter (un)prepared for a match; you have to know so much. Participants who have served a minimum of 3 months shadowing Class A Cutmen may apply through their national federation to sit the Class B written and practical examination. I have to do what's right. If you complete the course, your name will be on a qualification list accessible to all Athletic Commissions. He is constantly within the octagon and must ensure that the competitors follow the rules and respect one another. In a mock locker room situation, you need to verbally describe a series of questions (for example, a fighter asking you to explain a certain rule or foul) and/or orally explain and illustrate how a certain strategy is implemented and executed properly by a fighter. Basically, some commissions will favor their friends and give jobs to the boys instead of those worthy of the job. You must invest to be a successful referee, and understanding the rules is essential to your work. Unfortunately, there is no equality across different groups or even genders. - With @InvincibleWheel 29 Apr 2023 18:54:02 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. While the rulebook would be expanding before each event, McCarthy never knew whether there would be a next event. or a disqualification. So, how much do they get paid? Finally, referees must be able to maintain order in the ring or cage. What was the impact? Looking for shortcuts or trying to obtain a position based on who you know will ultimately impact upon you further down the line. Referees must also have excellent physical fitness and stamina. These figures only apply to experienced referees with a solid reputation in the UFC. Its worth noting that certain state departments are notoriously delayed or difficult to reach. Greasing athletes before entering the Octagon, Shadowing an experienced Cutman with Class A status on amateur or professional events, an understanding of the role of a Cutman under the Unified Rules of MMA, an understanding of core values of the profession e.g.