1 · Register with TSSAA
Review the TSSAA Regulations for Officials first to confirm you're eligible.
- Go to tssaa.org, then My TSSAA → For Contest Officials.
- Click Officials' Registration, then Begin Registration.
- Choose Wrestling (2026–2027). If you already have an ArbiterSports account, sign in with that email to pre-fill your information.
- Under Sports, select Wrestling and check Regular Season and Postseason.
- Under Association, select NE Tennessee Wrestling Officials Assn (NTWOA). You can choose only one association.
- Complete the form and pay the fee. TSSAA runs a background check after payment.
Officiating outside Northeast TN? Register with your local association and contact the Assigning Officer to pick up NTWOA matches too. Questions about multiple associations go to TSSAA at go@tssaa.org.
2 · Get your rule book
Request the digital NFHS rule book through the TSSAA rule book portal. Get it before the exam: the search in the NFHS Digital app makes the exam much easier.
3 · Attend a rules meeting
A TSSAA rules meeting is required every season. Find in-person dates and the online option on the TSSAA wrestling meetings page.
4 · Pass the Rules Exam
- Part 1 is required before you can be assigned any match. Score 80 or higher; 5 attempts; open book.
- Part 2 is required for postseason assignments.
- Go to arbitersports.io and click Login → For Officials and Event Workers.
- Click TSSAA Official → Eligibility tab → Wrestling → View Details.
- Click Take Test.
Exam details: tssaa.org/officials-exams. Exam questions: Kim Alley at TSSAA, kalley@tssaa.org.
New Official FAQ
Do I need to have wrestled?
A wrestling background helps, but it isn't required. Our preseason meetings walk you through the rules and mechanics, and the preseason tournaments put you on the mat alongside experienced officials before the regular season begins.
What does it cost to get started?
- TSSAA registration fee: $75, paid when you register.
- NTWOA annual dues: $25, due before December 1.
- Uniform and equipment: roughly $100–$200 for the essentials (shirt, pants, whistle, wristbands, flip disk), depending on what you already own. The black TSSAA jacket is extra and only needed for postseason. See the full list on the Uniform page.
What do officials get paid?
- Dual meets: $90 for one dual, $80 for each additional dual that night.
- Saturday tournaments: $325 per official, which includes 7 hours of wrestling.
- Two-day tournaments: $500 per official.
- Travel: $10 for 30–60 miles one way, $20 over 60 miles.
Full details are in the 2026–27 Fee Schedule.
How do I get paid?
It depends on the school. Some schools pay through ArbiterPay, and others mail a check after you turn in the Referee Pay Form. For dual meets that use the pay form, give it to the host coach, and take a picture of it for your records. Tournaments don't use the pay form.
How do assignments work?
All assignments come through ArbiterSports. Keep your availability up to date there, and accept or decline assignments in Arbiter. You must pass Rules Exam Part 1 before you can be assigned.
How much time does it take?
Middle school duals start in late October, mostly on weeknight evenings. High school duals run on weeknights, and tournaments are mostly on Saturdays. You choose when you're available, and you can work as much or as little as your schedule allows.
What happens in my first season?
You'll attend a preseason meeting and work a preseason tournament alongside experienced officials. Our Training Officer observes new officials and gives feedback as you grow.
Are meetings required?
Yes. You must attend a TSSAA rules meeting each season, in person or online. NTWOA also holds local meetings during the season, and attending at least one preseason meeting is required to work postseason tournaments.
Who do I ask if I have questions?
Contact the Assigning Officer or the Training Officer. Their information is on the Documents & Contact page.