Officials give themselves enough credit that they don't need any from us. They alwyas have felt that the tournament was all about them. That is why they get paid to go to these events and the kids and oaches have to pay.

Does your state pay for your officials? Our state officials pay their own way. But before you think the officials are all in this for themselves, note this.

Nearly every week-end many officials travel around their own state and region at their own expense to officiate at YOUR local tournaments. Many of these officials sacrifice family time and other responsibilities to volunteer to work at these tournaments. Some state are able to pay their officilas to work, many don't. I can pretty much guarantee you that their "pay" is probably barely enough to cover their travel expenses.

Some of them may be a bit arrogant and some may act like jerks, but that may be because their motives are constantly questioned. Heaven forbid they make a mistake! Maybe you're right. Maybe they do volunteer and take time away from their families just to screw the kids, but do you really believe that?

It is USAWrestling that pays for the officials to go to regional and national events. They get room and board and a per diem for other expenses.

Get off the high horse, a lot of people travel the states every weekend to help promote the sport.

You must be an official.

The problem is the officials have no accountability.
Someone might say, well there is a high raking official that grades them. Wow, is all I can say. They make some horrible call, and all they do is get downgaded. Who makes it up to the kid when he gets screwed? The refs protect each other and avoid dealing with their on shortcomings.

To even have classes of officials shows that it is all about ego for most of them.

There are a few strait shooters out there, not enough though.

Remember, the tournaments (all of them) are about the KIDS.
Not the coaches or the officials

If you don't think the officials think it is about them, check out where the officials are seated during the finals of any national event. Right at matside, and where are the coaches and wrestlers - behind some barracade a hundred feet away.

No. I'm not a mat official, sorry to burst your bubble. However, I am a pairing official that just spent 10 days away from my family and volunteered from 8am till 9 or later almost every day of the tournament.

Am I on a high horse? Not at all. Officials are working people just like your parents. They are human and can make errors. Three man mechanics help keep errors lower. Yes some officials are better than others. Sometimes an officila will interpret a rule different than another. Don't let the score be so close that you let an official decide your match. Its great when it goes your way and it stinks when it doesn't.

Your information is not entirely correct, but I will be glad to give you correct information.

USA Wrestling pays transportation room and meals for those 2-3 officials THAT ARE ASSIGNED to REGIONAL tournaments. All others are on their own. Occasionally the tournament director will be able to get some comp rooms. Sometimes they are able to comp rooms or pay for rooms for P1C's and M1C's. But you are not guaranteed a room. There is no per diem.

As far as nationals. USA WRestling DOES NOT pay transportation for any assigned officials, only room and board for those that stay in the dorm and are a P1C or an M1 or above. There is no per diem.

No other expenses are covered, except what your local tournament may be able to come up with to help.

What does it cost officials to volunteer at these events? Transportation, vacation time, time away from their families.... the list goes on. When was the last time YOU volunteered for 9 days?

Sounds like you really need to grow up a bit and realize that life isn't fair, the calls won't always go your way and you should learn to quit blaming others for you lack of success.