General Membership Information

USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs.

It is not the wild, or "off the top rope", stuff you might have seen on television. The many programs and activities conducted by USA Wrestling or the hundreds of chartered clubs, provide opportunities for youth and adults alike to gain an understanding and appreciation for the international styles of wrestling, Freestyle and Greco-Roman, and folkstyle (scholastic and collegiate) which is the style practiced at high schools and colleges across the country.

USA Wrestling has more than 159,000 members. These members include athletes of all ages, coaches, officials, parents and fans striving together to strengthen the sport. Part of USA Wrestling's mission is to foster grassroots development for the sport.

Each year, USA Wrestling charters over 2900 wrestling clubs and sanctions over 1600 local, state, regional and national competitions. These opportunities and more are just a small part of the exciting world of USA Wrestling.

Members of the World-leading USA Wrestling Family enjoy many of the following benefits:

1. Participation in Local, Regional, and National Competitions.
2. Four levels of Coaches Certification.
3. The opportunity to travel abroad with Developmental Tours for Cadet, Junior, Women, University and Senior level athletes.
4. Educational videos and written materials.
5. Regional and National Training and Developmental Camps for Youth through Senior-level athletes.
6. Free subscription to USA Wrestler, the officials publication of USA Wrestling.
7. Fundraising Opportunities for Chartered Clubs.
8. Discounts on USA Wrestling Merchandise.

All USA Wrestling memberships can be purchased online at the USA Wrestling website's membership page at www.themat.com/membership.php

Competitor's Membership Information

Membership is valid for kids, cadet, junior, F.I.L.A., Junior World, university, senior, masters'-level competition at all competition levels, and club practices. To enter an USA Wrestling sanctioned event as a competitor you must have a current competitor's card. Membership benefits include secondary, non-duplicating sports accident insurance provided by an outside carrier. This insurance coverage includes a deductible, co-payment provisions and other conditions of the policy (details will be provided to club administrators): a one-year subscription to USA Wrestling; the privilege to compete and take advantage of events, camps, clinics, international exchanges, and club programs; discounts on wrestling gear, equipment and apparel; and other national discount programs as they become available.

Coach's Membership Information

Membership benefits include secondary, non-duplicating sports accident insurance provided by an outside carrier. This insurance coverage includes a deductible, co-payment provisions and other conditions of the policy (details will be provided to club administrators); limited liability insurance (per the conditions of the policy); a one-year subscription to USA Wrestler; a copy of the international rule book; the privilege to coach at events and specified camps, clinics, international exchanges and club programs; opportunity for coach instruction and certification, discounts on wrestling gear, equipment and apparel; and other national discount programs as they become available. This card may not be used for competition.

USWOA Official's Membership Information

Membership benefits include secondary, non-duplicating sports accident insurance provided by an outside carrier. The USWOA membership is not affiliated with TWF. This insurance coverage includes a deductible, co-payment provisions and other conditions of the policy (details will be provided to club administrators); limited liability insurance (per the conditions of the policy); a one-year subscription to USA Wrestling; a copy of the international rule book; discounts on wrestling equipment and apparel; and other national discount programs as they become available; voting privileges at USWOA general meetings. The United States Wrestling Officials Association handles membership in the USWOA. For more information, write: USWOA, 2616 Hamilton Avenue, Glenshaw, PA 15116; 1-412-486-8997. This card may not be used for competition.

Club Charter Information

A club Charter provides membership affiliation with USA Wrestling for state and national clubs. Club Charter benefits include liability insurance for practice sessions supervised by member coaches and property and general liability protection for club leaders and volunteers (subject to coverage limits and conditions under the policy); fundraising opportunities through the National Headquarters and national sponsors; a subscription to USA Wrestler; a copy of the international rule book; and other program materials as they become available. Each club pays one charter fee, regardless of the number of wrestlers or ages involved with the club. All members of the club must be individually registered with USA Wrestling. Owners/operators of facilities may be listed as a Certificate Holder for a nominal fee. Owners/operators, as Certificate Holders, of facilities can be listed as additional insured through approval of the insurance carrier at no charge.

Event Sanction Information

A Sanction for an USA wrestling event, approved by the State Chairperson or designated state director and received and approved by the National Office with the appropriate time frame prior to the event provides organization affiliation and other limited benefits. Liability insurance coverage for tournament organizers and volunteers is a benefit of the sanction, as well as limited property damage coverage (subject to coverage limits and conditions under the policy). The owner of the facility where the event is held may be included as an Additional Insured, upon submission of appropriate form and approval of the insurance carrier, at no additional cost. All contestants must hold valid USA Wrestling Competitor's membership cards. Event Directors receive a Certificate of Insurance; opportunity to purchase discounted event supplies; fund-raising consignment sales opportunities of USA Wrestling merchandise at certain events; event organizing materials; access to national staff for consulting; and free promotional listings in the national newspaper (subject to publication dates and receipt of event information).