While taking a crash course on MMA rules is good, it will not get you in the door and is focused solely on knowledge rather than reality. About Goddard MMA Such certification requires a comprehensive examination to assess the knowledge and skills of the prospective referee. The referee, on the other hand, participates in the fight. Goddard is the first UK referee to be appointed to a UFC fight card. He'll get to a point where he's ready for that main event.". Both John McCarthy and Herb Dean provide referee training classes that will teach you the fundamentals of refining an MMA bout. How to become a professional MMA referee - BudoDragon Once the application is approved, the referee is officially certified. Although the judges and referees are different types of MMA officials, the referees have to know how to score to be able to follow the fight and to apply all the rules. "There are times where you're going to take the blame for things when you did nothing wrong. Additionally, certifying from a recognized MMA organization is essential, This ensures that the referee has the necessary training to properly officiate fights. Register Online; Training Attendees Lists; Boxing Referee & Judge Training Outline This is done by submitting an application and undergoing a background check to ensure that the potential referee is qualified to officiate bouts. We havent talked about them in particular because the same rules apply to both men and women when it comes to the rules and prerequisites, but not when it comes to wages. What is the job outlook for MMA referees? It's your job to take care of them.". Where national federations donot offer their own course or licensing system, IMMAF provides national level courses and assessments all over the world. As the saying goes, consistency breeds results. They do not participate in the fight directly, but rather just observe it. It may be tough to get assigned before officials and judges who have already established themselves within state sports commissions or amateur MMA-sanctioning bodies. In the US state commissions are authorized to hand out a license for a trained person to become an MMA referee. Still, if you truly love the sport its a sacrifice youll gladly make. There are no hiding places and it all comes out in the wash in the end. It is also helpful to attend fights and observe the referees in action. If you move in MMA circles then you may meet the right people. We can all acknowledge that an MMA ref is essential in making a fight honest and safe. Referees such as John McCarthy, Herb Dean, and Mario Yamasaki are renowned for their knowledge and ability to control fights. The WPBSA currently operates a pilot scheme for aspiring snooker referees in England, which has been adopted by the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB) as the national governing body in the country.