WHAT IS USA WRESTLING?

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 (USOC) and the International Wrestling Federation (FILA). What exactly does that mean? Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in those programs.

USA Wrestling has more than 160,000 members. These include athletes of all ages, coaches, officials, parents and fans striving together to strengthen the sport. Within the United States, USAW is divided into State Associations. Each State is an Affiliated Organization with its own set of Bylaws under which it operates.

USA Wrestling is responsible for the selection and training of teams to represent the USA in International competition, including World and Olympic competitions. An equal part of USA Wrestling’s mission is to foster grassroots development for the sport. This is facilitated by the sanctioning of age-group tournaments and the chartering of member clubs through established state associations.

USA Wrestling also conducts regional and national championships for all age categories, national camps, clinics, and coaches’ education programs. State and local competition is the major focus of the annual program in each of the 50 states where USA Wrestling has a state organization. These groups are comprised of volunteers, coaches, officials and parents who have an active interest in the sport. These leaders set up tournaments, run clubs, organize trips and coach athletes in their area.

“USA Wrestling as the National Governing Body for wrestling in the United States, shall responsibly advocate, promote, coordinate and provide opportunities for amateur wrestlers to achieve their full human and athletic potential.”

Values

Integrity and Fairness - USAW endeavors to operate its programs, services and relations at the highest levels of integrity and fairness.

Positive Environment - USAW endeavors to provide programs, competitions and working environments that are healthy, safe and rewarding for all.

Leadership - USAW will demonstrate personal and organizational leadership in all that we do.

Excellence - USAW will expect the best in all aspects of our sport.

Innovation and Creativity - USAW will continually develop and maintain programs and services that are innovative and creative.

USA Wrestling

BACKGROUND SCREENING POLICY

(09/01/08)

POLICY:

It is the policy of USA Wrestling (USAW) that all coach, referee/judge and pairings official members, and prospective coach, referee/judge and pairings officials members seeking to become a member and intending to participate in any USAW sanctioned event, camp, club practice or activity must submit to and pass a background screening in order to become a member, or remain a member of USA Wrestling, and participate in the above mentioned sanctioned activities. In addition, all non-athletes on State Association national and regional team staffs or who work with such teams at events, camps, club practices or other activities must submit to and pass a background screening. Failure to submit to a background screen or pass the background screen may be grounds for automatic denial, suspension or termination of membership privileges and participation in any USAW sanctioned event, camp, club practice, or activity.

Any individual who fails the background screen will have the right to dispute the findings of the background screening through the appropriate measures established by USAW. USAW will enforce the appropriate actions resulting from a negative background screening report. USAW, any USAW club or any USAW recognized State Association will not register, or allow to be registered, any individual who refuses to consent to a background screen or fails a background screen if that person intends to participate in any USAW sanctioned event, camp, club practice or activity. The Screening data and results will be in conformity with the screening criteria of USAW at time of screening. Any individual’s back ground check shall only be valid for two consecutive USAW recognized membership years, beginning with the membership year in which the individual successfully completes a background check. However, USAW reserves the right to require additional background screenings at any time. The following shall disqualify an individual from being a member of USA Wrestling, and shall disqualify said individual from participating in any USAW event or activity: “Conviction of, imposition of a deferred sentence for, or any plea of guilty or no contest at any time,  past or present, or the existence of any pending charges, for (i) any crime involving sexual misconduct, (ii) any crimes of abuse against children, (iii) any crimes involving firearms, and (iv) any offense involving distribution or intent to distribute illegal drugs or substances, (v) felonious assaults or batteries.”

USA Wrestling reserves the right to change these criteria at anytime.

USA WRESTLING DEVELOPMENTAL CAMPS

USA Development Camps were instituted in 1981 to provide National level coaching to outstanding Juniors and Cadets. Olympians Tom Brands and David Zuniga plus National Team members Terry Brands and John Fisher are some of the USA Wrestlers who experienced the USA Wrestling’s teaching methods and national curriculum through this program. Outstanding Juniors and Cadets are identified through the previous years’ National Tournaments and the current World Team Trials. These individuals are then invited to the developmental camps held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

GRECO-ROMAN BIG BROTHER PROGRAM

FREESTYLE FUTURE OLYMPIANS PROGRAM

The Top Four place winners from the Cadet Nationals and from the FILA Cadet World Team Trials, the Top Seven place winners from the Junior Nationals and Top Six place winners from the FILA Junior World Team Trials are invited to attend, for a week or longer, a training program at the Olympic Training Center and participate in the Resident Athlete Program. These premier athletes are exposed to USA Wrestling’s National Coaching Staff and the latest training techniques with the intensity of working with top USA Greco-Roman Athletes. This is an experience that should not be missed for the aspiring USA Junior athlete.

SHORT TERM PROGRAMS

Ranked athletes may call for special consideration to train with the Freestyle and Greco-Roman Resident Athletes.

There are over 142,600 athletes in USA Wrestling. There are only 21 spots available for the Olympics every four years. Your child’s odds of becoming an Olympian are 1 in 6,800. Wrestling is much more than the Olympics. Learn to appreciate all that wrestling can contribute to your child’s development.

2009 Membership Renewal

If you were a member in 2008, do not create a new record, your profile will already be in the USA Wrestling membership site. Click on the "here" with "you do not remember your password" and it will be emailed to you in a matter of minutes. FILA dues and options will be on the "extras" page. FILA dues  need to be paid by October 1st. Only current FILA members are able to renew on line.

All members 18 and over must have a background check.

When doing the background check, you will need to register as a new account with TC Logic, as they are a different company. You will be mailed your stamp and control card when you have been cleared. USWOA office does not have anything to do with your background check. If you have questions regarding any delay in receiving your clearance, please contact Mark Scott at USAW. MAScott@USAWrestling.org

Call De Heyman, USWOA Administrative Assistant office 813-655-4136 or email

uswoaoffice@verizon.net if you have any questions or problems.