Behind the Whistle

“Olympics or National Titles” Where is the real priority? Gold Medals vs Red-White-Blue ONLY? Proposed rules changes to make us more competitive as a country on an international basis 1 - When wrestler gets out of the 10 foot circle area, “twice” to avoid contact and are not being aggressive, shall called for stalling immediately 2 - Wrestler who’s Two Feet get out of bounds first, will be called...

-Staying in shape during the off-season, and being in shape during the season •Look the part • Helps with always being in good position (you never want to chase the action) • Diet, Exercise • Stretching before matches

-Tournament Officiating • Preparation • Handling coaches emotions • Being a good partner (position, watch the clock, support your partner with calls, etc)

In 40 years of officiating, Gary Kessel has refereed 16 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, including 12 finals, and eight NCAA Division III Championships, including eight finals. He has officiated 21 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association championships and 18 Virginia Duals while also refereeing nine National Duals and four National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star matches. Kess...

• Impact that women’s Wrestling is having on our sport? -Collegiate Opportunity and effect on Title IX -Fan interest and excitement -Women wrestlers become mothers, and will encourage there participation in our sport -More fun and entertaining to officiate girls and women versus boys and men

• Talk situations out with fellow officials when possible • Get together and discuss rules before taking test • Get together as a group and discuss situations weekly if possible (meet after matches is possible- Good camaraderie)

~Coaches Conduct • Know the Rules • Judgement vs Fighting for your athletes • Questioning Judgement vs Unsportsmanlike Conduct • Representing your School and Community •Legal Consequences • Holding Grudges with Officials vs Letting it go (Taking calls too personal)

~Parents and Fans Conduct • Know the Rules • Judgement vs Human Emotion • Black eye to our sport • Legal Consequences

Common sense officiating -Don’t look forTrouble -Tolerate the Tikki Tack call -Don’t look for unnecessary cautions. Stay out of the match. -Don’t get caught up and call unnecessary stalling, when it really isn’t there -learn how to stay out of the match when you have two excellent wrestlers -learn how to stay out of the mash when you have two novice or beginner wrestlers

* Sportsmanship Coaches ~ Maintain Calmness ~ Good Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal) ~ Maintain Order on the mat ~ Ignore Verbal Fan (Don’t have Rabbit Ears) ~ Asses proper Penalties and Hand Signals ~ Know the Rules ~ Enforce Coaches’ Corners and their Boundaries

* Tricks of the Trade ~ Keep your distance (don’t get too close to the wrestlers) Neutral, On the mat, during a fall, etc. ~ Be aware of the time (glance at the clock, peak at the clock, etc.) ~ Be a good partner (verbal and non-verbal communication) ~ During Tournaments (help the table if you see scorer keepers at table are confused). Go out on the mat, between wrestlers, when the whistle is addr...

This podcast will discuss communication between officials and coaches, and any possible consequences or penalties for "questioning judgement," and or other infractions that occur, and professional courtesy between a coach and an official.

This podcast will discuss pre-meet Duties, officials expectations of the wrestlers and the coaches,and jurisdiction of the officials prior to, and after a duel meet.

Each episode of "Behind the Whistle" features in-depth discussions and interviews with officials who share their personal stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and emotional aspects of officiating, as well as the dedication and preparation that goes into being a successful...

Each episode of "Behind the Whistle" features in-depth discussions and interviews with officials who share their personal stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and emotional aspects of officiating, as well as the dedication and preparation that goes into being a successful...

"Behind the Whistle: Inside the Mind of an Official" is a compelling and insightful podcast that offers listeners a unique perspective into the world of sports officiating.