USAWA officials can be certified at two levels:
Level 1 - Rules test and (3) practical training sessions (2 can be video training sessions)
Level 1 - Officiating in 25 or more competitions
Level 2 - Rules test, (3) practical training sessions and officiating in 25 or more competitions
Level 1 certification is good for (3) years and then requires recertification by retaking the rules test
Level 2 certification is good for life
Practical Sessions are unofficial alongside a Level 2 in a one official system or officially in the three official system. In the three official system the other two must be certified and one must be Level 2. The only Level 2 officials that are occasionally in Colorado are RJ Jackson and Dave DeForest. In all likelihood, I will travel to Clark's Gym, Dino Gym or KC Strongman to complete my certification.
Video Training Sessions are a new option that was introduced in 2023.
For me, being a certified official will be a nice feature and will allow me to host meets and officiate Postal events and Hybrid events in Colorado.
My Journey
7/6/2023 - Completed Rules Test
9/29/2023 - Completed Practical Session 1 (Video Testing Option)
11/26/2023 - Submitted Practical Session 2 (Video Testing Option)
TBD - Practical Session 3
I will then need to submit a form to the USAWA Officials Director and begin tracking officiating sessions in order to move up to Level 2.
Given my current participation, it would have been a long journey to be certified with (3) live practical training sessions that would require travel to at least (3) competitions with Level 2 officials present.
Al's Dino Gym is the closest USAWA gym to me. 475 mile drive (6.5ish hours). Drive out night before, stay in Abilene, KS. Compete/officiate. Drive halfway home to Goodland, KS. Drive the rest of the way home. Much easier than Columbia, MO.
