Referee Game

Wrestling Releases Online Game to Challenge Fans

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 28) -- Think you know the rules of wrestling? Can you call the action on the mat as accurately as the sport's best referees? Well, now you can test your knowledge online.

Created by the UWW Referee and Development departments in collaboration with the Communication team to be a fun and interactive exercise, "UWW #1 – Scoring Situations" on Kahoot, is an online-refereeing simulation, the first of its kind for the sport.

The game consists of 20 action sequences taken from UWW match footage and asks the fans to score as though they were the referee. For fans it's a chance to see the sport from the perspective of those who have to call the action in real time, and for referees its a powerful learning tool. For both its a chance to compete, as the game logs the scores of players in real time and places their effort against that of all other participants.

"We want to engage with our Wrestling family worldwide during this crisis in a fun and instructive activity" said United World Wrestling president Nenad Lalovic. "These are basic questions, but there are some tricks in there, too."

The game is open to the first 1000 participants. New game boards will be created bi-weekly, which you can find on the United World Wrestling website and on our social media channels.

Development

Guatemala plays host to 2024 Educators' Course

By United World Wrestling Press

PETEN, Guatemala (November 20) — Nestled in the depths of the ancient Mayan Empire, Peten, Guatemala, served as the 2024 Educators' Course host city. This event brought together 11 educators, including three referees and eight coaches, all hailing from Latin America. The course was held on November 11–12 to equip participants with tools to enhance their professional education practice.

Throughout the course, participants engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of adult learning principles, using formative assessments, effective feedback strategies, and integrating new technologies as valuable educational tools. Beyond listening to lectures, educators actively participated in practical micro-leadership activities, teaching their peers topics from the UWW education program.

Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA) delivered the training, with support from Yuri MAIER (ARG) and the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling.

As an added cultural experience, the educators visited the Tikal National Park, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. They also stayed at a hotel nestled in the heart of the Central American jungle, fostering team dynamics and strengthening bonds among the participants. This camaraderie lays a strong foundation for collaboration during future courses they will deliver.

Notably, of the 11 participants, seven had prior experience as educators. The new additions to the program showcased impressive aptitude and readiness to embrace this new challenge, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.

Mr. Francisco LEE LOPEZ and his team coordinated the course and ensured its success. Mr. LEE also addressed the participants, extending a warm welcome, expressing gratitude, and commending their dedication to advancing the development of wrestling in the region.

This enriching experience elevated the educators’ professional capacities and underscored their vital role in shaping the future of wrestling education in Latin America.