All coaches, volunteer or otherwise, who will be coaching or assisting with coaching in practices, clinics or matside at tournaments or meets, are required to have a Wrestling Leader membership through USA Wrestling as well as, at minimum, a Copper Level certification through USA Wrestling's National Coaches Education Program. 

In order to purchase the Wrestling Leader Membership, you are required to complete and pass a Background Check and Safe Sport Training. When you go through the Membership process, you will be guided through completing these requirements before your Wrestling Leader Membership is issued. Wrestling Leader Memberships are valid for one year and need to be renewed when it expires. Each Membership season runs from September 1 to August 31. Again, all WRESTLING LEADERS must pass a $30 background check  in order to receive a coaches card. ALLOW 5-7 BUSINESS DAYS TO PROCESS.

State associations and/or tournament directors may set the coaching requirements for each event on a state and local level. Please check the event website under “Coaches” or contact your state USA Wrestling Office, or the tournament director for the event you plan to attend to know certification requirements for that event.

Links are provided below to guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary certifications.