NC United + NWOA Partnership to Support NC Wrestling’s Future

NC United and NWOA Launch Statewide Referee Development Partnership. Joint Effort Aims to Recruit, Train, and Equip the Next Generation of Wrestling Officials in North Carolina

North Carolina — August 8, 2025 — NC United Wrestling has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Wrestling Officials Association (NWOA) to support the recruitment and training of referees across North Carolina. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the infrastructure of wrestling statewide.

As part of the partnership, NC United will sponsor six student-athletes to participate in the 2025 Elite Officials Wrestling Clinic on Saturday, August 23, at William A. Hough High School in Cornelius, NC. These athletes will support live match scenarios during the clinic, assisting referees in scoring, positioning, and in-match mechanics.

A thriving wrestling culture needs a strong foundation of officials to support it.

The Elite Officials Clinic is a premier development event that attracts officials from across the country, including representation from the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, SOCON, and other major collegiate conferences.

North Carolina’s wrestling landscape continues to expand with rising participation in men’s and women’s divisions and across all three styles: folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman. Sustaining that growth requires a robust pipeline of qualified officials.

“This partnership is about investing in every layer of wrestling,” said Matt Hickey, co-founder of NC United. “Recruiting and developing referees ensures the sport continues to grow while giving our athletes a chance to learn, earn, and give back to the community.”

“North Carolina wrestling is growing at every level,” said Jonathan Sutton, Big 12 official and North Carolina native. “We need more referees across all divisions and styles to keep pace. Events like this not only train officials but also give athletes a new perspective that can raise their wrestling IQ and keep them connected to the sport for years to come.”