On guard of the rules: the path to the profession of a judge in MMA
Judging in mixed martial arts (MMA) is not only a responsible, but also an exciting job. Judges play a key role in ensuring fairness, safety and compliance with the rules in the ring. For those who consider judging as a profession, it is important to understand the basics of this activity, requirements and career prospects.
Fundamentals of MMA judging. Licensing and training are the first steps for novice judges. Candidates must complete specialized courses that include the study of fighting techniques, basic and specific rules of MMA, as well as judging techniques. The main task of the ring judge is not only to monitor compliance with the rules, but also to protect fighters from unnecessary injuries.
Requirements for judges. Future judges should have good physical fitness, knowledge and be ready for continuous training. MMA is a dynamically developing sport, so judges need to regularly attend seminars and trainings to maintain their competencies at the proper level.
Career as an MMA referee. The career of a referee begins with participation in small local competitions, where beginners can gain experience and build their reputation. Over time, as judges gain experience and recognition, they can move on to serve larger and more significant events.
Earnings of MMA judges. Judges’ earnings vary and depend on a variety of factors, including their reputation, experience, and the scale of events they work on. Well-known judges like Herb Dean and “Big” John McCarthy earn significantly more than their lesser-known counterparts. It is important to note that there is also a problem of unfair differences in pay between different categories and sexes of judges, which requires additional attention and solutions.
Judging in MMA requires not only knowledge and skills, but also constant self-improvement. For ambitious professionals, this can be a path to significant achievements and satisfaction from contributing to the development of this exciting sport.
What qualities do you think are most important for an MMA referee?
