1. I am interested in becoming an MMA official and want to take your course. What do I need to do next?

  If an upcoming course is listed on our website, please click on the link and sign up. If no course is listed, please send an e-mail request to  info@mmareferee.com (mailto:info@mmareferee.com), and you will be placed on our e-mail notification list for future course dates.

2. Your course is already full, can I send my money to secure a spot in the next course?

 With John and the other instructors’ schedules constantly changing, we cannot announce future course dates until 6-8 weeks out. Due to this, we only take registrations once definitive dates are picked. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

3. Is your course recognized by all State/Province Athletic Commissions?

 COMMAND is an ABC (Association of Boxing Commissions) nationally recognized training and certification program for Mixed Martial Arts Referees and Judges. While each state/province has its own set of rules and standards, the COMMAND course is well known by all commissions and, in some cases, is mandatory for officials.

4. How long is your certification good for?

 The judging certification is a one-time certificate that is good indefinitely but is recommended to be renewed every three years. The referee certification works similarly, with a three-year renewal recommended and required by some commissions (some jurisdictions mandate it every two years).  

5. After I take your course, what steps should I take to get a license from my state/province athletic commission?

 A license from a state athletic commission is not a right; it is a privilege. We always try to tell everyone who wants to be a part of MMA that they don’t necessarily need to start in the position they ultimately wish to be in. The most important part is to get your foot in the door.  You may be able to start out as an inspector who stays with the athletes in the locker room, observes the taping of hands, and walks the athlete to the ring or cage. Once you are part of the commission’s staff and you show them your knowledge and commitment to the sport, you will have an easier time moving into the job of a judge or referee. This doesn’t mean that you have to start out as an inspector, but you should be willing to start out doing anything you can to be around and prove to the commission that you are not only good for the sport but also for your state commission.

6. What must I do to prepare for the course?

 If your goal is to be a licensed official and you are not an active participant in some form of ground training (Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling), we strongly suggest you print up the MMA techniques that are listed on our site and take them to a local grappling facility to have them teach you each move, explaining how they work and what body part they affect. If you are unable to do this, extensive research on the internet, in bookstores and/or videos should help. However, be aware that many times the moves are shown incorrectly so you should look at more than one source before assuming it is being done correctly. 

In addition to the techniques, you should familiarize yourself with the Unified Rules listed on our site. While each state has its own adaptations to the rules, our course is based on the current Unified Rules and it is up to you to find out if your state has made any changes to them for their jurisdiction.

7. What type of pay does an MMA official make?

 The pay scales vary for each state/province athletic commission. Smaller shows can pay as little as $25.00, while larger PPV shows may pay upwards of $2,500.00 for the entire night/event. Remember, in all states with an athletic commission, you work for the state, not the promoter.

8. What if I'm an MMA super FAN who wants to get involved?  

 For avid MMA fans interested in the sport, you are welcome to participate in an MMA Fantasy camp-like experience with the goal of a participation certificate. The goal is for you to learn and experience situations and live simulations as refs and judges with live feedback and real professional fighters.

9. Do MMA Coaches, Trainers, and Corners take these courses?  

 Yes, every year, we have coaches who learn how the Unified MMA criteria are applied to fights and then game-plan around those findings with their athletes or camps. Our most positive feedback comes from MMA Media and MMA Coaches once the course ends. Often, it indicates what an eye-opening experience the course is and that it is creating a new perspective and advantage for the

m and MMA industry experts.