Officials Program
Officiate the
Main Stage.
ASL's standard begins with its officials. Trained referees and accredited cornermen are how the league keeps competition safe, fair, and worth watching.
What ASL Officials Stand For
The Standard
Every ASL official — referee or cornerman — operates under the same priority order: fighter safety first, fair enforcement second, quality of the show third.
Safety First
Fighter safety is the top priority — above entertainment, above schedule. Early stoppages are always correct when neck, spine, or unconsciousness is at risk.
Neutral and Consistent
ASL rules apply consistently regardless of team, gym, or status. All officials declare conflicts of interest before officiating any bout involving parties they know.
Clear Communication
Commands — Stop, Work, Time, Break, Fight — must be loud, confident, and consistent. Fouls and stoppages are explained to both corners when safe to do so.
Track 1
Referee Certification
The ASL Referee Certification Program produces safe, confident, and consistent officials for both the 1v1 and 3v3 formats. Four levels, each building on the last — from timekeeping to leading the pit.
Rules Official / Judge
Timekeeper, submission tracker, fouls observer. Entry point to ASL officiating.
Time: 5–7 hrs
Entry: 18+ years old, basic grappling knowledge
1v1 Referee
Centre referee for solo ASL bouts. Includes event shadowing and supervised live calls.
Time: 8–12 hrs + event shadow
Entry: L1 certified, solid grappling understanding
3v3 Pit Referee
In-pit referee for team format. Quadrant awareness, wall safety, rapid stoppages.
Time: 7–10 hrs + in-pit practical
Entry: L2 certified, 3v3 format knowledge
Lead Referee
Head official. Controls time, starts and stops, declares outcomes. Multi-event evaluation and formal council review required.
Time: Multi-event evaluation
Entry: L3 certified, ASL council review
Course Content — 6 Core Modules
Apply
Referee Application
Applications are reviewed by the ASL officiating team. Successful applicants are contacted to begin their certification pathway.
Track 2
Cornerman Accreditation
ASL cornermen are accredited team-side officials. Their role is simple: protect their fighter, support the referee and ringside doctor, and keep the environment safe and professional.
Cornerman Responsibilities
- Watch your fighter at all times — body language, joint locks, signs of concussion.
- Throw the towel if your fighter is in serious danger. It is professional, not weak.
- Give 1–3 clear tactical points between rounds. No emotional or reckless instructions.
- Stay outside the pit during live action. Leave the moment the referee calls "Seconds out."
- Accept the final call of the referee and ringside doctor. Disputes go through ASL after the bout.
- Use only approved equipment: labelled water bottle, clean towel, bucket. No prohibited substances.
The Pledge
"As an ASL Cornerman, I put my fighter's health above winning or ego. I will throw the towel or call the fight if I believe my fighter is in serious danger. I support fast, safe stoppages by referees and doctors. I help keep the environment professional, respectful, and under control."
Apply
Cornerman Accreditation
Complete the form below to begin the ASL Cornerman accreditation process. Accreditation is required to corner at any ASL event.
Common Questions
FAQ
Raise the Standard
The League Needs Officials.
Referees and cornermen are not a footnote. They are how ASL delivers on its commitment to safe, professional, and consistent competition.