What Is USA Wrestling
The National Governing Body for Wrestling in the United States
USA Wrestling is the official governing body for amateur wrestling in the United States. It oversees all wrestling disciplines including freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folkstyle (scholastic and collegiate wrestling), and serves as the pipeline for athletes aiming to compete at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and other elite international events.
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Wrestling is chartered by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and recognized globally by United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for the sport.
The Bridge Between American Athletes and the World Stage
USA Wrestling acts as the U.S. affiliate to United World Wrestling, which means it manages the selection, training, and international competition of U.S. athletes for UWW-sanctioned events. This includes the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan-American Games, and Youth/Junior World events.
Through its relationship with UWW, USA Wrestling connects American athletes to the global wrestling community, ensuring they compete under unified international rules and standards. USA Wrestling also helps develop and certify coaches, referees, and event organizers to meet UWW guidelines.
More Than Just a Competition Body
USA Wrestling is more than an elite competition pipeline—it’s a community of over 250,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and parents. The organization provides:
National and regional tournaments for all ages and skill levels
Scholarships and development programs for youth and collegiate athletes
Coaching and officiating certifications
Women’s wrestling promotion and expansion initiatives
International tours that expose athletes to new cultures and competition styles
USA Wrestling has played a vital role in the growth of women’s wrestling in the U.S., as well as bringing more youth and underserved communities into the sport. Its partnership with UWW has also enabled American athletes to compete and succeed on a truly global stage.
