Learn how to apply for a license to work as a referee at boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and martial arts competitive events.
Who needs a license?
Anyone who referees at a boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts event when the event is required to be overseen by the Department of Licensing or an amateur mixed martial arts sanctioning organization.
How to apply
Follow the steps below to get your referee license for combative sports.
1. Meet the requirement
You must be at least 18 years old to get a referee license.
2. Complete the necessary documents
- Combative Sports Officials License Application/Renewal
- Combative Sports Certification of Official to prove you have the training certification required in RCW 67.08.100(3)
- Physical Examination for Referees and Professional Combative Sports Participants and have it signed by a medical doctor (MD), osteopath (DO), or naturopath (ND)
3. Submit your application
You can submit your application online or by mail.
Submit your application online
Get your license faster by applying online!
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Submit your application by mail
Mail your completed forms along with a check or money order payable to the Department of Licensing for the application fee to:
Combative Sports Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-35001
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