How Great Wrestling Officials Work | Rick McKinney

What does it take to lead an officiating crew at one of the toughest high school wrestling tournaments in the country? In this episode of *Full Circle Wrestling**, Dale sits down with **Rick McKinney — Hall of Fame member, former wrestling coach, multiple-time California State Official, and Head Official of the legendary Doc B Invitational.* Rick brings decades of wrestling knowledge and officiating experience to a conversation packed with practical wisdom for officials at every level. 🤼 *HEAD OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITIES* What does it really mean to be the head official at a major wrestling tournament? Rick discusses leadership, communication, preparation, working with an officiating crew, and helping an event run smoothly. 👥 *2-MAN OFFICIATING MECHANICS* Two officials on the mat should operate as a team—not two individuals with whistles. We discuss positioning, communication, responsibilities, supporting your partner, and how strong two-person mechanics can help get difficult calls right. ⚠️ *STALLING FROM THE TOP & BOTTOM* Stalling remains one of the most challenging judgment calls in wrestling. Rick shares his perspective on recognizing stalling from both the **top and bottom positions**, what officials should be looking for, and how experience and positioning influence these calls. Whether you're a **new wrestling referee, veteran official, coach, wrestler, or wrestling fan**, this episode provides outstanding insight into what elite officials are looking for on the mat. 🔥 *HELP SUPPORT FULL CIRCLE WRESTLING* 👍 LIKE this episode 💬 COMMENT with your biggest takeaway 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to *Full Circle Wrestling* on YouTube 📲 SHARE this episode with another wrestling official, coach, wrestler, or fan. Follow *Full Circle Wrestling* everywhere: 📸 Instagram: *@FullCircle_Wrestling* 🎵 TikTok: *@FullCircleWrestling* 📘 Facebook: *Full Circle Wrestling* ▶️ YouTube: *@FullCircleWrestling* 🎙️ *Full Circle Wrestling* *All Angles. All Levels. All In.* #Wrestling #WrestlingOfficials #WrestlingReferee #DocB #DocBInvitational #HighSchoolWrestling #CaliforniaWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingStalling #WrestlingMechanics #RefereeTraining #WrestlingTraining #FullCircleWrestling