About Us
Established in 1947, the Irish Amateur Wrestling Association (I.A.W.A.) is the nationally and internationally recognised National Governing Body (NGB) for Olympic Wrestling in Ireland, together with the associated disciplines of Grappling and Pankration governed by United World Wrestling (UWW).
The I.A.W.A. is recognised and supported by Sport Ireland and is affiliated with United World Wrestling, the Olympic Federation of Ireland and the Federation of Irish Sport.
Our Role and Responsibilities
The I.A.W.A. is responsible for the governance, promotion, development and advancement of wrestling and its associated disciplines throughout Ireland, from grassroots participation to elite international competition.
As the National Governing Body, the Association oversees the selection, preparation and support of Irish athletes and national teams competing internationally, including at European Championships, World Championships, the Olympic Games, European Games and other major international sporting events.
The I.A.W.A. works closely with its affiliated clubs, athletes, coaches, referees and officials to promote excellence, professionalism and the highest standards of sporting conduct at every level.
Developing Wrestling in Ireland
The I.A.W.A. is committed to increasing participation in wrestling throughout Ireland by creating opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to become involved in the sport.
Recognising the invaluable contribution of affiliated clubs, volunteer coaches and officials, the Association actively supports their development through education, training, accreditation and ongoing professional development.
The I.A.W.A. strives to strengthen relationships with its member clubs and provide the leadership, resources and organisational support necessary to ensure the sustainable growth of wrestling nationwide.
Athlete Development and International Representation
A central responsibility of the I.A.W.A. is to develop clear pathways for athletes to progress from grassroots participation through national competition to international representation.
The Association supports athletes, coaches and team officials in their pursuit of sporting excellence, ensuring that Ireland is represented professionally and competitively on the international stage.
Through structured coaching programmes, national competitions, training opportunities and international engagement, the I.A.W.A. seeks to continuously improve the technical knowledge, skills and performance of everyone involved in the sport.
Governance, Safeguarding and Integrity
The I.A.W.A. is committed to maintaining high standards of governance, transparency, accountability and integrity in the administration and development of wrestling in Ireland.
The Association promotes a safe, inclusive and respectful sporting environment, with particular emphasis on child safeguarding, athlete welfare, equality and fair participation.
Working in partnership with Sport Ireland and relevant sporting authorities, the I.A.W.A. is committed to clean sport and the implementation of anti-doping policies, education programmes and regulations in accordance with applicable national and international requirements.
Our Commitment
The Irish Amateur Wrestling Association is dedicated to:
- Promoting and developing Olympic Wrestling, Grappling and Pankration throughout Ireland.
- Increasing participation and making wrestling accessible to people of all ages, genders, abilities and backgrounds.
- Supporting affiliated clubs and recognising the essential contribution of volunteer coaches and officials.
- Developing structured pathways for athletes from grassroots participation to international competition.
- Improving coaching standards, technical knowledge and referee education through recognised training and development programmes.
- Organising and supporting local, regional and national wrestling competitions.
- Selecting, preparing and supporting Irish national teams for international championships and major sporting events.
- Upholding the highest standards of governance, safeguarding, equality, anti-doping compliance and sporting integrity.
- Working collaboratively with Sport Ireland, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, United World Wrestling and other sporting organisations to advance wrestling nationally and internationally.
Our Vision
To build a strong, inclusive and successful wrestling community in Ireland, where every individual has the opportunity to participate, develop and achieve their full potential.
Our Mission
To lead, govern, promote and develop wrestling throughout Ireland by supporting our clubs, empowering our coaches and officials, increasing participation and creating pathways for athletes to achieve excellence at national and international level.