Mission Statement
Irish Amateur Wrestling Association (I.A.W.A.)
Our Mission
The mission of the Irish Amateur Wrestling Association (I.A.W.A.) is to promote, develop and govern the sport of wrestling throughout the 32 counties of Ireland, providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to participate, develop and achieve their potential.
Established in 1947, the I.A.W.A. is the National Governing Body for wrestling in Ireland and is affiliated with United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for the sport.
We are committed to developing wrestling from grassroots participation through to international competition, supporting our affiliated clubs, athletes, coaches, referees and volunteers while maintaining the highest standards of governance, safeguarding, integrity and sporting excellence.
Our aim is to create a strong, inclusive and sustainable future for wrestling in Ireland.
Our Core Objectives
1. Development and Promotion of Wrestling
To promote and develop wrestling and associated sports under UWW, throughout Ireland by increasing participation, supporting the establishment and growth of affiliated clubs and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to become involved in the sport.
The I.A.W.A. is committed to expanding access to wrestling, particularly among children, young people, women and girls, and communities where opportunities to participate may be limited.
2. National and International Competition
To organise, sanction and support wrestling competitions, championships and development events throughout Ireland in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of United World Wrestling and the I.A.W.A.
To provide pathways for Irish athletes to represent their country at international tournaments, European and World Championships, and major multi-sport events, including the Olympic Games.
The I.A.W.A. will continue to develop relationships with international wrestling federations and sporting organisations to create opportunities for Irish wrestlers to compete, train and gain experience abroad.
3. Athlete Development and High Performance
To support athletes at every stage of their development, from recreational participation and grassroots wrestling through to national and international competition.
The I.A.W.A. aims to provide structured development opportunities, appropriate coaching support and access to competition pathways that enable athletes to achieve their sporting potential.
Where resources permit, the Association will provide financial and logistical assistance to athletes, coaches and national teams representing Ireland internationally.
4. Club Development and Support
To support the establishment, development and sustainability of affiliated wrestling clubs throughout Ireland.
The I.A.W.A. will provide guidance and assistance in areas including:
- Club governance and administration.
- Coaching education and development.
- Safeguarding and child welfare.
- Garda Vetting requirements.
- Competition organisation.
- Membership and affiliation.
- Insurance arrangements.
- Volunteer development.
- Health and safety.
The Association recognises the essential contribution made by clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers to the growth and success of Irish wrestling.
5. Coaching Education and Development
To develop and maintain a structured coaching education pathway that supports the training, qualification and continuing professional development of wrestling coaches.
The I.A.W.A. is committed to improving coaching standards and aligning its coaching education programmes with recognised national coaching development principles.
All affiliated clubs are expected to maintain appropriate coaching structures and ensure that coaches meet the relevant qualification, safeguarding and membership requirements.
6. Child Safeguarding and Athlete Welfare
To ensure that children and young people participating in wrestling have access to safe, positive and enjoyable sporting experiences.
The I.A.W.A. is committed to implementing appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures, supporting Club Children’s Officers and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable participants.
All affiliated clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers are expected to comply with applicable safeguarding legislation, policies and codes of conduct.
The welfare and safety of every participant must remain a priority.
7. Women and Girls in Wrestling
To actively promote and support the participation, development and progression of women and girls in wrestling throughout Ireland.
The I.A.W.A. is committed to creating equitable opportunities for female athletes, coaches, referees, officials and sporting leaders.
Our objectives include:
- Increasing female participation at grassroots and competitive levels.
- Supporting clubs in developing women’s and girls’ wrestling programmes.
- Expanding competition opportunities.
- Encouraging more women to become qualified coaches and officials.
- Supporting female athlete development and international representation.
- Promoting equality and inclusion throughout the sport.
The I.A.W.A. recognises that the continued growth of women’s wrestling is essential to the long-term development of the sport in Ireland.
8. Youth Wrestling and Grassroots Participation
To encourage children and young people to participate in wrestling through age-appropriate, inclusive and enjoyable sporting programmes.
The I.A.W.A. promotes the development of fundamental movement skills, physical literacy, confidence, discipline and positive sporting values.
Youth wrestling programmes should prioritise enjoyment, safety, skill development and long-term participation.
All young athletes must participate in accordance with the applicable safeguarding, parental consent and competition requirements.
9. Referees, Officials and Technical Development
To recruit, educate and develop qualified wrestling referees, judges and technical officials.
The I.A.W.A. will support officiating education, practical experience and opportunities for progression through national and international competitions.
We are committed to maintaining high standards of fairness, professionalism and consistency in the administration and officiating of wrestling events.
10. Clean Sport and Anti-Doping
To protect the integrity of wrestling by promoting a sporting environment free from doping.
The I.A.W.A. adopts the applicable Irish Anti-Doping Rules and supports the anti-doping programmes of Sport Ireland, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and United World Wrestling.
The Association is committed to providing anti-doping education and ensuring that athletes, coaches and support personnel understand their responsibilities.
Clean sport, fair competition and sporting integrity are fundamental principles of the I.A.W.A.
11. Good Governance and Financial Responsibility
To maintain transparent, accountable and responsible governance in the administration of wrestling throughout Ireland.
The I.A.W.A. will manage its resources responsibly, seek appropriate funding opportunities and work with Sport Ireland and other relevant sporting organisations to support the continued development of wrestling.
The Association is committed to maintaining effective policies, financial controls, risk management procedures and governance structures.
Funding and resources will be directed towards supporting participation, club development, education, competitions, athlete pathways and the long-term sustainability of the sport.
12. International Cooperation and Sporting Relationships
To maintain and strengthen relationships with United World Wrestling, international wrestling federations, sporting organisations and relevant national authorities.
The I.A.W.A. will continue to welcome visiting international teams and encourage sporting exchanges, training camps and competitions that benefit Irish athletes and clubs.
Through international cooperation, the Association aims to raise the standard and profile of wrestling in Ireland.
Our Values
The Irish Amateur Wrestling Association is guided by the following principles:
- Integrity: Acting honestly, transparently and in accordance with the rules of sport.
- Respect: Treating every participant, coach, official and volunteer with dignity.
- Inclusion: Providing opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Excellence: Encouraging continuous improvement in participation, coaching and performance.
- Fair Play: Promoting clean sport, sportsmanship and ethical competition.
- Safety: Prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of everyone involved in wrestling.
- Development: Supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of wrestling throughout Ireland.
Our Vision for the Future
Our vision is to establish wrestling as a widely accessible, respected and successful sport throughout Ireland, supported by strong clubs, qualified coaches, dedicated volunteers and clear pathways from grassroots participation to international achievement.
The I.A.W.A. will continue to work towards increasing participation, strengthening club structures, expanding opportunities for women and girls, improving coaching and officiating standards and supporting Irish athletes competing internationally.
Through collaboration, good governance and a shared commitment to sporting excellence, we aim to build a lasting foundation for future generations of Irish wrestlers.
One Sport. One Community. One Future for Irish Wrestling.