Industry participants such as officials (referees, judges and timekeepers) must be registered with the Combat Sports Commission (CSC) and complying with conditions of registration, code of conduct, contest rules and the Combat Sports Act 1987 is an ongoing requirement.
An online registration portal for contestants and industry participants.
Sign in
How to apply to become an industry participant (referees, judges or timekeepers), using the portal and completing education units.
Registrations need to be renewed every 3 years.
Everything you need to know about contest requirements and conditions of registration.
Contestant health and safety is a priority and integrity requirements apply to officials.
If you are interested in becoming a referee, judge or timekeeper (also known as an official), then you'll want to consider how to gain the basic skills and experience first. Upcoming referees are encouraged to learn their craft during sparring and interclub days and are recommended to seek mentoring from registered referees. Upcoming judges and timekeepers can shadow registered officials at CSC permitted contests. The CSC also routinely provides industry development sessions for current and aspiring officials. You are welcome to register your expression of interest to become an official by contacting us to discuss shadowing opportunities.
The application process involves 3 stages (see below) and approval can only be given once you have completed all the stages and submitted all required documents.
Your application must be submitted (at least 5 days prior to any contest entered). Please commence the process as soon as possible and do not delay in commencing your application.
Use the application checklist below and create a portal account to commence your application.
Complete the online education modules.
Pay a registration fee.
Allow enough time prior to your first contest to progress through the checklist. Partially completed applications, incomplete documents, and unfinished requirements will not be progressed and will cause delays. You will not be eligible to officiate or participate at a contest until your registration is approved.
Officials must be 18 years of age or older.
Start your application on the Combat Sports Commission Portal and use the Portal Guide if you need help.
MFA is required when you sign-up for the first time, to secure your account and to verify your email. Use the MFA User Guide if needed.
You'll need to provide contact details, a statement of experience and list any current or prior criminal convictions or charges.
Upload a clear scan or photo of your driver’s licence, passport or WA Photo Card, as proof of identity.
A selfie is fine but use a plain background, no filters, colour photo and provide a neutral expression with no hats or sunglasses.
If applying to be a referee use the Certificate of Fitness Form and see a doctor to get clearance.
There are 2 modules and theory quizzes to complete, see the section below for how to complete the online education modules.
Registration is valid for 3 years and you can pay the following fee online, depending on your selected role.
Referee = $101.50 Judge = $81 Timekeeper = $81
PLEASE NOTE: It is a legal offence (liable to a $12,000 penalty under the Combat Sports Act 1987) to provide false and misleading information in your application.
There are 2 Education Modules to complete (approx. 30 - 45 minutes each). You can do them on the same day or different days but you will not be registered or eligible to participate or officiate in a contest until you have finished both courses.
Module 1: Referees, Judges and Timekeepers Education Unit
Module 2: Combat Sports Concussion Course
Once registered, officials must also complete an online theory quiz for each combat sport applied for (boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and muay thai). Contact us when you're ready to sit your quiz.
Combat Sports Commission Portal
Combat Sports Portal Guide
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) User Guide
Online education unit
Combat sports concussion course
Referees Only (Certificate of Fitness Form)
If you are currently registered or licensed in another state or territory as a combat sports contestant (or equivalent) you may be eligible for an automatic deemed registration.
Under the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme, a person who is registered to undertake certain activities covered by their home state or territory may be entitled to undertake equivalent activities in Western Australia. No additional fees will be incurred but you must notify the Combat Sports Commission of your intention to compete, participate or work at a WA combat sports contest and an interstate clearance must be granted from one of the following:
Notify the Combat Sports Commission and apply for automatic mutual recognition by submitting the notification form, prior to commencing any activities within WA.
Registrations are valid for 3 years and if you've kept the CSC updated with any changes to your mobile phone number, you will receive an SMS reminding you when your registration is due to expire.
You can renew you registration by signing into your account on the Combat Sports Commission Portal and please refer to the Portal Guide if you need further help. If you have not previously completed the online Combat Sports Concussion Course you will need to complete the course for your renewal to be approved.
When officiating or participating in a contest you are expected to behave appropriately, abide by certain conditions and follow the contest rules. Refer to the following for further information.
The Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for behaviour and helps create a safe, respectful and fair combat sports environment.
Once registered you will be bound to certain conditions of registration which are set out in the Guidelines and Conditions for Combat Sports Registrants. Specific conditions apply to referees, judges and timekeepers.
Contest rules are approved by the CSC but selected by the Promoter. Make sure you know the rules for your sport and realise that different events and sanctioning bodies use different rules. Specific duties for officials are listed in the CSC rules.
Promoter’s must provide a minimum of 6 (ideally 7) officials for a contest, including 2 referees, 1 timekeeper and 3 judges. If more than 20 bouts, then 8 officials are required. A head official is nominated for each contest.
Promoters are responsible for engaging and paying registered officials and the ringside medical practitioner. The minimum fees promoters must pay for officials are prescribed in the Combat Sports Regulations 2004 , and are listed in the table below.
A conflict of interest arises if personal interests could influence professional decisions. You need to declare to the head official and CSC if you are affiliated with any combat sports gym, trainer or contestant.
The head referee is responsible for inspecting and signing wraps, refer to the position statement and factsheet below for further information. A gloving station is recommended.
(Combat Sports Regulations 2004, regulation 19, Schedule 4)
For more contest related information for referees, judges or timekeepers, see the the policies, factsheets and contest rules below or use these links to view the full list of Combat Sports Commission:
Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport246 Vincent Street, Leederville WA 6007PO Box 8349, Perth Business Centre WA 6849Telephone 61 8 6552 1604Email combatsport@cits.wa.gov.au