What is the IWCOA???
The Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association
(IWCOA) is THE professional organization for both Illinois wrestling coaches as well as Illinois wrestling officials.
What are the major functions of the IWCOA???
In its earliest days the IWCOA sought to create a greater consistency and communication amongst the coaching and officiating community. At the same time the IWCOA sought to identify and honor those whose contributions to the sport were noteworthy and exemplary. As the IWCOA grew its functions came to include the establishment of an All State Banquet each spring to recognize our state’s most accomplished athletes, coaches, officials,
administrators and special friends of Illinois wrestling. The IWCOA also created the Illinois Wrestling Hall of Fame as well as the Illinois Wrestling
Lifetime Achievement Awards — a separate annual banquet is hosted by the IWCOA to honor these recipients. Also, the leadership successfully sought to establish a working relationship with the IHSA and this led directly to the creation of Grand Marshalls (which are selected each year by the IWCOA Hall of Fame Committee), the establishment of IHSA recognized Official’s Technique Classes, and the implementation of a progressive and postive program for the evaluation and promotion of wrestling officials. Additionally, the IWCOA took the lead in organizing and running the annual Classic Duals between Illinois’ and Indiana’s best graduating seniors. On the eve of each individual State Finals the IWCOA hosts a free Social for its membership. Finally, the IWCOA membership includes membership in the Illinois Coaching Association and its insurance program.
Why should I join???
Illinois has had a long and honored history in the sport of wrestling. The IWCOA seeks to maintain this great tradition as well as foster its growth and improvement. The IWCOA is your professional association — it represents you! As an educator you belong to your academic professional association (NEA, IEA, AFT and your local); shouldn’t you have the same committment to your sport? Membership in the IWCOA gives you a representative voice in wrestling matters... from rule changes through state tournament procedures.
The IWCOA can, and does, serve as the collective voice of Illinois wrestling coaches and officials — shouldn’t your voice be heard? As a member of the IWCOA you are eligible to cast a ballot for the annual IWCOA All State Awards. Additionally, all IWCOA members are eligible for Coach-of-the-Year or Official-of-the-Year awards.
... And the cost???
An individual membership is $35 annually. A team membership (which includes up to five coaches) costs $125. All memberships includes membership in the Illinois Coaches Association and includes its insurance coverage. IWCOA Life members may purchase an ICA membership for $10.
In addition to becoming a member, you can also make your tax deductable donations to our cause: in multiples of $10, $25, $50, $75, and $100: or any combination of these. You donations will be used to further our charter for wrestling here in Illinois.
