In all competitions, the refereeing body for each bout shall consist of the following:
- 1 mat chairman
- 1 referee
- 1 judge

The appointment procedures of these three officials are set in the Regulations for the International Refereeing Body. Replacement of an official during a bout is strictly prohibited, except in the case of a serious illness that is medically confirmed. In no case may the refereeing body be composed of two officials of the same nationality. Furthermore, it is strictly forbidden for an official to officiate in bouts involving compatriot wrestlers.

The refereeing body shall make all decisions unanimously or by majority (two out of three) except in fall situations where the mat chairman's approval must be obtained. It cannot use video evidence to make its decisions (except in the case of challenge shared with the Jury of Appeal).

Jury of Appeal

The Jury of Appeal is a group of refereeing experts whose function is to make sure that the wrestling rules are strictly applied during all major UWW events, such as: the Olympic Games, the World and Continental Championships, the World Cups, the Golden Grand Prix tournaments, and the specific Games.