Irish Amateur Wrestling Association

The Irish Amateur Wrestling Association (IAWA), established in 1947, is the National Governing Body (NGB) in Ireland for Olympic Wrestling, Pankration, and Grappling Sports under the auspices of United World Wrestling (UWW). Recognized nationally and internationally, the IAWA is governed and partially funded by Sport Ireland (formerly the Irish Sports Council) and the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI).

The IAWA’s responsibilities extend beyond grassroots development to include the selection and preparation of Irish teams for international competitions, such as Continental Championships, World Championships, and multi-sport events like the Olympic and European Games. The organization collaborates closely with athletes, coaches, and officials to uphold high standards in both participation and competition officiating.

A key priority for the IAWA is keeping its members informed about anti-doping regulations and legislation as updates become available. It also recognizes and values the vital role of clubs and coaches in fostering the growth of grappling sports, striving to strengthen relationships with these primarily voluntary contributors.

In its role as a National Governing Body, the IAWA supports and coordinates clubs, athletes, coaches, managers, trainers, and officials in their pursuit of excellence at local, national, and international levels. The IAWA’s core duties include promoting amateur wrestling and grappling sports across Ireland, encouraging broad participation, and driving skill development. The organization is dedicated to unifying the sports through strong leadership, effective management, and initiatives to enhance the technical and professional capabilities of all stakeholders, including wrestlers, grapplers, coaches, and officials.