2026-27 Season Bench

Run the head table for Matside.

Matside Wrestling Co. runs professional event management for wrestling tournaments across Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. We are expanding our bench for the 2026-27 season with two roles, both 1099 contract and paid per event. The good ones get hooked on it.

Who we are. Daniel Emmons and Mason Manville, both active USA Wrestling Leaders. Verify our credentials at matside.org/operators

Open Roles

Tournament Operator

$25/HR

The person behind the head table. Brackets, scoring, mat flow, TD-side coordination. You keep the event moving from first whistle to final award.

What you'll do

  • Run the bracketing and scoring software (FloArena or USA Bracketing).
  • Manage all bouts and wrestlers through weigh-ins, seeding, and live mat flow.
  • Coordinate with the TD on cancellations, no-shows, and bracket consolidation.
  • Close the event: results export, awards support, post-event handoff.

What we need

  • Active USA Wrestling Leader credential plus current BG Check and Safe Sport training.
  • Experience running a head table, or a strong wrestling background and the reliability to learn fast.
  • Calm under pressure. The head table is where every problem at the event walks up.
Apply for Operator

Operator Assistant

$15/HR

The right hand at the head table. Setup, weigh-ins support, table-worker support, and the dozens of small things that keep an event on schedule. The entry point onto our bench.

What you'll do

  • Help with setup and breakdown: head-table layout, bracket boards, signage.
  • Assist with weigh-ins (TDs run them; you keep the line moving).
  • Support the table workers running between the head table and mat tables.
  • Be the first friendly face for parent and coach questions.

What we need

  • Active USA Wrestling Leader credential plus current BG Check and Safe Sport training.
  • A working understanding of how a wrestling tournament runs.
  • Reliability. Showing up on time, every time, for the events you commit to.
Apply for Assistant

Open to either role? Apply here and we will place you where you fit best.

What we need from every bench member

Every Matside Operator and Assistant carries the same three USAW credentials, no exceptions:

If you do not hold these yet, you can still apply. Start the credentials path at teamusa.com/usa-wrestling/membership and let us know on your application; the right candidate without credentials in hand is welcome to apply.

How we hire

  1. We read every application personally. Daniel and Mason both review. No black-box pipeline, no recruiter screen.
  2. We respond within 5 to 7 business days. Either a yes-let's-talk or a thanks-but-not-this-cycle, but you will hear back.
  3. Strong candidates get a 20-minute call with Daniel or Mason to talk through the schedule, your background, and what we expect on event day.
  4. Selected Operators and Assistants shadow one event before being put on the schedule. Real-conditions onboarding; nobody runs a head table cold their first day.

FAQ

Am I an employee or a 1099 contractor?

1099 contractor. We file your 1099 each January if your total earnings cross the IRS threshold. Quarterly tax responsibility is yours.

What does a typical event day look like?

Saturday or Sunday, 8 to 12 hours including setup and breakdown. Most events are one-day. Multi-day events are rare and paid per shift.

Do I need to travel?

You pick your region preference on the application (Western PA, Maryland, Northern Virginia, or any combination). We assign events based on your stated preference and our schedule. Mileage is reimbursed as a pass-through to the host program when applicable.

I am a wrestling parent or coach with no head-table experience. Can I apply?

Yes, for the Assistant role. We train the technical side. Reliability and a willingness to learn are what get you on the schedule.

What software do I need to know?

Operators should be comfortable with FloArena or USA Bracketing. Assistants do not need software knowledge; you learn it on the bench.

When does the season start?

Most events run November 2026 through March 2027, with occasional summer and fall events. We post the schedule once we have locked the bench.

Can I apply for both roles?

Yes. Use the "Either role" link above and we will place you where you fit best.

Hiring Leads

Daniel Emmons (Owner and President) and Mason Manville (Chief Mat Officer) jointly review every application. Both hold active USA Wrestling Leader credentials with BG Check and Safe Sport training current; both have NCEP coaching education on file. Verify our credentials independently at matside.org/operators.

Questions about the role or the application? Email support@matside.org. Hiring window opens July 2026 and locks late September; we will continue to take applications until the bench is full.