After graduating from the University of Northern Colorado, Charles Douglas began his 38-year officiating career at the high school and collegiate level.

First African-American to officiate in the NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championships. Officiated 15 NCAA Division I National Championships and numerous NCAA Division II National Championships. Officiated high school and college meets, including Pac-10 Conference, Big Ten Conference, Far Western Conference, California State Junior College and California State High School Championships.

Head wrestling coach at Colorado Springs High School and San Mateo High School in San Mateo, California. Taught mathematics at Colorado Springs High School and was mathematics teacher and counselor at San Mateo High School. Became administrator and eventually principal at San Mateo High School.

Finished second at 133 pounds in the Colorado State High School Wrestling Championships for Palmer High School in 1955. Wrestled for Northern Colorado and was three-time Rocky Mountain Conference champion and qualified for the 1958 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. Received bachelor's and master's degrees from Northern Colorado.