Wrestling Points of Emphasis - 2026-27

Properly Fitted Female Wrestlers Uniforms
The continued growth of girls wrestling places an increased responsibility on schools and coaches to ensure that female wrestlers are provided with properly fitted, sport-appropriate uniforms. Appropriate uniform fit is essential to support safety, performance, and the overall student experience.

Uniforms shall be worn in a manner that allows for full range of motion, remain secure during all phases of competition, and eliminates the need for frequent adjustment. Ill-fitting uniforms – whether too loose or too restrictive – may create unnecessary distractions and potential safety concerns.

It is also imperative that uniforms provide appropriate coverage and comfort, recognizing the physical demands of the sport. When female athletes are confident in the fit and function of their uniform, they are better positioned to focus on competition and perform at their highest level.

Schools, parents and coaches are expected to be proactive in addressing uniform needs by ensuring access to a range of sizes and appropriate uniform options, including legal undergarments. This approach reflects a commitment to equity, inclusion and respect for all participants. Girls participation growth is making wrestling one of the fastest-growing sports.

Attention to proper uniform fit is not only a matter of compliance with NFHS rules, but also a demonstration of our shared responsibility to provide a safe, respectful and supportive environment for the continued growth of girls wrestling.

Importance of Proper Hygiene
The prevention of communicable skin conditions remains a critical priority in interscholastic wrestling. Due to the nature of close physical contact inherent in the sport, proper hygiene practices are essential to protect the health and safety of all participants.

Students are expected to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, including showering immediately after practices and competitions, washing and wearing clean practice and competition gear, and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels, clothing and equipment. These measures significantly reduce the risk of transmitting skin infections.

Coaches and school personnel play a vital role in reinforcing these expectations by promoting daily hygiene routines and monitoring athletes for any visible skin concerns. Regular skin checks should be conducted, and any suspicious lesions must be properly evaluated and managed in accordance with NFHS rules and state association guidelines before participation is permitted.

In addition, schools must ensure that wrestling mats and equipment are cleaned and disinfected regularly, particularly before and after use. Maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility and a key component in minimizing exposure to infectious conditions.

Failure to adhere to proper hygiene protocols may result in increased transmission of skin conditions, negatively impacting both individual athletes and team participation. A proactive and consistent approach to hygiene helps ensure a safe, healthy and competitive environment.

Complete Understanding of Bad Time
The accurate administration of match time and scoring is essential to the integrity of interscholastic wrestling. Situations involving “bad time,” when time is incorrectly started, stopped or allowed to run require a clear understanding by officials, coaches, and table personnel to ensure that matches are conducted fairly and within NFHS rules.

Bad time may occur due to errors such as the clock running during a stoppage, failing to start the clock when action resumes, or allowing wrestling to continue beyond the allotted period. When identified, these situations must be corrected in a timely and appropriate manner in accordance with NFHS rules.

Officials are responsible for recognizing and correcting bad time, including:

• Adjusting the match clock to reflect the correct amount of time remaining.

• Reconstructing match situations as accurately as possible for fairness and accuracy.

• Ensuring that neither wrestler gains an unfair advantage due to timing errors.

Table personnel and coaches also play an important role by remaining attentive and communicating potential timing discrepancies immediately. Prompt recognition and communication are critical to minimizing the impact of bad time on match outcomes.

A consistent understanding of bad time procedures helps preserve competitive equity, match flow and confidence in officiating. All participants are encouraged to review and apply NFHS rules related to match timing to ensure that contests are administered accurately and professionally.