Summary of Rule Changes for the Upcoming Season
Hey there, Wisconsin wrestling fans! Some rule changes are coming your way for the 2023-24 season. Here’s a run down of what to expect.
But first, some background…
The NFHS, or the National Federation of State High School Associations, plays a crucial role in overseeing high school sports across the United States. It is a nonprofit organization composed of 51 member state associations (including the District of Columbia) that are responsible for regulating interscholastic sports at the high school level. When it comes to rule changes, the process is thoughtful and inclusive. Typically, each year, the NFHS rules committee for each sport reviews and discusses potential rule changes. They consider input from coaches, officials, and state associations. These committees analyze the impact of proposed changes on the sport, athlete safety, and the overall high school sports environment.
After thorough discussions, the committee proposes rule changes that they believe will benefit the sport and its participants. These proposals are then voted on by the NFHS member state associations during their annual meeting. If a majority of the member associations approve a rule change, it is implemented and becomes part of the NFHS rulebook for the upcoming season.
The goal of changing rules is to continually improve the sport, enhance safety, and adapt to the evolving needs and challenges of high school sports. By involving a wide range of stakeholders in the decision-making process, the NFHS ensures that rule changes are well-considered and serve the best interests of high school athletes and the sport as a whole.
Let's dive into the rule changes:
1. Representation Rules (1-4-3): To avoid overloading wrestlers, wrestlers can only wrestle in one weight class per meet and have a match limit of 6 per day.
2. Rest Time Between Matches (1-4-4): The minimum rest time between matches has been reduced to 30 minutes, ensuring wrestlers have enough time to recover and perform at their best.
3. Match Limit in Two-Consecutive Day Period (1-4-7): Wrestlers can't participate in more than 10 matches over two consecutive days. The limit prevents overexertion and maintains the wrestler's well-being during multi-day tournaments.
4. Referee's Uniform (3-1-1): Referees can wear black or white striped short-sleeved shirts, with flexible options for shoes. This opens up more comfortable footwear options for referees.
5. Wrestlers' Uniform (4-1-1a, 4-1-1b): Wrestlers can ditch the singlet and wear full-length tights with form-fitted options, enhancing comfort and mobility. Shorts designed for wrestling should have a minimum 4-inch inseam. Confession— we love this rule for the ladies! Uniforms should never be a barrier to competition.
6. Facial Hair and Hair Control (4-2-1): Wrestlers can keep their facial hair as long as it doesn't hinder skin checks, and they have the option to wear a legal hair cover for hair control. Sorry to the Teague’s of the world—no bandanas allowed.
7. Forfeit/Medical Forfeit (5-13, 10-2-4, 10-2-5): The term "medical forfeit" clarifies that the forfeit was due to an injury or illness during the tournament, and it won't count against the wrestler's record. It's considered a forfeit when an opponent fails to appear.
8. Inbounds Rule (5-15-2a): Wrestler's feet are now considered usual points of support on the mat, providing clarity and consistency during near-fall situations.
9. End-of-Match Procedure (6-5-2): Officials will no longer be required to physically touch wrestlers during the post-match procedure to declare a winner.
There you have it, wrestling fans!