Takedown Report

2022-23 NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes

High school wrestlers may now have facial hair on the entire face and chin, provided a skin check can still be conducted. Previously, wrestlers were required to be clean shaven with the exception of sideburns and a neatly trimmed mustache.

The change to facial hair requirements was one of three rules changes recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee at its meeting April 3-5 in Indianapolis, which subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The revised procedure for facial hair is that the skin must be visible to allow for a skin check to be performed, as determined by the referee or a designated onsite appropriate health-care professional overseeing skin checks. In the event a skin check cannot be performed, a wrestler will be permitted to trim the facial hair to within the guidelines and must do so before competing. A wrestler may also choose to wear a face mask in lieu of making adjustments to the facial hair.

“We have been systematically removing barriers of participation in our sport,” said Elliot Hopkins, … restof the story at https://portal.nwcaonline.com/articles/NWCA_News/2022-23-NFHS-Wrestling-Rules-Changes-18-5-2022

May 18, 2022 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized