The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) sets the standards for high school wrestling in New Jersey. This includes rules, regulations, and weight classes. Here's a detailed look at the rules and weight classes in New Jersey wrestling, along with insights into tournament procedures.
NJSIAA Wrestling Rules and Regulations
N.J.S.I.A.A. wrestling rules apply with a few exceptions. Here's a breakdown of some key regulations:
Time Periods
Time periods are 2:00, 1:30, and 1:30 minutes respectively.
Weight Classes
The weight classes are as follows:
- 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 140, 150, 175 and heavy weight.
- A heavyweight class shall be recognized subject to the following restrictions: The wrestler must weigh in above 150lb.
- This minimum weight shall increase accordingly when the weight allowances are given.
- The maximum weight shall be 240lb.
Weight Allowance
A 1lb weight allowance will be given as of December 23rd of each season year and February 1st or the league tournament or playoffs, whichever comes first.
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Age and Grade
- Maximum 15 years of age after September 1st of each season.
- Minimum age of 10 years as of September 1st of the current season.
- Grades fifth, sixth seventh and eighth
Weight Class Eligibility
Certified weight is defined as the lowest weight class in which a wrestler shall be eligible to complete the balance of the season, including the league tournament.
- Certified weight will be the lowest weight made during the first 2 weeks of the league scheduled matches and at which he/she wrestles in the dual match, with his/her weight being recorded.
- The wrestler does NOT have to wrestle at that particular weight class and can move up as stated in our bylaws.
- He/she just needs to wrestle in a Varsity match (forfeits included) that day as part of the league.
- A wrestler may compete in no more than two (2) weight classes higher than his/her certified weight at any time during the season.
- It is the coach’s responsibility to be sure that a wrestler weighs in at the lowest weight class at which the wrestler will compete during the season.
Experimental Rules for 2021-2022 Season
For the 2021-2022 season, New Jersey employed three experimental rules. These rules were tested to potentially be added to the NFHS rulebook.
- Ready to Wrestle: A wrestler must arrive at the scoring table ready to wrestle. If gear is missing, injury time starts, the coach receives an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and the team loses a point. The wrestler is also penalized a technical violation.
- Facial Hair: Up to a half inch of facial hair is permitted if the official can see the skin. If not, the hair must be shaved, trimmed, or covered. This aims for consistency and prevents abrasive facial hair.
- Stalling in UTB: A wrestler can use a recognized ride for 30 seconds without being called for stalling. However, specific stalling techniques can result in penalties.
Wrestling - New Out Of Bounds Situations
New Weight Classes for 2021-2022
In 2021-2022, there were new weight classes for both boys and girls wrestling.
Boys Weight Classes
There are 14 weight classes for boys:
- 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190, 215, and 285.
Girls Weight Classes
The girls went from 11 to 12 weight classes:
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- 100, 107, 114, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 165, 185, 235.
Tournament Procedures
Wrestling tournaments are organized events run by wrestling clubs.
General Tournament Procedure
- Wrestlers are divided into weight classes based on age and weight.
- Brackets are posted in hallways or gymnasiums, or on the FLO Wrestling App.
- Find your wrestler by age group (e.g., Pee-wee, Bantam, Midget, Intermediate, Cadet).
- Check for his/her name on a chart indicating his/her age group that is near the weight he weighed in at.
- Near the wrestler's name will be a bout number.
- Bout numbers are called to a particular mat in numerical order.
- Notify a coach of the bout number and the mat that the wrestler will be wrestling when his/her bout number is on deck.
After the first match, check the wrestler's bracket to understand if he will wrestle again and his newly assigned bout number for the next round.
Awards
Awards (medals or trophies) are handed out upon the completion of the wrestlers weight class. Wrestlers' names are called to the head table to receive their award if they earned one.
Understanding these rules, weight classes, and tournament procedures can help wrestlers, parents, and coaches navigate the wrestling season effectively.
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