Wrestling Rules: High School Changes, NCAA Proposals Impact Uniforms, Equipment

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (May 1, 2025) — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) made two wrestling rule changes affecting uniforms and equipment that were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

While wrestlers cannot wear wristbands, sweatbands, bicep bands or arm sleeves that do not contain a pad, they now will be able to wear leg sleeves that do not contain a pad. Since wrestlers are allowed to wear tights on both legs, the committee agreed that wearing leg sleeves would be no different.

Effective July 1, 2027, the school’s name, school nickname, school logo, school mascot, weight classification and/or the wrestler’s name are permitted on the uniform top and/or bottom. Aside from the wrestling-specific terms, this is standard language approved for all NFHS sports rules publications.

Other changes included a revision to clarify the already illegal leg block/cutback maneuver, near-fall criteria language added to the Technical Fall section in Rule 5-11 and an option of conducting dual meets from lowest to heaviest weight classes.

NCAA Men’s Wrestling Proposals

The NCAA Men’s Wrestling Rules Committee rules proposals included requiring mouthguards for competition, effective with the 2025-26 season.

“There is unequivocal science and research available to support the positive benefits of wearing a mouthguard,” said Deral Brown, the chair of the NCAA men’s wrestling rules committee and head coach at Newberry. “After thorough discussion, the committee concluded that the mouthguard recommendation is in the best interest of the health and safety of our student-athletes.”

Another recommendation would make the wearing of ear protection optional for wrestlers. The rule changes must be approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which is scheduled to discuss men’s wrestling rules recommendations June 10.