Wrestling Weight Management
November 18, 2007
The Nebraska School Activities Association has once again joined the National Federation of High Schools in implementing a Weight Management Program for interscholastic wrestling. The program is in its second year in Nebraska. This program is designed to help the wrestlers have a healthy life-style not only throughout the season but also for the rest of their lives.
As the rules specified last year, prior to the first competition of the season, each wrestler will be required to participate in an “Alpha Weigh-in”. This process will take place only once during the season unless an appeal is filed. Wrestlers must have a certain level of hydration before they will be allowed to step on the scale. This regulation is to help prevent unhealthy dehydration to make weight.
The scales used for the weigh-in are especially calibrated to high school students. As the student steps on the scale a small electrical current passes through their body. The scale then computes the percent of body fat for the wrestler. This number, along with their height, hydration level, and grade and school information is entered into a computer to be recorded in an “Optimal Performance Calculator”. The OPC is a national program sponsored by the National Wrestling Coaches’ Association. This calculator will indicate to the wrestler the lowest weight at which they can compete. (The NSAA is NOT encouraging wrestlers to attain their lowest minimum wrestling weight. The calculation indicates that they will not be allowed to wrestle below that minimum weight.)
An average weight loss limit of 1.5% (of body weight at the time of the Alpha Weigh In) per week is allowed. The Optimal Performance Calculator will provide a form for each wrestler that lists that wrestler’s descent plan detailing in which weight classes a wrestler may participate each week.
For more information, please attend the meeting on November 19th for parents of those participating in winter sports or contact Dean Davis, wrestling coach, or Kathy Calder, ATC, NSAA assessor for the program.
