Virginia High School League Wrestling Weight Control Program  
     

Virginia High School League
WRESTLING WEIGHT CONTROL PROGRAM

School's WCP files must be uploaded to VHSL by December 15th, 2008. A list will be generated on December 15th verifying all completed files.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:

The VHSL has made no changes to the Weight Control Program from the 2007-08 (V907) version of the spreadsheet or WCP Manual. Therefore there is NO requirement to complete the tutorial if you currently hold a VHSL WCP Certified Measurer's credential and number. You are encouraged to review the tutorial to refresh your memory of the protocols, but there will be no new CD.

USE LAST YEAR's SPREADSHEET (V907) for the 2008-09 wrestling season.

If you are not currently a VHSL Certified Measurer, you may attend a workshop this year, please click on the "Workshop Schedule" link on the left banner.

MISSION

Since 1989, the Medical Advisory Committee to the VHSL has been studying the incidence and harmful effects of excessive and rapid weight loss among wrestlers. Close collaboration with states that have instituted programs and policy groups such as the National Federation of State High School Associations, American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Wrestling Coaches Association has been ongoing. Prior to 2001, three task forces composed of individuals very involved in wrestling at all levels met to establish preliminary protocols. In April of each year since 2002, a Wrestling Task Force Committee meeting is held to consider coaches’ concerns and to fine-tune the Weight Control Program. Below are listed the Goals and Objectives that have existed from the beginning of this project.

 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 1. Improve the safety of wrestling by attempting to control the amount of weight loss over time, to limit weight cycling, and eliminate potentially dangerous methods of weight loss.

2. Improve the enjoyment of wrestling by minimizing the time, effort, and discomfort associated with making weight, including excessive weight loss.

3. Educate coaches, wrestlers, and parents on healthier methods of weight loss and the potential for enhanced performance, endurance, and strength if the athlete wrestles at a more “ideal body weight”.

4. Educate coaches, wrestlers, and parents on basics of good nutrition for active sports participation in growing youngsters.

5. Maximize the chance for fair and equal participation of all wrestlers by standardizing methods for weight determination and by minimizing the opportunity for perceived or real inequality among participants. Keeping the mats level for all wrestlers is critical as competitive equity based on weight has long been one of the foundations of the sport of wrestling.

6. Create a more positive public image for the sport of wrestling by attempting to eliminate one of the major criticisms leveled against the sport, (i. e. unhealthy weight loss).

7. Accomplish these goals without detracting from the discipline, mental and physical toughness, and conditioning that are very positive aspects of the sport.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON VHSL's WEIGHT CONTROL PROGRAM

If you wish to become a VHSL Certified Measurer, you need to sign up for a Certified Measurer's Workshop.