MANUALS: WRESTLING
POSTSEASON
2023-24 Wrestling
Manuals provide the most up to date policies, rules, and regulations for Iowa High School Athletic Association sports in the regular season and postseason. Member school athletic directors and head coaches seeking more information or clarifications on the contents of this manual should contact the IHSAA sport administrator for this sport: Lewie Curtis, [email protected]. All other inquiries should be directed through athletic directors or coaches at member schools or host schools.
All the rules and regulations governing this sport can be found in the annual NFHS Rule Book, which all member schools receive from the IHSAA, excepting updates or experiments approved by the Board of Control.
For more information on concussions or sport safety, please visit the Health & Safety resource page.
To search this manual, click a topic header from the Index above or select Find (Ctrl + F) from your keyboard.
Regional & State Dual Team Guidelines
Regional & State Dual Team
Eight teams will qualify for the state dual team tournament in each of the three classes, 1A, 2A, and 3A. The twenty-four Class 1A, 2A, and 3A teams ranked highest by the final IHSAA Dual Team Rankings qualify for eight regional dual team meets held on the Tuesday before State Dual Team competition at eight pre-determined sites. Regional dual team sites are determined using the early-January IHSAA Dual Team Rankings, with 8 of the top 16 ranked schools in each class hosting, if possible and practical within geographic areas. The regional semifinal pairings will place the highest ranked team at a regional dual team site with a first-round bye and the second highest ranked team against the lowest ranked team, according to the final IHSAA Dual Team Rankings. If there is a tie in the rankings the higher seed goes to the team with the best win-loss percentage. The team winning in the first round of the regional dual will compete in the finals, with the winning team qualifying for the state dual team tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Weigh-Ins
All schools must present the proper TrackWrestling weigh-in forms at the time of weigh-in, listing the wrestlers eligible to compete at the Regional and State Dual Team Wrestling Tournament. Meet management will keep the original forms and make copies for coaches and table workers.
Regional Dual Team Tournaments:
For all regional dual team meets, weigh-ins will be conducted at the site one hour before competition is scheduled to begin, as per national rule. The only scale allowance given for regional duals is the 2-pound growth allowance, unless a weather-related allowance is granted by the IHSAA.
State Dual Team Tournament:
State dual team wrestling weigh ins will take place at GreenState Family Fieldhouse. Weigh ins will be conducted at 8:00 a.m. for all teams competing. The only scale allowance given for state duals is the 2-pound growth allowance, unless a weather-related allowance is granted by the IHSAA. Detailed information with reference to the weigh-in procedures for the state dual team tournament will be sent to the qualifying schools following the regional dual meets. Team bus/van drop-off and parking map is found here.
Weight Checks For State Duals
There will be no weight checks in GreenState Family Fieldhouse on Friday night, due to the IGHSAU Championships taking place. The scales will be open at 7:00 am on the Saturday of competition, one hour before weigh-ins begin.
Starting Weight Class
As per NFHS rules, the starting weight class will be drawn immediately before weigh-ins at regional and state duals. The random draw will be the same for all three classes, 1A, 2A, and 3A at the state dual team tournament. Each round will begin one weight class beyond the previous round. A pre-meet disk toss will determine which teams’ wrestlers have the choice of position at the start of the second period and which teams’ wrestlers are to report to the scorer’s table first for each weight class.
Security Identification for State Dual Team Tournament
Wrestlers and other team personnel must be in possession their security identification (wristband, lanyard, etc.) to gain entrance to the secure areas in GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Xtream Arena. Damaged security identification can be exchanged at the Head Table.
- Each participating school will receive six security identification items (wristband, lanyard, etc.) for the six cheerleaders who may cheer and one for the coach/sponsor.
- Team bus driver(s) must purchase a ticket if they wish to attend the state duals.
- School administrator passes will be allowed this year. Any school administrator attending the state duals will need to enter at the main entry.
Seeding Information For State Duals
After the eight State Dual teams per class are determined, those coaches will have a chance to give criteria for their team via a conference call then will submit their own rankings to determine the seeds for the state dual tournament. Each coach will rank the top 8 schools from the qualifying teams. If a tie exists upon submission of these rankings the tie will be broken by the following criteria (1) Head to Head competition (2) Overall winning percentage (3) the school first alphabetically will receive the higher seed in odd years, and the school last alphabetically will receive the higher seed in even years.
Team Ties At Regional & State Dual Team Competition
In the event a tie score exists in a dual meet at the regional or state dual team tournament, NFHS Wrestling Rule Book criteria will be used to break the tie.
Competitors For the Dual Team Tournament Series (Regional & State)
Because of the recent date changes to the regional and state dual team tournament, it is expected that every qualifying team to both events will put their best foot forward and compete to win with their best wrestlers.
Awards
Regional Dual Team:
- The regional team champion will receive 15 medals for 14 competing wrestlers and the head coach, as well a championship banner for the school. Additional medals may be purchased by contacting the IHSAA. The regional dual team champion will also receive a state qualifier banner for their school.
State Dual Team:
- Participation trophies and medals: Each team participating in the state dual team tournament will receive a trophy for the school and 15 medals for 14 competing wrestlers and the head coach. Additional medals may be purchased by contacting the IHSAA.
- Banners: The champion and runner-up teams in each class will receive a banner for their school.
- Picture plaques: Teams who qualify for the State Dual Team Tournament will receive 15 picture plaques for the 14 competing wrestlers and the head coach. Additional plaques may be purchased by contacting the IHSAA. Picture plaques will be sent to participating schools approximately 6-8 weeks after the Tournament.
Communicable Skin Conditions & Skin Checks
Regional Dual Team Tournaments:
At regional dual team tournaments, the officials will conduct the skin checks. Any wrestlers with suspect skin conditions must present a current, completed Wrestling Skin Condition Report at the time of weigh-ins signed by a medical professional stating the condition is not communicable or stating the wrestler had a communicable condition that is no longer communicable as of the date of the meet. If a designated on-site medical professional (Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Chiropractic, Physician Assistant, Athletic Trainer, or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) is present at the weigh-ins he or she has the authority to rule on any suspect communicable skin conditions. This medical professional has final authority to allow or deny participation regardless of what is indicated on the IHSAA Skin Condition Report Form presented by the coach.
State Dual Team Tournament:
Skin checks will be performed at weigh-ins. Any wrestlers with suspect skin conditions must present a current, completed Wrestling Skin Condition Report at the time of weigh-ins signed by a medical professional stating the condition is not communicable OR stating the wrestler had a communicable condition that is no longer communicable as of the state tournament. A tournament physician will be available when each class weighs in to rule on any suspect skin, or other health, conditions. The tournament physician has final authority to allow, or deny, participation regardless of what is indicated on the IHSAA Skin Condition Report Form presented by the coach.
Blood Borne Pathogens
Host schools are responsible for the necessary disposable supplies and personnel for cleaning blood from the mat or other areas of the facility. Participating schools are responsible for the cleaning of blood and other body fluids from their own athletes, and for using universal precautions.
Admission to the Dual Team Tournament Series
Regional Dual Team Tournaments:
The following people receive complimentary admission to regional dual team wrestling tournaments:
- All varsity squad members and coaches are permitted complimentary admission to the regional dual team meet.
- A maximum of six cheerleaders per school, if in uniform, and one coach/sponsor.
- Any school administrator with a school administrator pass and one guest.
- Any current, or former, IHSAA Board of Control member presenting a lifetime pass, and their respective spouse.
- Members of the host school’s Board of Education and spouse.
- Bona-fide members of the press, radio, and television media attending in the capacity of reporter and/or photographer. (This does not include a representative of a school paper, yearbook, etc.)
- One team bus driver for each participating school.
State Dual Team Tournament:
Each participating team shall consist of 32 members. The IHSAA will provide 32 complimentary team personnel security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) to each participating school. These security identification items are for wrestlers, coaches, managers/statisticians/videographers, and sports medicine personnel. Additional security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) will be sold to team personnel as ordered in advance, and the cost will be billed to the school. Cost of each additional security item is $20. No additional security items will be sold at the arena! Use of team security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) by non-team personnel will result in the school forfeiting their expense allowance.
Each participating school will receive six (6) security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) for the six (6) cheerleaders who may cheer and one (1) for the coach/sponsor. There will be no separate cheerleader entrance for state dual team wrestling. Cheerleaders will use the team entrance for state dual team wrestling.
Team bus driver(s) must purchase a ticket if they wish to attend the state duals.
Schedule For Dual Team Tournament Series
Regional Tournaments: Tuesday, January 30, 2024 – 6:00 PM
State Dual Team Tournament: Xtream Arena, Saturday, February 3, 2024 – 9:00 AM start
2024 Wrestling State Duals Schedule
Admission for Fans
Regional Dual Team (All Classes): General Admission $6.00
State Dual Team: General Admission – $20 plus facility fees.
Regional Dual Team tickets will be available in advance through Hometown Ticketing.
State Dual Team tickets will be made available for purchase through Xtream Arena ticket sales.
Wrestling Expense Allowance
Reimbursement for state dual team competition is based on a maximum traveling party of 32 people.
State Dual Team:
- Mileage = $1.20 per mile, one way.
- Travel <100 miles = mileage, plus $10.00 per allotted member of the traveling party.
- Travel >99 miles & no lodging used = mileage, plus $20.00 per allotted member of the traveling party.
- Travel > 99 miles & lodging used = mileage, plus $40.00 per allotted member of the traveling party.
Charitable Contributions and Solicitations
Tournament managers may be confronted with various requests pertaining to donations and contributions to organizations that rely upon this method or system of financing their programs. The Board of Control prohibits the passing of hats, receptacles, blankets, etc., inside the gymnasium at any IHSAA-sponsored tournament for the purpose of collecting any contributions to any group or organization. The Board of Control does not object to placing a receptacle in the vestibule or lobby of the gymnasium where the people may deposit their contributions, provided this arrangement meets with the approval of the local tournament manager.
Individual State Guidelines
School Wrestling Packets
At the Hy-Vee Hall wrestler/team personnel entrance, coaches will sign for their packet of materials that will include security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) for all team personnel. The following procedure is used to determine the number of security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) a school will receive in their packet:
- All schools with qualifiers receive three complimentary security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) for their coaches.
- Each qualifying wrestler will receive one complimentary security identification items (wristband, lanyard, etc.).
- Schools qualifying three, or more, wrestlers will receive one complimentary security identification item (wristband, lanyard, etc.) for an additional team personnel.
- Schools ordering additional coaches’ security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.), and/or one security identification item (wristband, lanyard, etc.) for the sports medicine professional traveling with their team will also find these items in their packet.
- Additional coaches’ security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) must be purchased by Jan. 12 – these will not be sold at Wells Fargo Arena! (We will reimburse if the purchase is not needed) We will bill your school for the additional coaches security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.).
Admission
Only general admission tickets are sold for the first ten sessions at the state tournament. Only reserved tickets are sold for the finals on Saturday evening. There are no ‘pass outs’ for IHSAA events. Anyone leaving the arena must purchase another ticket to return.
State Tournament Ticket Price: $12.00 for the first ten sessions. Championship tickets can only be purchased at http://www.hy-veetix.com or at the Wells Fargo Arena box office. Convenience and handling fees apply for any tickets purchased online. Saturday night finals tickets will be purchased by the member schools and will open for sale to the general public after schools have placed their orders.
School Administrators Attending State Wrestling Tournament: The Board of Control has adopted a policy allowing school administrators to use their school administrator pass so the administrator and ONE guest may have complimentary admission during the general admission sessions of the state dual and individual wrestling tournaments. This excludes the state individual finals, which require a reserved ticket. The school administrator must present a photo ID along with their pass and enter Wells Fargo Arena through the VIP/Media Entrance at the northwest corner. Tickets for any additional guests can be purchased before the tournament online or at the WFA box office in at the main entrance to Wells Fargo Arena. No tickets are sold at the VIP/Media Entrance.
Team Personnel
All team personnel will wear their security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.).
If wristbands are being used – New wrestler wristbands may be given for each day of the tournament – the new wristbands will be picked up at the check-in for weigh-ins each day. Coaches who have all their wrestlers eliminated but still stay to watch wrestling should pick up their wristbands at the weigh-in checkpoint.
If lanyards are being used – Each qualifying wrestler, coach, team personnel, or sports medicine personnel will be responsible for maintaining control of their own lanyard. If a lanyard is used and lost, a replacement can be purchased at a cost of $132.
Security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) are required to gain entrance into the weigh-in and warm up areas in Hy-Vee Hall and the Tunnel Entrance into Wells Fargo Arena. These security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) will allow team personnel access for the entire tournament, regardless of how far a school’s wrestler(s) advances in the tournament. Security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) MUST be worn to gain access. Anyone not wearing a security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) will not be allowed access to the secured areas in Hy-Vee Hall and Wells Fargo Arena, which means they will have to buy a ticket and sit in the spectator seating area to watch wrestling. Only those personnel with security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) will be allowed access to the floor level of the Arena. Damaged security identification items can be exchanged at the Head Table. After entering through Wells Fargo Arena, security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) will allow access to the spectator seating area through a designated access point.
Finals session – No team personnel will be permitted into spectator areas without a reserved seat ticket. Seating for team personnel will be at the north end of the Arena directly behind the head table (normally cheerleader area). Only those personnel wearing security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.) will be allowed to sit in this area. For the finals, limited seating area will be provided on the floor for those wrestlers in the Grand March. Limited seating will also be provided off the main floor and behind the head table for other team personnel wearing security identification items (wristbands, lanyards, etc.).
Advancing to State Individual Wrestling Competition
The first and second-place finishers in district competition advance to the state individual wrestling tournament. Third-place finishers in Class 3A District Tournaments will also qualify.
If for some reason (injury, illness, ineligibility, etc.) a first or second-place finisher (or third-place in 3A) cannot advance or compete in the state tournament, the athletic director from the wrestler’s school should call the IHSAA immediately. When this occurs, the third-place finisher from that district (fourth-place in 3A) will advance to state competition. If a district champion is unable to compete in the state tournament, the runner-up from that district will take the champion’s place on the state tournament bracket and the 3rd-place wrestler from that district will take the runner-up place on the bracket. If a runner-up is unable to compete, the 3rd-place wrestler from that district will take the runner-up’s place on the bracket. The 4th-place wrestler in 3A will take the 3rd-place wrestler’s spot.
Notification regarding injury or illness must be made to the Athletic Association by 9:00 p.m. Tuesday before the individual State Wrestling Tournament for another wrestler to advance to the state tournament.
If the 3rd-place district finisher in 1A or 2A (4th-place in Class 3A) who is replacing an injured or ill wrestler that qualified, cannot compete in the state tournament, the opposing wrestler who has made weight, and is otherwise eligible, is awarded a forfeit and two advancement points.
Personnel Permitted at Mat-Side
A maximum of two school personnel are permitted at mat-side. If your school has paid for a security identification item (wristband, lanyard, etc.) for an Athletic Trainer, or other sports medicine professional to travel with your school’s wrestlers, they are expected to stay in the sports medicine areas reserved for them, unless an injury occurs, at which time they may go on the mat.
Scoring
Eight place team scoring will be used at the State Tournament (16-12-9-7-5-3-2-1).
Awards
In state individual competition, individuals placing 1st-8th in their respective weight classes will be awarded medals by a school representative of the champion wrestler. Individual champions in each weight class will also receive the IHSAA wall chart for their weight class. Wrestlers participating in the awards ceremonies are to wear only school-issued attire. Team trophies will be awarded to the champion, runner-up, and third-place teams in each classification. The top three teams in the state individual tournament will have their picture taken and a picture plaque will be presented to each of the participating team members, and the head coach, compliments of the IHSAA. Additional plaques may be purchased by the school. In addition, the 1st-3rd place teams will receive an IHSAA state wrestling banner.
Seeding & Bracketing
In the first round of the individual state tournament, using the TrackWrestling system, will be seeded for wrestlers #1-24, using criteria to include head-to-head competition, common opponents, state place winner, state qualifier, district placing (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and season record.
Length of Periods
All matches during post-season competition will consist of three, 2-minute periods (2-2-2).
Grand March at the State Tournament
The top eight place winners at state wrestling will participate in the Grand March. Wrestlers participating in the Grand March of Champions are to wear only school issued attire. Please wear shoes appropriate for the event (sneakers or wrestling shoes). Wrestlers ejected from the tournament will not participate in the Grand March. Awards will not be presented to wrestlers who do not participate in the Grand March. (Exception: Doctor’s/school administrator’s excuse.)
Weigh-Ins
State Individual Wrestling Tournament weigh ins will take place in (Hy-Vee Hall A on Wednesday and Thursday, in Room 101-108 – warm-up area) on Friday and Saturday) at the scheduled starting times. Team personnel will use the Hy-Vee Hall North Lobby entrance that is on 3rd Street just under the skywalk or 5th Street near the IWCOA parking lot. This entrance will be posted as the “WRESTLER & WORKER ENTRANCE” and will open one hour before the first weigh-in is scheduled to begin each day.
Coaches do not need to bring weigh-in sheets for the state tournament because the weight class for all wrestlers was determined at the district meet.
Weigh-ins will take place on 7 scales with two weight classes assigned to each scale. Wrestlers will be called to the scale alphabetically, by school. As per NFHS rules, the consecutive day scale allowance is in effect up to a maximum of 2 pounds.
Individuals will have a picture taken immediately following their weigh-in for use by our professional photographer and the IHSAA.
Weight Checks
Wrestlers will be allowed to check their weight on Tuesday evening from 5:00pm – 7:00pm in (a scale will be placed in the warm-up room). Entrance will be through the Hy-Vee Hall North Lobby Entrance that is on 3rd Street just under the skywalk or in the south Hy-Vee Hall entry. The entrance will be posted as the “WRESTLER & WORKER ENTRANCE.” Packets for the state individual tournament can also be picked up at your scheduled weigh-in time on Wednesday as you enter Hall A. (New this year – wrestlers and coaches will receive badges on lanyards, so only one team check-in is necessary)
Concussions
While the IHSAA designated tournament physicians and athletic trainers will work with sports medicine professionals a school may bring with them, IHSAA designated tournament physicians and athletic trainers shall have final authority to determine if an athlete who is exhibiting signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with a concussion shall return to competition at any time during the tournament.
Skin Checks and Communicable Skin Conditions Forms
Skin checks will be performed at weigh-ins for each class (1A, 2A, & 3A). Any wrestlers with suspect skin conditions must present a current, completed Wrestling Skin Condition Report at the time of weigh-ins signed by a medical professional stating the condition is not communicable or stating the wrestler had a communicable condition that is no longer communicable as of the state tournament. A tournament physician will be available the first time each class weighs in to rule on any suspect skin, or other health, conditions. The tournament physician has the final authority as to whether the wrestler competes in the tournament.
Wrestling Expense Allowance
State tournament travel reimbursement:
Mileage
1-4 participants = $.48 per mile, one way
5-8 participants = $.95 per mile, one way
>8 participants = $1.20 per mile, one way
Additional Expense Allowance
Travel <100 miles = $10.00 per qualifier, for as many days as qualifier continues to participate in the tournament.
Travel >99 miles & NO lodging used = $20.00 per qualifier, for as qualifier continues to participate in the tournament.
Travel >99 miles & lodging USED = $40.00 per qualifier, for as qualifier continues to participate in the tournament.
Individual District Wrestling Tournament Guidelines
Classification Of Teams
There are three classifications in wrestling. The largest 64 schools with wrestling programs will be Class 3A; the next 96 largest will be Class 2A; and the remainder of the schools with wrestling programs will be Class 1A.
Tournament Dates & Starting Times
Districts: 1A, 2A & 3A – February 10, 2024, 10:00 a.m. Weigh-ins will begin at 8:00 a.m.
The tournament manager will determine what time the spectator doors will open and when participating schools’ personnel can enter the building.
Time Schedules For District Wrestling Tournaments
District wrestling shall take place during one session, with one 20-30-minute break taken at a time determined by the meet manager.
The following is a sample time schedule for district, tournaments; however, tournament managers will make the final determination as to the final schedule.
- Round 1: Pigtail matches (for weight classes with more than 8 competitors)
- Round 2: Quarterfinal matches (round of 8)
- Round 3: Semifinal matches & first round consolation matches
- Round 4: Consolation semifinals
- Round 5: Championship finals and consolation finals (3rd/4th place match) – each weight class wrestled simultaneously
- Round 6: Consolation final matches for determining true second place (including Class 3A) – ONLY IF WRESTLERS HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY WRESTLED. IF WRESTLERS HAVE PREVIOUSLY WRESTLED, THE PREVIOUS WINNER ADVANCES, BY RULE.
This sample schedule should expedite wrestling and allow competitors as much equity as possible regarding rest between matches. The full wrestle-back opportunity was implemented in 2023, so first-round losers have the opportunity to come back for a chance to advance to the state wrestling tournament. All third-place matches will be wrestled even if it is a rematch of a first-round match. This is in accordance with NFHS Rule 10-3-10 which states: “In the event two wrestlers, who have competed against each other previously in the tournament, are paired again due to cross-bracketing, the matches shall be wrestled and scored as if the wrestlers had not previously met.”
Advancing From District Competition
For each of the twelve Class 1A and 2A district tournaments, the champion and runner- up wrestler in each weight class will advance to the state tournament. For each of the eight Class 3A district tournaments, the champion, runner-up, and third-place finisher will advance to the state tournament.
District Champion, Runner-Up (or Third-Place finisher – Class 3A) Unable to Advance to State Competition
If for some reason (injury, illness, ineligibility, etc.) a wrestler who has qualified for the individual state tournament cannot compete, the athletic director from the wrestler’s school should call the IHSAA immediately. Notification regarding injury or illness must be made to the IHSAA by 9:00 p.m. Tuesday before the individual wrestling tournament for another wrestler to advance to the state tournament. In Class 3A only, a 4th-place district finisher could advance to the state tournament. If a qualifying wrestler cannot compete in the state tournament but the replacement can also not compete, the opposing wrestler, who is present and has made weight for that weight class, is awarded a forfeit and two advancement points. Failing to make weight is not a legal reason for allowing a third-place finisher (or fourth-place in Class 3A) from the district tournament to be entered into the state tournament. If a wrestler misses weight at the state meet, that spot becomes a forfeit.
Weigh-Ins
Weigh-ins for all district tournaments begin at 8:00 a.m., two hours before the scheduled starting time.
Each wrestler who has certified their minimum weight class receives the two-pound growth allowance, as per NFHS rules. The tournament manager, or his/her designee, as well as the lead official, should be present at weigh-ins. When the weigh-ins are completed, the tournament manager, or his/her designee, should sign the weigh-in forms to verify their accuracy and make copies of the forms for all participating head coaches.
Awards
In district competition, individuals placing 1st – 3rd in their respective weight classes will be awarded medals. Individual champions will also receive the IHSAA wall chart for their weight class. In addition, the district team champion will receive an IHSAA District Wrestling Championship banner. Wrestlers participating in the awards ceremonies are to wear only school-issued attire.
Byes, Defaults & Forfeits at District Tournaments
Rule 10-3 in the NFHS Wrestling Rule Book addresses tournament brackets and byes. The following are examples explaining how team points should be awarded for a bye, forfeit, or default.
Example 1: Wrestler #1 is scheduled to wrestle #2 in the first round of the district tournament. Wrestler #1 makes weight and is ready to wrestle, but wrestler #2 fails to make weight. Wrestler #1 receives a bye, is awarded two advancement points and advances to the next round. No forfeit is awarded because wrestler #2 is not officially entered in a district tournament because they did not make weight at the weigh-in.
Example 2: Wrestler #1 is scheduled to wrestle #2 in the first round of the district tournament. Both wrestlers make weight. Wrestler #2 becomes ill, or injured, and is unable to wrestle. Wrestler #1 is declared the winner by medical forfeit, is awarded two points for the medical forfeit, two advancement points, and advances to the next round of competition. If this occurs during the consolation round, only one advancement point is scored.
Example 3: Wrestler #1 and wrestler #2 are competing in a match. Wrestler #2 becomes injured through NO illegal action by #1 and is unable to continue. Wrestler #1 wins the match by default and is awarded two points for the default, plus two points for advancement, if the match is part of the championship bracket. If this match occurs during the consolation round, only one advancement point would be scored, in addition to the two points for the default.
Example 4: Wrestler #1 is scheduled to wrestle #2 in the first round of the state tournament. Wrestler #1 fails to make weight. Wrestler #2, who made weight, wins by forfeit and is awarded two points for the forfeit and two advancement points because all wrestlers are officially entered in the tournament through qualification at the district tournament. Wrestler #2 would be eliminated from the tournament.
Certified Weight
Wrestlers who have not certified their minimum wrestling weight class by making scratch weight at least one time during the regular season in the weight class at which they are competing must make scratch weight at the district tournaments.
Entry Regulations, Verification of Entries & Weigh-In Forms
Wrestlers cannot be entered in a weight class lower than that permitted by their body composition assessment or descent plan. Wrestlers can be entered in a weight class for which they make weight (including growth allowance if they have qualified and used that allowance earlier in the season) and one weight class above.
Final entries, including changing any entries or the weight class at which wrestlers will weigh in, must be made with the tournament manager or his/her designee before the weigh ins begin.
The declaration of the weight class in which each wrestler will compete must be made with the tournament manager or his/her designee before the last 285# wrestler steps off the scale.
Entries: Entry into the District Tournaments will be done through TrackWrestling. All coaches will receive an email from TrackWrestling prior to their district meet with complete instructions on how to enter wrestlers into their tournament. The entry deadline is 6:00pm, on the Thursday prior to districts. Coaches should enter the one wrestler in each weight class whom they believe will be the actual competitor. Two wrestlers per weight class may be listed on the weigh-in form, but only one contestant per school may compete in each weight class. Final entries and the declaration of the weight class in which each wrestler will compete must be made before the conclusion of weigh ins. NFHS rules allow a wrestler to compete one weight class above the weight class for which he actually weighs in; as long as the coach notifies the tournament manager by the verification deadline, which is the conclusion of weigh ins. Coaches may verify entries privately with the tournament manager, or his/her designee, if they choose. Entries will not be released to schools prior to the conclusion of weigh-ins.
Weigh-In Forms: Coaches must enter their wrestlers into the TrackWrestling online weigh-in form for their district meets, just as they have during the regular season. This form will show each wrestler’s lowest eligible weight class for the tournament, according to their descent plan, and if they receive the growth allowance. Coaches should also bring copies of the actual, paper weigh-in forms from each regular season meet. These actual weigh-in forms are to be presented to the Meet Manager, or his/her designee, if any questions arise regarding the weight class at which a wrestler is qualified to weigh-in. Any wrestler competing in the tournament at a weight class for which he is not qualified will be disqualified from the tournament and will not advance out of the tournament. State qualifiers in all classes, do not need to be entered into a TrackWrestling online weigh-in form because they must weigh-in for the same weight class at which they competed during the qualifying tournament.
Length of Periods
All matches during postseason competition (championship and consolation) will consist of three, two minute periods (2-2-2).
Pairings & Seeding of District Tournaments
Pairings and seeding for district tournaments will be conducted under the supervision of the Tournament Manager, or his/her designee. The starting time for the seeding meeting should be within 10-15 minutes after the conclusion of the weigh-ins. All seeding shall be done according to Rule 10.3 of the current NFHS Wrestling Rule Book. The seeding feature in TrackWrestling will be used for initial seeding, with final changes made during the seeding meeting at district meets. All wrestlers will be seeded prior to the byes being placed on a line (2018 rule adaptation). The tournament management, and/or the head coaches as a group, should establish criteria for seeding prior to commencing the actual seeding meeting. Consideration should be given to the following when determining seed placement:
- Varsity competition only
- Head-to-head competition
- Records against common opponents (byes do not count as a win)
- Returning district or state champion or runner-up
- Exceptional record against acknowledged strong opposition
- Best overall record or random draw can be used to separate wrestlers with no differentiating criteria
Seed all weight classes according to NFHS rule 10-3. (Numbers on the bracket in parentheses indicate seeded wrestlers).
District Tournament Bracket
- As per the Wrestling Coaches Advisory Committee recommendation, eight-person brackets will be used for all district meets, regardless of the number of wrestlers competing in a weight class. Wrestlers on championship brackets with less than 8 wrestlers and consolation brackets with less than 4 wrestlers will receive byes until they reach a bracket with an opponent.
- Weight classes with more than 8 wrestlers will require pigtail matches. The first pigtail match would involve the #8 and #9 seeds. In Class 1A, the second pigtail match would involve the #7 and #10 seeds, and the third pigtail match would involve the #6 and #11 seeds.
- Pigtail match losers are eliminated from further competition. Pigtail match winners are entered into the tournament on the appropriate quarterfinal line. No team scoring of any kind is given to pigtail match winners.
- If byes are necessary, draw for them according to NFHS rule 10-3.
Advancement points are awarded when a wrestler wins a match or receives a bye (regardless of the outcome of the next match), to advance to a bracket to compete against another wrestler. Two advancement points are awarded on the championship side of the bracket & one advancement point is awarded on the consolation side of the bracket. Even though wrestlers who receive byes are awarded advancement points, byes do not count as wins because the wrestler never intended to compete against anyone. (The sample bracket below is still acceptable for the 2024 District Tournament)
Team Scoring
Four place team scoring (14, 10, 7, 4) will be used in district tournaments.
Team scoring must be contested within 30 minutes after the posting of final team scores in order for any consideration to be given to correcting team scores.
Team Ties: To determine the team winner of a district tournament which ends in a team tie for first place, the following criteria will be applied in the order listed:
- The team with the most individual champions will be declared the winner.
- The team with the most second-place winners will be declared the winner.
- The team with the most third-place winners will be declared the winner.
- The team with the most fourth-place winners will be declared the winner.
- The team with the most victories in head-to-head competition with other tied teams throughout the tournament will be declared the winner.
- The team with the most victories in the championship and consolation brackets will be declared the winner. (Do not count byes)
- The team that has accumulated the most advancement points throughout the tournament will be declared the winner.
- The team with the most pins, defaults, disqualifications and forfeits in the tournament will be declared the winner.
- The team with the most technical falls will be declared the winner.
- The team with the most major decisions will be declared the winner.
- If a tie still exists, a winner will be declared by a flip of the disk.
Communicable Skin Conditions
Coaches who have a wrestler(s) with a suspect skin condition are required to have the completed IHSAA Skin Condition Report Form indicating the condition is not communicable on the date of competition with them in order for the wrestler(s) to compete. Coaches must present the form to the meet manager or lead official at the weigh-ins. If a designated on-site medical professional (Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Chiropractic, Physician Assistant, Athletic Trainer, or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) is present at the weigh-ins, he or she has the authority to rule on any suspect communicable skin conditions. This designated on-site medical professional has the authority to allow, or deny, participation regardless of what is indicated on the IHSAA Skin Condition Report Form.
Wall Charts
The IHSAA will furnish wall charts for each weight class to all district tournament managers, with the champion in each weight class receiving the wall chart.
Rules & Procedures For Postseason Wrestling
Banners, Signs, Hoops, Confetti, Etc. Prohibited
The Board of Control of the IHSAA prohibits spectators from displaying any banners or signs, artificial noisemakers, as well as, the use of confetti, etc. Cheerleaders are prohibited from using a paper hoop designed for athletes to run through when coming onto the mat. (This regulation is in effect for district and state tournaments)
Conduct Counts
Conduct Counts rules are in effect for all postseason tournaments. Each host school should have Conduct Counts posters for the posting of these rules.
Conduct Counts rules are in effect for all postseason tournaments. Conduct Counts
Cheerleaders
A maximum of six cheerleaders per school will be allowed at IHSAA postseason wrestling events.
Information for state wrestling cheerleaders is provided at the following link – Cheerleading State Wrestling Rules
Cleaning the Wrestling Mats
To reduce the risk of communicable skin conditions, it is recommended that district hosts clean the wrestling mats with disinfectant cleaner between rounds, as necessary.
Defaults & Forfeits
Rule 10-3 in the NFHS Wrestling Rule Book addresses tourney brackets, defaults, and forfeits.
Public Address Announcement Policy
The public address system at an IHSAA postseason event is not to be used as an open public forum for the expression of views by individuals or organizations concerning political, philosophical, religious, or other matters unrelated to the conduct of the event, or the management and safe use of the event site. For example, conducting a prayer over the public address system is prohibited at IHSAA postseason or sponsored events.
Prayer At IHSAA-Sponsored Events
IHSAA Board of Control action from February 24, 2001 states, “Prayer shall not be permitted at IHSAA-sponsored events in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling on June 17, 2000.” (Supreme Court of the U.S., Santa Fe Independence School District vs. Jane Doe, #99-62).
Video Taping Matches
Videotaping of matches is permissible provided viewing of the videotape by team personnel does not take place until the entire meet is over. The host management is not expected to provide electrical power.
Wells Fargo Arena Information
Locker Rooms
Locker rooms will be available for wrestlers. All wrestlers should plan to shower when they are finished wrestling for the day. This will help alleviate any concerns about wrestlers becoming ill or developing a communicable skin condition from not showering. Soap & towels are not provided.
Warm Up Areas
Warm up areas are provided in Hy-Vee Hall (rooms 101-108).
Music Before Matches
Because this is an IHSAA event hosted by a member school there is no “run out” music for wrestlers before the start of a match. The atmosphere should be as neutral as possible for all schools.
Photography
Jolesch Photography is the official photography service for the State Wrestling Tournament. The website is at this link: Jolesch Photography – IHSAA Events
Coaches, managers, and wrestlers are not allowed to take pictures or video at mat-side.
Spectators may take pictures and video from their seats, but no external power is available. Taking pictures or videotaping in the aisles is strictly prohibited. Information about ordering state tournament photos will be available on the main concourse level throughout the tournament.
Sports Medicine Personnel At State Wrestling
The Athletic Association provides physicians and athletic trainers for the tournament.
Food & Drink In Wells Fargo Arena
Team personnel may bring outside food and drink into the backstage arena areas through the tunnel from the Hy-Vee Hall only. It is not permissible to bring outside food and drink into the main arena areas, except for personal water and sports drink containers.
Iowa Wrestling Coaches & Officials Room
A room for IWCOA members is available in the Southwest corner of the 300 level of Wells Fargo Arena for members of the IWCOA to conduct any business they may have during the tournament. There is also an IWCOA room on the arena floor level near the northwest hallway.
Bus Parking At Wells Fargo
Busses will be allowed to park at Principal Park free-of-charge. Principal Park is about one mile directly south of WFA on 3rd Street. Busses will be allowed to drop students off at the 3rd Street drop off lane near the Main Entrance to the Arena. After dropping students off, busses will be directed to Principal Park where pep busses only can park free. No vans, suburbans, or cars allowed.
Once they have parked their bus at Principal Park, drivers should call 515-282-8111 and ask for the “School Bus Shuttle Cab” to pick them up at Principal Park. The approximate one-way fee will be $6.00 to Wells Fargo Arena. There is a skywalk entrance about 4 blocks from Principal Park at 2nd & Court streets. Please refer to the downtown Des Moines map below for skywalk and points of interest information. Downtown Des Moines Map
Team Personnel Entrance Into the Iowa Events Center
Team personnel will use the Hy-Vee Hall North Lobby entrance, which is on 3rd Street just under the skywalk. Please refer to the online map for the specific location of this entrance. This entrance is posted as the “WRESTLER & WORKER ENTRANCE” and will open one hour before the first weigh-ins for the day are scheduled.
The team personnel entrance into Wells Fargo Arena is through the tunnel from the Hy-Vee Hall. This is the only entrance team personnel will be admitted free-of-charge. Only team personnel wearing security identification items (wristband, lanyard, etc.) will be admitted through this entrance.
Team Pictures
Teams placing in the top three will have their team picture taken (qualifiers, coaches, etc.) These will be used for the commemorative photo plaques sent to schools. We will send further information about the photo plaques after the tournament.