High School Wrestling Weight Certification Program

Overview

Procedures

Overview

The Smith Exercise Science Laboratory serves as an official site for the S.C. State High School League's Wrestling Weight Certification Program.

National studies continue to show that excessive weight loss and "bouncing" is present among a significant number of high school wrestlers. Harmful effects of excessive weight loss and "bouncing" include:

- Decreased academic performance, athletic endurance, and strength
- Compromise of physiological functions including internal temperature control
- Increased incidence of eating disorders

Through the weight certification program that each high school wrestling team will participate in, safe limits of weight loss are established and wrestlers are advised of the lowest weight class they will be allowed to compete at for the wrestling season.

Weight certification is a two step process which includes the measurement of hydration level and percent body fat.

To schedule an appointment for your team, call Stacey Beam, Laboratory Coordinator, at 349-2807.

Procedures

- Wrestlers must be accompanied by school representative and should be dressed in athletic attire, including shorts.
- School representative will bring forms required by the State High School League.
- Athlete will urinate into cup - will use 1-2 drops of urine to measure specific gravity.
- If specific gravity 1.002 - 1.020, will measure % body fat (skinfold technique).
- If specific gravity > 1.020, athlete must return for certification not less than 48 hours later.
- CCU Exercise Science Lab staff will fill in required paperwork for school representative.