Changes in rules could impact way wrestling looks

are considered to be in bounds if supporting points of either wrestler Wrestling t e a m s are inside or on the across the state could boundary line. have a new look this Supporting points are year. defined as parts of the

The National Federation body touching the wrestling of High Schools is area which bear the now allowing teams to wrestler’s weight, other use an alternate uniform. than those parts with which the wrestler is

The one-piece singlet holding the opponent. has been the standard The points of support uniform for high school, are: 1. the knees, 2. the collegiate, and international side of the thigh, 3. the wrestling. buttocks, 4. the hand or

The NFHS is now allowing hands, 5. the head. If one wrestlers to wear of these supporting a two-piece uniform as parts, of either wrestler, long as certain specifications is inside or on the boundary are met. line, wrestling will

Compression shorts or continue. The change shorts designed for wrestling was made to reward the can be worn along offensive wrestler and with a form-fitted compression limit the number of interruptions. shirt. The rule also states that a team is “I like the new rule because not required to have every it expands the area wrestler wear the of wrestling,” Martinez same uniform, as long as said. “It gives the offensive the different uniforms wrestler more opportunities are sanctioned by their to wrestle.” high school. The rule change shows

“The National Federation a move toward the college did a study in the rule, which gives the state of Kentucky and offensive wrestler even found that some wrestlers more latitude to score. don’t like wearing The college rule allows the singlet,” North Hills wrestling to continue as coach Jose Martinez long as either wrestler said. “Some wrestlers, has at least a foot or hand especially bigger kids, in bounds. are embarrassed to wear “The federation is a singlet because of the clearly moving toward way they look. This new college rules,” said Mike rule is trying to apease Simon, a rules interpreter those kids. They claim from Fayette this change will help improve County. “I like it because participation in it makes it easier for wrestling.” high school wrestlers to

Martinez has no plans adapt when they get to to use the alternate uniforms college. In fact, I wish in the near future. high school and college

“We buy uniforms every had the same rules. It four years,” Martinez would make things easi said. “So that’s not e r for wrestlers, an option this year. If my coaches, officials and the team wants to change in fans.” the future, I will listen, Franklin Regional but I prefer the traditional coach Matt Lebe likes the singlet.” change.

South Fayette coach “It’s good to see that Rick Chaussard has an the federation is moving open mind about the optional more toward the college uniform. rule,” Lebe said. “Let the

“We’re looking into kids wrestle. It’s a step in buying some [of the twopiece the right direction.” uniforms],” Chaussard The NFHS also outlawed said. “We will be using any form of the the traditional uniform, straight-back salto and but plan on buying suplay, moves that are some of the two-piece being used in combat uniforms for athletes sports, like mixed martial who may be on the fence arts. The straightback about coming out for salto and suplay are wrestling.” moves in which the offensive

The NFHS also made wrestler has his two significant rule arms around the waist of changes. the defensive wrestler,

The federation expanded then takes him to the the location mat in a backward motion. where a fall or near-fall The change was can be awarded. The new made because of the danger rule states that contestants of these moves. Tri-State Sports & News Service