Wrestling

Greco-Roman wrestling is one of the many sports that are taught in high school. Those who have the potential of doing well here are usually spotted by PE teachers and offered a chance to tryout for the varsity team.

There are 7 weight classes for a person to join. This can be from 55 kilograms and below to those who are 120 kilograms and above.

The school and the organization that governs this sport focuses on safety to prevent accidents from happening during a tournament. This includes wearing the proper gear such as a helmet and various holds that are permitted.

Eight years ago, another addendum to the existing rules was introduced. This involves activities that athletes engage in before the tournament in order to qualify for a certain weight class.

In December of 1995, a varsity wrestler by the name of Jeff Reese died a day before a scheduled competition. Police reports show the victim was wearing a rubber suit in a superheated room and was found dead.

There were no signs of foul play but the investigation proved that the death was an accident and there was a need for stiffer rules to prevent this incident from happening again.

The committee headed by the school’s athletic program by the name of Tom Gross has given six recommendations, which are now being enforced.

1. Vapor impermeable suits like the one worn by the deceased will no longer be used because the fabrics made of plastic, rubber or nylon aren’t breathable.

2. Some people who need to shed of a pound or two before the competition won’t be allowed anymore to use the sauna. This was the practice in the past since water occupies more than 50% of the human body and heat can help lose it.

3. Coaches are required to monitor the weight of each wrestler daily. This will give the one in charge ample time to make the athlete lose weight or maintain it when a competition is fast approaching.

4. Three hours before the competition, a trainer must be present with the wrestler during the weigh in until the start of the match.

5. Coaches are also required to make a nutrition program to maintain the weight of the athlete.

6. Lastly, any violation of the five mentioned above must be reported immediately to the authorities so proper disciplinary action can be carried out.

Wrestling is a sport and safety must always be everyone’s priority.