A Fair Fight on the Mat
Wrestling in Michigan high schools runs under the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), which follows the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rulebook. Both boys’ and girls’ wrestling divisions share many standards, but each has specific guidelines to ensure safety, fairness, and equal opportunity. These rules protect athletes and promote the discipline and respect that define the sport.
Eligibility and Weight Classes
Every wrestler must meet MHSAA eligibility and academic requirements before stepping on the mat. Each athlete can compete in only one weight class per event, and may wrestle no more than six matches per day or ten over two consecutive days. A 30-minute rest period is mandatory between matches.
Boys compete in 14 weight classes ranging from 106 to 285 pounds. Girls have 12–14 weight classes, starting at 100 pounds and extending up to 235. Each wrestler’s weight class is determined through an official body composition test that identifies the minimum safe competition weight — 7% body fat for boys and 12% for girls.
Weigh-Ins and Weight Management
The MHSAA enforces strict weigh-in procedures. Wrestlers must weigh in no more than two hours before competition while wearing their approved uniform or undergarments. Schools without access to facilities the day before a meet may use a one-pound allowance.
Female wrestlers must be weighed by female officials or staff members in a private setting. To ensure health and safety, no wrestler may lose more than 1.5% of body weight per week, and all weight reductions must follow medical guidelines.
Uniforms and Appearance
Wrestlers can choose between a traditional one-piece singlet or a two-piece set of compression shorts and a shirt designed for wrestling. Logos on uniforms cannot exceed 2.25 square inches. Female athletes must wear compression undergarments such as a sports bra under the singlet, and all competitors must remove jewelry. Hair must be properly secured, and braces or hard supports must be fully padded and approved by officials before competition.
Match Rules and Scoring
MHSAA matches follow standard NFHS scoring. Each bout consists of three two-minute periods, with overtime if necessary. Wrestlers earn points for takedowns, escapes, reversals, near falls, and opponent penalties. A pin, forfeit, or disqualification earns six team points, while a technical fall earns five. Major and regular decisions earn four and three points respectively.
Officials monitor all matches for fair play, enforcing penalties for stalling, unsportsmanlike conduct, and technical violations. Coaches must stay in the designated coaching zone, and wrestlers must shake hands before and after every match — a long-standing symbol of sportsmanship in wrestling.
Safety and Sportsmanship
Wrestlers must undergo daily skin checks to prevent the spread of infections. Any visible rash, sore, or skin condition must be cleared by a doctor before competition. Blood time is limited to five minutes per match, and any suspected concussion results in immediate removal from competition until cleared by medical staff.
Unsportsmanlike behavior or flagrant misconduct leads to disqualification and a loss of team points. These expectations emphasize respect for teammates, coaches, and opponents both on and off the mat.
Dual Meets, Tournaments, and Postseason
Dual meets consist of one wrestler from each team per weight class, with a random draw determining the starting class. Ties are broken using NFHS criteria like total match victories or team points scored. Tournaments follow single or double elimination formats, with no more than six matches per day.
The MHSAA postseason features district, regional, and state tournaments. Seeding depends on win percentage, head-to-head records, and common opponents. Boys and girls each have separate postseason paths, with girls now having a fully sanctioned state tournament.
Equal Ground for Female Wrestlers
Girls’ wrestling is rapidly growing in Michigan, and MHSAA ensures it mirrors the integrity of the boys’ division. Female wrestlers follow identical match and scoring rules, with separate weigh-ins, rosters, and brackets during the postseason. Their dedication and skill continue to expand the sport and inspire new generations of athletes.
A Legacy of Discipline and Respect
MHSAA wrestling isn’t just about strength — it’s about discipline, preparation, and respect. The detailed rules that govern every match ensure that each athlete competes safely and fairly. Whether in boys’ or girls’ competition, every wrestler who steps on the mat carries forward Michigan’s proud tradition of grit, honor, and sportsmanship.
