Cutting weight for wrestling: Technique for superior performance or

misrepresented requirement
Abstract: Cutting weight or the practice of rapid weight loss to allow an athlete to compete at a
weight class below their natural weight is engrained in the fabric of the sport of wrestling. There
are many different methods and ideas regarding cutting weight. Some of the methods while very
effective can be dangerous. What are the practices of cutting weight used by wrestlers in Rowan
County and what better practices and techniques can put in place to develop both wresters and
the sport at the local level?
Background: In 1997 the wrestling world was rocked by three deaths in 33 days of NCAA
collegiate wrestlers. This prompted a review of weight rules in the sport at the college level. The
NCAA chose to adopt new rules to prevent any further deaths. In 2006 The National Federation
of High Schools adopted new weight rules for high school wrestling in order to combat injuries
related to weight cutting. Despite the changes in the rules wrestlers and coaches have been very
slow in changing their perception on cutting weight. The practices used to make the weight have
also not changed. There is a stigma with regards to recruiting new wrestlers into the sport at
younger ages mandating weight must be cut. I seek to provide realistic data that can be presented
to parents, coaches, and athletes regarding the effects of cutting weight and what techniques can
be used to cut weight with the least effect on athletic performance and physical development.
Methodology: I plan to complete primary research with interviews of wrestlers, parents, and
coaches in both the Rowan Salisbury School district and the Rowan County Youth Wrestling
League. I will draw my conclusions from my own study as well as previous studies to answer the
question what are the practices of cutting weight used by wrestlers in Rowan County and what
better practices and techniques can put in place to develop both wresters and the sport at the local
level.
Works Cited:
1. Lakin, Jean A., Suzanne Nelson Steen, and Robert A. Oppliger. "Eating Behaviors,
Weight Loss Methods, And Nutrition Practices Among High School Wrestlers." Journal
Of Community Health Nursing 7.4 (1990): 223. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15
Sept. 2014.
2. Buford, Thomas W., et al. "The Effect Of A Competitive Wrestling Season On Body
Weight, Hydration, And Muscular Performance In Collegiate Wrestlers." Journal Of
Strength & Conditioning Research (Allen Press Publishing Services Inc.) 20.3 (2006):
689-692. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Sept. 2014.
3. Marquart, Leonard F., and Jeffery Sobal. "Weight Loss Beliefs, Practices and Support
Systems for High School Wrestlers." Journal of Adolescent Health: 410-15. Academic
Search Complete. Web. 21 Sept. 2014.