2017-18 wrestling handbook - loginmembers.ahsaa.org/public/userfiles/wrestling/17... · 2017-18...
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3920 Richards RdNorth Little Rock, AR 72117(501) 955-2500
Arkansas Activities Association
2017-18 Wrestling Handbook
3920 Richards RdNorth Little Rock, AR 72117(501) 955-2500
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Arkansas Activities Association Page 2
Arkansas Tournament Directors and Officials Page 3
Arkansas Coaches and Athletic Directors Page 4-6
Arkansas Assessors Page 7
Arkansas Colleges Page 8
Tournament Information Page 10
SECTION 1: Regular Season Page 12 SECTION 2: Post Season Page 16 SECTION 3: State Championships Page 18 APPENDIX A: AAA Concussion Management Page 20
APPENDIX B: State Tournament Seeding Procedures Page 20
Medical Release Skin Form Page 24
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PURPOSE OF MANUAL
This manual has been prepared to provide a better understanding of the administration of high school wrestling. It will serve as a guide to
achieve consistency for all participating schools. All coaches and athletic administrators are urged to read this manual carefully and
make note of all deadline dates for submitting rosters and team pictures. Any questions regarding forms or instructions should
contact the AAA Office
Don Brodell Associate Executive Director
(501)[email protected]
Lance TaylorExecutive Director
(501)[email protected]
ARKANSAS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION
3920 Richards RdNorth Little Rock, AR 72117
(501) 955-2500 Office Hours
M-TH: 7:30 - 4:00 F: 7:30 - 3:30
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To schedule officials for your events please contact Randy Steen and he will coordinate getting them on your schedule.
TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS
REGISTERED OFFICIALS
Randy [email protected]
(479) 381-5328
Greg HatcherPost Office Box 3505Little Rock, AR 72203-3505Cell Phone: (501) 517-4734 [email protected]
Robin FletcherPost Office Box 3505Little Rock, AR 72203-3505Cell Phone: (501) 517-4599 [email protected]
Brenda KeenePost Office Box 3505Little Rock, AR 72203-3505Cell Phone: (501) 519-1867 [email protected]
Pat SmithPost Office Box 3505Little Rock, AR 72203-3505Cell Phone: (501) 517-4599 [email protected]
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Arkansas High Schools Wrestling SchoolsArkansas Wrestling High SchoolsHIGH SCHOOL COACH COACHES EMAIL COACHES PHONE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AD EMAIL AD'S PHONE
ARKADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL Casey Moreland [email protected] 870-246-7373 Chris Babb [email protected] (870) 246-7373
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ARKANSAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND Bill Huntsman [email protected] (501) 860-8057 Teresa Doan [email protected] (501) 351-5752
ASHDOWN HIGH SCHOOL
Chris Scarborough [email protected] (870) 898-3562 James Smith [email protected] (870) 898-3562
BAUXITE HIGH SCHOOL Drew Cates [email protected] Joshua Harrison [email protected] (501) 557-5000
BEEBE HIGH SCHOOL 11-12 Jerry Price [email protected] (501) 882-5463 Chris Ellis [email protected] (501)882-5463
BENTON HIGH SCHOOL Jon George [email protected] (501) 425-8776 Scott Neathery [email protected] (501) 776-5718
BENTONVILLE WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Aaron Wise [email protected] (479) 640-0169 Scott Passmore [email protected] (479) 254-5100
BERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Derrek Aynes [email protected] (870) 423-9668 Brent Compton [email protected] (870) 480-4632
BISMARCK HIGH SCHOOL Daniel Keithley [email protected] (501) 282-2044 Larry Newsom [email protected] (501) 865-4541
BRYANT HIGH SCHOOL Shane Clancy [email protected] (501) 251-5750 Michael Lee [email protected] (501) 847-5601
CABOT HIGH SCHOOL Justin Turner [email protected] (501) 743-3530 Terry Keck [email protected] 501-743-3530
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Paul Mammarelli [email protected] (501) 295-1727 Tim Ezzi [email protected] 501-663-4085
CEDAR RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL Colton Lowery [email protected] Greg Thetford [email protected] 870-799-8691
CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN
Keith Almond [email protected] (501) 472-5629 Doug Killgore [email protected] (501) 912-4581
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL - LR
Aaron ButlerShawn Hickey
[email protected]@live.com
(501) 940-2352(501) 256-4138 John Daniels (501) 447-1451
CONWAY HIGH SCHOOL Jeff Rion [email protected] (479) 970-4546 Steve Daniels [email protected] 501-450-6631
EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL
Jeff Barnett [email protected] (501) 747-0036 Davario Hardy [email protected] (501) 372-1194
FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Nika West [email protected] (479) 283-0614 Steve Janski [email protected] 479-973-8608
GENTRY HIGH SCHOOL
Johnathan Madding [email protected] (479) 736-2666 Brae Harper [email protected] (479) 736-2666
GLEN ROSE HIGH SCHOOL Doug Mcquire [email protected] (501) 332-3694 Mark Kehner [email protected] (501) 332-3694
GREENBRIER HIGH SCHOOL Jayson Howard [email protected] (501) 581-9467 Stephen Wood [email protected] (501) 679-5322
BENTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL (479) [email protected] PassmoreJames Rappe (918) [email protected]
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Arkansas Wrestling High SchoolsHIGH SCHOOL COACH COACHES EMAIL COACHES PHONE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AD EMAIL AD'S PHONE
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
John Kincade
[email protected] (479) 431-9369 Dr. Dustin Smith [email protected] (479) 996-4142
HAR-BER HIGH SCHOOL Eric Nolan [email protected] Wayne
Stehlik [email protected] (479) 750-1680
HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL
Doug Freeman [email protected] (417) 576-6625
Mark Holderbau
[email protected] (479) 636-3910
HOT SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
Eric Lenox [email protected] Jim Gentry [email protected] (501) 624-3372
JOHN L MCCLELLAN HIGH SCHOOL
Alfred Mohammed [email protected] 501-920-6524 Gabriel
Jackson [email protected] (501) 447-2194
JONESBORO HIGH SCHOOL
Steve Williams
[email protected] (870) 933-5820 David Daniel
[email protected] (870) 933-5800
LAKE HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL
John Utley [email protected] (501) 276-7520
LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL - HS
H.E. Burchard [email protected] (501) 520-1613 Don Pierce [email protected] (501) 262-1880
LITTLE ROCK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Dustin Grimmett [email protected] (501) 539-2366 Johnny
[email protected] (501) 868-9822
MAUMELLE CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL
Adam Cline [email protected] Stephen
Owen [email protected] (501) 851-3333
MAUMELLE HIGH SCHOOL
Jerrod Barnhill [email protected] (501) 851-5350 William
Rountree [email protected] (501) 912-1621
MOUNTAIN HOME HIGH SCHOOL
Robert Blades [email protected] (870) 421-1650 Mitch
Huskey [email protected] (870) 425-1285
MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
John Jones [email protected] (870) 269-3943 Matt
Sullivan [email protected] (870) 269-3943
NORTH LITTLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL Odell Lee [email protected] (501) 265-9710 Gary Davis [email protected] (501) 771-8154
NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
Eric Shaffer [email protected] 479-719-4932 Dr. Darren
McKinney [email protected] (479) 785-2501
PULASKI ACADEMY Bruce Dickey [email protected] 501-517-3344 Kevin Kelley [email protected] (501) 804-9298
ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL Jeff Risner [email protected] (501) 744-9675 Todd Eskola [email protected] (501) 868-2406
ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL
Ken Simmons [email protected] (816) 739-7649 Mark
Holderbaum [email protected] (479) 636-3910
RUSSELLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Adrian Meredith
[email protected] (479) 692-3220 Johnny
Johnson [email protected] (479) 890-6356
SEARCY HIGH SCHOOL
Jerry Evans [email protected] (501) 827-8737 Butch
Schucker [email protected] (501) 268-3517
SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL
Pete Bradley [email protected] Matt
Scarbrough [email protected] (870) 917-9065
SHILOH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
Chad Bottorff [email protected] (479) 366-4611 Jeff Conaway [email protected] (479) 756-1140
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HIGH SCHOOL COACH COACHES EMAIL COACHES PHONE A.D. A.D.’S EMAIL A.D.’S PHONEArkansas Wrestling High SchoolsHIGH SCHOOL COACH COACHES EMAIL COACHES PHONE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AD EMAIL AD'S PHONE
SOUTHSIDE BATESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Brian Reardon [email protected] (479) 422-7920 J Johnston/M
Long [email protected] (870) 251-2264
SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Shawn Hamilton [email protected] (479) 650-4368 Darren McKinney [email protected] (479) 785-2501
SPRINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL Josh Rivers [email protected] Wayne Stehlik [email protected] (479) 750-1680
SYLVAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL Chad Collins [email protected] Denny Tipton [email protected] (501) 833-1100
VALLEY VIEW HIGH SCHOOL Rance Holt [email protected] (870) 215-8835 Tommy Fowler [email protected] (870) 935-6200
VAN BUREN HIGH SCHOOL
Adam Pendergrass [email protected] (479) 226-6878 Randy Loyd [email protected] (479) 471-4006
Zach Meyer [email protected] (870) 370-5189Dudley Hume [email protected] (918) 360-7843
(870) [email protected] Richardson
WOODLAWN HIGH SCHOOL
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2017-2018 Wrestling Assessors
Chad Burke Jonesboro Phone: 870-253-4098 Email: [email protected]
Heather Martin Mountain Home Phone: 870-403-2214 Email: [email protected]
Traci Byrd Phone: 501-786-2878 Email: [email protected]
Heidi Plyler Hot Springs Phone: 501-463-5412 Alt. Phone: 870-403-8262 Email: [email protected]
Brent Griffis Fort Smith Phone: 479-629-3264 Email: [email protected]
Sherry Riggins Fort Smith Phone: 479-783-1171 Alt. Phone: 479-653-0668 Email: [email protected]
Clinton Hall Hot Springs Phone: 501-844-9069 Email: [email protected]
Justin Shipp Beebe Phone: 501-259-2149 Email: [email protected]
Mark Haynes – Master Assessor Rogers Phone: 479-366-8281 Email: [email protected]
Alta Smith Greenwood Phone: 479-883-7571 Alt. Phone: 479-252-6370 Email: [email protected]
Ken Lindsey Van Buren Phone: 479-208-2549 Email: [email protected]
Cory Weir Searcy Phone: 870-273-9253 Email: [email protected]
Kristi Mann – Master Assessor Little Rock Phone: 501-804-0457 Email: [email protected]
ASSESSMENTS START IN LATE OCTOBER EACH YEARCall your Assessor Today
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www.uofoathletics.com Roosevelt HadleyHead Wrestling Coach
www.lyon.edu/athletics
ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE 1621 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Little Rock, AR 72202
LYON COLLEGE Men’s & Womens Wrestling Programs 2300 Highland Road Batesville, AR 72501
CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE 1501 College Avenue Conway, AR 72034
www.cbcmustangs.com
Ken Prophete Head Wrestling Coach
Kevin CorbettHead Women’s Wrestling [email protected]
Tom EriksonHead Men’s Wrestling [email protected]
ARKANSAS WRESTLING COLLEGES
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Todd AllenHead Men's Wrestling
Coach 615-689-0332
www.wbceagles.com
UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS 415 N. College Avenue Clarksville, AR 72830
OUACHITA BAPTIST COLLEGE 410 Ouachita Street Arkadelphia, AR 71998
www.obutigers.com
Kevin CrutchmerHead Wrestling Coach
LeRoy Gardner IIIHead Men's Wrestling Coach 479-979-4746/479-979-1497
WILLIAMS BAPTIST COLLEGE 60 W. Fulbright Avenue Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
www.uofoathletics.com
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10th Annual AAA Sanctioned 2018 Centennial Bank
State High School Wrestling Tournament
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16th, 2018*
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16th, 2018 MORNING/AFTERNOON/EVENING SESSIONS 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Est.) (SESSION 1)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17th, 2018 MORNING SESSION* 9:00 am-3:30 pm (Est.) (SESSION 2)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17th, 2018 EVENING SESSION
3:30 pm-7:00 pm (Est.) (SESSION 3)
Note: Fisher Court Warm Up Area will open at 7 a.m. on Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday.
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Weigh-Ins 7:00 am-8:00amChampionship Semi-finals Recognition of Arkansas’ National
(1A-5A on Mats 1 & 2 - 6A - 7A on Mats 5 & 6Team and All American Wrestlers
Consolation Quarter-finals (1A-5A on Mat 3 – 6A-7A on Mat 4 during Championship Semi-finals then 1A-5A on Mats 1, 2, 3 – 6A-7A on Mats 4, 5, 6)
Consolation Semi-finals (1A-5A on Mats 1, 2 & 3 - 6A-7A on Mats 4,5 & 6
Championship Pigtails (1A-5A on Mats 1, 2 & 3 - 6A - 7A on Mats 4, 5 & 6)Championship 1st Round (1A-5A on Mats 1, 2 & 3 – 6A-7A on Mats 4, 5 & 6)
Consolation Pigtails (1A-5A on Mats 1, 2 & 3 - 6A-7A on Mats 4, 5 & 6)Championship Quarter-finals (1A-5A on Mats 1, 2 & 3 - 6A-7A on Mats 4, 5 & 6)Consolation 1st Round (1A-5A on Mats 1, 2, 3 – 6A-7A on Mats 4, 5, 6)
Consolation 2nd Round (1A-5A on Mats 1, 2, 3 – 6A-7A on Mats 4, 5, 6)
3:30 pm Championship Finals (1A-5A on Mat 2 - 6A - 7A on Mat 5 3rd Place Match (1A-5A on Mat 1 – 6A-7A on Mat 6 during Championship
5th Place Match (1A-5A on Mat 3 - 6A-7A on Mat 47:00 pm (Est) Champion Photos--Individual & Team Photos (In Full Warm-Ups, No Singlets Please)
Weigh- Ins 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Marvin Winston Camera/Arkansas Activities Associal (AAA) Team Photos
7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Volunteer Meeting 8:30 a.m.Coaches Meeting in the Hospitality Room
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Opening Ceremony 9:40 a.m.
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2017-2018 WRESTLING TIMELINE October 20th—January 31st Assessment period
November 13th First Wrestling Day
November 15th Rules Presentation is due on the AAA website. ($50 penalty)
November 15th Roster needs to be uploaded to MaxPreps ($50 penalty)
February 1st Last date to get Team pictures in for program
February 1st Last date to submit a page for the program
February 4th Team Photo due on Max-Preps ($50 penalty)
February 2nd—3rd 1A—5A Duals Lakeside High School
February 9th Last date to enter roster on TrackWrestling for State Tournament
February 9th—13th Enter Head to Head Info for tournament
February 13th Seeding Meeting
February 15th, noon Last chance to make roster changes due to illness/injury
February 16th—17th STATE TOURNAMENT
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In an effort to help schools run TrackWrestling tournaments I am compiling a list of individuals trained in running a TrackWrestling tournament. If you know of someone other than the ones mentioned below, please let me know so I can add them.
The cost for the Tournament Directors does not include the TrackWrestling fees which are:
Team Tournaments Prices are based on the size of your tournament (# of teams), and they will be calculated using the benchmarks below. - 0-4 Teams = $50 - 8 Teams = $90 - 16 Teams = $140 - 32 Teams = $200
TRACKWRESTLING TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS Robin Fletcher Cell – 501‐517‐4599 Email: [email protected]
Cost One Day $175 Two Day $300 (If I set up the tournament you can add the tournament cost above less 10%)
Tanner Mann Cell – 501‐804‐4949 [email protected]
Cost One Day $175 Two Day $300
Brenda Keene Cell – 501‐519‐1867 [email protected]
Cost One Day $175 Two Day $300
ANNOUNCERSWe are working to get a running list of announcers so that you will have in case you are in need of one. If you know of someone, please let me know so I can add them.
Chuck Larsen Cell – 308‐325‐3088 [email protected]
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REGULAR SEASON1.Maximum number of events: Each wrestler is allowed to compete in 18 total events and one benefit event during the course of the season, not including the state tournament. Benefit Forms with participa-tion guideline instructions are located on the AAA web site.NOTE: Multi-day events are considered as one event. 2. Coaches must be a licensed teacher with a coaching endorsement on their teaching license, employed by the school district or a teacher coach or registered volunteer who has successfully completed the AAA/NFHS Coaches Education Program.
A. WEIGHT CLASSES: To determine the weight class in which a wrestler will be allowed to compete, refer to the AAA Weight Management Program Manual link on the Wrestling page of the AAA website. The following NFHS weight classes will be used: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and 285. Note: All lower level (Freshmen/JV) events and tournaments must also use the 14 approved weight classes. NOTE: No wrestler may wrestle in a weight class less then allowed by his/her established weight loss plan.
B. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: A wrestler must have his body composition evaluated by a AAA approved assessor, after passing a hydration test, and prior to competing in an interscholastic event. It is the school’s responsibility to contact an approved assessor and arrange a time and site for an assessment. Once a weight assessment is completed, the wrestler will be limited to losing an average of 1.5% of his body weight per week. (See NFHS Weight Management Program Manual on the Wrestling page of the NFHS website for further details, rules and restrictions of weight control regulations.)PURPOSE: In accordance with Rule 1-5, the National Federation has established a weight control program for the purpose of discouraging “severe weight reduction and/or wide variations in weight, because this may be harmful to the competitor.”NOTE: This program should be planned to involve the wrestler, as well as parents, physician and coach in establishing the minimum certified weight class.ASSESSMENT REQUIRED: For health and safety reasons, the NFHS WeightManagement Program shall require hydration testing with a specific gravity not greater than 1.025, which immediately precedes the body fat assessment, in accordance with Rule 1-5-2 of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book.NOTE: A minimum weight class will be determined by a body fat assessment that is entered into the OPC (Optimal Performance Calculator) located on the NWCA website.MINIMUM BODY FAT: Any wrestler’s assessment that is below 7 percent for males and 12 percent for females shall have a physician’s release to participate.(Physician Clearance Form is located on the Wrestling page of the AAA website)NOTE: This release shall not allow a wrestler to participate at a weight class below that for which the initial assessment allows except for wrestlers whose weight is within 0.9 pound of the next lower weight class. No weight loss exceeding 0.9 pounds will be allowed.RATE OF WEIGHT LOSS: Weight loss per week shall be limited to an average weight loss of 1.5 percent a week.
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D. WEIGH-IN PROCEDURE: Any weigh-in for regular-season interscholastic competition shall be in accordance with Rules 4-4 and 4-5 of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book, regardless of the level for which the weigh-in takes place (varsity, junior varsity, sophomore, freshman, etc.) NOTE: This provision requires all weigh-ins to take place at the site of dual/tri/quad meets and tournaments, in accordance with the time parameters specified in the rules. Arkansas schools must follow the shoulder-to-shoulder weigh-in philosophy at the site. *All wrestlers must meet the provisions of Rules 4-4 and 4-5 of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book. GROWTH ALLOWANCE: Starting with January 1st, a 2-pound growth allowance shall be added to each weight class. NOTE: Alpha master forms must be available at all meets, tournaments and events for a potential chal-lenge of a weight class by a coach. If unable to provide requested Alpha master the challenged wrestler may be ruled ineligible for the challenged weight class at that event.
E. WEIGHT CERTIFICATON: In order to be entered in a particular weight class at thestate meet, a wrestler shall have met the following:1. Each wrestler must weigh-in at least once, at the true scratch weight, in their minimum weight class during the regular season on or prior to the state tournament. Note: Growth allowances or any other allowances cannot be used to establish minimum weight. Example a 106 pound wrestler will need to make a true 106 pound weigh-in at least once before the State Tournament to be eligible for that weight class.
2. For that weigh-in to count, the wrestler must be in the line-up at one of the two weightclasses in which the wrestler is eligible to wrestle on that date according to the wrestler’s weight management plan.
3. The athlete must have a win or loss recorded on their season record for that date.
4. Once a wrestler reaches their lowest weight class according to their alpha weigh-in, they can only weigh-in one weight class above their lowest weight. They may wrestle two weight classes above their lowest weight, but can only weigh in one weight class above. If they weigh in two weight classes above their lowest weight, then they are not allowed go back down.
Example: If a wrestler’s lowest weight is 120 pounds and they have already weighed in at the 120 lb. weight class that season, then they can only weigh in at 120 or 126 pounds to con-tinue to be eligible for the 120 lb. weight class. They may weigh in at 126 pounds and bump up to wrestle at the 132 lb. weigh class, but they cannot weigh in at 132 pounds without losing eligibility to go back down to 120 pounds. The lowest weight they can go back down to would be 126 pounds.
5. Proof of Weigh-ins: All schools must keep official weigh-in sheets for each event, and weigh-ins must be entered in Track Wresting. All coaches must bring the master weigh-in sheet for their team to each event. All weigh-ins and weight certifications for each team must be available for all coaches to view throughout the season, including the seeding meeting for the State Tournament.
NOTE: If the wrestler is withheld from competition, for any reason, resulting in the team forfeiting that weight class the wrestler shall add one loss to their record in order to count the weigh-in for certification purposes.NOTE: If a wrestler weighs in with illegal protective equipment (i.e.: a cast, etc.), the weight of the equipment shall be included; the weigh-in may be counted for certification provided the requirements above are met.
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Weigh-In Deadline: Weigh-ins used for weight class certification for the state tournament shall be com-pleted on or prior to the state tournament; any weigh-ins subsequent to this cutoff date shall not be used in certifying a wrestler’s weight class.
WEIGH-INS FOR MATCHES ONLY: The only weigh-ins counting toward weight classcertification shall be those weigh-ins completed for regularly scheduled matches andtournaments. NOTE: Any weigh-in (dual/tri/quad or tournament) can be counted for weight class certifi-cation provided it is completed prior to the state tournament.
F. DUAL/TRIANGULAR/QUAD WEIGH-INS: Wresters shall weigh-in at the site a maximum of 1 hour before the first match of the multi school event.
G. TOURNAMENT WEIGH-INS: Wrestlers shall weigh-in at the tournament site amaximum of 2 hours before the first session EACH day. Wrestlers must weigh-in each day of a multiple day tournament. NOTE: Evening weigh-ins the first day of a tournament is not permitted for the second day weigh-in. The second day weigh-in shall be held the second day in accordance with NFHS Rules. This applies to all two-day tournaments (varsity, junior varsity, freshmen, etc.)
H. LATE WEIGH-IN PROCEDURES: The following procedures should be used when the visiting team arrives late for a dual meet.1. Visiting Team Delayed: If a team’s arrival time is delayed for a dual meet, the coach of the visiting team shall make every effort to notify the host school of the delay.2. Waiting Period: The host team should wait no longer than 10 minutes to weigh in. If the visiting team has not arrived within 10 minutes of the specified weigh-in time, the host team should proceed to weigh-in. If the Mat Official is not present, the weigh-in shall be delayed until he arrives.3. Upon Arrival: The visiting team shall be given a maximum of 10 minutes to weigh in once they arrive.4. Supervision of Weigh-Ins: The mat official shall supervise all weigh-ins for matches. If the mat official is delayed in his arrival and cannot be present for the weigh-in, the athletic director or BOTH coaches shall supervise the weigh-in for the match.
I. WEIGH-IN PROCEDURES FOR FEMALE WRESTLERS: The following policy shall be in effect when a school has a female(s) participating in wrestling. It shall be the responsibility of the school having a female squad member to notify all opponents that a situation may arise whereby special accommodations will be needed to verify the weight of female par-ticipant(s) in private.PROCEDURE: The procedure to use for weighing in female wrestlers is to have a female weigh the participant in private. The female shall be someone on one of the participating schools. The ultimate responsibility rests with the school for which the student is wrestling.
J. TEAM LIMITATIONS: There is no limit on the number of teams participating in a tournament pro-vided no team will compete on more than one school day.
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K. NUMBER OF MATCHES: No wrestler shall represent his school in more than one weight class in any meet or wrestle in more than five matches (championship or consolation), excluding forfeits, in any one day of competition.
L. SUBSTITUTION PROVISION: In dual meet “style” tournaments, where the teamadvances rather than an individual, substitutions may be made from one dual meet to the next. How-ever, if a wrestler weighs-in for the tournament, it shall count as one of his six tournaments whether or not he participates. The tournament manager of all dual meet “style” tournaments shall include in their information letter to all participating schools that by NFHS rule 11-1-4, substitutions are allowed from one dual meet to the next
M. WRESTLING UNIFORMS: Only a school-approved uniform shall be worn in thewrestling area. (Wrestling area defined as the area in view of the spectators). Such items as hats, scarves, cut-offs, jams, etc., are not acceptable. This policy will be in effect for the state tournament, and is recommended for all regular season events.
P. WRESTLER APPEARANCE AND HEALTH (Rule 4-2-3, 4-2-4, 4-2-5): If a participant is sus-pected by the referee of having a communicable skin disease or any other condition that makes par-ticipation appear inadvisable, his coach shall provide current written documentation from a physician stating that the suspected disease or condition is not communicable and that the athlete’s participation would not be harmful to his opponent. This written documentation must be on the Current Year NFHS Wrestling Skin Condition Report Form. The 2015-2016 AAA Wrestling Skin Condition Report form can be located and printed from the Wrestling page on the NFHS website. This form shall be presented at weigh-ins or retrieved from an onsite location immediately after weigh-ins. If the form is presented after these deadlines the wrestler in question will not be allowed to compete. This is the only form a referee will accept as “current, written documentation” that a skin condition is not communicable.Furthermore, a doctor’s letterhead, a sheet from the doctor’s prescription pad, or business card shall be attached to the NFHS Skin Condition Form to prove that the athlete has been seen by a doctor. The skin form will not be accepted without this additional documentation and the wrestler will not be permitted to wrestle. The only exception would be if a designated pre-appointed, or pre-announced on site physician is present and able to examine the wrestler immediately prior to or after the weigh-in. (Rule 4-2-3). ARKANSAS DEFINES PHYSICIAN FOR THE SKIN CONDITION REPORT FORM PURPOSES AS A D.O., M.D or NURSE PRACTITIONER.
Q. INFECTIOUS DISEASE POLICY AND MAT CLEANING: In the area of interscholastic activ-ities, specifically under contact sports such as wrestling and football some alarm has been expressed regarding the presence of HIV virus in sweat, saliva and bleeding from minor injuries.
R. USE OF TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL PRODUCTS IS PROHIBITED: coaches, directors, sponsors and contest officials are prohibited from using tobacco or alcohol products while directly involved in interscholastic events.
S. EJECTION OF WRESTLERS AND COACHES: By-Law 5.5.1 requires that any athlete or coach ejected from a contest or tournament may not attend the next comparable event. The following wrestling rules apply: Rules 5-5, 5-12, 5-30, 7-4 and 5 or 8-1-4, 5 and 6.
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T. PROTEST: No protest concerning scheduled games will be considered unless the protest is based upon a violation of a signed AAA contract form.NOTE: Officials’ Judgment Calls: The association has no authority to reverse a judgment decisions made by an official regarding interpretation and application of playing rules.
SECTION 2: POST SEASON
SEEDING MEETING: A meeting shall be held prior to the state tournament for the purpose of seeding the contestants. This meeting should be held at a central location.
SCHOOL REPRESENTATION: Each school shall be represented by the head coach, or his represen-tative, at the Seeding Meeting.
VERIFICATION: The head coach, or his representative, shall bring all records(scorebooks, weigh-in sheets, individual wrestler season record and opponent verification forms that must be printed from either wrestling software, NWCA website, TrackWrestling or the “student record” section from the AAA website on your wrestling schedule. All forms must be brought to the state seeding meeting for verification purposes, in case a wrestler’s overall record, opponent verification, or minimum weight is questioned. Verification of the minimum weight class of all wrestlers competing in the state tournament shall take place prior to the seeding of the first weight class.
FAILURE TO VERIFY: Failure on the part of the head coach, or his representative, to provide ver-ification (through scorebooks, official weigh-in sheets, etc.) of a scratch wrestler whose weight class is being questioned to be moved up one weight class.
SEEDING GUIDELINES: The following provisions shall apply at the State Seeding Meeting when seeding the wrestlers and drawing the brackets in each weight class
1. There will be six wrestlers seeded per weight class with a seventh selected in case a seeded wrestler drops out of competition. (Once the seeding of a weight class begins, the entries at that weight class may not be changed to another weight class.) Once the entries at a weight class have been revealed, the entries at that weight class may not be changed to another weight class un-less in the case of a weight certification protest determining a wrestler not eligible for that weight class.2. Any coach may submit the name of a wrestler for consideration to be seeded, regardless of whether or not the wrestler is a member of his own team.3. Coaches do not have the prerogative of refusing a seeded position.4. Once a seed has been awarded at a weight class and the process for determining the next seeded wrestler begins, the previous seed may not be changed.5. All matches in the regular season shall count when seeding for the state tournament. All of a wres-tler’s varsity matches is considered for seeding purposes, even though he may have wrestled in more than one weight class during the season.6. Drawing the brackets shall be in accordance with Rule 10 of the National FederationWrestling Rule Book, except as modified below.
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MODIFICATION: When byes are required for the first round, they shall be drawn so they are distributed evenly throughout the bracket and a seeded wrestler shall have the same opportunity to draw for a bye as other contestants; byes shall NOT be placed by mutual consent. No quarter-bracket or half bracket shall have more than one bye in excess of its paired bracket. After seeded wrestlers have been placed on the bracket and the byes drawn, the remaining wrestlers shall be placed by draw.
”NOTE: State Managers may elect to use the state tournament computer program’s random draw feature for unseeded wrestlers.NOTE: If a wrestler is withdrawn from state due to sickness or injury they may be replaced. If it was a seeded wrestler the lower seeds will move up one position each and the bracket WILL be redrawn. If they were not a seeded wrestler the replacement will go into the bracket at the same position on the bracket. If there is no replacement it shall be counted as a forfeit. The bracket will not be redrawn unless the bracket will be left with unbalanced byes/forfeits.
A.WEIGH-INS: Schools hosting a tournament must have a certified scales to be used for weigh-ins. Every attempt should be made to have accurate and certified scales.TIME: Weigh-ins shall be scheduled in order that all contestants are allowed to weigh-in a maximum of two hours before the tournament is scheduled to begin. FAILURE TO MAKE WEIGHT: Failure on the part of a wrestler to make weight for the second day of competition in a tournament shall be handled, in accordance with NFHS Rule 10-2-7 of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book, as follows:a. A wrestler who fails to make weight is disqualified from further competition and cannot place in the tournament;b. A forfeit shall be awarded to his opponent.NOTE: If a contestant qualifies for the finals on the first day of a two-day meet and fails to make weight on the second day, he is disqualified from the tournament and cannot be a place finisher. His opponent for the final match shall win first place by forfeit. In the case of flagrant misconduct at a meet where a place finisher is disqualified, the team points of the disqualified wrestler will be deducted and place finishes of the other wrestlers shall stand, in accordance with Rule 8-1-6 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.
NUMBER OF OFFICIALS: For the state tournament, a minimum of ten mat officials shall be used. ASSISTANT OFFICIALS: Assistant Officials shall be used for matches beginning with the consolation and championship semifinals, championship and place bouts.
HEAD MAT OFFICIAL: A Head Mat Official shall be appointed by the Arkansas Officials Association.The Head Mat Official shall:1. Interpret any rules questions.2. Hold a conference with all tournament officials prior to the first match in order to review rules and mechanics.3. Review NFHS Rule 3-1-1 concerning the officials’ uniform with all other officials prior to the first match in order that each official is dressed in compliance with this rule. All officials shall wear the same shirt (style and color).4. Review Rule 4-2-1, which concerns grooming standards, with the state manager, weigh-in personnel and all head coaches prior to the first match; all wrestlers should be checked by the Mat Officials prior to the first match for compliance.
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5. Protests shall be made to the Mat Official who will consult with the Head mat Official.NOTE: Protests concerning matters of an official’s judgement shall NOT be considered.CONFLICT OF INTEREST: A mat official shall not work any match in which a conflict of interest is involved.
SECTION 3: STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
WEIGH-INS: All weigh-ins shall be conducted at the Stephens Center. Wrestlers are to meet at the specified weigh-in times which are listed on the State Wrestling Championships Time Schedule in the coaches’ packets. *State Tournament Weight: Friday 106 = 108, Saturday 106 = 109.
WEIGH-IN PROCEDURES: The following procedures shall be followed for weigh-ins at the state meet.
NOTE: Weigh-in shall be by team, not by weight class.
1. Coaches shall not be allowed in the weigh-in area. The only adults present should be the Weigh-in Officials and the personnel placed in charge of weigh-ins.2. The scales designated by the tournament committee shall serve as the official scales.3. Wrestlers should be checked to make sure they comply with the specified health, sanitary, and safety measures before stepping on the scales.4. Wrestlers will be instructed to stand in the middle of the scale and not be allowed to move while being weighed.5. The exact weight of all wrestlers shall be recorded, in accordance with Rule 1-2-5. This information shall be given to the State Manager.6. The weigh-in shall proceed through the weight classes beginning with the lowest weight class and ending immediately upon the completion of the highest weight class. A contestant shall weigh in for only one weight class during the weigh-in period. If only one scale is available, a contestant may step on and off that scale two times to allow for mechanical inconsistencies in the scale. If multiple scales are available, a contestant may step on and off the first scale two times to allow for mechanical inconsistencies in that scale. If the contestant fails to make weight on the first scale, the contestant shall immediately step on each avail-able scale one time in an attempt to make weight. During the time off the scale(s), activities that promote dehydration are prohibited.7. Athletes may leave the weigh-in room after making weight.8. Onsite Physician(s) at the State Tournament has final decision regarding a wrestler with a skin condition.
C. CONDUCT RULES FOR COACHES: Coaches are expected to abide by the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. A Special Report shall be filed with the AAA Office by the match mat official for any violation of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book which results in the deduction of a team point.NOTE: Coaches are reminded to review the NFHS Rules Book in order that these situations do not arise and result in unnecessary penalties to teams.
D. TEAM SCORING: The state meet shall be scored for the purposes of determining team places in accordance with the following provisions. TEAM POINTS: Team points shall be awarded at the state meet in accordance with Rule 9-2-3 of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book.
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STATE PLACES: Six places shall be scored in the state meet; points shall be awarded in accordance with Rule 9-2-3(g) of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. FORFEIT: If a state meet qualifier fails to compete, his opponents on the state bracket shall win by for-feit in accordance with NFHS Rules 5-13 and 10-2-5 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.
E. MATCH PROVISIONS: The following provisions shall be followed in the statetournaments.1. CONSECUTIVE MATCHES: In accordance with Rule 1-2-3 of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book, no wrestler shall complete in two (2) consecutive matches with less than a 45 MINUTE rest between them; the conclusion time of each match shall be recorded.2. CONSOLATION MATCHES: Consolation wrestle back matches shall be five minutes in length, in accordance with Rule 6-1-2 of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book.
F. AWARDS: Trophies, medals and plaques for the state tournament will be presented as follows:STATE: At the State Championships, trophies will be awarded to the top two teams in each of the two classes; medals will be awarded to the six place finishers in each weight class. The top three finishers in each weight class per division will be named all-state wrestlers.
G. GENERAL INFORMATION: The following shall be in effect for the State Series.
MATSIDE RESTRICTED: Managers, officials and coaches are reminded that the matside area is restricted to “a maximum of two (2) team personnel (coaches),” in accordance with Rule 2-2-2. MAT AREA SETUP: The mat setup for the state tournament shall be in accord with Rule 2 of the National Federation Wrestling Rules Book.
H. COACHES MEETINGS: There will be a brief coaches meeting following weigh-ins on Friday. However, it is mandatory and the responsibility of each coach to read the materials in the school packet.
I. SCHOOL PACKETS: A packet for each school which contains state tournament information, brack-ets, passes and a bracket book will be available. Instructions for packet pick-up will be provided at the state tournament.
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4-1-1a-c: Clarified the criteria for an alternative uniform.
Rationale: The alternate 2-piece uniform has been added to increase participation for boys and girls. The uniform modification received favorable support on the NFHS Wrestling questionnaire. In addition, a member state association experimented with a 2-piece uniform this past wrestling season and received favorable results and comments from their member schools, wrestlers, coaches and referees.
A rule change allowing scholastic wrestlers to wear a two-piece uniform as an al-ternative to the traditional singlet is expected to increase participation in the sport, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations and area coaches.
The NFHS announced the rule change for the 2017-18 season and beyond which will allow wrestlers to compete with compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling and a form-fitted compression shirt.
According to an NFHS press release, the compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling must be school-issued and have a minimum four-inch inseam that does not extend below the knee. The form-fitted compression shirt must not cover or extend below the elbow and must have a minimum three-inch tail. The shirt may be worn under a singlet or with compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling.
RULES ON ALTERNATE 2-PIECE UNIFORM
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APPENDIX AArkansas Activities Association Concussion Management
1. Every coach and registered volunteer must receive training on concussions once every three years. 2. Every athlete and parent must read and sign a “Concussion Fact Sheet for Athletes and Parents”. 3. Any athlete who is suspected by their school’s personnel or school medical staff of having a concussion should not return to play or practice on the same day. 4. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare pro-fessional that day (Neuropsychologist, MD, DO, Advanced Practice Nurse, Certified Athletic Trainer, or Physician Assistant). 5. Any athlete with a concussion should be medically cleared by an appropriate health-care professional prior to resuming participation in any practice or competition. 6. After medical clearance, return to play should follow a 5 day step-wise protocol for delayed return to play based upon the return of any signs or symptoms.
These forms are located on the Sports Medicine page of the Arkansas Activities Association Web site. www.ahsaa.org
APPENDIX B
SEEDING PROCEDURE FOR STATE WRESTLINGTOURNAMENT
The following procedures shall be followed in seeding wrestlers for the State Wrestling Tournament.PHILOSOPHY BEHIND SEEDINGThe seeding process is designed to reduce the possibility of the best wrestlers meeting in the early rounds of the tournament and to equally divide the quality wrestlers in the two half brackets. The ideal tourna-ment situation is having the quality of wrestling improve as the tournament progresses. Theoretically, the four best wrestlers should meet in the semifinals and the two best wrestlers should meet in the finals.
A. DEFINITIONS FOR RECORD KEEPING AND APPLYING SEEDING GUIDELINES:1. FORFEIT: A forfeit is received by a wrestler when his opponent, for any reason, fails to appear for the match. In individual tournaments a wrestler must be entered and have made weight in order for his oppo-nent to receive a forfeit.a. A wrestler receiving a forfeit shall include the forfeit in his overall record.b. Forfeits will not be included or considered when applying common opponent criteriaunless the forfeit was received as a result of a wrestler having been disqualified.c. If a wrestler is forced to forfeit as a result of injury or illness the forfeit will not be counted in his record or when considering the common opponent criteria.2. DEFAULT: A default is awarded to a wrestler when his opponent is unable to continue wrestling, for any reason, once the match has begun.a. Defaults received count as a win regardless of the score of the match when the default was awarded.b. Defaults given shall count as a loss regardless of score of the match at the time it was stopped.c. Defaults will be considered in the common opponent criteria
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3. DISQUALIFICATIONS:1. When received, count as a win and shall be considered in the common opponent criteria.2. A disqualification is counted as a loss in a dual.
4. BYE: A wrestler is not credited with a win. A bye occurs in individual tournaments when either no wrestler is entered or the entered wrestler fails to make weight the first day of the tournament.
5. OVERALL RECORD: Varsity matches only will constitute a wrestler’s overall record.bc. All matches at the varsity level will count regardless of how they were recorded (i.e. decisions, defaults, forfeits, disqualification, etc.).
B. SEEDING GUIDELINES: The order of the seeding criteria shall be:1. Record against common opponents, all levels (head to head is just one part of common opponents – see C.1. below);2. A returning state champion or state place finisher in any weight class; from any classification.3. If everything is still equal after having considered all of the above criteria, a vote of the coaches shall be taken. A coaches vote shall only break the tie for one seed, once the coaches vote breaks a tie or multiple way tie for that one seed position, the remaining wrestlers shall then be compared again for determining the next seed.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING SEEDING CRITERIA: Common Opponents1. A point system shall be used to determine which wrestler has the advantage over the other using the common opponent criteria.2. When using the point system, every common opponent between the two wrestlers being considered for a seed must be identified.3. Once common opponents are identified, points will be recorded and a running total will be kept.4. Once all common opponents have been identified, the wrestler with the most points will be seeded above the other wrestler.5. When more than two wrestlers are being considered for the same seed, you must pair up each of the wrestlers with the others and keep the running total.EXAMPLE: Wrestlers A, B, and C are nominated for a seed.The pairings would be: A vs. B, B vs. C, and A vs. C. If none of the wrestlers being considered for a seed have a common opponentadvantage over the others, the next seeding criteria shall be used. Common opponent points will be awarded via the point system described below. SITUATION 1 - Head to head competition:1. This situation will carry the most point value because it involves direct competition.2. The following points will be awarded when considering common opponents:5 points for win by fall, default, disqualification, forfeit or technical fall; if forfeit wasreceived due to a wrestler failing to make weight the second day of a tournament orhaving been disqualified in an earlier round in a tournament and unable to compete in other rounds.4 points for win by a decision (8-14 points).3 points for win by a decision (7 or less points).3. The above points will be awarded for each match wrestled between the two wrestlers being considered for a seed.
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EXAMPLES:I) Smith won both matches against Bell. Smith won via fall (5) his first match and by adecision (12 to 1) in his second (4). Smith is awarded a total of 9 points in thissituation.II) Smith and Bell split in their two matches. Smith won the first via fall (5) and Bellwon the second via a decision (9 to 0) (4). Smith would be awarded 1 point in thissituation (5 minus 4 = 1).III) Smith won two out of three versus Bell. Smith won by a decision (8 to 0) (4) andby a decision (6 to 5) (3). Bell won by a fall (5). Smith gets two points (7 minus 5 =2)i. SITUATION 2 - One wrestler has defeated a wrestler that the other wrestler, who isbeing considered for a seed, has lost to during the season:1. 2 points if the wrestler that has lost to the opponent and has not beaten thatsame opponent this season.EXAMPLE: Smith has defeated Bell in their only match and Bell and Jones havesplit. Smith is awarded 1 point.j. SITUATION 3 - The wrestlers being considered for a seed have either defeatedanother opponent in all of their matches against that opponent or they have both lostall of their matches against that opponent.1. The individual matches will be assigned point values and then averaged.2. The wrestler that has the advantage after their performances have been averagedwill receive ONE POINT (maximum allowed in this situation).3. The following point values will be assigned to the individual matches:+5 for fall, technical fall, disqualification, default or forfeit as defined earlier-5 for a loss in any of the above situations+4 for a win via decision (8-14 points)-4 for a loss via decision (8-14 points)+3 for a win via decision-3 for a loss via decisionEXAMPLE:Smith and Bell have each defeated Jones in all of their matches. Smith’s results vs. Jones were:+5 win by fall+4 win by a decision (13 to 1)+9 divided by 2 = 4.50Bell’s results vs. Jones were:+4 win by a decision (11 to 2)+3 win by decision (6 to 4)+7 divided by 2 = 3.5Smith would be awarded 1 point because he has a 4.5 to 3.5 point advantage. Smith and Bell have each lost toJones in all of their matches.Smith’s results vs. Jones were:-4 loss via a decision (9 to 0)-3 loss via decision (4 to 0)-7 divided by 2 = -3.50Bell’s results vs. Jones were:-4 loss by decision (9 to 0)-4 loss by decision (11 to 2)-8 divided by 2 = -4.0Smith would receive 1 pt. because his -3.5 average is better than Bell’s -4.0 average
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K. SITUATION 4: The wrestlers being considered for a seed have each split against another opponent in their two or more matches. The split could be 1 and 1, 2 and 1, 1 and 2, etc.1. The individual matches will be assigned point values, given in Situation C, and thenaveraged out.The wrestler with the advantage after averaging the performances will receive ONEPOINT (maximum allowed in this situation).EXAMPLE: Smith has defeated Jones two out of three matches while Bell has splitwith Jones in their two matches. Smith’s results vs. Jones’ were:+3 win by decision (7 to 6)+4 win by decision (9 to 1)-3 loss by decision (2 to 0)+4 (+7 minus -3 = +4)+4 divided by 3 = +1.33Bell’s results vs. Jones were:-3 loss by decision (4 to 3)+3 win by decision (4 to 1)0 (+3 minus -3 = 0)0 divided by 2 = 0Smith would receive one point because his 1.33 average is better than 0 average.l. When determining if either wrestler has the advantage over the other on the common opponent criteria, the four situations mentioned above are to be considered.m. A running total should be kept as opponents are being compared. If more than twowrestlers are being considered for the same seed, keep totals on all wrestlers as each coach is going through the records of their wrestler.n. After all common opponents have been identified, simply add up the total points each wrestler has accumulated and the wrestler with the most points will be seeded higher than the other wrestler. If both wrestlers have the same amount of points, move on to the next criteria.O. If three wrestlers are being considered for the same seed and the following conditions happen, you must move on to the next criteria. A has the advantage overB, B has the advantage over C, C has the advantage over A.p. EXAMPLE CONCERNING TWO WRESTLERS: Smith and Jones are beingconsidered for a seed.Smith JonesSituation 1 - Jones defeated Smith via fall 0 5Situation 2 - Smith defeated Bell, Jones lost to Bell 2 0Situation 3 - Smith defeated Bell, Jones split with Bell 1 0Situation 4 - Both Smith and Jones beat Doe in their matches against him.Smith had the better average 1 04 5Jones would be seeded above Smith because he has a 5 to 4 point advantage.2. Returning State: A returning state champion or state place finisher in any weight class, from any classification.3.Coaches Vote: If everything is still equal after having considered all of the above criteria, a vote of the coaches shall be taken. One vote per school in attendance at the seeding meeting for all seeds going to a coach’s vote shall be taken. A coaches vote shall only break the tie for one seed, once the coaches vote breaks a tie or multiple way tie for that one seed position, the remaining wrestlers shall be then compared again for determining the next seed.
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NFHS MEDICAL RELEASE FORM FOR WRESTLER TO PARTICIPATE WITH SKIN LESION(S)
The National Federation of State High School State Associations’ (NFHS) Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has developed a medical release form for wrestlers to participate with skin lesion(s) as a suggested model you may consider adopting for your state. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee conducted a survey among specialty, academic, public health and primary care physicians and reviewed extensively the literature available on the communicability of various skin lesions at different stages of disease and treatment. No definitive data exists that allow us to absolutely predict when a lesion is no longer shedding organisms that could be transmitted to another wrestler. Another finding from the survey was the significant differences that exist among physicians relating to when they will permit a wrestler to return to participation after having a skin infection. Neither the NFHS nor the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee presumes to dictate to professionals how to practice medicine. Neither is the information on this form meant to establish a standard of care. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee does feel, however, that the guidelines included on the form represent a summary consensus of the various responses obtained from the survey, from conversations and from the literature. The committee also feels that the components of the form are very relevant to addressing the concerns of coaches, parents, wrestlers and appropriate health-care professionals that led to the research into this subject and to the development of this form. GOALS FOR ESTABLISHING A WIDELY USED FORM: 1. Protect wrestlers from exposure to communicable skin disorders. Although most of the skin lesions being discussed generally have
no major long term consequences and are not life threatening, some do have morbidity associated with them and student-athletes should be protected from contracting skin disorders from other wrestlers or contaminated equipment such as mats.
2. Allow wrestlers to participate as soon as it is reasonably safe for them and for their opponents and/or teammates using the same
mat. 3. Establish guidelines to help minimize major differences in management among appropriate health-care professionals who are
signing “return to competition forms”. Consistent use of these guidelines should protect wrestlers from catching a skin disease from participation and should protect them from inequalities as to who can or cannot participate.
4. Provide a basis to support appropriate health-care professional decisions on when a wrestler can or cannot participate. This should
help the appropriate health-care professional who may face incredible pressure from many fronts to return a youngster to competition ASAP. This can involve any student athlete who never wins a match or the next state champion with a scholarship pending.
IMPORTANT COMPONENTS FOR AN EFFECTIVE FORM: 1. Each state association needs to determine which health-care professional can sign off on this form. 2. Inclusion of the applicable NFHS wrestling rule so appropriate health-care professionals will understand that covering a
contagious lesion is not an option that is allowed by rule. Covering a non-contagious lesion after adequate therapy to prevent injury to lesion is acceptable.
3. Inclusion of the date and nature of treatment and the earliest date a wrestler can return to participation. This should minimize the
need for a family to incur the expense of additional office visits as occurs when a form must be signed within three days of wrestling as some do.
4. Inclusion of a “bodygram” with front and back views should clearly identify the lesion in question. Using non-black ink to
designate skin lesions should result in less confusion or conflict. Also including the number of lesions protects against spread after a visit with an appropriate health-care professional.
5. Inclusion of guidelines for minimum treatment before returning the wrestler to action as discussed above. This should enhance the
likelihood that all wrestlers are managed safely and fairly. 6. Inclusion of all of the components discussed has the potential to remove the referee from making a medical decision. If a lesion is
questioned, the referee’s role could appropriately be only to see if the coach can provide a fully completed medical release form allowing the wrestler to wrestle.
This form may be reproduced, if desired and can be edited in anyway for use by various individuals or organizations. In addition, the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee would welcome comments for inclusion in future versions as this will continue to be a work in progress.
Revised/Approved by NFHS SMAC - April 2010
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NOTES
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3920 Richards RdNorth Little Rock, AR 72117 (501) 955-2500
ARKANSAS ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION
“Once You’ve WrestledEverything Else is Easy”
Dan Gable