💥Competition

4.1 Rules of Competition

The NCWA will comply with the published rules of competition as distributed by the NCAA. The current edition of the NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations will be observed unless otherwise revised by the NCWA Board of Directors, and/or the Judicial Council. Free digital copies and mobile device apps of NCAA Wrestling Rules are available from the NCAA Sports Library at their web page.

No cameras are allowed in the coaches’ 8 ft Reserved Zone at the mat corner. Photographers in the mat areas must have media credentials and must be dressed appropriately.

Appropriate attire for coaches and staff personnel (as per current NCAA rule) is also required.

4.1.1 Hosting Events

NCWA member schools may host competition ONLY between wrestlers and teams that are active members of the NCWA, NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA or CCCAA. All matches will count toward the NCWA records and National NCWA Points if the hosted event was officiated by a Registered Wrestling Official representing a recognized sanctioning Officials association.

At all competitions, the host team must provide a certified trainer and / or EMS staff.

4.1.2 Defining an ‘Open Tournament’

During the competition season, an Open Tournament, hosted by an NCWA team, is defined as a competition open ONLY to currently collegiately eligible members of a nationally or regionally recognized COLLEGIATE, governing body listed above.

Committee Note: NCWA Teams may participate in non-NCWA-hosted open tournaments. However, said tournaments must be hosted by a currently collegiately eligible member of nationally recognized collegiate wrestling associations. (e.g.: NCWA, NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA) and properly insured by the host entity.

4.1.3 Weigh-ins and Weigh-in Sheets

All NCWA competitions must include a weigh-in according to NCAA rules and a documented weigh-in sheet for tracking eligibility requirements.

4.2 Competition Season

The official NCWA 2023 - 2024 competition season for all divisions will begin on October 26, 2024 and will conclude with the presentation of awards at the National Championships on March 15, 2025. During the competition season, rules contained in the NCWA Rules and Regulations will apply.

The NCWA does not set maximum limits on the time and conditions of practice or competition. The number of competitive events, practices, schedules, and times are only limited by the individual member institution.

4.3 Competition Contracts

The NCWA strongly encourages the use of Competition Contracts for all events. Further, the NCWA will arbitrate event disputes only if all involved parties have signed an NCWA Competition Contract. NCWA Competition Contracts are available on the NCWA website under “forms.”

4.4 Sex-Separated Competition

It is the goal of the NCWA to grow and develop women collegiate wrestling. As such, it is the experience of the NCWA that following the examples that have led to the success illustrated in similar wrestling associations, that sex separated competition is the best practice.

All physical wrestling activities (i.e., practices, NCWA hosted competitions, etc.) shall be sex separated. Men and women may not engage in physical wrestling activities at NCWA hosted wrestling events or practices at any time.

NCWA hosted competition shall be defined as any wrestling match, meet, tournament, or exhibition hosted by an NCWA institution or NCWA team per these rules.

Violation of this rule shall result in referral to the NCWA Judicial Council for deliberations, which may include findings of a rules violation and appropriate sanctions. Before engaging in any non-sex-separated activities and as any questions regarding this rule arise, teams are advised to seek an advisory opinion from the NCWA Compliance Officer.

4.5 Weight Classes

The NCWA has approved 11 weight classes for the Men’s Division as follows:

125 - 133 - 141 - 149 - 157 - 165 - 174 - 184 - 197 - 235 (min. 173) - 285 (min. 183)

The NCWA has approved 11 weight classes for the Women’s Division as follows:

103 - 110 - 117 - 124 - 131 - 138 - 145 - 160 - 180 - 207 -240 (min. 179)

The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has developed a weight management program, the Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC) that has been adopted for use by all the NCWA programs as part of the benefits of membership in the NCWA. It is recommended to use the OPC for all wrestlers.

4.6 Optional Freestyle Competition

NCWA member programs hosting events will conduct competitions using Collegiate Folkstyle rules.

Freestyle rules may be used as an additional, but not an alternative competition format at the same location.

If only one event is staged, it must be conducted using Collegiate Folkstyle rules.

4.7 Optional Scoring System

The NCWA may adapt optional team scoring (apart from NCAA team scoring) at the discretion of the NCWA National Commissioner and NCWA Board of Directors.

4.8 Transgender Student-Athletes

Sub-Article 4.8.1 - Background on Transgender Issues in Athletics

NCAA Policy and Position: The NCWA Taskforce on Wrestling Equality submitted this policy for approval by (what was formerly known as) the NCWA Legislative Council after having reviewed available best practices, policies, and scientific and sociological research from the athletic and scientific community and receiving input from member institutions. The NCWA has adopted the following policy:

The NCAA approved a transgender participation policy in an August 2011 Press Release. The NCAA based this policy in part on a 2010 report from the National Center of Lesbian Rights and the Women Sports Foundation. The report titled “On the Team: Equal Opportunity for Transgender Student Athletes”, provides background information on the issue of athletic participation by transgender students and suggests athletic participation policies for post-secondary schools and institutions of higher learning. The report recommends a collegiate participation policy based on medical treatments involving the hormone testosterone.

As such, the NCWA has chosen to adopt a policy based on those of the NAIA, USA Wrestling and two member institutions.

Sub-Article 4.8.2 – TRANSGENDER STUDENT-ATHLETES – POLICY

A transgender student-athlete may participate in sex-separated approved season and post- season wrestling competition as a member of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) under the following conditions:

1. A male-to-female (MTF) transgender student-athlete who is taking medically prescribed hormone (i.e., testosterone suppressant and/or estrogen) treatment related to gender transition may participate against men or on a men’s team at any time, but must complete one year of documented hormone treatment related to gender transition and demonstrate that her total testosterone level in serum has been below 10 nmol/L for at least 12 months prior to her first competition against women or on a women team.

2. A female-to-male (FTM) transgender student-athlete who is taking medically prescribed testosterone related to gender transition may not participate against women or on a women team after beginning hormone treatment. Any female-to-male (FTM) transgender student- athlete who is taking medically prescribed testosterone may compete on a men team only after the student provides medical documentation and receives a medical exception from the NCWA (e.g. prescription from a physician) allowing the use of medically prescribed testosterone.

3. Any transgender student-athlete who is not taking hormone treatment related to gender transition may participate in sex-separated wrestling activities in accordance with his/her assigned birth sex.

4. The student-athlete must meet all other requirements to compete in the NCWA, including but not limited to college or university registration status, minimum academic qualifications, and If an athlete fails or refuses to comply with any aspect of the liability determination processes, while that is his/her right as an individual, he/she will not be eligible to participate as a competitor. All cost for testing and medical review shall be borne by the wrestler.

4.9 Wrestling Competition Apparel

All competition singlets (collegiate-cut) or approved two-piece competition apparel must carry the NCWA Official Logo. All competition singlets and apparel must be purchased from vendors that have secured proper logo licensing from the NCWA.

TRADEMARK: The letters NCWA and Associated Logo are trademarked under US Trademark Serial #85379223 and may not be used without specific written permission of the NCWA.

VENDOR LICENSE FEES: Vendors should contact the NCWA directly at [e-mail] or call 214-378-9900 for detailed information on contracts, fees, licensing, and other permissions required for the use of NCWA lettering or logos. The NCWA grants both single use and contracted period licenses for duplication and use of the name and or logos.

4.10 Wrestling Uniforms

NCWA teams will follow NCAA rules for singlets and competition gear. Teams are not required to meet the NCAA rule for matching singlets / competition gear / warm-ups in the same round of an NCWA-only tournament. However, matching singlets / competition gear will be required for duals. Properly placed NCWA Logo must appear on all competition uniforms.

4.11 Codes of Conduct

(adopted from NCAA Rules and Interpretations unless modified by the NCWA)

Sportsmanship is a core value of the NCAA, and the NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee believes that participation in athletics is an integral part of the educational experience for student-athletes.

Therefore, it expects the highest standards of sportsmanship, integrity and conduct of all individuals associated with contests, as well as of all aspects of administration.

4.11.1 Coaches Code of Conduct

It is the moral obligation of all collegiate wrestling coaches to conduct themselves in such a way as to reflect credit upon their institutions, their profession and themselves. Personal grooming and appropriate dress are a standard of professionalism. Jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts/sweatpants, and non-institutional logoed warm-up suits (top and/or bottom), headwear and similar apparel are not considered suitable attire and are prohibited. Moral obligation and ethical conduct are part of winning and losing. Good sportsmanship, appearance, pride, honor, and concern for the well-being of the competitors should be placed before all else. The rules have been established in the spirit of this statement.

4.11.2 Student Athlete Statement of Conduct and Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all wrestlers to conduct themselves in such a way as to reflect credit upon their institutions, the sport and themselves. Further, all wrestlers should realize that their personal appearance, behavior, and standards are related closely to the image of the sport as perceived by all segments of the public and wrestling communities. This applies to conduct as a competitor on the mat, while attending the event and while traveling to and from the event, and while both on and off campus. Moral obligation and ethical conduct are part of winning and losing. Good sportsmanship, pride, honor, and personal behavior should be placed above all else. The rules have been established in the spirit of this statement.

4.11.3 Referee Code of Conduct

Wrestling referees have the responsibility for conducting bouts in a dignified, professional, and unbiased manner and shall deal with all situations in the spirit of good sportsmanship and in the best interest of the wrestlers and the sport. The character and conduct of referees must be above reproach. When in uniform or on site, a referee shall not fraternize with contestants and/or coaches. Referees must keep themselves prepared both physically and mentally to administer bouts.

Referees will enforce the rules firmly and fairly in both letter and spirit in such a way that attention is drawn to the wrestlers rather than themselves.