What does the NFHS require for weight control and minimum weight certification?

NFHS Rule 1-5-1: every state high school association must run a weight-control program that discourages excessive weight cutting and wide swings in weight. It should involve the wrestler, parents/guardians, an appropriate health care professional and the coach in setting the minimum certified weight class. The ideal program sets that minimum through:

1. hydration testing
2. body fat assessment
3. a monitored descent plan

NFHS Rule 1-5-2 requires the state program to include:

• Hydration testing with a specific gravity no greater than 1.025, immediately before the body fat assessment.
• A body fat assessment that sets the minimum weight class: 7% for males, 19% for females (new for 2026-27).
• A medical release for any wrestler assessed below those percentages.
• A nutritional component, developed locally.

Each state sets its own assessment window, retest rules and descent-plan details. For example, in Texas a wrestler who fails the hydration test must wait 24 hours before being reassessed.