What does the NFHS weight-control program require?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- NFHS rules
- High school
- Grades 9-12
- Folkstyle wrestling
- 2026-27 season
- Officials
Under NFHS Rule 1-5, each state high school association must develop and use a weight-control program that discourages excessive weight reduction and wide swings in weight.
What the state program must include (1-5-2):
- Hydration testing with a urine specific gravity of no more than 1.025, done immediately before the body fat assessment.
- A body fat assessment that sets each wrestler's minimum weight class.
- Minimum body fat of 7% for males and 19% for females (raised from 12% for 2026-27).
- A wrestler assessed below those levels needs a medical release from a health care professional to wrestle at that weight.
- A nutritional component developed locally.
Recommended (1-5-1): an appropriate health care professional helps set the minimum weight class through hydration testing, body fat assessment and a monitored descent plan, with the wrestler, parents/guardians and coach involved.
Each state runs its own program, so assessment windows, testing methods and descent-plan details differ by state.
Added 21 Oct 2026