last updated February 1, 2025

Old NFHS Rule Book from Season 2023-24 ~ CLICK HERE

NFHS rule changes for season 2024-25 ~ click here

NFHS rule interpretations for season 2024-25 ~ click here

The big rule changes are:

• Only one point of contact by either wrestler meets the requirements of being inbounds. However, the body part must actually be touching the mat inside the circle. 

• Redefines how near-fall points are awarded by equating the number of seconds in which near-fall criteria are met to the number of points awarded. An offensive wrestler now earns two points for two seconds, three points for three seconds and four points for four seconds. Additionally, points awarded related to the defensive wrestler becoming injured and bleeding were also modified. 

VHSL Changes Reflect NFHS April 2023 Board Meeting Posted under Forms/Info ~ CLICK HERE

• 12-event limit & 60-matches limit ~ see calendar for wrestling ~ CLICK HERE

• Six-match limit per day ~ High school wrestlers will be able to wrestle in six matches in any one day of competition beginning with the 2023-24 season excluding forfeits.

• 10-match limit for two consecutive days ~ no contestant shall wrestle in more than 10 matches in two consecutive days.

• 50-matches max ~ prior to the regional championships (districts counts toward the 50 matches).

• Points of support ~ when a wrestler is down on the mat “foot/feet” was added to the list that includes the knee(s), side of the thigh, buttocks, hand(s) and head. 

• Medical forfeit ~ medical forfeit would not count against the wrestler’s record. 

• Uniform and appearance, rule 4-1-1a changed "one-piece singlet may be worn with full-length, form-fitted tights. The stirrups requirement was deleted because the tights worn by wrestlers today do not ride up the wrestler’s leg causing a disadvantage to the opponent".

• Rule 4-2-1 says "Facial hair is permissible" ~ “If there are any questionable areas with regard to skin disease on or around the face, the onsite approved health-care professional would be involved; however, the length of the facial hair does not have any influence on the referee’s decision,” 

• 30-minute rest period ~ Rule 1-4-4 allows competitors to wrestle in two consecutive matches with a 30-minute rest rather than the previous 45-minute rest period. 

• Uniform with Tights ~ Rule 4-1-1a says "one-piece singlet may be worn with full-length, form-fitted tights. The stirrups requirement was deleted because the tights worn by wrestlers today do not ride up the wrestler’s leg causing a disadvantage to the opponent".