TriStar Portland - March 15, 2017

Wrestlers like the idea of competing one-on-one to see who's stronger and quicker. So when the action starts, injuries are bound to happen sometimes. As a parent, it can be difficult to watch, but there are some things you can do to keep your young athletes as safe as possible.

Gearing Up

To reduce the risk of injuries, there are a few things to think about when it comes to gear:

  • Headgear - At the middle school, high school and college levels, headgear is required for all wrestlers. Headgear is sometimes called "ear guards" because it has padded shells that go over the ears to help prevent ear and head injuries.
  • Kneepads - Some wrestlers wear kneepads on one or both knees. A knee hitting the mat over and over again can cause swelling and the pads help prevent that. Another type of kneepad, called a shooting sleeve, has less padding and is designed to help knees slide across the mat to prevent mat burns.
  • Shoes - Wrestling shoes are light and flexible, but they should still provide ankle support and traction on the mat.
  • Mouthguards - Mouthguards are a low-cost way to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue.
  • Athletic Support - Guys will appreciate having a good athletic supporter when they’re on the mat and girls will benefit from a good sports bra.

Before hitting the mat

Here are some things kids can keep in mind before they hit the mat for practice or a match:

  • Getting in shape before wrestling season starts will go a long way toward preventing injuries. At the very least, start working out and eating right a few months before the season begins.
  • Losing weight the wrong way can cause physical weaknesses and damage. If slimming down is required to wrestle in a certain weight class, do it gradually while still eating a healthy diet.
  • Wrestling mats should be cleaned with a disinfectant cleaner after every match or practice. Make sure mats get cleaned before wrestling on them.
  • Warm up and stretch before wrestling. It's a good idea to stretch after a match or practice, too.

While on the mat

Quickness and technique are just as important as raw strength in wrestling. Proper wrestling technique involves advantageous holds and moves without the risk of an injury to an opponent.

Avoid positions and holds that can put extra stress on the shoulders, elbows and knees. A referee should be on the lookout for dangerous positions during a match, but be aware of them during practices.

If wrestlers get cramps or feel pain while wrestling, they need to know they should ask for an injury timeout. This will give the wrestler time to figure out how hurt he/she is.

A few other reminders

  • Kids should have a pre-season sports physical exam (different from a regular physical exam) before every season to be sure they are ready to play.
  • If kids have been practicing or competing in matches and notice a skin rash, they should report it to their coach right away and should not do any wrestling until the rash is completely healed or a doctor says it is okay to compete.
  • Kids must stay hydrated before, during and after practices and matches.

Most wrestling injuries or health problems (like rashes) are minor, and many can be prevented by wearing protective gear, using the right technique and wrestling on clean mats. And wouldn’t you rather be wrestling your opponent instead of wrestling with rashes and injuries?