Why the new rule this yr. not allowing tape on headgear? Does tape give 1 wrestler a distinct advantage? Tape helps pull the slack out of headgear.

I'm gonna guess that somewhere a kid was injured by a head gear and the manufacturer didn't accept liability because of the " tape modification".

it always has to do with money...some ex wrestler or big supporter of USA wrestling probably has come up with some headgear adjusting device and so to make money no tape on headgear. Its always about the money...

Tape can be on the headgear. If your worried about your "tape design" on the gear then have the head official look at it prior to the tourny starting. After a few talks at rules mtgs, the rule on taping headgear was relaxed and is left for the almighty..."judgement" of the official.

I asked an official at tulsa. And his answer made some sense a little silly but sensible. Tape over ear holes combined with being against a sweaty head when slapped will be air tight and may rupture ear drum. But some officials confused it with no tape at all. When tape on straps etc are ok. I'm not sure if that's accurate

The official rule is NO TAPE period. KS has agreed as a officials group that you can tape the straps, but not the sides/ears. Not sure how this will follow kids wrestling. Beeson is correct, at it's core it's all about money to sell more headgear.

The official justification is part of what Hotrodder54 said and part because they said the tape over time is uncleaned and carries germs...No more than tape on shoes or about 95% of all of the disgusting kneepads out there.

So for now, you can tape the straps, but not the rest. I am sure there will be several different judgements on this over time.