Nigel- how would you propose to keep a record of all who have ever had a herpes outbreak on their forehead? Would you include "cold sores" as well? What about chicken pocs or shingles, since these are all forms of the herpes virus.
Your solution will only encourage wrestlers to avoid getting proper diagnosis. I know that if I were faced with possibly never wrestling again as a high school junior, I would NOT have gone to a doctor for anything!!! Your solution will only serve to make the problem worse. The chance for infection when someone is not having an outbreak is very small. I too agree that wrestlers should not wrestle with active outbreaks, but once they have cleared up there should be nothing stopping them from getting back on the mat. Wrestlers take a risk, albeit it a calculated one, every time they step on the mat. The risk of injury is far greater than the risk of contracting herpes from someone who's herpes is dormant. I think this whole topic has been overblown, and don't say that I don't know what I am talking about because I do. I have herpes. I have not had an outbreak for over a year. Does this mean I shouldn't wrestle with the kids I am coaching? I do not think they are at risk of contracting the virus. If I did, I wouldn't be wrestling with them. I think this is a knee jerk reaction, and is completely overboard. I seriously doubt the NFHS will signifigantly change its policy any tim in the near future.