First of all I’m not opposed to any rules that is in the best interest of a high school wrestler, but I do have some concerns on how the rules are mandated. If you are not aware the 2006-2007 season there will be hydration testing take place prior to the season (alpha weight) or first weigh in prior to practice beginning.

It is my understanding that nobody will be allowed to practice until an administrator or his designee (not a Coach) establishes weight at a proper hydration level. Either by urine color chart or a specific gravity of 1.025 or below. How fun for someone to analyze 65 urine samples! May be the school nurse will step up for this job!

Once the Alpha weight is established the wrestler will fall under the same 10% rule for weight loss (no big deal unless you can’t pass your **** test!) No urine…no practice!

You the must certify at your lowest weight by January 12th. Urine in hand… fully hydrated, before the weight will be considered your certification weight. No urine of proper color you are either done for the season or move up one weight till you pass your test. There are a few exceptions but you have to have these approved by the KSHSAA.

This is when it gets interesting… what if you don’t have half of your weigh-ins at your certified weight? You could be in trouble of making it to a qualifier for state.

What happens when you wrestle kids from surrounding states that are not playing by the same set of rules?

My thinking that just go back “Old school” and start doing shoulder-to-shoulder weigh-ins like they did when I was a kid and 90% of the problems would be solved! With a whole lot less administration.

Everyone chime in with your thoughts!