COMBAT LIFE YOUTH WRESTLING RULES

 

 

Registration & Entry

 

  • All registrations and deposits are non-refundable.
  • Wrestlers may compete in multiple individual divisions. (See Skipped Bout Rule below.)
  • Duals Only: A wrestler may compete on only one (1) dual team per age division. Wrestlers cannot be rostered on multiple teams within the same division.
  • Duals Only: Dual meets will not be stopped or delayed because a wrestler is competing on another mat. If a wrestler is not present and ready when called, the match will be recorded as a forfeit.
  • Individuals Only: If a wrestler is entered in multiple divisions and is called to two mats at the same time, tournament staff will skip that wrestler for up to two (2) bouts. If the wrestler is still not present after two bouts, the match will be recorded as a forfeit. No exceptions.
  • A wrestler's age eligibility is determined by their age on December 31, 2025.
  • Novice Division: Open only to wrestlers with two (2) years or less of wrestling experience. (See Novice Eligibility for complete rules.)
  • Tournament officials reserve the right to combine weight classes or divisions when necessary to create competitive brackets.
  • For dual competition, wrestlers will compete at the lowest weight certified at weigh-ins. Wrestlers may move up one (1) weight class only from their certified weight.
  • Every dual team is required to provide one (1) table worker for each dual meet. Table workers must report to the scoring table before the dual begins.
  • Failure to provide a table worker may result in a delayed start, team point deduction, or other penalty at the Tournament Director's discretion.  However there is still no guarantee.
  • All DUAL Divisions have CAPS!  A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a dual team spot. A spot is not guaranteed until both registration and deposit have been received.  Once a division CAPS you can choose to go on the waitlist, and if a team drops we will go in the order of waitlist to add a team.
  • The remaining team balance must be paid in full 10 days prior to the event. Teams with unpaid balances may forfeit their reserved spot.
  • Dual Rosters: Final rosters are due by 10:00 PM the night before weigh-ins begin.
  • Weigh-Ins: All dual wrestlers must weigh in before their day of competition. Wrestlers may weigh in earlier if additional weigh-in opportunities are offered, but day-of dual weigh-ins are not permitted. No exceptions.
  • Dual Seed Sheets: Final seed sheets are due by 10:00 PM the night before weigh-ins begin. Failure to submit by the deadline may result in the team being seeded at the Tournament Director's discretion.


 

Weigh-Ins

  • Athletes are required to weigh in only once. That official weigh-in will be valid for all divisions and events they are entered in throughout the weekend.
  • Wrestlers who wish to compete at a lower weight class may re-weigh during a designated weigh-in session. A wrestler may only move down in weight by successfully making the lower weight class during the designated weigh in time. There are no day of weigh ins.
  • Wrestlers who do not weigh-in will be scratched from all divisions requiring that weigh-in. No refunds will be issued.
  • Tournament officials reserve the right to combine or adjust weight classes when necessary to create competitive brackets.
  • Wrestlers may change weight classes/divisions only before brackets are finalized. Once brackets are released, no weight changes will be permitted.
  • A one (1) pound weight allowance will be provided for all weight classes.
    • Example: A 100 lb weight class has a maximum allowable weight of 101.0 lbs.
  • Wrestlers must weigh in wearing a singlet or shirt and athletic shorts. No shoes or headgear are permitted during weigh-ins.
  • Wrestlers must have proper personal hygiene, trimmed fingernails, and be free of any communicable skin conditions before competing.
  • Any wrestler with a visible skin condition must present:
    • A completed and signed official skin evaluation form from a licensed physician.
    • Documentation confirming the condition has been properly treated and that the wrestler is medically cleared to compete.  See NFHS Skin Lesion Form linked below.
  • Presentation of a skin form does not guarantee participation. Final approval is at the sole discretion of the Head Referee and Tournament Director.
  • Tournament officials reserve the right to deny participation to any wrestler whose condition is determined to present a health or safety risk to other participants.


 

Equipment & Safety

 

  • Headgear is optional.
  • Mouthguards are required for wrestlers with braces.
  • Wrestlers must wear a singlet or an approved two-piece uniform.
  • Shoelaces must be secured and taped if necessary.
  • Wrestlers must maintain proper hygiene and trimmed fingernails before competing.

     

Divisions

 

  • Open Divisions – Folkstyle / Freestyle
  • Girls Open Division – Folkstyle Rules
  • Novice Division – 2 years or less experience
  • Novice eligibility begins on the date of the wrestler’s first competition, regardless of which organization or league they competed in.
  • Example:
    If a wrestler begins competition on 1/1/2026, they will be considered a novice until 1/2/2028.
  • The Novice Division is also subject to the Tournament Director’s discretion.


 

School-Based Division 


(Rumble- Summer Nationals- Christmas Sparty ONLY)

  • School-Based Division teams are allowed up to three (3) wildcard athletes.
  • All other athletes must be rostered, registered, and enrolled within the same school district.
  • If a team’s eligibility is challenged, each athlete must provide proof of enrollment, such as:
  • A current report card
    Official school documentation
  • Homeschooled athletes must provide documentation confirming residence within the school district the team represents.
  • Failure to provide proper documentation when requested will result in the team being disqualified from the division, at the Tournament Director’s discretion.

     

Match Format

 

  • Matches will follow Folkstyle Wrestling Rules unless otherwise announced.
  • Standard youth match format unless otherwise posted:
  • Folkstyle 3 Periods
    • 1:00 – 1:00 – 1:00 for 6U - 7U - 8U - 9U - 10U - 11U
    • 1:30 – 1:30 – 1:30 for 12U - 13U - 15U - High School - Men's & Women's
  • Sudden Victory Overtime will be used if necessary.
  • Freestyle - 2:00 - 0:30 - 2:00
  • Tie breakers will be determined by the USA Bracketing algorithm.

 

 

Tournament Format

 

  • Double Elimination format through 4th place.
  • Awards will be given to the Top 4 finishers in each division.
  • Round robin brackets may be used when divisions have 5 or fewer wrestlers.


 

Coaching & Mat Rules

 

  • Only two (2) coaches are permitted in the corner during matches.
  • 1 photographer is also allowed in the corner
  • Coaches must remain in the designated coaching area during the match.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct by coaches, wrestlers, or spectators may result in removal from the event. At the tournament directors discretion.

 

 

Bracketing

 

  • Brackets will be available on USA Bracketing once they are completed.
  • Any bracket concerns must be reported to the Head Table immediately.
  • No bracket changes will be made once the brackets are finalized.
  • Wrestlers are responsible for knowing when and where they wrestle.
  • Dual team placements will be based on team seed sheets.

 

 

Event Schedule

 

  • The Duals Tournament will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Open Tournament.
  • Expected start time is between 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
  • Wrestlers must report to their mat when called or risk being forfeited.
     

         Additional Policies

  • Combat Life reserves the right to adjust brackets, divisions, or scheduling to ensure a safe and competitive event.
  • Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.
  • Challenges to a wrestler’s age or eligibility require a $100 deposit.
  • If the challenge is successful, the challenger will receive the deposit back.
  • If the challenge is unsuccessful, the deposit will be forfeited.


 

Combat Life – Referee & Officials Rules

 

  • To ensure a safe, competitive, and well-organized environment for athletes, coaches, and spectators, Combat Life events will follow the rules and guidelines below.

 

 

Officiating Authority

 

  • Officials have the final authority on all calls and safety decisions during competition.
  • A wrestler with one point of contact in bounds may still be ruled in bounds at the referee’s discretion for athlete safety.

 

 

Dual Meet Competition Rules

 

  • Wrestlers must be present and ready when their weight class is called.
  • Wrestlers must check in at the table immediately when their weight class is up.
  • If a wrestler is not present and ready, the match will be recorded as a forfeit.
  • Matches will not be moved or rearranged to accommodate late wrestlers.
  • All dual meets will start at the lowest weight class for each round.
  • You are allowed 2 Coaches Admissions and 1 Table Worker (Teams are responsible for their Table Worker)
  • Roster additions and changes are only allowed during the First Round.  And must be made prior to the dual beginning. Any wrestler on a dual team must weigh in the day prior to the dual meet beginning!  You cannot weigh in the day of the dual.
  • Rosters will be handed out at the coaches meeting. It is your responsibility as a coach to double check the info on these rosters! (All additions & changes MUST be made before the end of the first round (day 1 if it's a 2 day event).

 

 

Rules of Competition

 

  • All Combat Life tournaments will follow NFHS Wrestling Rules unless otherwise specified.
  • Control Definition:
  • If a wrestler has both legs secured anywhere from the hips to the ankles beyond reaction time, control may be ruled and a 3-point takedown may be awarded at the referee’s discretion.

 

 

Coaches & Corner Guidelines

 

  • A maximum of two (2) coaches per corner are permitted during matches.
  • One videographer may be present in the corner area.
  • All teams must remain on the venue floor unless otherwise directed by event staff.
  • Failure to comply may result in:
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct issued to the head coach
     Deduction of one team point in both dual and individual competition
  • If more than two coaches are in the corner:
  •  The team will receive one warning
  • If the team fails to correct the issue after the warning:
  • A team point may be deducted at the Tournament Director’s discretion.

 

 

Video Review Policy

 

  • Combat Life does not allow video review of any kind during competition.
  • Match results, scoring decisions, and officiating calls will not be overturned or reviewed using video footage from coaches, parents, spectators, or team personnel.
  • If there is a concern regarding a rule application or officiating call, it must be addressed immediately during the match.
  • Only the coach in the corner may approach the referee to respectfully request clarification on a rule interpretation.
  • Once the match has concluded and the wrestlers have left the mat, all officiating decisions are considered final and will not be revisited.
  • Video footage may not be used as evidence to protest or overturn a match result.


 

Sportsmanship

 

  • Coaches coach.
    Wrestlers wrestle.
    Officials officiate.
  • Any unruly fan or spectator will be asked to leave the venue immediately.
  • Any inappropriate conduct at the tournament will result in immediate removal and disqualification.
  • We reserve the right to disqualify and remove any spectator or athlete for any reason deemed appropriate.

 

 

Combat Life – Athletic Trainer & Medical Rules

 

  • The health and safety of our athletes is our top priority.
  • The following medical rules and procedures will be enforced at all Combat Life events.


 

Skin Checks & Hygiene Requirements

 

  • Skin checks and nail checks will take place during weigh-ins.
  • Wrestlers must have fingernails clipped and no visible skin conditions in order to weigh in.
  • Athletes will not be permitted to weigh in or compete if they:
    Have untrimmed fingernails
    Have untreated or visible skin issues
  • Attempting to conceal skin conditions using makeup, hair, clothing, or any other method will result in immediate disqualification from the event without refund.

 

 

Medical Documentation for Skin Conditions

 

  • If an athlete has been diagnosed and treated for a skin condition, they must present a completed and signed physician clearance form.  Must include the NFHS form which is below.
  • SKIN LESION FORM - NFHS FORM
  • Important:
    Regardless of diagnosis or treatment, the final decision on participation rests with:

          The Head Referee
          The Head Athletic Trainer
          The Tournament Director

 

 

Injury Time

 

  • Standard injury time: 90 seconds (This begins when the athletic trainer arrives on the mat.)
  • Blood time: Up to 5 minutes

 

 

Head & Neck Injury Evaluation

 

  • If a head or neck injury is suspected, the athletic trainer will initiate Head & Neck Injury Evaluation Time.
  • This evaluation period may be up to 5 minutes and is separate from standard injury or blood time.
  • However, suspected concussion or neck injury evaluations are not restricted to standard injury time if medical personnel require additional time to properly assess the athlete.
  • If an athlete continues after a head injury and sustains a second head injury, the match will result in an injury default.
  • The athlete must be re-evaluated by medical staff before competing in any additional matches that day or later in the tournament.


 

Illegal Move Injuries

 

  • If an injury occurs as the result of an illegal move, the injured athlete will receive 90 seconds recovery time.
  • If the injured athlete cannot continue, they will be declared the winner by injury default.

     

Blood & Bodily Fluid Cleanup

 

  • Coaches are responsible for assisting with the cleanup of their athlete’s:

         Blood
         Vomit
         Spit
         Other bodily fluids

  • Cleanup supplies will be available at all scoring tables.
  • Athletic trainers will assist when needed, but coaches are expected to help with their own athletes.

     

Loss of Consciousness

 

  • If an athlete loses consciousness during a match, the match will immediately end and be ruled a medical default.
  • The athlete must be evaluated by medical staff before being allowed to compete in any further matches during the tournament.

 

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