Cutting weight for wrestling: Technique for superior performance or

misrepresented requirement
Abstract: Cutting weight or the practice of rapid weight loss to allow an athlete to compete at a
weight class below their natural weight is engrained in the fabric of the sport of wrestling. There
are many different methods and ideas regarding cutting weight. Some of the methods while very
effective can be dangerous. What are the practices of cutting weight used by wrestlers in Rowan
County and what better practices and techniques can put in place to develop both wresters and
the sport at the local level?
Background: In 1997 the wrestling world was rocked by three deaths in 33 days of NCAA
collegiate wrestlers. This prompted a review of weight rules in the sport at the college level. The
NCAA chose to adopt new rules to prevent any further deaths. In 2006 The National Federation
of High Schools adopted new weight rules for high school wrestling in order to combat injuries
related to weight cutting. Despite the changes in the rules wrestlers and coaches have been very
slow in changing their perception on cutting weight. The practices used to make the weight have
also not changed. There is a stigma with regards to recruiting new wrestlers into the sport at
younger ages mandating weight must be cut. I seek to provide realistic data that can be presented
to parents, coaches, and athletes regarding the effects of cutting weight and what techniques can
be used to cut weight with the least effect on athletic performance and physical development.
Methodology: I plan to complete primary research with a series of questionnaires handed out to
wrestlers, parents, and coaches in both the Rowan Salisbury School district and the Rowan
County Youth Wrestling League. I will draw my conclusions from my own study as well as
previous studies to answer the question what are the practices of cutting weight used by wrestlers
in Rowan County and what better practices and techniques can put in place to develop both
wresters and the sport at the local level. I will seek to develop a hand out that can be given to
parents and coaches to provide them some entry level information into helping their athletes
manage their weight, also included will be references for more information for parents and
coaches
Works Cited:
1. Lakin, Jean A., Suzanne Nelson Steen, and Robert A. Oppliger. "Eating Behaviors,
Weight Loss Methods, And Nutrition Practices Among High School Wrestlers." Journal
Of Community Health Nursing 7.4 (1990): 223. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15
Sept. 2014.
2. Buford, Thomas W., et al. "The Effect Of A Competitive Wrestling Season On Body
Weight, Hydration, And Muscular Performance In Collegiate Wrestlers." Journal Of
Strength & Conditioning Research (Allen Press Publishing Services Inc.) 20.3 (2006):
689-692. Academic Search Complete. Web. 15 Sept. 2014.

3. Marquart, Leonard F., and Jeffery Sobal. "Weight Loss Beliefs, Practices and Support
Systems for High School Wrestlers." Journal of Adolescent Health: 410-15. Academic
Search Complete. Web. 21 Sept. 2014.
4. "Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness, American Academy of Pediatrics.
Promotion of Healthy Weight-Control Practices in Young Athletes. PEDIATRICS
2005;116:1557-1564." Pediatrics 117.4 (2006): 1467. Academic Search Complete. Web.
15 Sept. 2014.

Response to changes
The main concern that was brought forward to me in my initial draft was the amount of time that
would be required to interview each person and translate all that information into this inquiry
project. Upon further investigation into everything I thought I would need to include in the
interview in order to draw accurate conclusions that are relevant to the coaches and parents in
our area I agreed with the assessment that too much time would be required. Changing from
interviews to question and answer forms will allow for much less time to be spent. It will also
eliminate any issues with misquoting that could arise from doing interviews. One of my sources
used a similar technique in New York and it proved to be very useful for me in the information
that was presented. Nothing was said regarding the scope of my inquiry. I feel it is as narrow as I
can make it and still be feasible.