Weight differential

[8thGradeDad]

Out of curiosity, where do you see the safe line in weight differential? 10% of weight, 15%, 20%? Ex. 171 wrestling 189 (18 lbs = approx 10%). I am having a little difference of opinion with a coach, and would be curious about an outside point of view. Thanks

[Neuquafan]

Originally Posted by 8thGradeDad

Out of curiosity, where do you see the safe line in weight differential? 10% of weight, 15%, 20%? Ex. 171 wrestling 189 (18 lbs = approx 10%). I am having a little difference of opinion with a coach, and would be curious about an outside point of view. Thanks

Safety is never the prime motivator in weight differentials between weight classes... as a result you have situations where a 215 can bump up and wrestle someone approx 33% bigger than him and that's all contained in the rules...

Then, conversely, you have a weight class every 5-6 lbs. between 119 and 145...

No good rule of thumb to use in my opinion to better promote safety except the difference in ability as exists in frosh vs. JV vs. Varsity -- and that is the EASIEST one to navigate your way through...

[8thGradeDad]

Originally Posted by Neuquafan

Safety is never the prime motivator in weight differentials between weight classes... as a result you have situations where a 215 can bump up and wrestle someone approx 33% bigger than him and that's all contained in the rules...

Then, conversely, you have a weight class every 5-6 lbs. between 119 and 145...

No good rule of thumb to use in my opinion to better promote safety except the difference in ability as exists in frosh vs. JV vs. Varsity -- and that is the EASIEST one to navigate your way through...

You sort of hit my concern on the head. Son bumped up (giving up approx 33% of weight). Both wrestlers are ranked. Just didn't make sense to me to give up 65 lbs to very good wrestler (just to save a couple of team points.)

Am I wrong for worrying?

[Neuquafan]

Originally Posted by 8thGradeDad

You sort of hit my concern on the head. Son bumped up (giving up approx 33% of weight). Both wrestlers are ranked. Just didn't make sense to me to give up 65 lbs to very good wrestler (just to save a couple of team points.)

Am I wrong for worrying?

NEVER in ANY situation can a parent be wrong for worrying... it's our job. Sometimes we worry needlessly or in error but worrying means you're assessing and processing data which is ALWAYS a good thing even if you come up with the wrong answer occasionally...

It can go either way I'm afraid --depends on the particulars of each circumstance (and there's why no rule of thumb should ever be accepted universally)... but being concerned about it is a good thing I will tell you.