A physical sport like wrestling must be done in a controlled environment, and a wrestling mat is the best choice. The sport is done on mats because mats provide cleanliness, a standard size, padding for tough falls and a surface that allows bodies to skid. Wrestling on any other surface can put wrestlers at risk for injury and infection. Wrestlers are required to wear certain pieces of equipment on mats and there is also a wide array of extra equipment that wrestlers can elect to use as well.
Cleanliness
Wrestling on a mat should be done after the mat has been disinfected. According to a release from the Fairfax County Public Schools system in Virginia, "The regular cleaning and disinfecting of wrestling, tumbling and apparatus mats, wall padding, and vinyl-covered surfaces of exercise and weight training equipment is a critical deterrent to the spread of skin infections such as ringworm and impetigo. A sport that requires bodily contact and the potential for cuts needs to have precautions set forth before competition.
Safety
Wrestling on surfaces like a mat helps absorb the impact when bodies are thrown to the ground. A wrestling mat is made of foam and is commonly 1 to 3 inches thick, giving competitors the chance to wrestle hard and hit the ground hard without the potential for injury. Concussions, broken bones, sprains and joint separations cannot be avoided by wrestling on a mat but the frequency of them can be greatly reduced.
Controlled Environment
Wrestling mats provide the competition area for competitors. A large painted circle, which varies in size depending on the age group, is the area where wrestling is allowed and once the competitors go outside that circle they are sent back to the center to recommence. Wrestlers need to try and stay inside the boundaries. By staying within the boundaries wrestlers minimize the chance of falling off the mat and hitting a hard surface.
Required Equipment
A wrestling mat is not the all-encompassing safety net for competitors. Extra safety equipment is required, and some is optional. According to rule No. 1.12.4 in the 2010-2011 NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations book, "A protective ear guard shall be worn anytime live wrestling takes place which includes practice, dual meets and all collegiate and open tournaments." Wrestlers are required to wear singlets and wrestling shoes at all levels as well.
Optional Equipment
To aid in comfort and to add extra safety on wrestling mats, wrestlers can choose from a wide array of extra pieces of equipment. Knee pads are a popular addition to the required equipment to add an extra layer of padding when the competitors are down on the mat. Other additions include undershirts, elbow pads and hair caps.
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