Like all sports, wrestling competition requires that you wear specific equipment. In some cases, the equipment is designed to improve your performance on the mat. In others, it's to ensure your safety or the safety of your opponent. Often, it's both.
Singlet
The wrestling singlet is a one-piece, tight-fitting garment that covers about as much of your body as a 1920s-vintage swimming suit. The small coverage keeps the outfit from binding your movement during competition. The tight fit protects your opponent's fingers from becoming trapped in the fabric. Most teams provide a colored singlet labeled with the name and/or mascot of the team. In some cases, the singlets come with a matching pair of tights -- but this is not generally required.
Head Gear
Wrestling includes a lot of rubbing and banging on the ears and head. This can cause concussions and unsightly keloid scars called "cauliflower ear." Wrestling head gear consists of a pair of cups that go over the ears, held in place by straps at the forehead, chin and back of the head. Different models use metal cups covered in rubber or soft plastic cups.
Footwear
You must wear shoes in sanctioned wrestling competition. If at all possible, you will want to wear wrestling shoes. These specially designed shoes provide ankle support, have traction designed for the mat and sport thin, light soles for maximum mobility. If you can't afford wrestling shoes, a pair of flat-soled Keds or similar tennis shoes will do.
Special Considerations
A wrestler with stitches may have to wear a T-shirt or face mask to cover the injury and protect it from further harm. Female wrestlers are generally required to wear a T-shirt or sports bra. Some wrestling conferences have rules governing how a wrestler with long hair wears her hair in competition. For details of special considerations, you should consult with your coach or athletic director -- different programs may vary in their specific handling of these rules.
References
- NCAA Wrestling Rules
- West Virginia Wrestling: Overview of Wrestling Rules
- Jason Brick; Martial Arts Instructor and Wrestling Coach; Bushido Martial Arts; Hillsboro, Ore
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