RULES GUIDANCE
Overall, the rules for boys and girls high school wrestling in PA are the same. There is not a separate Rules Book for girls.
With NFHS’ updated uniform, hair, and weigh-in rules, the only additional criteria for girls is regarding the definition of a legal uniform.
Uniform
The uniform rule states that ALL wrestlers (girls or boys) wearing a one-piece singlet shall wear a suitable undergarment which completely covers the buttocks and groin area. We recommend that all wrestlers wear compression shorts underneath their singlets/shorts when competing.
Female wrestlers must also wear an undergarment that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure. A sports bra can satisfy this requirement if she is wearing a girls cut singlet and it can minimize exposure without also wearing a compression shirt. If wearing a boys cut singlet we recommend that girls wear a tight fitting compression shirt. Ultimately, the risk of exposure must be minimized to honor the rule as well as the privacy and comfort of our female athletes and so how that is best achieved (sports bra only, additional compression shirt) will depend on the fit of a singlet and each individual girl.
Hair
The NFHS rules for 2020-2021 removed the hair length requirement and a hair covering is now not mandatory. Because there is no longer a hair length rule, girls may wear their hair down and are not required to wear a hair cover. With that said, although girls can wear their hair down, most girls with longer hair will likely prefer to secure their hair with a rubber band so it does not come out during practice or competition. If a hair cover is used, it must be of a solid material, non-abrasive, and must be attached to the headgear. The 2022-2023 Rule Book also allows "hair control devices and other adornments in the hair that are securely fastened and do not present an increased risk to the wrestler, teammates or opponents."
Weigh-Ins
The weigh-in rules now require that a legal uniform (see above for what constitutes a uniform) be worn during weigh-ins and that no additional weight allowance be granted. Also, shoes and headgears are prohibited at weigh-ins. This is the same rule as the boys. The new weigh-in rules have allowed girls and boys to weigh-in at the same time - a separate weigh-in area or time is not required.
For additional guidance as well as visuals illustrating these rules, please see our PA Girls Rules Interpretation.
Become an Official
All existing PIAA-registered wrestling officials can officiate boys and girls matches. Wrestling also needs MORE officials for our sport! Have you ever considered becoming an official? If you're 16 years old or older, you can become a PIAA official. The process is much easier than people realize:
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Complete a short application form and pay the $40 fee
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Pass the online Officials’ Examination
The benefits to officiating are significant!
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Earn money! Officials usually get paid per event and it’s a great way to earn extra money while being around wrestling!
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You can set your own schedule. You can say when you are or are not available for matches – work when you want to! This could include nights, weekends, or, if you’re a HS/college student, officiating only over breaks in your academic schedule, or even working around your wrestling schedule if you’re still wrestling!
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Help grow and support the sport – officiating is a great way to give back to the sport. We all want to give back, and for many people, this is a great way to stay involved while making a difference
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You are helping to support wrestling – without officials, opportunities for competition are impacted. Help keep the sport growing by being willing to work as an official
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Gain leadership skills
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Enter a great network of people in the sport of wrestling
For more information, please reach out to us at sanctionpa@gmail.com or visit https://www.piaa.org/officials/default.aspx