At what age can girls start wrestling?

Many youth clubs allow children to begin wrestling as early as five or six. Early exposure to stance, balance, and movement builds a foundation for long-term success, and sessions at this age emphasize fun and safe skill-building.

Do girls wrestle against boys?

At the youth and early middle school levels, girls often compete against boys where numbers are limited. As participation grows, more states now offer all-girls divisions and sanctioned state championships.

Is wrestling safe for girls?

Yes—when proper guidelines are followed. With protective gear, clean mats, and trained coaches, wrestling has comparatively low injury rates. Modern programs emphasize hydration, nutrition, and avoiding dangerous weight-cutting.

What gear do female wrestlers need?

Core items include wrestling shoes, headgear (optional internationally but recommended in U.S. youth programs), a fitted singlet or compression set, and knee pads. Hygiene gear such as personal water bottles and antibacterial wipes is also encouraged.

Are there college opportunities for women wrestlers?

Yes. Women’s wrestling is an NCAA Emerging Sport and is fully sanctioned in the NAIA. Hundreds of programs now exist, with scholarship pathways for qualified athletes.

How Do Wrestling Weight Classes Work for Youth Wrestlers?

If you’re a parent new to the world of youth wrestling, one of the first things you might hear at practice or tournaments is talk about “weight classes.” While this can sound intimidating, it’s actually a system designed to make wrestling fair and safe. But how does it work—and how does your child fit in?

Let’s break it down in simple, straightforward terms.

What Are Weight Classes in Wrestling?

female youth wrestlers in line to weigh in

In wrestling, athletes compete against others who are close to their own weight. This ensures that no one has an unfair size or strength advantage. Think of it like age divisions in youth soccer or basketball, but based on body weight instead of age or grade.

Each tournament or league will have specific weight class brackets. These are ranges of weight, often grouped within just a few pounds of one another. For example, one class might be 55–60 lbs, the next might be 60–65 lbs, and so on.

A wrestler must weigh in at or under the limit of their weight class before they are allowed to compete in it. If they’re over the limit, they may be bumped to a higher weight class or disqualified, depending on the event rules.

How Are Youth Weight Classes Different?

Unlike high school or college wrestling which follow strict, standardized weight classes set by athletic organizations youth wrestling weight classes can vary depending on the tournament, club, or wrestling organization. This is important for parents to understand: your child’s weight class might not be the same from one event to the next.

Many youth tournaments divide kids by age and weight. For example, a bracket might be labeled “10U 60 lbs,” meaning children under 10 years old who weigh 60 pounds or less. Another might be “12U 75 lbs.” These are not universal, so always check the flyer or event website for exact groupings.

Some clubs and tournaments also use block bracketing, which means athletes are grouped with others who are close in weight, even if the weights don’t fit a rigid chart. This method gives more kids a chance to wrestle without forcing them to cut weight.

Does My Child Need to Cut Weight?

For most youth wrestlers, the answer is no. Cutting weight or dropping pounds quickly

two wrestlers on the mat grappling with each other

before a weigh-in is usually discouraged in younger athletes. Youth wrestling is about learning skills, building confidence, and having fun, not manipulating the scale.

Instead of focusing on hitting a specific number, your child should be encouraged to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and compete at a natural, comfortable weight. This allows them to focus on technique and enjoyment rather than stress or unhealthy habits.

How Can I Prepare My Child for a Weigh-In?

Weigh-ins usually happen the day of or the night before a tournament. Here’s what to expect:

Your child will step on a scale, sometimes with a singlet or wrestling gear on, depending on the rules.
Coaches or tournament officials will record their weight.
Based on the weigh-in, your child will be placed into a bracket with others in the same class.

To help them prepare:

Make sure they get a good night’s sleep before weigh-in.
Feed them a light, nutritious meal before and after.
Keep them hydrated, but don’t overdo it right before stepping on the scale.

All that to Say

Understanding how weight classes work in youth wrestling can take a big load off your shoulders as a parent. You don’t need to stress about numbers. What matters most is helping your child grow through the sport, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Let their body grow naturally. Focus on healthy habits, skill development, and sportsmanship. And remember: the goal isn’t to be the lightest or strongest on the mat, it’s to be the most prepared and passionate.

If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s coach. They’re there to guide both you and your young wrestler every step of the way.

Want to learn more about how to support your child in wrestling? Visit KeepKidsWrestling.com for guides, stories, and parent-friendly resources written by folks who’ve been there before.