COMBAT LIFE YOUTH WRESTLING RULES

 

 

Registration & Entry

 

  • All registrations are non-refundable.
  • Wrestlers may enter multiple divisions.
  • Dual wrestlers can only enter one (1) dual team per division.
  • If a wrestler is double bracketed and called to two mats at the same time, the tournament will skip three (3) bouts. If the wrestler is still not present after three bouts, that match will be recorded as a forfeit. No exceptions.
  • Age eligibility is determined by the wrestler’s age on the day of the tournament.
  • Novice Division: Limited to wrestlers with 2 years or less experience (see below for more details).
  • Tournament officials reserve the right to combine weight classes or divisions if necessary to create competitive brackets.
  • Dual team participants will compete at the lowest weight recorded at weigh-ins.
  • (Wrestlers are permitted to move up one weight class only from that recorded weight.)
  • Each dual team must provide one (1) table worker to assist with scoring and match operations during their dual.
  • Table workers should report to the scoring table prior to the start of the dual meet.
  • Failure to provide a table worker may result in a delay of the dual meet or a team point deduction, at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
  • A $200 deposit is required two (2) weeks prior to the event in order to hold a dual spot. Teams must register online to reserve their position.
  • The remaining balance is due in full three (3) days prior to the event.
  • Rosters are due no later than 10:00 PM the night before weigh-ins begin.
  • The Dual Seed Sheet is due by 10:00 PM the night before weigh-ins.


 

Weigh-Ins

 

  • Athletes will weigh in once, and that weigh-in will be valid for the entire weekend.
  • Athletes may choose to weigh in again at a lower weight during designated weigh-in times if they wish to compete at a lower weight class.
  • Wrestlers who miss weigh-ins will be scratched from the tournament.
  • Weight classes may be adjusted or combined when necessary.
  • Wrestlers are allowed to move weight classes prior to bracket finalization only.
  • Each wrestler receives a 1 lb weight allowance.
  • Example:
    A 100 lb weight class allows a maximum weight of 101.0 lbs.
  • Wrestlers must weigh in wearing a singlet or shirt and shorts.
  • Wrestlers must have proper hygiene and trimmed fingernails and be free from any skin issues before competing.
  • Any visible skin condition will require a doctor’s note confirming treatment and clearance to compete, along with the required skin form completed by a physician.
  • Final participation approval is at the discretion of the Head Referee and the Tournament Director.
  • Skin Form


 

Equipment & Safety

 

  • Headgear is optional.
  • Mouthguards are required for wrestlers with braces.
  • Wrestlers must wear a singlet or an approved two-piece uniform.
  • Shoelaces must be secured and taped if necessary.
  • Wrestlers must maintain proper hygiene and trimmed fingernails before competing.

     

Divisions

 

  • Open Divisions – Folkstyle / Freestyle
  • Girls Open Division – Folkstyle Rules
  • Novice Division – 2 years or less experience
  • Novice eligibility begins on the date of the wrestler’s first competition, regardless of which organization or league they competed in.
  • Example:
    If a wrestler begins competition on 1/1/2026, they will be considered a novice until 1/2/2028.
  • The Novice Division is also subject to the Tournament Director’s discretion.


 

School-Based Division 


(Rumble- Summer Nationals- Christmas Sparty ONLY)

  • School-Based Division teams are allowed up to three (3) wildcard athletes.
  • All other athletes must be rostered, registered, and enrolled within the same school district.
  • If a team’s eligibility is challenged, each athlete must provide proof of enrollment, such as:
  • A current report card
    Official school documentation
  • Homeschooled athletes must provide documentation confirming residence within the school district the team represents.
  • Failure to provide proper documentation when requested will result in the team being disqualified from the division, at the Tournament Director’s discretion.

     

Match Format

 

  • Matches will follow Folkstyle Wrestling Rules unless otherwise announced.
  • Standard youth match format unless otherwise posted:
  • 3 Periods
  • 1 Minute – 1 Minute – 1 Minute
  • 1:30 – 1:30 – 1:30 for
    12U – 13U – 15U – High School
  • Sudden Victory Overtime will be used if necessary.
  • Tie breakers will be determined by the USA Bracketing algorithm.

 

 

Tournament Format

 

  • Double Elimination format through 4th place.
  • Awards will be given to the Top 4 finishers in each division.
  • Round robin brackets may be used when divisions have 5 or fewer wrestlers.


 

Coaching & Mat Rules

 

  • Only two (2) coaches are permitted in the corner during matches.
  • Coaches must remain in the designated coaching area during the match.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct by coaches, wrestlers, or spectators may result in removal from the event.

 

 

Bracketing

 

  • Brackets will be available on USA Bracketing once they are completed.
  • Any bracket concerns must be reported to the Head Table immediately.
  • No bracket changes will be made once the brackets are finalized.
  • Wrestlers are responsible for knowing when and where they wrestle.
  • Dual team placements will be based on team seed sheets.

 

 

Event Schedule

 

  • The Duals Tournament will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Open Tournament.
  • Expected start time is between 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
  • Wrestlers must report to their mat when called or risk being forfeited.
     

         Additional Policies

  • Combat Life reserves the right to adjust brackets, divisions, or scheduling to ensure a safe and competitive event.
  • Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.
  • Challenges to a wrestler’s age or eligibility require a $100 deposit.
  • If the challenge is successful, the challenger will receive the deposit back.
  • If the challenge is unsuccessful, the deposit will be forfeited.


 

Combat Life – Referee & Officials Rules

 

  • To ensure a safe, competitive, and well-organized environment for athletes, coaches, and spectators, Combat Life events will follow the rules and guidelines below.

 

 

Officiating Authority

 

  • Officials have the final authority on all calls and safety decisions during competition.
  • A wrestler with one point of contact in bounds may still be ruled in bounds at the referee’s discretion for athlete safety.

 

 

Dual Meet Competition Rules

 

  • Wrestlers must be present and ready when their weight class is called.
  • Wrestlers must check in at the table immediately when their weight class is up.
  • If a wrestler is not present and ready, the match will be recorded as a forfeit.
  • Matches will not be moved or rearranged to accommodate late wrestlers.
  • All dual meets will start at the lowest weight class for each round.

 

 

Rules of Competition

 

  • All Combat Life tournaments will follow NFHS Wrestling Rules unless otherwise specified.
  • Control Definition:
  • If a wrestler has both legs secured anywhere from the hips to the ankles beyond reaction time, control may be ruled and a 3-point takedown may be awarded at the referee’s discretion.

 

 

Coaches & Corner Guidelines

 

  • A maximum of two (2) coaches per corner are permitted during matches.
  • One videographer may be present in the corner area.
  • All teams must remain on the venue floor unless otherwise directed by event staff.
  • Failure to comply may result in:
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct issued to the head coach
     Deduction of one team point in both dual and individual competition
  • If more than two coaches are in the corner:
  •  The team will receive one warning
  • If the team fails to correct the issue after the warning:
  • A team point may be deducted at the Tournament Director’s discretion.

 

 

Video Review Policy

 

  • Combat Life does not allow video review of any kind during competition.
  • Match results, scoring decisions, and officiating calls will not be overturned or reviewed using video footage from coaches, parents, spectators, or team personnel.
  • If there is a concern regarding a rule application or officiating call, it must be addressed immediately during the match.
  • Only the coach in the corner may approach the referee to respectfully request clarification on a rule interpretation.
  • Once the match has concluded and the wrestlers have left the mat, all officiating decisions are considered final and will not be revisited.
  • Video footage may not be used as evidence to protest or overturn a match result.


 

Sportsmanship

 

  • Coaches coach.
    Wrestlers wrestle.
    Officials officiate.
  • Any unruly fan or spectator will be asked to leave the venue immediately.
  • Any inappropriate conduct at the tournament will result in immediate removal and disqualification.
  • We reserve the right to disqualify and remove any spectator or athlete for any reason deemed appropriate.

 

 

Combat Life – Athletic Trainer & Medical Rules

 

  • The health and safety of our athletes is our top priority.
  • The following medical rules and procedures will be enforced at all Combat Life events.


 

Skin Checks & Hygiene Requirements

 

  • Skin checks and nail checks will take place during weigh-ins.
  • Wrestlers must have fingernails clipped and no visible skin conditions in order to weigh in.
  • Athletes will not be permitted to weigh in or compete if they:
    Have untrimmed fingernails
    Have untreated or visible skin issues
  • Attempting to conceal skin conditions using makeup, hair, clothing, or any other method will result in immediate disqualification from the event without refund.

 

 

Medical Documentation for Skin Conditions

 

  • If an athlete has been diagnosed and treated for a skin condition, they must present a completed and signed physician clearance form.
  • SKIN LESION FORM
  • Important:
    Regardless of diagnosis or treatment, the final decision on participation rests with:

          The Head Referee
          The Head Athletic Trainer
          The Tournament Director

 

 

Injury Time

 

  • Standard injury time: 90 seconds (This begins when the athletic trainer arrives on the mat.)
  • Blood time: Up to 5 minutes

 

 

Head & Neck Injury Evaluation

 

  • If a head or neck injury is suspected, the athletic trainer will initiate Head & Neck Injury Evaluation Time.
  • This evaluation period may be up to 5 minutes and is separate from standard injury or blood time.
  • However, suspected concussion or neck injury evaluations are not restricted to standard injury time if medical personnel require additional time to properly assess the athlete.
  • If an athlete continues after a head injury and sustains a second head injury, the match will result in an injury default.
  • The athlete must be re-evaluated by medical staff before competing in any additional matches that day or later in the tournament.


 

Illegal Move Injuries

 

  • If an injury occurs as the result of an illegal move, the injured athlete will receive 90 seconds recovery time.
  • If the injured athlete cannot continue, they will be declared the winner by injury default.

     

Blood & Bodily Fluid Cleanup

 

  • Coaches are responsible for assisting with the cleanup of their athlete’s:

         Blood
         Vomit
         Spit
         Other bodily fluids

  • Cleanup supplies will be available at all scoring tables.
  • Athletic trainers will assist when needed, but coaches are expected to help with their own athletes.

     

Loss of Consciousness

 

  • If an athlete loses consciousness during a match, the match will immediately end and be ruled a medical default.
  • The athlete must be evaluated by medical staff before being allowed to compete in any further matches during the tournament.

 

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