PRESS RELEASERepresentatives from five organizations active in the sport of wrestling formed a joint resolution and joint committee to address weight management in the sport during a conference call on Tuesday, December 16.
These organizations included USA Wrestling (USAW), the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
The representatives discussed the issue of weight management in wrestling, including information on the recent deaths of three wrestling student-athletes. The participants discussed ways that the organizations could work together.
As part of the conference call, the participants on the call approved a resolution, which sets the goals and direction of the Joint Committee to Address Weight Management in Wrestling. Among the highlights of the resolution were the following:
³Eliminate from wrestling any and all weight control practices which could potentially risk the health of the participants...²
³Stress technique, strength, fitness, skill, experience and strategy as the most effective methods to achieve success in wrestling...²
Those included in the discussion were (alphabetically, with affiliation): Gary Abbott (USAW), Dr. William Arnet (NCAA), Marty Benson (NCAA), Bob Bubb (NWCA), Randy Dick (NCAA), Dan Gable (NWCA), Dave Harty (NFSHSA), Dr. Jack Harvey (USAW), Don Hermann (NFSHSA), Craig Horswill (USAW), Mike Moyer (NCAA), Willie Myers, (NCAA), Dr. Bob Oppliger (USAW), Tim Pavlechko (NCAA), Wade Schalles (AAU), Jim Scherr (USAW), Jim Scott (USAW), Dr. Bryan Smith (NCAA), P.J. Smith (NCAA), Greg Strobel (USAW), Stann Tate (NCAA). All are considered leaders within wrestling, as coaches, administrators and medical experts.
After discussion and information sharing from the participating organizations, the group set up a structure for future action. A coordinating committee was organized, along with three sub-committees.
The Joint Committee to Address Weight Management in Wrestling will include one representative from each organization, along with the chairperson of each subcommittee. These members will be appointed by each represented organization.
The Sports Science Subcommittee members will include Jim Scott, Dr. Bob Oppliger, Dr. Bryan Smith, Randy Dick, Dr. Jack Harvey and Willie Myers.
The Education Subcommittee will include Greg Strobel, Dr. Bob Oppliger, Craig Horswill, Dave Harty, Don Hermann and two coaches named by the NWCA.
The Public Relations Subcommittee will include Gary Abbott, Marty Benson, Wade Schalles and may be expanded to include other members.
Each of the subcommittees will meet promptly, and report to the Joint Committee to Address Weight Management in Wrestling in short order.
³The entire wrestling community is both deeply saddened and deeply disturbed by these events,² said Jim Scherr, Executive Director of USA Wrestling. ³Obviously, we are concerned when three student-athletes die. We need to make some changes, but this is a complex issue; therefore, we have set up a committee of experts to ensure that those changes are appropriate changes and not rash reactions. No rules can truly prevent such an occurrence, but we can go a long way toward ensuring that what we do maximizes the safety of the individuals who participate in the sport. In the meantime, all coaches in wrestling need to understand that the practice of using excessive dehydration to lose weight needs to come to an immediate end.²
RESOLUTION
from the Joint Committee to Address Weight Management in Wrestling
As leaders in wrestling, we are dedicated to maximizing the safety of athletes who participate in the sport.
Traditionally, this sport has depended upon weight to assure competitive fairness. We resolve to consider both weight and other alternative measures to maintain competitive equity in the sport.
In order for this to be achieved in a fair, responsible and practical way, we resolve to:
* Promote safe and responsible weight control practices on every level of the sport;
* Eliminate from wrestling any and all weight control practices which could potentially risk the health of the participants;
* Constantly monitor and evaluate rules and procedures to make sure they effectively achieve these goals;
* Educate coaches, athletes, parents and fans about proper weight management strategies;
* Stress technique, strength, fitness, skill, experience and strategy as the most effective methods to achieve success in wrestling.