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Preliminary investigation: the impact of the NCAA Wrestling Weight Certification Program on weight cutting
Shala E Davis1, Gregory B Dwyer, Kristy Reed
1Student-Athlete Center for Excellence, Department of Movement Studies and Exercise Science, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18301, USA. sdaus@po-box.esu.edu
Abstract:
Historically, wrestling is a sport dependent on weight. Three tragic deaths in late 1997 prompted the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to make a Wrestling Weight Certification Program (WWCP) mandatory to foster a safe competitive environment. One institution examined the impact of this program on weight cutting. Thirty-two NCAA Division I wrestlers completed the WWCP in the 1998-1999 season and 29 in 1999-2000. Eighteen (56%) of 32 wrestlers in 1998-1999 weighed in 10 or more pounds above the previous year's competition weight. Whereas, 28% weighed in 20 or more pounds above the previous year's competition weight. Weekly weight loss for the wrestlers in 1998-1999 revealed a substantial loss during the first week, possibly demonstrating the use of time-tested techniques for weight loss. However, in 1999-2000, the first week weight loss was less pronounced, with 65.8% of the weight being lost during the second half of the WWCP. Therefore, these wrestlers may be breaking the sport historic cycle of weight fluctuations through the WWCP.