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Getting Started in Wrestling
By Julia Cantone // usolympicteam.com // April 15, 2004
Getting Started in Wrestling
If you are interested in starting wrestling, contact your state director for information on developmental programs in your area. He or she will probably put you in touch with your state’s membership director, who can help you get involved in USA Wrestling. Many wrestlers get their start in school programs or through sanctioned camps and clinics. Competitive wrestlers can look for the latest local events on the USA Wrestling Web site.
Joining USA Wrestling
You must be a member of USA Wrestling to participate in local, regional and national competitions. Membership gives you the opportunity to travel abroad with Developmental Tours for Cadet, Junior, Women, University and Senior level athletes and eligibility for regional and national training and developmental camps for Youth through Senior-level athletes. Contact your state director for a membership application.
Major Events
Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers compete in divisions based on age (as young as 10 and under for state events) and weight class. Most age divisions hold National Championships; Junior, Senior and Veteran wrestlers have World Championships.
Becoming a U.S. Olympian
At the Olympics, there are seven weight classes for men's freestyle, seven weight classes for men's Greco-Roman and four weight classes for women's freestyle. Athletes do not qualify themselves for the Olympics, they qualify their countries. One athlete per nation may participate in each weight class.
Please contact USA Wrestling for specific information.
Contact Information
web: USA Wrestling
email: jfuller@usawrestling.org
phone: 719.598.8181
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