We aren't the *only* state with the new regulations:
BY NATHAN MILNER, Wyoming County Press Examiner 12/06/2006
Mike Bloom, wrestling head coach at Lackawanna Trail High School, explained some of the new measures. Athletes are tested for hydration and body fat levels at the start of the season to provide a baseline reading throughout the rest of the year.
A wrestler cannot fall below seven percent body fat, Bloom said, unless the wrestler begins the season at less than seven percent; then he must maintain a regular weight.
Wrestlers are also restricted from losing any more than 1.5 percent of their body weight in a week.
Weight, hydration and body fat are measured periodically throughout the season each time a wrestler weighs in for competition. Bloom said high school wrestlers weigh in between 20-30 times a year.
A database will be kept to monitor the weight, hydration and body fat levels for every high school wrestler to ensure the regulations are being met.
"I've seen very little difference," Bloom said. "Most wrestlers are certified lower than they would have been under the old rules."
Bloom said he has always watched his wrestlers' weights. "Before the rules, I made sure that kids didn't lose too much weight," he said.
Bloom is glad, however, that the new rules will reassure parents and fans that wrestlers are remaining healthy while striving to make weight. "Seven percent is an adequate, healthy body fat," said Bloom. "That should be the goal of any student or adult for that matter."
New PIAA rules have also added 10 lbs. to the heavyweight division from 275 to 285 lbs. Bloom said the ruling won't affect Trail this year since the team's heavyweight weighs in at 215.
Bloom said he can envision more wrestling teams recruiting from the football squad now. "I can see a team that has a 300-lb. offensive lineman getting down to that weight and hitting the mats," Bloom said. "It hasn't really helped us but I can see years when it will."