NFHS-NCAA 2021 RULES MEETING RECAP
By Marty Maciaszek
Director, Communications and Team Dealer Division
and Tom Van Jacobs
Marketing Coordinator
https://www.nsga.org/news/news-releases/association-news-archives/2021-nfhs-ncaa-rules-meeting/DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (April 15, 2021) - The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the NCAA held their annual rules meeting April 13-14 after a one-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s rules meeting was held virtually and NSGA attended all the sessions to provide a recap.
One key takeaway is the NFHS and NCAA are likely to try and minimize rule changes affecting uniforms and equipment, unless it is related to a safety issue, because of the financial crunch schools are facing because of revenues lost from COVID. Another is some COVID-related rules toward safety that are likely to carry over into the 2021-22 school year.
Wrestling
Hopkins said there were no equipment or uniform changes by NFHS for the 2020-21 season, but they have proposed new rules for the upcoming season during their annual meeting in early April. Hopkins also mentioned the need for officials is a priority. COVID has deterred many older officials due to the risks and wrestling needs to put efforts into recruiting younger officials and retention.
Hopkins said the growth of girls wrestling has been great to see and he anticipates a steady growth of participation as more states continue to sanction the sport.
The NCAA’s Ben Brownlee said 2021 is a rule change year for wrestling but there are no uniform or equipment rule changes being considered for the 2021-22 or 22-23 seasons. Waivers were also created for the 2020-21 academic year due to COVID to help promote physical distancing and a safe environment.