Supervision

• On-site supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.

Instructional Considerations

• Younger and less-experienced students should be taught basic gymnastic moves and break falls to prepare them for combat.
• Skills should be taught in proper progression, i.e., should proceed from par terre “down” to “standing” moves.
• Par terre “down” wrestling recommended for Grades 4-6.
• Warm-up activities should emphasize conditioning and flexibility.
• Students should be informed of rules pertaining to illegal moves.
• Students should wrestle with partners of similar weight and/or strength.
• Fingernails should be closely trimmed.
• Students with communicable skin conditions must not wrestle.
• Students should not be allowed to “bridge” on head or neck as a warm-up drill.

Equipment/Facilities

• Wrestling mats or general utility mats should be used:
  • Ensolite 3.8 cm (1.5 in.), 3.1 cm (1.25 in.), or 2.5 cm (1 in.);
  • Trocellen 5.1 cm (2 in.);
  • Ethefoam 3.8 cm (1.5 in.);
  • Sarneige 3.8 cm (1.5 in.);
  • Mats of equivalent compaction rating.
• Mats should be attached together or aligned so separation does not occur.
• Mat surfaces should be checked regularly for irregularities and cleaned with bleach prior to use.
• Area surrounding mats must be free of obstructions/hazards.
• Suitable clearance should be allowed from the edge of wrestling area to the surrounding walls. If clearance from wrestling area is less than 2 m (6.5 ft.), walls should be padded.
• Eyeglasses should not be worn when wrestling.
• Suitable clothing should be worn (e.g., appropriately sized singlets).
• Wrestling shoes or other appropriate footwear must be worn (e.g., no sharp edges, lace tips).