FAQ's about The Ohio Novice State Tournament
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Mission Statement: To provide an opportunity for wrestler’s early in their career while supporting and promoting Ohio wrestling at all levels.
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Why a Novice state tournament?
Wrestling in Ohio has a rich tradition and history. It is our goal that in hosting a novice state wrestling tournament we may be able to encourage more wrestlers to become excited and involved with our sport. By exposing wrestlers of similar experience we feel that they will not feel as overwhelmed and overmatched as they often do when they first get started in this great sport.
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How did you define a novice wrestler?
It is clear that there is no black/white definition on who is/isn’t a novice wrestler. We looked at other states definition and came up with qualifications, which we believe are fair. Please click here for Tournament Information and for the exact qualifications.
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If your wrestler does not meet the requirements and this is found out they will be immediately removed from the tournament and no refund will be provided.
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2024-2025 Major Rule Changes:
12 point technical
1 point of Contact Inbounds - Wrestler will be considered in bounds if either wrestler has one point of contact inside the boundary line.
3 Point Takedown - Just like NCAA
Near Fall Changes - 2 points for two-count, 3 points for three, and 4 points for four.
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What type of awards are there going to be?
Custom designed medals will be presented for 1st – 6th, finalists will receive an award from Rudis as well.
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Will OAC Novice points be used?
Yes, they will be used to seed wrestlers. These are not required to wrestle in the tournament. We do not use OAC Grade School points, just OAC Novice Points.
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Wrestlers with points are going to need to be assigned separation criteria. Wrestlers will then be seeded based on criteria.
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Beginner 1-25 points
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Good 26-50 points
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Average - 51-75 points
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Excellent > 75 points​
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How do we sign up?
All wrestlers must sign up and pay the entry fee on OhioAthletics.com
Registration is not complete until the entry fee has been paid.
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Can wrestlers change weight classes?
Wrestlers can make weight class changes until Sunday February 1, 2026, before weigh ins begin on Monday February 2, 2026.​
To make edits to a wrestler's tournament registration, follow these steps before the registration closes:
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Log in to your account.
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Go to the wrestler's profile where you manage their details.
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Under "Upcoming Tournaments," find the tournament you wish to edit and click on the "Edit Registration" link.
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Make the necessary changes to the registration details.
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Click "Save" to apply the updates
What is required to weigh in?
Wrestlers must wear compression shorts or a singlet to weigh in.
No wrestler is allowed to weigh in wearing only their underwear.
Is there a weight allowance?
There is NO weight allowance for the tournament. Example: In order to wrestle in the 60lb weight class the wrestlers must weigh in at 60.0 OR LESS.
We will NEVER move a wrestler down a weight class.
Is headgear required?
No, headgear is not required, however we do prefer it.
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Are singlets required?
Singlets or compression shorts and tops are required.
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What time should my wrestler be there
Wrestling starts at 9:00am sharp for the morning session. The doors open by 7:30am. Please arrive 1 hour before the second session start time.
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How will I know my wrestler is up?
You can also follow along on Trackwrestling's Mobile Site. Your wrestler will be assigned bout numbers and you can follow along using that number. Your wrestler will also be wrestling on the same mat all day. We DO not have a pairing room, it is you or your coaches responsibility to know when your wrestlers are up.
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What are the session times?
​Schedule: Gates open at 7:30am.
Session 1- Wrestling will start at 9am for Boys Divisions 1, 3, 5, Girls Divisions 1 and 3.
Session 2 - We expect wrestling to start at 1:00pm Boys Divisions 2, 4, 6, Girls Division 2, and Division 7 (Co-Ed) will email out a more firm time the week of the tournament.
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What is admission?
General Public - $15 for the day, good for both sessions. 6 and under free, as are ONS wrestlers
Coaches Band - $35 for the day, includes admissions. Good for both sessions. Anyone sitting mat side must have a coaches band on.
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When can I buy admission bands?
Link to Pre Order Admission and/or coaches band:
6U Free. Every person on the mat must have a coaches band on.
Will be for sale during the final weigh in from 4p-6p at the Glass City Center and the day of the event starting at 7:30am.
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What is the $50 Challenge Fee for?
The challenge fee is put into place in the event that someone wishes to challenge a wrestlers novice status. We would collect the $50 and look into the challenge. If you, the challenger, is proved correct the money will be returned and also the challenged wrestler will be removed from the tournament. However, if you, the challenger, are proved wrong then the $50 will be used as a donation. **Any age/weight/novice standing challenge MUST be done before the second round for your bracket finishes**