FAQ's about The Ohio Novice State Tournament

Mission Statement: To provide an opportunity for wrestler’s early in their career while supporting and promoting Ohio wrestling at all levels.

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.

How do we sign up?

All wrestlers must sign up and pay the entry fee on OhioAthletics.com

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.

Qualifications: To be qualified a wrestler MUST meet ALL requirements:

1. Must be an Ohio resident

2. 3 years or less experience - this can be their 3rd year of wrestling

3. No OAC state qualification. Does NOT include the current season. **For D1 Only - Can be a returning OAC D1 qualifier, but not a placer.

4. No returning Ohio Novice State Finalists (1st or 2nd Place - unless 6 or less in in bracket)

5. No top 4 placement in any national tournament with more than 6 in a bracket.

6. All wrestlers MUST have a COPY of their Birth Certificate onsite in the event of an age challenge. *Digital is ok*

**Girls Requirements - Girls can only wrestle in ONE division**

No top 4 placement if more than 6 wrestlers in ANY state or national tournament.

Does not include the current season. All other qualifications also apply to girl wrestlers.

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.

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.

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.

Weight Classes

Weight classes listed on the event website are the maximum a wrestler can weigh to be in that particular weight class. They are not weight ranges. Example 120, 126 does not mean they can weigh between 120 and 126 to be in the 120lbs. weight class. The most a wrestler may weigh to be considered in the 120lbs. class is 120.0. If they weigh more than 120.0 and up to and including 126.0 lbs., they are considered in the 126 lbs. class.

Bracket Information:

We strive to make it double-elimination for all wrestlers; however, it is possible to lose 2 matches and still be alive in the placement rounds. Weight classes with 5 or fewer wrestlers will be round-robin. 6 or more wrestlers will be placed in a bracket. All byes are randomly placed in brackets.

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.

Can wrestlers change weight classes?

Wrestlers can make weight class changes until Sunday December 13, 2026, before weigh ins begin on Monday December 14, 2026.

To make edits to a wrestler's tournament registration, follow these steps before the registration closes:

Log in to your account.
Go to the wrestler's profile where you manage their details.
Under "Upcoming Tournaments," find the tournament you wish to edit and click on the "Edit Registration" link.
Make the necessary changes to the registration details.
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?

NEW FOR 2027 AND BEYOND -Headgear is required. Wrestlers shall wear wrestling ear guards designed by the manufacturer for the sport of wrestling that are rigid and padded, which provide adequate ear protection with no injury hazard to the opponent. No match will take place without proper ear guards for both wrestlers. “Stickers' ' on ear guards are allowed, provided they do not pose a safety concern by blocking vent holes.

Are singlets required?

Singlets or compression shorts and tops are required.

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.

How will I know my wrestler is up?

You can also follow along on Trackwrestling's Mobile Site - TW Mobile. 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.

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)

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.

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.

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**