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.  

• Wrestlers with points are going to need to be assigned separation criteria. Wrestlers will then be seeded based on criteria. 

  • Beginner 1-25 points

  • Good  26-50 points

  • Average - 51-75 points

  • 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 the Friday before weigh ins begin. 

 

If a wrestler does not make weight they will automatically be bumped up to the next weight class. We will NEVER move a wrestler down a weight class. ​

 

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 60 pound weight class the wrestlers must weigh in at 60.0 OR LESS.

 

If a wrestler does not make weight they will automatically be bumped up to the next weight class with availability. We are limiting brackets to 32 wrestlers.  We will NEVER move a wrestler down a weight class. 

 

Is headgear required?

No, headgear is not required. 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 division.  The doors open by 7:30am.

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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?

These will be announced 2 weeks prior to the event. 

 

What is admission?

General Public - $?? for the day, good for both sessions. 6 and under free, as are ONS wrestlers

Coaches Band - $?? for the day, includes admissions. Good for both sessions. Anyone sitting mat side must have a coaches band on.  Cash Only

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When can I buy admission bands?

Doors open at 7:30am on Saturday. 

They can purchased from 4:00p-6:00p on Friday during the final weigh in.  Cash Only

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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**