The NCAA Wrestling Committee has voted to allow all student-athletes the option of using a two-certification system for weight management, allowing returning student-athletes the ability to wrestle at higher weight classes while safely lowering their weight.

After receiving input from several sources, including the coaches that attended the National Wrestling Coaches Association annual meeting, the committee met via conference call on August 16 and made the change.

This action will allow student-athletes that choose the two-certification option to compete at a higher weight classification while descending to the minimum wrestling weight. Under the weight-management process, the weight class for the season must be established no later than December 14. All wrestlers must file a Weight Loss Plan form with the NCAA to ensure proper weight management.

The one-certification option, which the committee instituted in an effort to reduce paperwork for athletic trainers and coaches, remains an option. Those student-athletes who have been through the NCAA's weight-management program previously (that is, upperclassmen, transfers from four-year institutions, etc.) may choose to use this option. However, they do not have the option of wrestling at a higher weight class while lowering their weight. The first competition sets the weight class for the season.

The committee also tabled two rules items:

Two-Hour Weigh-in for Division I Finalists. The committee also tabled a proposal to have finalists weigh-in two hours before the final bouts instead of in the morning with all other wrestlers. This issue will also be included on the rules survey and will be discussed at the annual meeting.