Youth wrestling equipment checklist

Before you buy anything

Ask your coach or club what is required and what they provide. Some programs loan singlets or headgear for the first practices, and rules about required gear differ by league, age group and state association. Buying only what is needed at first is perfectly reasonable, because kids grow and some quit or switch sports after a trial season.

The core items

• Wrestling shoes: lightweight, flexible shoes with thin soles that grip the mat and support the ankle. Regular sneakers are usually not a good substitute because they are heavy and can mark or damage mat surfaces. Wrestling shoes should be worn only on the mat and in the wrestling room, not outside, to keep the mats clean.
• Headgear: protects the ears. Scholastic folkstyle rules generally require it in competition, and many youth programs do too. Choose a model that fits snugly with the straps adjusted so it stays put, and check that it covers the ears fully without blocking vision.
• Mouthguard: protects teeth and lips. Many programs require or strongly recommend one, especially for wrestlers with braces. Ask your dentist or orthodontist if you are unsure which type is appropriate.
• Singlet or competition uniform: a close-fitting one-piece uniform worn in matches, so that clothing cannot be grabbed in ways that put an opponent at risk. Many clubs provide or require a specific team uniform.
• Practice clothes: a comfortable shirt and shorts without zippers, buttons or pockets with hard parts. Check with your coach on what is allowed.

Helpful extras

• Knee pads: optional for many wrestlers, and some find them useful for comfort on the mat. Ask the coach whether they are allowed in competition.
• Gear bag: something that lets items dry and air out rather than staying sealed and damp.
• Water bottle and healthy snacks: for practice days and long tournament days. Ask a doctor about nutrition if you have questions.
• Towel and spare clothes: for after practice.
• Nail clippers: keep fingernails short to avoid scratching partners.
• Hair ties or a hair cover: many rule sets require long hair to be secured, and jewelry is generally not allowed on the mat. Ask your coach what applies.

Fit tips

• Try shoes on with the socks your child will wear. They should fit snugly without pinching, and the child should be able to move the toes.
• Headgear should stay in place when your child shakes their head, with no pressure on the ears.
• Singlets should be snug but not so tight that they restrict breathing or movement.
• Check fit regularly during the season and replace worn straps, torn headgear or damaged shoes.

Hygiene and care

Wrestlers are in close skin contact with others and with mats, so hygiene is a big part of the sport. Skin infections can spread in wrestling rooms, which is why coaches and officials care about it.

• Shower soon after practice and matches, using clean towels.
• Wash practice clothes, singlets and any washable gear after every use, and let headgear and shoes dry fully.
• Do not share towels, headgear or mouthguards.
• Tell your coach and ask a doctor about any new rash, sore or unusual skin spot before your child returns to the mat. Do not guess or wait, and do not assume it is harmless.
• Many tournaments and some leagues check wrestlers' skin before competition, and a wrestler with a suspected skin condition may need a doctor's clearance to compete. Rules vary, so ask your league.

Replacing and borrowing gear

Worn-out gear can be a safety problem. Look over headgear straps and ear guards before each season, and replace anything cracked, stretched out or no longer snug. Shoes with worn-down soles lose their grip on the mat, and shoes that are too small cause blisters. When buying used equipment, make sure it is clean, intact and the right size, and never share mouthguards. If your club offers a loaner program or a gear swap, it is a good way to save money while your child decides whether wrestling is a good fit, and the coach can point out what to look for.

Once your child has gear, you can prepare for the season with how to prepare for wrestling season.