Wrestling is a close contact sport that requires participants to be physically touching one another throughout a match and in practices. This close contact may be concerning to parents and wrestlers, especially given the concerns with COVID-19. To reassure everyone, we want to provide our precautions to protect our wrestlers, coaches, and families.

First, wrestlers are used to constant cleaning. As mentioned, wrestling is a close contact sport that makes us susceptible to passing skin infections, bacteria, and viruses to one another. All mats are cleaned before each team practice and following the last practice of the day with a disinfectant. Additionally, we use an aerosol disinfectant after each team departs to ensure no potential infection is looming in the practice room. We also require all wrestlers to clean the bottom of wrestling shoes and headgear before each practice with a disinfecting wipe.

Second, every wrestler shall have temperature and exposed skin checks before starting practice each day. If the temperature is above 99 or we see a skin issue, the wrestler can not enter the practice room. Also, during daily checks and at practice, coaches observe wrestlers for other symptoms. If a symptom is noticed, we will inform the wrestler that they cannot practice or must sit out while we continue to access the condition. Depending on the concern, coaches provide guidance, including when your wrestler can return and what they must have to return (i.e. negative COVID test, doctor’s note stating skin concern is not infectious, others as defined by the program commissioner).

Third, masking once the wrestler and family members leave their car is required. Only wrestlers and coaches are allowed in the wrestling room. Parents and other family members are allowed to stay and observe practice from the cover porch area. There are large windows to watch, and we will bring heaters during the winter for those that wish to stay for the entire practice. Once the daily check is complete, the wrestler can enter the practice room and must immediately wash their hands. All wrestlers will remain masked until the coach steps in, closes the door to begin the practice. Wrestlers may decide, or parents may dictate, that masks remain on for practice. However, most masks will not stay during practices because of the contact for drills and wrestling. Therefore masks are an individual decision only while practicing. As soon as practice is over, masks go back on and remain on until the wrestler and family return to their car.

Fourth, we ask parents and wrestlers to self-report and stay home when they have any type of infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, etc). Please, do not send wrestlers to practice in the hope that things will be ok. One incident can stop an entire program, so it is always best to be cautious. Bottom Line: If in doubt, stay home. Our Coaches will do everything possible to help your wrestler learn the skills taught during a missed practice. We cannot tolerate anyone violating the team’s trust by practicing when they have a known problem. In the absolute rare case that someone chooses to disregard safety procedures, we will take action, possibly including dismissal from the program.

Finally, we ask all wrestlers to go home and immediately shower with an antibacterial soap (we recommend “Defense Soap”). These soaps are designed to kill any infection that may be on the skin. We also recommend drinking a glass of hot tea or another hot beverage (hot cocoa is good too). A hot beverage MAY help reduce any viruses that make it into the throat. Then wrestlers should wash their wrestling gear, including throwing practice clothes in the laundry. Wrestlers must never wear dirty clothes to practice. I know this means washing a lot of laundry, but it will go a long way in protecting our wrestlers and families.

If you have any questions about wrestling safety precautions relating to COVID-19 or any other safety concern; Please reach out to our Wrestling Commission, Bobby Lumsden, at wrestling@thestrongcenter.org or 919-622-5937 (text or call). Our goal is to keep everyone safe.