Introduction to Wrestling

Welcome To an Introduction to Wrestling

Whether you’re brand-new to the sport or returning for another season, this is your go-to guide for all things DP Wrestling. The topics are arranged in the order you’ll likely need them, from joining the team and gearing up to understanding competitions and getting involved in our community. Each section is here to help you feel prepared, confident, and connected. Come back often—it’s your season-long reference.

• 1a. Welcome to DPHS Wrestling - Everything you need to know for the high school team, including how to join, required gear, team policies, and schedules.

• 1b. Welcome to Lab Wrestling - Your guide to the club wrestling program, including how to join, required gear, team policies, and schedules.

• 2. Weight & Health – Focuses on weight classes, weight certification, weight allowance, nutrition, hygiene, and keeping athletes safe. 

• 3. Rules of Wrestling – An overview of the basic objective and rules.

• 4. Preseason – Covers the period from mid-August to early November, including practices, optional club sessions, preseason tournaments, and preparation for the season.

• 5. Competition Overview – Explains the different types of wrestling events, including off-season tournaments, in-season tournaments, and dual meets, with guidance on what to expect and how to participate. 

• 6. Off-Season Tournaments – Guides athletes through optional preseason and postseason tournaments, including USA Wrestling membership, SafeSport requirements, registration, weigh-ins, transportation, and what to expect on competition day.

• 7. Competition Day Guide – Provides detailed guidance for the day of a competition (and the night before), covering what to pack, weigh-ins, warm-ups, food and hydration, sportsmanship, match flow, and post-competition steps.

• 8. Varsity vs Junior Varsity – Explains the structure of the DPHS wrestling program, differences between JV and Varsity, the role of wrestle-offs, and how athletes earn their spot on each team. 

Upcoming topics: 

• Building Community – Booster Club, communication, volunteering, and fundraising.

• Alumni & History – Program highlights and photo archives.

• Long-Term Development – Off-season opportunities and preventing burnout.

No matter where you are in the season, this is the place to start and the place to come back to.