Competition Overview

Competition Overview

Wrestling competitions come in different formats, each offering unique experiences for athletes. Below is a breakdown of the types of events you can expect throughout the year.

Terminology

A Single Contest

• Match/Bout: A single contest between two wrestlers. Each wrestler competes in a match within a weight class.

Competitions

Events with many matches and many wrestlers.

• Dual Meet: A head-to-head competition between two high schools. Each wrestler competes in at most one match, and not every wrestler may compete. Every match contributes to the team’s overall score, with greater emphasis on team results.

• Tournament: An event with multiple teams, sometimes allowing multiple DP wrestlers per weight class. Every participating wrestler is guaranteed at least two matches. 

Tournament Types

• Off-season/Youth Tournaments: 

Held outside the official high school season (preseason: mid-August–November, postseason: March–June). These tournaments often use pooled weights, where athletes are grouped with others around their weight. They may include double-elimination brackets or round-robin formats. The focus is primarily on skill development, experience, and fun rather than strict weight-class competition. 

• In-Season High School Tournaments (typical tournaments): 

Held during the official season (November–February). Brackets are typically double-elimination, using official CIF weight classes. Individual performance matters, but team scoring may be tracked in some events. 

• Dual Meet Tournament (less common): A multi-team event where each high school faces every other team in individual dual meets. Each dual is scored like a standard dual, with every wrestler’s match contributing to their team’s score. The overall winner is based on cumulative team performance, emphasizing team results.

Example: In a 10-team dual meet tournament with DP Wrestling, we would face the nine other schools in separate duals. Each wrestler competes in about nine matches, and the team with the most dual wins at the end is crowned champion.

Off-Season and Youth Tournaments

• When: Saturdays - Preseason (August–November) and postseason (March–June)

• Purpose: Gain extra mat time, build confidence, and test your skills in a low-pressure environment.

• Format: Multi-team events, often double-elimination brackets style. Round-robin for weight classes with few athletes.

• Why Participate: Fun, low-pressure environment to sharpen skills and stay active.

To learn more go to our Off-Season and Youth Tournaments page

All In-Season Competions

The following applies to all official high school competitions, including tournaments, dual meets, and dual meet tournaments:

• Rules: Competitions follow CIF high school rules. 

• Registration: Coaches register the team. Athletes do NOT register individually. 

• Gear:  Wrestlers wear official high school uniforms. 

• Travel: Athletes travel as a team, coordinated by coaches. 

• Weigh-ins: 

  • Conducted as a team on-site. 

  • Official CIF weight classes are used. 

  • A weight allowance of one or more pounds may apply.

  • See the Weight & Health page for details on weight classes and weight allowances.

• Dismissal: 

  • Athletes may not leave without coach approval. 

  • If riding home with someone other than the team, written permission (text or email) from a parent or guardian is required.

In-Season Dual Meet Tournaments

• When: Saturdays during the high school season (November–February)

• Purpose: A dual meet tournament is a multi-team event where each high school faces every other team in individual dual meets. Typically Boys Varsity only.  Each dual is scored like a standard dual meet, and every wrestler’s match contributes to their team’s score. Emphasis is on team results while still providing individual competition experience.

• Format: 

  • Each team wrestles every other team in separate dual meets

  • Example: In a 10-team tournament with DP Wrestling, the team would face nine other schools. Each wrestler would have about nine matches.

• Team Scoring: The overall tournament winner is determined by the number of dual wins across all matches. 

• Why Participate:  Test skills, gain team experience against multiple schools, and build team unity.

Logistics

• Arrival: Like standard tournaments. Plan to go to bed early the night before. The team often leaves the school very early (sometimes 5–6 AM) to get to the venue on time. 

• Hydration & Snacks: Like standard tournaments. Bring drink and food for the whole day.

• Duration: Typically all day, early morning to late afternoon or evening.  

Check out Competition Day Guide page for details on preparation, what to bring, gear, food, and what to expect on the day of a competition and the night before. 

What's Next?

Introduction to Wrestling

Your guide to joining the team, team culture, health, competitions, and getting involved. Each section links to a dedicated page covering key topics: 

• 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.