C A R D I A C    K I D S

         
               
There are tons of different wrestling products on the market today. For a new wrestler, it can be difficult to determine what is actually needed to compete. In reality, there are only a few simple items that are required. And depending on the style of wrestling and type of competition, the list of such items can vary.
This guide will inform you of what you will need for the first match, and save you time and money in the long run.
 

SINGLET

The singlet is the official uniform for competition in all styles of the sport. It is a tight-fitting, one-piece garment, usually made of nylon and/or lycra, that resembles a cross between a tank top and bicycle shorts. Typically, singlets will cost anywhere from $20 to $80. There are a few notable differences between the internationally regulated singlet used for freestyle and Greco-Roman, and the folkstyle-regulated singlet used for scholastic and collegiate competition. Men's and women's singlets are made differently as well.Here are the differences to know before making a purchase:In competition you will typically be required to have one red singlet and one blue singlet. For youth competitions and local competitions, you may be allowed to use a reversible singlet with a red side and a blue side.

 

HEADGEAR

This piece of equipment is required in all folkstyle competitions in the United States. It is also required for some youth competitions in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Good headgear is definitely beneficial for younger wrestlers, as it helps prevent cauliflower ear and other types of head and ear-related injuries.Headgear typically costs between $20 and $30, and comes in both youth and adult sizes. It can be adjusted to fit the size of each person’s head. For the most part, there are only a few different styles to choose from:    Those made of a soft material and ideal for beginner wrestlers.    Those with hard plastic shells and great for the more experienced, competitive wrestlers. This type may not be allowed in international competition.

 

WRESTLING SHOES

Wrestling ShoesShoes are the most important item you will need when stepping on the mat. Lower-level youth competitions sometimes allow wrestlers to compete in regular gym shoes. In order to enter a sanctioned event, however, you will need official wrestling shoes. Wrestling shoes cost anywhere from $30 to $130.For more information on purchasing shoes, check out the guide titled Buying Wrestling Shoes.

 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

A Few ExtrasAside from the previous list of necessities, there are a few items that may also be required in some styles of the sport. If these items aren’t required, they could still make your competitive experience more convenient.

 

Head Covering: In folkstyle, wrestlers with long hair are required to wear a head covering underneath their headgear in order to keep their hair from getting in the way. This is not required at the international level, but it could make competition more convenient.

 

Blood Rag: In international competition, each wrestler is required to keep a cloth handkerchief underneath their singlet in the case where they would have to clean up blood.

 

Mouth Guard: In scholastic competition, wrestlers with braces on their teeth are required to use a mouth piece to prevent cuts and other injuries to the mouth.