Starting Times of Wrestling Matches

All Connecticut High School Athletic Directors with wrestling programs
From: Commissioners of officials
Re: Starting times of wrestling matches
Date: Nov 12, 2001

Dear Athletic Director:

The problem of Connecticut wrestling matches starting later than their designated times has been a long-standing concern – particularly at certain schools. This problem was discussed during a spring meeting of the CIAC wrestling committee. The committee shared its concerns with our group and felt that they should be addressed with the athletic directors and coaches of each school that sponsors a wrestling program.

Each commissioner requests a schedule from the athletic directors in his area prior to the beginning of the season. The times listed on these schedules will be the expected starting time of the match, not the weigh in time. Once they have been submitted, any change in time or date must be communicated to the commissioner by the athletic director.

While we understand that the starting time of any competition can be affected by bad weather and other extenuating circumstances, delayed starting times should be the exception and not the rule. If a team is delayed and does arrive late, the weigh-in should proceed immediately. For consistency purposes, the CIWOA will enforce a starting time 30 minutes after the weigh- in is completed, which should provide the competitors sufficient time to dress, warm up, and be ready to wrestle. If possible, we will run down 30 minutes on the gymnasium clock as done in other sports but if this is not possible, the official will keep track and notify each team when the time has expired. If another meet follows the first meet (for ex. a varsity match following a jv match or vice-versa) it will be expected to begin no later than 20 minutes after the conclusion of the first meet.

Please be reminded that Rule 6-2-1 of the High School Federation rulebook states “ A team intentionally delaying its appearance to the mat area beyond 5 minutes of the established starting time, shall be penalized one team point. If the team does not appear within the next 5 minutes, there shall be a team forfeiture for the dual meet”.

It was also suggested by the chair of the CIAC committee, that officials inform their commissioner of any school not starting on time. In turn, this information would be communicated with you immediately in an effort to prevent any further problems. This procedure will ensure that matches begin on time, and will be greatly appreciated by wrestlers, coaches, spectators, and officials. During this season, all officials will emphasize punctual starting times with coaches at each match and enforce the above federation rule. However, we feel it is extremely important that this information is shared by you with your wrestling coach prior to the start of the season.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

Brian Manzi – State Rules Interpreter

Cc: Commissioners and CIWOA executive committee
CIAC wrestling committee