NCAA Wrestling Weight Management Program For 2011 - NAIA

CSMAS Rationale for Hydration Measurement and 1.020 Value
Hydration is an important component of the wrestling certification program for two
primary reasons:
1. A well-hydrated state is essential for both health and performance of any studentathlete.
The weight management certification program was developed to maintain
the hydrated state before, during and after any weight changes that may occur during
the October - December weight modification period. This emphasis is consistent
with the stimulus for this program, three fatalities involving dehydration. Weight
modification during the certification period is based on loss of body fat; hydration
(water weight) should be maintained.
2. The measurement process that is the basis for the NCAA wrestling certification
program can be influenced by sub-optimal hydration. One must be well hydrated to
achieve maximum accuracy on body composition measurements.
Specific gravity is the most practical measure of hydration for this program.
The committee considered a range of specific gravity values that should reflect a wellhydrated
state. The committee agreed that 1.020 was a practical value that gave a
reasonable assurance that wrestlers begin the process of weight certification in a wellhydrated
state.
Any specific gravity value above this number offers less assurance of hydration, which is
the primary issue addressed in the 1997-98 rules modifications.