Practice Rules & Guidelines

We’re very fortunate to practice in one of the best wrestling rooms in the country, and it’s truly a privilege. As guests of the U.S. Naval Academy wrestling program, we expect our wrestlers and families to respect the room, the facilities, our coaches and one another.

Our expectations are simple: respect your coaches and teammates, listen and follow directions, work hard and be a good teammate.

Entering the Wrestling Room

Practices are held in Lejeune Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Enter the wrestling room through the main wrestling room doors, not through the weight room.

Wrestlers should be dropped off in the hallway outside the wrestling room. Parents and guests should watch practice from the viewing area on the second floor unless they are actively assisting as Practice Support.

No street shoes or outside footwear are permitted on the wrestling mats.

What to Wear

Wrestlers should wear:

• Wrestling shoes
• Athletic shorts
• A fitted or non-baggy T-shirt
• Headgear is optional for practice and required for competition

White, navy blue, gray, gold or Navy-branded shirts are preferred to help keep the team looking unified.

Wrestlers are also welcome to wear a singlet to practice. Clothing may not have zippers, buttons or other hard components that could injure another wrestler or damage the mats. Jewelry and watches may not be worn during practice.

Wrestling shoes are required for regular-season practices.

Mat & Cleanliness Rules

Wrestlers should arrive with clean skin, clean practice clothing and trimmed nails.

Wrestling shoes are for the wrestling mat only. Do not wear wrestling shoes outside, through the building or into restrooms and then return to the mat.

Parents and guests may not step onto the mats wearing shoes. Parents helping a young wrestler or assisting as Practice Support should wear fresh, clean socks on the mat.

Wrestlers with a fever, contagious illness, skin condition or suspected skin infection should not attend practice. Please return once your wrestler can safely participate.

During Practice

Wrestlers are expected to listen to their coaches, follow directions and participate appropriately for their age and ability.

Respectful behavior toward coaches, teammates and volunteers is expected at all times. Unsafe behavior, intentionally disrupting practice, bullying or repeatedly refusing to follow coach instructions will not be permitted.

Wrestlers should remain with their assigned practice group unless a coach directs them otherwise. Coaches may adjust a wrestler’s group based on experience, ability, size, maturity or what they believe will provide the best training environment.

Food & Drinks

Every wrestler should bring their own water bottle to practice.

Wrestlers may not use the Gatorade jugs outside the practice room. Food and sports drinks are not permitted in the wrestling room unless required for medical reasons.

Please make sure all personal belongings and trash leave the wrestling room with you.

Parent Guidelines

Parents are welcome to watch practice from the viewing area on the second floor.

We always appreciate extra help. Parents and guardians are welcome to assist as Practice Support by helping wrestlers get into position, stay focused and keep practice running smoothly. Wrestling experience is not required.

If your child needs frequent assistance or supervision, please plan to stay and help. Our coaches and volunteers need to remain focused on instruction and the safety of the entire group.

Unless you are actively assisting as Practice Support, please remain off the wrestling mats.

Parents or guardians of wrestlers under age 9 must remain on site for the duration of practice.

Respect the Academy

Navy Junior Wrestling is a guest of the U.S. Naval Academy. Wrestlers, parents and guests are expected to respect the facilities, equipment and everyone using the space.

Please follow all Naval Academy access, security and facility requirements while on the Yard and follow any instructions provided by Naval Academy personnel.

Behavior that is unsafe, disruptive, disrespectful or repeatedly inconsistent with Navy Junior Wrestling rules, coach instructions or Naval Academy requirements may result in a wrestler or family being asked to leave practice or discontinue participation in the program.

Our goal is to provide a safe, disciplined and positive environment where every wrestler has the opportunity to learn, compete and grow.