How Do Weigh-Ins Work, and What Happens If My Child Is Over or Under Their Weight Class?

For many new wrestling parents, one of the most confusing parts of the sport is the process of weigh-ins. Unlike most youth sports, wrestling organizes competition by weight class, meaning athletes are matched with opponents who are close to the same body weight. This helps keep matches fair and competitive. But how exactly do weigh-ins work, and what happens if your child is over or under their weight class?

Understanding weigh-ins is an important step in supporting your wrestler, and it can ease a lot of stress for both kids and parents. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how weigh-ins are done, what to expect on tournament day, and what your options are if your child doesn’t hit their expected weight.

What Is a Weigh-In?

A weigh-in is a short check-in process before a match or tournament where each wrestler steps on a scale to officially confirm their weight. Based on that number, they are placed in a weight class with other wrestlers of similar size.

Here's how a typical weigh-in works:

Wrestlers arrive early, usually before the tournament or dual meet starts.
They check in with officials, often giving their name, club, and age group.
Wrestlers step on a certified scale wearing minimal clothing—usually a singlet or shorts and a T-shirt.
The official records their weight and confirms their eligible weight class.

Some tournaments allow wrestlers to weigh in the night before. Others require weigh-ins the morning of the event. Either way, weigh-ins are taken seriously and follow strict rules to ensure fairness.

What Are Weight Classes?

Weight classes are pre-set ranges that wrestlers must fall within in order to compete against similarly sized opponents. These classes vary depending on age group and wrestling style (folkstyle, freestyle, Greco-Roman), but they usually increase in small increments—for example, 55 lbs, 60 lbs, 65 lbs, and so on.

A wrestler must weigh equal to or less than the upper limit of their weight class. For example, if your child is entered in the 65 lb weight class, they must weigh 65.0 pounds or less at the time of the official weigh-in.

What Happens If My Child Is Over Their Weight Class?

If your child weighs even a fraction of a pound over the limit, they will not be allowed to wrestle in that weight class. What happens next depends on the tournament rules.

Here are a few common scenarios:

They may be bumped up to the next weight class if that class still has open slots.
They may not be allowed to compete at all if the tournament is strict and weight classes are already set.
Some events allow a second weigh-in attempt within a short time (usually 15 to 30 minutes), giving the wrestler time to use the bathroom, remove extra clothing, or stretch.

This is why planning ahead and monitoring your child’s weight during the days before competition is key. Extreme last-minute efforts to “make weight” can be harmful and stressful—especially for younger wrestlers.

What Happens If My Child Is Under Their Weight Class?

Being underweight is usually not a problem, but it might affect how competitive your child feels. For example, if your child is registered in the 70 lb weight class but weighs in at only 66 lbs, they will still wrestle in that 70 lb group—even if it means going against slightly heavier opponents.

Most tournaments do not allow wrestlers to drop to a lower weight class after weigh-ins, even if they’re under the limit. That’s why it’s important to register your wrestler in a class that reflects their actual, stable weight, not just their lowest possible weight.

Being the lightest in a weight class doesn’t mean your child can’t compete—but it may make matches more challenging, especially if the skill levels are similar and size becomes a factor.

How Can Parents Help Their Child Prepare for Weigh-Ins?

Here are a few tips to make weigh-ins smoother and healthier:

Monitor your child’s weight regularly during the season, especially a few days before competition.
Encourage healthy eating and hydration leading up to weigh-ins. Cutting water or skipping meals is not recommended for kids.
Pack a small meal or snack to eat immediately after weigh-ins to refuel before the match begins.
Bring appropriate clothing—many kids wear their singlet or lightweight clothes for weigh-ins to keep their weight as low as possible.
Stay calm and positive. Your attitude will set the tone. If your child misses weight, it’s not the end of the world. Most kids will get another chance soon.

Keep It Healthy, Keep It Fun

Weigh-ins are a normal part of wrestling, and they help ensure fairness in competition. While they can seem intimidating at first, understanding how they work will help you and your wrestler feel more confident going into tournament day.

The most important thing to remember is this: your child’s health comes first. Making weight should never involve extreme measures. With proper preparation, a supportive attitude, and good communication with your child’s coach, you can help your wrestler maintain a healthy weight and enjoy every part of the journey.

Wrestling teaches discipline—but that discipline should come from smart planning, not unsafe habits. Help your wrestler grow stronger, both on and off the mat, by making weigh-ins part of a positive, balanced experience.