Events
32nd Annual High School Nationals
April 23-25, 2021
Virginia Beach, VA
High School Nationals is the premier wrestling tournament in the country.
Wrestlers from across the country compete to become All-Americans and be noticed by college coaches in attendance.
Enhanced health and safety protocols will be in place throughout the event to ensure a safe environment.
When you Book Your Stay Through The NHSCA
You Are Automatically ENtered to Win:
Free Hotel Accommodations & TWO Spectator Passes
Asics Wrestling Giveaways
Local Entertainment Giveaways
Hotel Partners
Local Va Beach Discounts
The NHSCA has partnered with local Virginia Beach attractions and restaurants to provide High School Nationals Wrestlers, Coaches & Spectators with discounts during the event.
Tournament Divisions
General Event Information
Registration Opens: February 1, 2021
Registration Closes: April 20, 2021
Registration Fee: $65.00
If you registered for the 2020 High School Nationals, your 2020 registration fee will be honored for the 2021 event.
How do I register?
- Prior to opening registration (Feb. 1st) you will receive an email to the email address provided during registration for the 2020 event
- The email will contain a unique single-use code (tied to your email address) that will allow you to register for free
- Detailed instructions will be provided in this email
Due to the ongoing changes surrounding health and safety restrictions, at this time the NHSCA is unable to accurately represent a detailed schedule for High School Nationals. We are committed to hosting a first-class event allowing athletes to showcase their talents.
The full event schedule and details will be posted online and will be emailed to all registered athletes as the planning process continues.
All wrestlers MUST weigh-in in singlets!
Senior Division: 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285
Junior Division: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285
Sophomore Division: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285
Freshman Division: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285
Girls HS: 103, 112, 120, 128, 136, 144, 160, 185, 220
i.e. 106 weight class will be 109 pounds
Wrestlers may compete at:
- The weight class at which you entered your State’s 2020-21 Individual or Dual Meet Championships
- A higher weight class
- As low as your “Minimum Weight Class” according to the NWCA Optimal Weight Calculator, verified by a hard copy of your schools Alpha Master Report.
- If your state does NOT use the OPC, then you are required to wrestle no lower than the weight you wrestled at your Individual State or Dual Meet Championships.
For example: If your optimum weight calculator allows you to compete at 121.8, you are only eligible for the 126 lb weight class NOT 120. Your optimum weight calculator must allow you to compete at the “scratch” weight class. However, you can enter the same weight or any weight class higher.
If your state does not have a season or “traditional” season you are still eligible to compete at High School Nationals.
If your state season is canceled and you are unable to certify for a “Minimum Weight Class” on the OPC, you may register at any weight. We ask that athletes and guardianes use best judgement for the safety of the athlete.
If your state does not have a season or “traditional” season you are still eligible to compete at High School Nationals.
If your state season is canceled and you are unable to certify for a “Minimum Weight Class” on the OPC, you may register at any weight. We ask that athletes and guardians use best judgement for the safety of the athlete.
Daily Tickets:
- Adult- $30.00
- Senior (65 & Older)- $15.00
- Student (ages 7-18) – $15.00
- Active Military (with ID) – FREE
- Children 6 & Under – FREE
High School Boys and Middle School
Pre-Pay During Registration
- Fee: $20.00
Pay On-Site
- Fee: $25.00 (cash only)
There is no penalty or fee to change your weight. All changes will occur on-site at the Head Table.
Girls Division
Pre-Pay During Registration
- Fee: $20.00
Pay On-Site
- Fee: $25.00 (cash only)
Boys High School and Middle School
More Information Coming Soon
There is no penalty or fee to change your weight. All changes will occur on-site at the Head Table.
Girls Division
More information coming soon
There is no penalty or fee to change your weight.
Pre-Event: . If you would like to update your weight class before April 20th, please email championshipevents@nhsca.com.
Onsite: All changes will occur at the Head Table
If your wrestler has any skin issues, please print this form for your doctor. Form must be filled out by
doctor within 7 days of the start of competition at High School Nationals and brought to weigh-ins.
Please note: We still reserve the right to override form if our head trainer/doctor sees any “active” skin issues.
Boys and Girls High School Match Times:
- Championship Bracket: 2-2-2
- Consolation Bracket: 1-1:30-1:30
There will be full wrestle-backs for all consolation matches.
Please Note: All American rounds will revert to 2-2-2
Middle School Match Times:
- Championship Bracket: 1:30-1:30-1:30
- Consolation Bracket: 1-1-1
There will be full wrestle-backs for all consolation matches.
Please Note: Future All American rounds will revert to 1:30-1:30-1:30
High School Nationals will follow the strictest interpretation of the NFHS rules with the following exceptions:
- Headgear is optional for high school (Unless a hair cover is required to meet grooming)
- Uniform type is optional i.e. high school, club, generic singlet, two piece approved by Federation, etc.
- Shoe laces are secured if double knotted but at your own peril
- College out of bounds rules will be used for control and near-fall/falls
Video challenges will be permitted starting with the Quarter-Finals in the championship bracket and the Consolation Round of 12 in the consolation bracket. Coaches will be required to place a $50.00 deposit, which will be returned if the call on the mat is changed.
Boys High School Coaches:
- All coaches MUST BE a current member of the NHSCA:
- Yearly Membership Fee: $40.00
- Become a Member: Here
- 2021 All Event Coach Pass: (Includes High School Nationals, National Duals, & Fall National Duals)
- Pre-Purchase: $70 .00 – COMING SOON
- Purchase On-Site:$80.00 on-site in the Lobby of Hall A (Method of payment accepted at the event are: School Checks, Cash, Credit. No personal checks will be accepted)
Middle School & Girls Coaches:
- All coaches MUST BE a current member of the NHSCA:
- Yearly Membership Fee: $40.00
- Become a Member: Here
- Coach Pass:
- Purchase On-Site:$30.00 on-site in the Lobby of Hall A (Method of payment accepted at the event are: School Checks, Cash, Credit. No personal checks will be accepted)
The All Event Coach Pass is your “ticket” into the event and you do not need to purchase a spectator admission ticket. The All Event Coach Pass in non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions.
If you purchase both your NHSCA membership and the All Event Coach Pass online, you will check-in in the “Express Line” at the event. Your check-in time at the event will be substantially quicker. Print your receipts and make it even faster!
The top eight (8) place finishers in each weight-class will receive awards as well as official recognition as an All-American. Upon achieving All-American status, you will receive a certificate with your award.
- Given to a wrestler who overcame adversity in their life. Adam Frey was a wrestler at Blair Academy and Cornell University. Adam was a 2005 Senior National Champion. He lost his life to a battle with cancer in December of 2009. He leaves a legacy in the Adam Frey Foundation, which is set up to give comfort to and provide enjoyment for those receiving treatment for cancer.
- This award began in 2012 after the loss of a true American Hero, Thomas Joseph Marquis, US Navy SEAL. Tom attended many NHSCA events and was always a star. His personality could light up a room. He was a great friend and ally. Tom served our country for 25 years as a Navy SEAL on SEAL Team 5 based in Coronado, Ca. After retiring in 2006, he continued to work as a recruiter for the Navy SEALs. He was responsible for the development and oversight of the national recruitment system that increased the quality of the Navy SEAL candidates. This award is given to the Coach or Official that displays selflessness and acts as a mentor to their athletes.
- Jeff Blatnick was three-time All-American at Springfield College and two-time Olympic Team member. In 1980 he qualified for the olympics but was unable to compete when the United States boycotted the games. Prior to winning the Olympic Gold in 1984 in Los Angeles, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that resulted in his spleen and appendix being removed. In 1999, Jeff was inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. This award is presented to a wrestler that displays outstanding sportsmanship.
What airport is the closest to the event?
- The closest airport is Norfolk. It is approximate 18 miles from the venue.
- No! You can wear any singlet of your choosing. School singlets are fine provided your school does not have an issue.
- Uniform type is optional i.e. high school, club, generic singlet, two piece approved by Federation, etc.
Do I have to wear a singlet to weigh-in?
- Yes! All wrestlers are required to wear singlets for weigh ins.
Do I have to wear headgear?
- No! Headgear is not required but recommended for your safety.
What are the hair and facial hair rules?
Facial hair must meet normal grooming standards; clean-shaven with sideburns no lower than the earlobes.
We will allow hair length on the head to be longer than the NFHS grooming standards. There can be no hard items in the hair (beads, bobby pins, barrettes, hair clips, etc…) not can there be any hair treatments that are oily, greasy or slippery. If an individual wishes to war a hair cover that is legal and attaches properly to the headgear that is also allowed.
If I purchase a t-shirt, will it be shipped to me?
- No! You will pick up your t-shirt on site during the event from the World Wide Sports Supply booth located in the lobby of the VBCC.
Can I bring a cooler in the convention center?
- The VBCC does not allow outside food or beverages.
Will there be mat space to workout on Thursday?
- Yes, mat space will be available during the weigh in times only!
Do I need to have a coach?
- No, you are not required to have a coach. We do have an “orphan coach” that you can sign up for at the event as well!
Do coaches have to check in on Thursday?
- No, coaches can check in anytime throughout the duration of the event to pick up or purchase an All Events Coach Pass.
The NHSCA is working with the City of Virginia Beach in consultation with the local Health Department to understand what (if any) restrictions will be in place for High School Nationals. As we have more information, event updates will be provided.
Yes. Although we are working closely with City of Virginia Beach and local officials to ensure High School Nationals will operate safely April 23rd-25th. We understand that given the circumstances we have all encountered throughout the past year, we must have alternative options.
The NHSCA understands the importance of this event for the high school wrestling community and remains committed to conducting an event that allows athletes to highlight their skills for college coaches and recruiters. If the City of Virginia Beach is unable to host High School Nationals April 23rd-25th, the current contingency plan is the week of May 24, 2021 in Virginia Beach. If alternative dates/locations are required all registration information and fees will be transferred. More information will be made available as planning continues.
If you have any questions or need assistance please email us at championshipevents@nhsca.com or call the NHSCA office at (610)923-0900.
March 25-27, 2022 – Virginia Beach, Virginia
