Events
36th Annual High School Nationals
March 28-30, 2025
Virginia Beach Sports Center
Virginia Beach, VA
High School Nationals is the premier wrestling tournament in the country.
Wrestlers from across the country compete to become All-Americans.
Detailed event information can be found at the bottom of this page.
Hotel Partners
3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach
In the heart of the Virginia Beach Resort District
3601 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach
Brand New Property Open June 2022
5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach
Restaurant and Bar Onsite
Divisions
General Event Information
Please note: This schedule is subject to change by the NHSCA and City of Virginia Beach.
Thursday, March 27th
12:30pm: Early Coach Registration begins
2:00-4:00pm: Early Weigh-ins For All Boys & Girls High School Divisions – please see below for details
- Prepaid ONLY starting at 2:00pm
- Onsite sales will start at 2:30pm at Ticket Box Office 1
4:00pm: Early Coach Registration Ends – Building is Closed.
5:00pm: Coach Registration begins
6:00-7:30pm: Regular Weigh-Ins For All Boys & Girls High School Divisions – please see below for details
7:30pm: Coach Registration Ends – Building is Closed.
Friday March 28th
7:00am: Doors Open
8:00am: Boys Freshman, Boys Sophomore, and High School Girls Divisions
- Wrestle up to Quarterfinals
- All consolation bracket competition will begin Saturday March 29th
1:00pm: Boys Junior and Boys Senior Divisions
- Wrestle up to Quarterfinals
- All consolation bracket competition will begin Saturday March 29th
Saturday March 29th:
7:00am: Doors Open
8:00am: Boys Freshman, Boys Sophomore, and High School Girls Divisions Consolation Bracket Competition
- All High School Divisions will wrestle up to the placement matches (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th)
10-11:00 am: Middle School Early Weigh-ins at Virginia Beach Convention Center
1:00 pm: Boys Junior and Boys Senior Divisions Consolation Bracket Competition
- All High School Divisions will wrestle up to the placement matches (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th)
1-2:00 pm: Middle School Regular Weigh-ins at Virginia Beach Convention Center
3:00 pm: All High School Division Quarterfinals
5:00pm- All High School Division Semifinals
7:00-8:30pm: Free College Recruiting Fair for all attendees
Sunday March 30th:
7:00am: Doors Open
8:00 am – All Boys & Girls High School Divisions Medal Matches – 3rd, 5th, and 7th
8:00 am – Middle School wrestling begins
10:00 am – All Boys & Girls High School Division Finals
*Awards will be presented at the podium after the weigh-class final.
Boys & Girls High School Divisions – Thursday, March 27th from 6:00-7:30pm
Important Weigh-In Information
- All wrestlers must weigh-in wearing a singlet
- Check scales are not available prior; athletes may use several scales onsite during weigh-ins
Middle School Division – Saturday, March 29th from 1:00-2:00pm @ Virginia Beach Convention Center
Important Weigh-In Information
- All wrestlers must weigh-in wearing a singlet
- Check scales are not available prior; athletes may use several scales onsite during weigh-ins
Please Note: There is no on-site event registration. Schedule is subject to change.
Boys & Girls High School Divisions – Thursday, March 27th from 2-4pm at the Virginia Beach Sports Center
- Prepaid ONLY from 2:00-2:30pm
- Wrestler’s can purchase onsite from 2:30-4:00pm from Ticket Box Office 1
Important Weigh-In Information
- All wrestlers must weigh-in wearing a singlet
- Check scales are not available prior; athletes may use several scales onsite during weigh-ins
Middle School Division – Saturday March 29th from 10-11am at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
- Prepaid ONLY from 10:00-10:30am
- Wrestler’s can purchase onsite from 10:30-11:00am
Important Weigh-In Information
- All wrestlers must weigh-in wearing a singlet
- Check scales are not available prior; athletes may use several scales onsite during weigh-ins
Cost:
$20 — Online – Add-On while registering or follow direction here on how to add.
$25 — Onsite — Cash Only
Please Note: Early weigh-in purchases are only valid for the 2025 NHSCA High School Nationals.
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
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 High School: 100, 107, 114, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 165, 185, 235
i.e. 126 weight class will be 129 pounds
Wrestlers may compete at one of the below:
- The weight class at which you entered your State’s 2024-25 Individual or Dual Meet Championships
- A higher weight class
- As low as your “Minimum Wrestling Weight (MWW)” 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.
If the athlete’s Minimum Wrestling Weight (MWW) falls within the 3 pounds+ weight allowance of the event weight-class, the athlete is eligible to register and compete at the listed event weight class.
Example: If your Minimum Wrestling Weight (MWW) is 107lbs, you are eligible to wrestle at the 106lbs weight class (106+3=109lbs)
Weight Changes:
There is no penalty or fee to change your weight.
Pre–Event: If you would like to update your weight class by March 23rd, please email championshipevents@nhsca.com. After this date, all changes will occur at weigh-ins.
*New* Update your weight and seeding information online through RegFox. Click here for directions
Onsite: All changes will occur at the assigned weight-change location/scales.
- A coach has tremendous influence upon student-athletes and shall never place winning above
the value of instilling the highest ideals of character. - The coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct with the student-athlete, officials, the media, tournament officials and the public.
- The coach shall speak to athletes who display unacceptable behavior
- The coach shall respect and support contest officials by avoiding conduct which will incite players or spectators against the officials.
- The coach shall promote good sportsmanship of spectators by working closely with tournament officials.
- One of the goals of the NHSCA is to provide a positive experience and safe environment for
student-athletes. Therefore adult coaches, officials, staff and volunteers shall maintain professionalism and avoid any appearance of impropriety in their relationships with students. - Coaches, in particular should recognize the influence, power and position of trust they have with students and should use this only in a student-athlete’s best interest.
- Any incident regarding misconduct should be reported promptly to law enforcement or NHSCA personnel.
- Although NHSCA does not maintain a background-screening process for any coach who completes a coaching application form, all coaches are hereby made aware that NHSCA reserves the right to adopt the rulings and findings set forth by other organizations including but not limited to USA Wrestling, AAU Wrestling, SafeSport and UWW. An applicant for coaching pass that is rejected by NHSCA will be given proper notice and opportunity to be heard with respect to the rejection of the coaching application.
- NHSCA reserves the right to remove anyone from the event who is found to be barred from coaching by other jurisdictions even if this information is discovered after the event has begun.
Why have limits per divsion?
Due to overwhelming demand for High School Nationals limits have been implemented for the efficiency of the event, the experience of its attendees and the capacity at the venue. The Virginia Beach Sports Center is one of the largest multipurpose indoor sports venues on the East Coast.
How were the limits created?
Applying 36 years of registration history and a record attendance in 2024, the limits are reflective of the largest event to date.
Max Number of Athletes Per Divsion:
Boys Freshman- 925 wrestlers
Boys Sophomore- 1275 wrestlers
Boys Junior- 1400 wrestlers
Boys Senior – 900 wrestlers
High School Girls- 600 wrestlers
Middle School- 1000 wrestlers
*Your registration and seeding information can be updated until the seeding process begins at the end of March*
High School Coaches:
How to purchase?
Step 1) Be a current member of the NHSCA. Membership is $40. – Here
Step 2) Read the event code of conduct: Here
Step 3) Purchase the 2025 All-Event Pass $70 – Here
What is that the All-Event Pass?
The 2025 NHSCA All-Event Pass permits coaches to attend and be in the corner for the following events:
- 36th Annual High School Nationals
- 26th Annual National Duals
Middle School Coaches:
If you are ONLY coaching the Middle School division that competes on Sunday, March 30th you DO NOT need to purchase an All-Event Pass:
Step 1) Be a current member of the NHSCA. Membership is $40. — Click Here!
Step 2) Read the event code of conduct: Here
Step 3) You can purchase you Middle School Coaches Pass onsite starting during the Middle School Weigh-Ins
Available for Purchase Starting March 1st: Here
Save time onsite and purchase your tickets ahead of time and get your offical event wristband during weigh-ins!
Friday & Saturday- $40.00 (plus venue fees) All High School wrestlers will compete Friday and Saturday.
Children 6 and under are free.
Tickets for Sunday will go on sale Saturday, March 29th at 12pm – Tickets are $20 (plus venue fees).
** All Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Conduct within the facility should be in the spirit of good sportsmanship at all times.
- At no time shall spectators enter the field to speak with officials, coaches, or players. Any spectator that enters the field to confront an official or another player will be suspended from the facility.
- Inappropriate, and disrespectful language is not tolerated and will result in facility suspension.
- Should you find or lose any items please report the incident immediately to a Virginia Beach Sports Center employee. The Virginia Beach Sports Center owner(s) and staff do not assume responsibility for any items lost or stolen.
- No cleats permitted anywhere other than the track and designated bathrooms on the track side of the facility only.
- No food or drinks on the fields or volleyball courts. Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the Virginia Beach Sports Center use. Players and referees may bring 1 water bottle.
- No animals, with the exception of service animals, will be allowed in the facility.
- No form of tailgating is allowed in or around the Virginia Beach Sports Center.
- Includes but is not limited to: tents, coolers, large umbrellas, tables, grills, and/or RVs.
- Facility staff reserves the right to check all bags entering the facility.
- No chewing tobacco or chewing gum permitted in the facility at any time.
- No sunflower seeds or similar type products are permitted in the facility.
- No glass containers on the field, volleyball courts, or in the player boxes.
- Video recording or photography from the player boxes is not allowed.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- Balls shall not be kicked, thrown, or hit against the building walls (interior or exterior) unless on the playing field. Damage caused by these actions shall be the financial responsibility of the individual, or their parents or legal guardians.
Pick Up & Drop Off Locations : Friday and Saturday 6:30am-8:30pm
1) Virginia Beach Sports Center Main Entrance
2) 1113 Atlantic Ave: Near Hotels: Days Inn at The Beach & Moxy
3) 2809 Atlantic Ave: Ramada & Ramada Plaza
4) 3001 Atlantic Ave: Neptune’s Park & Hilton
Preferred parking (Sports Center Lots 1 & 2) can be accessed from 17th Street.
Parking is free – Click Here To View The Parking Map
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.
High School Nationals will follow the strictest interpretation of the NFHS rules with the following exceptions:
- Headgear is optional for high school
- 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
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY CREDENTIAL CRITERIA AND PROCESS
Subject to limitations of space, photography and videography credentials shall be considered as follows:
- A photographer or videographer from a media outlet that covers the sport of wrestling consistently on a national basis.
- A photographer or videographer from a media agency in the geographic area of Virginia Beach.
- Photos or videos must be for a recognized media company, not for personal use or re-sale.
- Credential requesters be at least 18 years of age.
- Credential requesters must provide proof of publication.
*NOTE: Videographers are not permitted to record or stream active wrestling or competition per the event agreement with FloWrestling.
Process: All credential applications must be submitted by March 23, 2025. Credentials cannot be applied for onsite.
All applications will be carefully reviewed and efforts will be made to honor all requests, but we reserve the right to change or deny any media requests. Misuse of credentials may result in revocation.
- If your credential is approved you will be notified via email.
- Individuals will need to display a government issued ID at credential distribution when picking up approved credential.
- Issued credentials are non-transferable and must always be worn in a visible manner.
- Credentials will not be issued to spouses, guests, or children of media members.
- All credentialed photographers or videographers must stay off the mat space and shoot from the edges of the mat.
- NHSCA staff, NHSCA Photographers and NHSCA Videographers will be given priority preference of location throughout the event.
PRESS CREDENTIAL CRITERIA AND PROCESS
Subject to limitations of space, press credentials shall be considered as follows:
- A member of the press that covers the sport of wrestling consistently on a national basis.
- A member of the press from a media agency in the geographic area of Virginia Beach.
- Coverage must for be a recognized media company, not for personal use or re-sale.
- Credential requesters be at least 18 years of age.
- Credential requesters must provide proof of publication.
Process: All credential applications must be submitted by March 23, 2025. Credentials cannot be applied for onsite.
All applications will be carefully reviewed and efforts will be made to honor all requests, but we reserve the right to change or deny any media requests. Misuse of credentials may result in revocation.
- If your credential is approved you will be notified via email.
- Individuals will need to display a government issued ID at credential distribution when picking up approved credential.
- Issued credentials are non-transferable and must always be worn in a visible manner.
- Credentials will not be issued to spouses, guests, or children of media members.
- All press must stay off the mat space and shoot from the edges of the mat.
- NHSCA partners in media will be given priority preference of location throughout the event.
- Go to the table and inform the mat official that you would like a video review of a call
- The mat official will inform the POD Leader that you would like a video review and the coach will provide him the $50.00 cash fee for the review (if you are correct and the call is changed you will receive you money back if you lose the protest you forfeit the money)
- A review team member will come to the mat and complete the video review and inform the table of his decision which is final
- Falls
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.
What airport is the closest to the event?
- The closest airport is Norfolk. It is approximate 18 miles from the venue.
Do I have to wear a mouthpiece if I have?
- Yes! You must wear a mouthpiece if you have braces.
Do I have to wear my High School singlet?
- 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.
What is the refund policy?
- The NHSCA will issue a refund for the entry fee with a doctor’s note. If you need to withdrawal, please send the note to Championshipevents@nhsca.com.
- Please note, the refund will take places within 5-10 business days.
Do I have to wear headgear?
- No! Headgear is not required but recommended for your safety.
- The VBSC does not allow outside food or beverages.
Can I bring food or drinks into the sports center?
- The VBSC does not allow outside food or beverages.
- No, there will not be space to workout due to set-up.
Can I park an RV in the parking lot of the Sports Center or the Convention Center?
- No, RVs are not permitted in the Sports Center or Convention Center lots.
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 High School Nationals is a Folkstyle wrestling tournament.
- Boys High School: Athletes are eligible to compete 1x per High School Divison (FR,SO,JR,SR) and must be enrolled in that divsion grade level at the time of competition.
- Girls High School: Athletes are eligible to compete in the Girls High School Divison as max of 4x and must be enrolled as a High School Freshman-Senior
If you have any additional questions, please email championshipevents@nhsca.com.
March 27-29, 2026