High School Nationals

Events

35th Annual High School Nationals

April 5-7, 2024

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

Days Inn at the Beach
Starting at $149/Night
1000 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Starting at $229/Night
3315 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach
Private Oceanfront Balconies
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Starting at $219/Night
3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach
In the heart of the Virginia Beach Resort District
Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Starting at $232/Night
4101 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach
Brand New Hotel
Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Starting at $169/Night
3501 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach
Hampton Inn Virginia Beach-Oceanfront North
Starting at $209/Night
3107 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Divisions

Girls
Enrolled in Grades 9th-12th during 2023-2024 School Year
Middle School
Enrolled in Grades 6th-8th during 2023-2024 School Year
Senior
Senior eligibility 2023-2024 School Year
Junior
Junior eligibility 2023-2024 School Year
Sophomore
Sophomore eligibility 2023-2024 School Year
Freshman
Freshman eligibility 2023-2024 School Year

General Event Information

Registration: Click Here

*Please see the limits by divsion below.

 Registration Closes:

  1. When a division cap is met OR
  2. March 23rd

Registration Fee: $65.00

*Seeding credentials and weights can be updated after registering – please email Championshipevents@nhsca.com.

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 35 years of registration history and a record attendance in 2023, the limits are reflective of the largest event to date.

The High School Girls Divsion is celebrating its 5th year and has been afforded the largest growth opportunity of any divsion at + 23% .

Limits per Division 

BOYS SENIOR –  800  WRESTLERS

BOYS JUNIOR – 1325 WRESTLERS

BOYS SOPHOMORE – 1225 WRESTLERS

BOYS FRESHMAN – 875 WRESTLERS

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS – 500 WRESTLERS

MIDDLE SCHOOL – 1000 WRESTLERS

*Your registration and seeding information can be updated until the seeding process begins at the end of March.

Please note: This schedule is subject to change by the NHSCA and City of Virginia Beach.

Thursday April 4th – 

Weigh-ins For All High School Divisions

Early Weigh-ins: 2:00-4:00pm

  • Prepaid ONLY from 2:00-3:00pm
  • You can purchase onsite from 3:00-4:00pm

Regular Weigh-Ins: 6:00-7:30pm

Friday April 5th –

8:00am- Boys Freshman, Boys Sophomore, and HS Girls Divisions 

  •  Wrestle up to Quarterfinals 
  • All consi bracket competition will begin Saturday April 6th

1:00pm- Boys Junior and Boys Senior Divisions

  •  Wrestle up to Quarterfinals 
  • All consi bracket competition will begin Saturday April 6th

Saturday April 6th –

8:00am- Boys Freshman, Boys Sophomore, and HS Girls Divisions CONSI Bracket Competition 

  • All High School Divisions will wrestle up to the placement matches (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th)

10-11am – Weigh-ins For Middle School Division at Virginia Beach Convention Center

  • Prepaid ONLY from 10:00-10:30am
  • You can purchase onsite from 10:30-11:00am

12:00pm- Boys Junior and Boys Senior Divisions CONSI Bracket Competition 

  • All High School Divisions will wrestle up to the placement matches (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th)

1-2:00pm – Middle School Regular Weigh-Ins at Virginia Beach Convention Center

2:00pm- All High School Division Quarterfinals

4:00pm- All High School Division Semifinals  

6:00-7:30pm – Free College Fair for all attendees- time

Sunday April 7th –

8:00am- All High School Division 3rd, 5th, and 7th medal matches 

8:00am- Middle School wrestling begins 

10:00am- All High School Division Finals 

*Awards will be presented at the podium after the weigh-class final.

As a 501c3 non-profit serving members from across the country, representing all beliefs the NHSCA aims to be inclusive and considerate to all. The association values are rooted in kindness, collaboration and mutual respect.
 
  • 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.

What is that the All-Event Pass?

The 2024 NHSCA All-Event Pass permits coaches to attend and be in the corner for the following events:

  • 35th Annual High School Nationals
  • 25th Annual National Duals
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 2024All-Event Pass $70:   Here

Middle School Coaches:

If you are ONLY coaching the Middle School division that competes on Sunday ,April 7th 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

*If you are Middle School ONLY coaches and are intending to coach at the National Duals May 25-27, 2024, you can purchase an All-Event Pass and have coaches privileges at both events.   

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 

Middle School: 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 112, 119, 127, 135, 142, 154, 165, 180, 230
 
There will be one weigh-in for the entire event with a 3-pound weight allowance. 
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 2023-24 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)

Boys & Girls High School Divisions –  Thursday, April 4th 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, April 6th 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.

Boys & Girls High School Divisions –  Thursday April 4th from 2-4pm 

  • Prepaid ONLY from 2:00-3:00pm
  • You can purchase onsite from 3:00-4:00pm

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 April 6th from 10-11am at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

  • Prepaid ONLY from 10:00-10:30am
  • You 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 during your registration check out on Flosports.

$25 — Onsite — Cash only.

 Please Note: Early weigh-in purchases are only valid for the 2024 NHSCA High School Nationa

There is no penalty or fee to change your weight. 

PreEventIf  you would like to update your weight class by March 31st, please email championshipevents@nhsca.com. After this date, all changes will occur at weigh-ins.

OnsiteAll changes will occur  at the assigned weight-change location/scales.

Available for Purchase: HERE 

Friday & Saturday- $40.00 (plus venue fees) All High School wrestlers will compete Friday and Saturday. 

Children 5 and under are free. 

** All Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Visit the Virginia Beach Sports Center Site: Here

  • 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.

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.

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 
  • 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

AEGIS Award is presented to individuals that exemplify the eight attributes that make-up Air Force Special Warfare.  InGreek mythology, AEGIS was the name given to Zeus’ shield which was used in battle to protect and give strength.

 Please nominate an individual/individuals that display all or some of the attributes and meet the question parameters. 

Each attribute can be displayed in competition, the classroom, and life.

Nominate Your Athlete Here

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, 2024. 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.
Apply for a photography and videography credentials: Here

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, 2024. 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.

Apply for press credentials: Here

To Request a Video Review You Must:
 
  1. Go to the table and inform the mat official that you would like a video review of a call
  2. 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)
  3. A review team member will come to the mat and complete the video review and inform the table of his decision which is final 
Things that cannot be reviewed:
  • Falls
Note: All protests for action in any period must be made prior to the start of the next period.  End of match protest can only be made for action in the last period wrestled and wrestlers must remain in the mat area until the review is completed.
 

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 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.

Do I have to wear headgear?

  • No! Headgear is not required but recommended for your safety.
Can I bring a cooler into the sports center?
  • 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.
Will there be mat space to workout on Thursday?

 

  • 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.
What style of wrestling is this event?
 
  • The High School Nationals is a Folkstyle wrestling tournament. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at Championshipevents@nhsca.com.

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