Events
31st Annual High School Nationals
Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th St Virginia Beach, VA
High School Nationals is the premier wrestling tournament in the country. The best wrestlers from 49 states compete to become All-Americans and be noticed by the hundreds of college coaches in attendance.
As of March 30, 2020, the Governor of Virginia has issued a stay at home order until June 10, 2020. Governor Northam’s full executive order can be viewed here.
To comply with the State of Virginia stay at home order, the NHSCA is working directly with the City of Virginia Beach to identify new event dates for the 2020 High School Nationals. Full event information will be published when available.
Latest Update: March 31, 2020
When you Book Your Stay Through The NHSCA
You Are Automatically ENtered to Win:
Free Hotel Accommodations & TWO Spectator Passes
Asics Wrestling Giveaways
World Wide Sport Apparel Giveaways
Local Entertainment Giveaways
Hotel Partners
If you had previously booked through a nhsca Partner hotel, contact the hotel directly
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: January 6, 2020
Registration Closes: Date TBD
Registration Fee: $65.00
Tuesday May 19, 2020
12:00-5:00pm- Coach Registration and Check-In
2:00-4:00pm – Early Weigh-Ins for Middle School and Boys High School Divisions
*Early Weigh-ins valid of High School Nationals only
3:00pm- Early Coaches Meeting
6:00-9:00pm – Regular Weigh-Ins for Middle School and Boys High School Divisions
7:00pm- Regular Coaches Meeting
9:00pm- Weigh-Ins Close
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Official start time still be to determined
Boys High School Divisions and Middle School Division will wrestle up to the Quarterfinals
1:00-2:00pm – Girls Division Early Weigh-Ins
1:30pm- Girls Division Early Coaches Meeting
3:00-4:00pm- Girls Division Regular Weigh-Ins
3:30pm- Girls Division Regular Coaches Meeting
Thursday May 21, 2020
Official start time still be to determined
All divisions will wrestle through the completion of the medal rounds
**Awards will be given after the championship finals for each division. You must be present on the awards stand during the presentation to receive your award. Plan according. Awards will NOT be shipped.
*This Schedule is subject change.
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 2019-20 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.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the Virginia Beach Convention Center during the following times:
- Tuesday- 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm
- Wednesday- Beginning at 7:00am
- Thursday- Beginning at 7:00am
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
Date: May 19, 2020
Time: 2:00-4:00pm
Pre-Pay During Registration
- Fee: $20.00 (Purchased on the second page of registration)
- Pre-paid wrestlers enter through outside doors for Halls B & C
Pay On-Site
- Fee: $25.00 (cash only)
- To purchase on-site wrestlers must enter through outside door facing the DoubleTree Hotel
- Hall A: Senior Check-In & Weigh-In
- Hall B/C: Junior Check-In & Weigh-In
- Hall C: Sophomore Check-In & Weigh-In
- Hall D: Freshman Check-In & Weigh-In
Girls Division
Date: May 20, 2019
Time: 1:00-2:00pm
Pre-Pay During Registration
- Fee: $20.00 (Purchased on the second page of registration)
Pay On-Site
- Fee: $25.00 (cash only)
Boys High School and Middle School
Date: May 19, 2020
Time: 6:00-9:00 pm
- Hall A: Senior Check-In & Weigh-In
- Hall B/C: Junior Check-In & Weigh-In
- Hall C: Sophomore Check-In & Weigh-In
- Hall D: Freshman Check-In & Weigh-In
There is no penalty or fee to change your weight. All changes will occur on-site at the Head Table. If you would like to update your weight class before March 24th, please email championshipevents@nhsca.com.
Girls Division
Date: May 20, 2020
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm
There is no penalty or fee to change your weight.
Pre-Event: . If you would like to update your weight class before May 12th, 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: $30.00
- Become a Member: Here
- 2020 All Event Coach Pass:
- Pre-Purchase: $70 .00 – Purchase Here
- 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: $30.00
- 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!
This All Event Pass will allow you to coach at the 31st Annual Nationals and the 21st Annual National Duals, May 23-25, 2020 also held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
Click Here to let us know you are coming! By filling out the form, you will be entered to win a FREE Junior and Senior Database Package! Don’t wait! You have until Wednesday, March 25th to enter!
You will also receive 1 Meal Ticket per registered coach.
College Coach Wifi
Upon arrival, check in at the NHSCA customer service space and you will be connected to a private wifi for the main competition space. This will allow you to easily follow the event on FloWrestling and BeTheBeast recruiting app.
Premiere Seating
Like last year, we will be featuring a college coaches seating area semifinals on Saturday! This will be prime seating just for you!
Quarter and Semi-Final Information
We will be putting together a special packet for you for both the quarterfinals and semifinalists including high school, state, season record, etc.
College Recruiting Fair
This is free to all! Be sure to set up a table, bring your information, and be ready to talk about your program and school! We have moved this to Saturday, March 28th from 6-8pm at the VBCC to increase the participation.
BeTheBeast Event Recruiting Platform
When you check in at the NHSCA customer service space to receive your free wifi, you will also receive the BeTheBeast app. Each participant will have their own profile page. You will be able to search participants based on weight, name, etc. You can designate wrestlers “who to evaluate” and keep notes.
If you purchase the database(s) prior to the event or onsite, database information will be available to you on the BeTheBeast app. We will also send you information post event.
Packages and Database
As in years past, we offer the Junior and Senior databases to you. The list of participant’s information will be emailed to you once registration is closed. If you would like to purchase the database and tickets, we are offering a package deal. Please note, databases will be emailed to the provided email by close of business on Wednesday.
| Junior Database ONLY | $300 |
| Senior Database ONLY | $200 |
| Both Junior and Senior Database | $400 |
| Junior Database Package includes 2 tickets | $350 |
| Senior Database Package includes 2 tickets, | $250 |
| Junior & Senior Database Package includes Junior & Senior database, 2 tickets | $450 |
If you are interested, please contact Jeanne at Jeanne@nhsca.com or at (610) 923-0900.
Please note: You can purchase prior to the event, at the event, or after the event!
If you have any event questions, please reach out to Mattie at Potter@nhsca.com.
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.
March 26-28, 2021 – Virginia Beach, Virginia
March 25-27, 2022 – Virginia Beach, Virginia
If you have any questions or need assistance please email us at championshipevents@nhsca.com or call the NHSCA office at (610)923-0900.
