Wrestling, as we know, is a sport that typically involves two persons or competitors. The main idea here is to force an opponent to touch the floor with any other part of the body except the feet or to hold an opponent in a particular position for a while. However, like most sports, wrestling also comes with its rules and regulations. From rules regarding illegal holds to technical violations, wrestling is an activity that should not be taken for granted. One of these rules in wrestling relates to keeping beards, which we’ll talk about in this blog.

You are allowed to have a beard in wrestling, provided that your beard is no longer than 0.5 inches long. Furthermore, you can also sign a waiver indicating that you’re going to cover your beard with chinstraps or masks to prevent any unwanted friction and injury to both you and the other wrestler.

So without any further ado, let’s find out if beards are allowed in wrestling. If yes, how long? And what are the benefits cutting beards have in wrestling? Let’s find all that out.

Are Beards allowed in wrestling?

Since wrestling consists of two competitors, there’s sure going to be impact and physical contact between them, no matter the style you participate in.

Due to this, close medical examinations are always carried out before any wrestling match commences.

But this medical examination isn’t limited to some parts of the body alone.

The face isn’t left out in this as it also comes in contact with other competitors.

While talking about the dos and don’ts of wrestling, the beard always comes to mind.

Maybe you’ve watched some wrestling matches, and you’d be wondering why those grown-ups don’t have any beard, or perhaps it’s kind of short.

It is not that they aren’t genetically made to have beards or made it look short.

It all boils down to the rules and regulations of the game.

The wrestling committee suggested that wrestlers can have facial hair of up to a half-inch.

This is the standard length set by the committee, but it can be slightly shorter because the main aim of shaving the beards is to make that part of the skin visible for proper medical examination.

Also, if it’s noticed that the beards of the wrestlers are somewhat above the standard length, they will need to cover it up either with a face mask or a light facial covering.

Why can’t you have a beard in wrestling?

You can’t have a beard in wrestling because it can cause unwanted friction that can harm both you and other wrestlers. Furthermore, Beards can cause illegal moves, such as when others try to pull each other’s beard in a match. For these reasons, it is advisable not to have beards when wrestling.

Wrestling is a form of professional art that involves physical combat.

Due to some health reasons, wrestlers aren’t permitted to keep beards.

Let’s talk about the health aspect here.

Some bacteria and microorganisms tend to inhabit any environment they find suitable, and the beard is a good spot for this.

So, when you use this for a wrestling match, the opponent is at risk of getting infected.

Also, when you’ve got beards, it tends to store more sweat that drops down the face.

Sweat is a waste product that can cause sores and boils on the skin of another.

It can even cause Impetigo. According to CDC, Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that can be transmitted through physical contact.

So, the wrestling committee made a compulsory examination for most skin infections and general health due to all these.

Let’s quickly brush through some benefits of shaving your beards for wrestling.

Two benefits of cutting your beards before a wrestling match

As we’ve briefly checked on reasons related to having beards as a wrestler, there are certain benefits attached to cutting your beards as well.

As earlier stated, wrestling is a kind of sport that involves physical contact, and being a wrestler; you’ll love to take full advantage of any opportunity you get to win the game.

So without wasting much of your time, let’s get to know these benefits

1. It helps reduce the occurrence of rashes and other skin infections

Beards can feel somehow spiky on the skin, and constant rubbing can cause rashes for both you and your opponent.

With time, this might lead to severe skin complications and other irritations.

This is why the wrestling committee recommended cutting it short.

It’s not only the beards, though, as wrestlers are also advised to do away with their scalp hair to be on a safer side.

2. Less Beards makes it easier for you to escape holds and avoid injuries

When you’ve got many beards as a wrestler, it’ll somehow create a level of friction when it comes in contact with your opponent’s skin.

Your opponent can, however, capitalize on this, and it wouldn’t work in your favor.

At times, an opponent might even pull down the beards since other wrestlers can grip it in a way.

We both know that the pain that comes with this action is unbearable. It might even leave bumps on your face if it doesn’t lead to injuries.

Can you wrestle with a beard in college?

You can wrestle with a beard in college, provided that it’s no longer than half an inch. Furthermore, beards are also allowed if you cover them with something such as a mask or chin strap. However, not having a beard is still advisable according to rules to prevent any unwanted friction and injuries to both parties.

Also called collegiate wrestling, the same rules provided by the NCAA wrestling committee still apply in this form of wrestling.

While discussing these rules, I’m still emphasizing that wrestlers aren’t allowed to wrestle with a face filled with beards.

Proper shaving is required as the set standard length of the beard is still adhered to.

When an official feels the hair is too thick or long, the wrestler can equally wear a mask to cover the beards to compete.

Here is an example.

Let’s take the case of McBryde, a Muslim college wrestler in New York City who refused to shave his beards, saying it’s against his faith.

A waiver was granted to him from the committee, stating that he can still compete in the college competitions as long as he wears a face mask and chin strap to cover his beards completely.

Wrapping up

In composing this blog post, I hope you get the core message: beards are only allowed if you wear something to cover it up, such as a mask. You can also have a beard, but it should not be longer than an inch.

This prevents any unwanted friction on grappling and avoids illegal moves such as pulling each other’s beards.

According to the NCAA wrestling committee’s directives, a wrestler isn’t permitted to compete with a beard above half an inch.

If found guilty of this, he’ll be required to wear a mask or any lightweight material to cover the beards.

So always remember to have a clean shave before you think of going for any wrestling match to avoid inconveniences that may pop up.