The question of weight loss has always been an issue in the sport of wrestling.

The issue has centered around the health of each competitor who endures weight loss. But a weight management program being used this season is receiving favorable reviews.

The wrestling committee of the Maine Principals’ Association has started a pilot program with 20 teams that test and record weights, body fat and hydration levels of each individual.

The program will become mandatory for every Maine high school wrestling team beginning in the 2005-06 season.

“The problem has existed for a long time,” said Marty Ryan, chairman of the wrestling committee. “We don’t believe it’s being abused totally, but there’s been a lack of education on the weight issue. The weight management program is to provide proper nutrition. The pilot program was created this season, so we can address any questions or concerns.”

Each wrestler is measured using a Skndex – or skin-fold – to determine body fat on the first day of practice. The initial (Alpha) weigh-ins show the wrestlers how much weight they are allowed to lose. There will be two more tests conducted during the season.

The body fat baseline is seven percent for males and 12 percent for females. If their body fat drops below the pre-determined percentage, they will be required to compete in the nearest weight class, which will prevent wrestlers from attempting excessive weight loss to compete at one or two lighter classes.

“It’s going OK,” Oxford Hills coach Mark Dolloff said. “One thing that probably will be recommended is that we don’t actually do weigh-ins until at least Week 2 of the season. What is happening is that kids who were measured in early November are now below the recommended weight for their class, and are eating everything in sight.”

There are 35 certified assessors who conduct skin-fold tests.

Other problems include:

• One wrestler had to get a doctor’s note, because he was naturally under seven percent body fat.

• One individual didn’t make hydration, but made it 48 hours later.

• One wrestler disputed his measurement so he was re-taped, and it was found that he could wrestle at that lower weight.

“I have several kids hovering around 137-138,” Dolloff said. “When they were Alpha measured, they could only drop to 136 while still maintaining seven percent body fat. One pound means a lot.”

They must past hydration test before being weighed in. Some athletes don’t even pass that.

The wrestling community has long believed that a wrestler dropping one or two classes would be stronger and potentially achieve greater success. But this usually results in kids eating too much and gaining weight. Then they try to lose excess weight the last two days prior to a meet largely by dehydration.

“It is not the way to go,” said Tom McCann, who coaches in Nebraska. “No matter what the rules or weight classes are, some kids are always going to do things the wrong way (regardless) of how much you try and educate them.”

McCann would rather have a kid get stronger and wrestle closer to his normal weight if he is in good shape. Some kids initially weigh-in with 15-20 percent body fat. Wrestlers can certify before Christmas, and then are 10 pounds lighter after three months of training.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some males can lose 25 pounds and do great. Some kids could afford to lose weight, but can’t lose two to three pounds without it hurting them either on the mat or in the mind.

Each state can follow national rules or enforce its own guidelines. A majority of states require every wrestler to be certified between Christmas and Jan. 4, 2005. Wrestlers have to have half their weigh-ins at the lowest weight they want to compete in to qualify for postseason meets.

It has caused some sad faces as several kids will not be wrestling in the weight classes they originally thought.

“Overall, it is easy to manage and easier to have those kids make weight,” Dolloff said. “When we have a meet, with another pilot program, we swap weight rosters.

“These rosters will have the weights each individual can wrestle in on that day printed out for the officials and other coaches to view.”