Nigel:

If all we were talking about is a weight loss of 15 pounds over three months, that would be one thing. But we all know it is not.

What gives weight-cutting a bad name are the kids who cut 15 pounds in two weeks to start the year, make weight, then bounce up 10 pounds in two days. That wrestler has to turn around and cut that weight all over again. By the time you go through the entire season, that 15 pounds has multiplied itself over and over.

Yes, every kid can probably afford to cut a little weight, but no one should be cutting more than 10 percent of their starting weight, ever. I have yet to ever sign a waiver, and doubt that I ever will. And I don't let kids' weight yo-yo; making a weight is one thing — holding it is another.

If you can make a weight and hold it — in a healthy manner — the rest of the season, that's a good weight for you. But if you are constantly starving and dehydrating yourself for two days before a meet, then bouncing back up right after, you need to change your thinking.