The rule changes as being proposed for 2006-07 (hydration) and which are still under development for 2007-08 (body fat testing) will closely mirror the NFHS rules in those two areas.

Where the committee has decided to "go on our own" is in the areas(a) of shoulder-to-shoulder weigh-ins (we were adamant that our home site arrangement be maintained) and (b) having a descent plan to govern a wrestler's total amount of weight loss. The NFHS says a plan must be in place to monitor a wrestler's weight so they lose no more than 1.5% of their body weight per week. This would be administrative nightmare and paper jungle and in the long run, unfair. How many kids (or adults for that matter) are so in tune with their bodies that they can "dial in" a 1.5% weight loss--no more and no less. Is this a Saturday to Saturday week? Is it Monday to Monday for some and Friday to Friday for others? Does it make a difference as to which weeks are heavy in competition and which may be light? If a kid gains some weight back is the 1.5% for the next week based on his new weight (yes) or his previous week's weight? (no) Etc,. Etc. Etc.

At this point the current Kansas rule of no more than 10% total weight loss and at least 1/2 of matches wrestled at weight for regional competition will be our "descent" plan. However, the 10% will be dependent upon a wrestler's body fat level. It may be that his alpha weight and body fat will not allow him to legally lose the full 10%. This is an area which has been discussed at great length and will continue to be a matter for discussion. It is in this area where the possibility of some sort of waiver process to exceed the 10% limit could come into play.

Mike Furches--CURRENTLY if a wrestler seeks the 10% waiver they must have a Doctor's signature and this cost is borne by the wrestler/his family. So if the new body fat rule contains a medical waiver provision, the responsibility for the cost of the waiver will be no different than it is currently.