Event Venue
Iowa Events Center - EMC Expo Center
730 3rd St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Event Director
Jack McCarty
jmccarty@usawrestling.org
“The system will not allow me to register for the grade that my wrestler is currently enrolled in?”
- Our grade-based divisions are paired with max/min age ranges that align with the typical age ranges for each grade level in the American school system. These ranges are in place to ensure fairness and consistency for all athletes. You can view the maximum/minimum age for each division on the “Divisions” tab.
"My wrestler has only competed in a division for one year. Why are we not eligible to compete in that division for a second year?"
- Eligibility for each division is based on age and grade ranges, not on the number of years wrestled. The “maximum years” listed for a division is the most an athlete could compete if they remain within the age/grade limits. For example, the 5th–6th grade division allows up to two years of eligibility, but a wrestler may only get one year if their age no longer fits the division requirements.
"How do I register for the tournament? Does my athlete need to be pre-qualified?"
- You can register your athlete by clicking here. After clicking the link, scroll down to the bottom of the page to select your athlete’s profile that you’d like to register. Only athletes competing in the Boy’s National High School Recruiting Showcase need to be pre-qualified. You can view the pre-qualification requirements for this division on the “Divisions” and “Eligibility” tabs.
"Why is there an age cutoff if the event is grade-based? Why doesn’t USA Wrestling use the standard age-based divisions like most other USAW events?"
- This event is unique because it was originally created by co-founder Brian Keck as a grade-based competition, and we continue to honor that tradition. To keep competition as fair as possible, an age cutoff is necessary. The current cutoffs are based on the American school system, with additional flexibility by extending the date to May 1 instead of October 1—a five-month adjustment designed to include more athletes. Even with this adjustment, we recognize that some wrestlers may fall just outside the cutoff, which can be frustrating. However, USA Wrestling believes this system provides the most level playing field possible.
"Can I change my athlete’s registered weight class and/or club name?"
- To add a Club Affiliation log into the USAW account your athlete’s profile is claimed:
- Log in to usawmembership.com; Click Manage on the top; Select Profile; Across the top of the athletes Profile page you will see “Add Club Affiliation(s)".
- You can add more than 1 club affiliation.
- To update your Athlete’s registration:
- Log in to usawmembership.com; Click Manage; Select Registrations; You should see all event registrations listed; Select the Tournament.
- Here you can change your athletes registered weight class and their Club team.
"When I go to register my wrestler, it says that I cannot add multiple registrations?"
- 1) You may have an unpaid registration sitting in your shopping cart. Click the shopping cart icon in the top right corner of USAW membership system. You must finalize your cart and process payment to complete the registration process.
- 2) You may have already completed your registration for this athlete. You can select “Manage” and click “Registrations”. Here you can view your current event registrations. Additionally, you can click the profile icon and go to payment history to view all completed transactions within our membership system.
"Do I need USA Wrestling Membership to participate?"
- Yes, all athletes and coaches are required to have current USA Wrestling membership for the 2025-2026 season. The following membership types are eligible to participate: Full Athlete; High Performance; Traditional; 2-Year Traditional; 2-Year Full Athlete; BTS Competitior.
"When will weigh-ins take place? Where will they be located?"
- Weigh-ins will take place on different days depending on your division. Please refer to the “Weigh-Ins/Medical” or “Schedule” tabs for weigh-in dates and times for your division. Weigh-ins will take place matside in the main arena. Athletes may use the entrances off of 3rd Street for Wed & Thurs Weigh-in.
"How do I purchase a coach band?"
- Coaches must have current USAW leader membership for the 2025-2026 season, which includes SafeSport training and passing a background check. Coaches also must have Copper (for 14U & below) or Bronze (16U & above) coaching certification. If you have completed these requirements, you can purchase a coach band by clicking here.
"When and where will the brackets be posted?"
- Brackets will be available online using USA Bracketing. They will not be available until after weigh-ins are completed. Video tutorials and a User Guide on how to use USA Bracketing are available.
"What are the singlet/uniform requirements?"
- Singlets with under briefs or a two-piece uniform is required. Guidelines for the two-piece uniforms are as follows: wrestlers can wear compression or board shorts and a tight-fitting sleeveless, short, or long sleeve shirt. The shorts shall not be excessively baggy or have pockets, buttons, or snaps.
- Girls MUST wear a Women’s Cut Singlet.
- Shoes with laces should be wrapped with sticky tape or a system which hides the laces so that they do not come undone during the match.
"How do I receive/redeem the registration discount?"
- The $10 registration discount is only available to individuals who booked a hotel in our block using our booking link that is posted on the “Accommodations” tab. You will receive a confirmation email from Event Connect containing a Reservation #. This number is what you will use as your “hotel code” when you register. Please allow up to 48 hours after booking your room for the code to be activated. Each code is valid for up to four (4) uses. If you did not book using our link, then you will not receive a hotel code.
"Is there an admission fee for spectators? Is parking free?"
- Spectators must purchase admission and parking:
"Can my athlete register for the High School Recruiting Showcase AND the open High School boys divisions?"
- Yes, you may enter in both divisions if you are pre-qualified for the showcase, but there are caveats:
- Your athlete would need to weigh-in for both divisions, weights do not carry over and there is no allowance
- These divisions compete at the same time, and we do not hold matches. This means that your athlete could be called to 2 different mats at the same time and would have to forfeit one of them if you cannot get to the mat after 3 calls. This also means there are no go-times, so your athlete could finish a match in one division and immediately be called to another mat for the other division with no rest in between.
"Are outside food and drinks allowed in the venue?"
- The EMC Expo Center does not permit outside food and beverages. ATHLETES ONLY may bring in snacks and drinks in their bags. NO COOLERS ALLOWED.
"Who do I contact with additional questions regarding this event?"
- For additional inquiries, please contact the event director: