ELIGIBILITY 

This event is open to all participants that meet the age group requirements (see Divisions tab) and have the proper USA Wrestling membership (see below). 

The 2025-2026 Membership Year begins August 21, 2025 and goes through August 31, 2026. 

Approved as of the 2023 USA Wrestling Board of Director’s National Convention: 

• Participation at Regional & National Championships When both regional and/or national championships are offered to both genders in the same style(s) in Junior and 16U, wrestlers shall only be allowed to compete in the division of his/her gender.
   
• Participation at Regional & National Championships When both regional and/or national championships are offered to both genders in the same style(s) in 14U and below, wrestlers shall only be allowed to compete in the division of his/her gender. 

At all USA Wrestling regional and national championships (excluding National Duals), one shall be deemed ineligible if he/she has represented another country (as recognized by the international federation) at continental and/or World Championships.

If an individual has represented another country but has since changed his/her sporting nationality to the US with the international federation, the individual shall be eligible for USA Wrestling regional and national championships.

Any athlete who represented another nation before 8/31/2025 shall be exempt.

Eligibility at Kids Nationals

• There are no eligibility reguirements for Kids Nationals other than having an up-to-date membership.

Qualification Procedures – Junior & 16U Nationals

State teams shall be limited to four (4) wrestlers per age per style per weight class. Wrestlers who earn automatic qualifier status shall not count against any limit.

All athletes who wish to participate in this event must go through their respective state to register.  This is not an open event. For additional information on how to qualify or attend please contact your respective state representative CLICK HERE!

Automatic Qualifiers – 16U & Junior Nationals

The following shall serve as automatic qualifiers at Junior & 16U Nationals and shall not count against any roster limit:

• Current year 1st-6th place at USA Wrestling Regionals (placement must be in the same age and style)
• Current year 1st-8th place at U15 Nationals (placement must be in the same style)
• Current year 1st-8th place at U17 Nationals (placement must be in the same style)
• Current year 1st-8th place at U20 Nationals (placement must be in the same style)
• Previous year 1st-8th place at Junior Nationals (placement must be in the same style)
• Previous year 1st-8th place at 16U Nationals (placement must be in the same style)

*Geographical Exception for Qualification Procedures – Junior & 16U Nationals

For Hawaii and Alaska only, their roster limit shall not exceed 4 per weight class plus 2 additional wrestlers. The wrestlers can be at any weight class. (e.g.: 15 weight classes = 62 wrestlers)

• 16U Girls and Junior Girls 1st-6th Place finishers serve as automatic qualifiers at Junior & 16U Nationals in their designated age group .
• Girls Greco-Roman is a festival and NOT a qualifier for Kids Nationals or Junior & 16U Nationals.