NeverWas92 Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 Not sure where to ask this, but we're looking for guidance on how to properly pad an ACL brace. We have this brace: https://www.djoglobal.com/products/donjoy/fullforce With this cover: https://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-sports-brace-cover We have been told by an official who has examined it that we need more padding for it to be legal. That said, we're not sure what exactly we should acquire to get legal. I have a question out to our DonJoy rep but I'm curious what ideas the wrestling family has on the topic. Perhaps this is a question for "Ask The Official" but I thought I'd solicit ideas here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ahawkeye Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 Wish I could help you but that seems pretty well padded to me, but I never wrestled with one on and never wrestled anyone who was wearing one either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmsmelby Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 I had something similar my junior year for semi state. They put about a half inch foam piece over all the metal spots then prewrap and tap. Bulky as he'll but they let me wrestle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Y2CJ41 Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 Unfortunately the determination of "enough padding" can vary from referee to referee. The best bet is to find a high ranking referee in the area to check it out and offer an opinion on what is needed to be considered legal. Also having that referee communicate with higher ups(if needed) to make sure you are good to go on Saturday is a good thing. btk111 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffith Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 Mr. Caprino is correct, ONLY the officials at the event your athlete is completing at can make the decision in this knee brace. Official A may have been OK with the brace on Wednesday. Official X, Y & Z may not be OK with the brace on Saturday. I have added the NFHS information, this is the information officials use to make these decisions From 21/22 NFHS Rules Book Rule 3-1 Referee and their Duties ART. 2 On matters of judgment, the referee shall have full control of the match and the decisions shall be final, based upon the NFHS wrestling rules and interpretations. The referee has the sole authority for ruling on infractions or irregularities not covered within the NFHS wrestling rules. ART. 6 The legality of all equipment, including mats, markings, uniforms and special equipment, pads and taping, shall be decided by the referee. A referee’s time-out shall be declared for the purpose of correcting legal equipment which becomes illegal or inoperative through use. Rule 4-3 Special Equipment ART. 1 Special equipment is defined as any equipment worn that is not required by rule. Any equipment which does not permit normal movement of the joints and which prevents one’s opponent from applying normal holds/maneuvers shall not be permitted. Special equipment includes, but is not limited to: b. any protective equipment which is hard and/or abrasive must be covered and properly padded with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than ½-inch thick From 21/22 NFHS Case Book In the first round of an invitational wrestling tournament, the 126-pound wrestler from School A reports to the scorer’s table wearing a knee brace that has excessive padding and wrapping. The coach of the wrestler has a letter from a physician indicating that this individual is allowed to wear a knee brace. What is the jurisdiction of the referee in this situation? RULING: It is legal to wear a knee brace. The rule states that any protective equipment which is hard and/or abrasive must be covered and properly padded with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than ½-inch thick. The rule also states that it must permit normal movement of the joints and cannot prevent one’s opponent from applying normal holds/maneuvers. If, in the referee’s opinion, a knee brace that is wrapped so that it is very large and bulky and would be a disadvantage to one’s opponent, the referee shall rule it to be illegal regardless of a physician’s statement. The referee makes the judgment call on any knee brace as the decision must fit the guidelines as presented in the rules. The wrestler from School A would be charged an injury time-out and will have 1½ minutes of injury time in order to become properly equipped and ready to wrestle. He/she would also be penalized with a technical violation and a match point will be awarded to the opponent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pugsley Posted February 7, 2022 Share Posted February 7, 2022 At sectionals my son had to wrap the hinges of his acl brace with pre wrap and did not have to add additional padding at regionals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverWas92 Posted February 8, 2022 Author Share Posted February 8, 2022 Thanks everyone. This is very helpful. It sounds like there is some inconsistency among officials as to what level of padding would be required beyond the sleeve, if any, but that foam padding/pre-wrap/tape can solve that when it arises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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