Headgear

Okie_Pat

All-Conference
Feb 3, 2022
1,269
2,378
113
When is the NCAA going to do away with requiring wrestlers to wear headgear. It should be a choice. Most of their ears are too far gone at this point for it to prevent any further damage. it would eliminate any opportunity at headgear pulling and frankly I think eye poking is far worse. Lots of guys have suffered eye issues.
 

Pokes1988

Heisman
Apr 17, 2018
7,683
10,110
113
I wish they'd create a different type of headgear. Comes off or needs to be adjusted way too much.

Just switch to some sort of softshell helmet of sorts or do away with everything completely.
 

newguy123

All-Conference
Feb 5, 2020
1,396
2,394
113
I'm the opposite and am amazed it's not required in freestyle. It's protection. Football players use pads and helmets, wrestlers use headgear and mats, gymnasts use mats etc. Don't really see it as a problem.
 

pokepelli

All-American
Jul 10, 2005
35,242
7,510
103
I'm the opposite and am amazed it's not required in freestyle. It's protection. Football players use pads and helmets, wrestlers use headgear and mats, gymnasts use mats etc. Don't really see it as a problem.
It’s really just to protect the ears as someone already said is not helping much as most of their ears are already jacked for life.

They don’t help with head injuries. Strictly to keep someone looking okay cosmetically.
 

PoOsKuEs

Junior
Nov 15, 2025
82
234
33
The only time headgear should be required is in practice. That's where 99% of the ear damage happens.

There's no reason to require them in competition. We've got it backwards.
 

newguy123

All-Conference
Feb 5, 2020
1,396
2,394
113
They protect if you use them. Trouble is it doesn’t take much to mess up your ears. I always wore mine except one or two practices and still have bumps from it.
 

chasepollard

Heisman
Nov 25, 2005
93,008
14,811
48
You have to have them in comp because you can bust them when fluid is built up.

It takes a direct impact on a healthy ear to get puffy. If you have a fluid build up, a direct hit can be an issue.

I agree that you can just do away with them though. It can always be wrapped.