09/08/2026
There is a lot of confusion about **when high school wrestlers can and cannot train with their HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM.**
We want to help parents and athletes understand the GHSA rules so everyone can make informed decisions and protect their eligibility.
# # # 📅 2026–2027 GHSA WRESTLING
**FIRST LEGAL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING PRACTICE:**
➡️ **OCTOBER 19, 2026**
**FIRST GHSA WRESTLING CONTEST:**
➡️ **NOVEMBER 6, 2026**
# # # 🚫 BEFORE OCTOBER 19
Under GHSA By-Law 2.69, a school may not conduct practices outside the designated season.
That means a high school wrestling team **cannot hold organized wrestling practices before October 19**, including practices involving school coaches and athletes.
GHSA also specifically states that:
❌ **Freestyle wrestling**
❌ **Greco-Roman wrestling**
are considered the **same sport as high school Folkstyle wrestling** for GHSA illegal-practice rules.
# # # ⚠️ WHAT IS AN "ILLEGAL PRACTICE"?
GHSA defines illegal practices to include activities conducted outside the designated season, as well as practices involving school coaches and students that violate the GHSA practice rules.
Examples include:
• School-team practices before the official first practice date
• Wrestling practices outside the designated season
• School practices against non-school teams during the school year
• School-team participation in certain camps or clinics during the school year
• Using a school coach to organize or supervise prohibited out-of-season wrestling activities
Violations can result in penalties to the school, including fines, probation, suspension and other GHSA sanctions.
# # # ☀️ SUMMER RULES
During the summer, GHSA allows voluntary activities, but schools must observe the two annual **Dead Weeks**:
🚫 **May 25–31, 2026**
🚫 **June 29–July 5, 2026**
During these weeks, schools cannot conduct voluntary workouts, camps, clinics, weight training or competitions.
# # # 🤼 SO WHERE CAN YOU TRAIN?
**Backyard Bullies Wrestling Club is a community-based wrestling club with NO association with GHSA.**
Our mission is to provide a positive wrestling environment where athletes can continue developing their skills while respecting GHSA rules and the boundaries between a school team and a community club.
**STAY TRAINING. STAY READY.**
Build your:
💪 Strength
🥋 Technique
🔥 Conditioning
🤼 Freestyle & Greco-Roman skills
🧠 Mental toughness
🏆 Wrestling IQ
**Different path. Same goal.**
If you're a high school wrestler looking to continue developing as an athlete, come be part of the **Backyard Bullies wrestling community.**
**WRESTLERS ARE RELENTLESS.**
*This post is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for reviewing the current GHSA Constitution & By-Laws or confirming a specific situation with your school athletic administration/GHSA.*
