Boys weight classes
| # | Class (lb) | With growth allowance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 106 | 108 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 2 | 113 | 115 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 3 | 120 | 122 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 4 | 126 | 128 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 5 | 132 | 134 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 6 | 138 | 140 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 7 | 144 | 146 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 8 | 150 | 152 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 9 | 157 | 159 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 10 | 165 | 167 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 11 | 175 | 177 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 12 | 190 | 192 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 13 | 215 | 217 lb after December 25, 2026 |
| 14 | 285 | 287 lb after December 25, 2026 |
Girls weight classes
Growth allowance
- +2 lb starting December 25, 2026
Weight certification and hydration
- Hydration test limit: not listed in the handbook
- Descent plan ends: not listed in the handbook
How weight classes work in Vermont wrestling
For the 2026-27 season, the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) follows National Federation wrestling rules, so Vermont boys use the standard NFHS 14 weight classes, ranging from 106 to 285 pounds VPA Wrestling Guide.
The VPA handbook does not list a separate girls weight class set. If you wrestle in the girls division, confirm your available weight classes with your coach before choosing a target.
Your weight class is more than a number on the scale. It affects your certification, competition schedule, and tournament eligibility. Choose a class you can maintain while eating enough, recovering between practices, and competing at your best.
Rule check: Vermont has specific scratch weigh-in requirements for state tournament entry. Making weight with an allowance does not replace those requirements.
Vermont growth allowance and weigh-in rules
Vermont adds a 2 lb growth allowance beginning December 25, 2026, but only after you have completed two scratch weigh-ins; scratch weigh-ins after that date must be shoulder-to-shoulder and witnessed, and state tournament entry requires two scratch weigh-ins at your entered class plus at least 50% of your weigh-ins at that class VPA Wrestling Guide.
A scratch weigh-in means making the original class limit without using the growth allowance.
Keep track of where you weigh in throughout the season. Your tournament eligibility depends on your weigh-in history, not just your weight on tournament day.
The guide does not specify a separate consecutive-day allowance or additional rules for multiple weigh-ins at an event. Ask your coach how those situations are handled.
Weight certification in Vermont
Vermont uses a hydration test as part of weight certification. Your coach checks urine specific gravity (SG) with a dipstick. The VPA guide does not state a numeric SG cutoff.
If you fail hydration, you have within 48 hours to try again. That is a retest window, not a required waiting period.
Vermont’s published body fat minimums are:
- Boys: 7%
- Girls: 12%
However, NFHS changed the girls minimum body fat percentage to 19% for 2026-27. The VPA guide still lists 12%, so girls should confirm which minimum Vermont will enforce before certification NFHS rule change.
Vermont also uses an unusual maximum weight loss calculation. After passing hydration, the calculation combines 5% of body weight with the amount of body fat above the applicable 7% or 12% minimum. The VPA guide does not use the standard 1.5% per week descent plan.
The weight management program may begin November 16, 2026. Certification cannot happen before November 30, 2026, and must be completed before the first competition, listed as December 11, 2026.
Your coach handles the hydration testing. Ask who will complete your remaining certification steps and confirm your assessment appointment.
Safety: Never dehydrate yourself to pass a weigh-in. Drink normally before hydration testing and focus on steady nutrition instead of rapid weight changes.
Planning your season in Vermont
Use Vermont’s certification timeline to organize your season before competition begins.
| Checkpoint | What you should do |
|---|---|
| Before certification | Discuss your target class and current weight with your coach |
| Hydration assessment | Arrive normally hydrated and understand the testing process |
| Growth allowance | Track your scratch weigh-ins and eligibility |
| State tournament preparation | Review your weigh-in history with your coach |
Start with the weight certification calculator to explore how your current weight relates to your target class.
Then use the descent plan calculator to organize gradual changes. Remember that Vermont’s maximum loss calculation is different from a weekly descent rule.
CutCoach can help you build a day by day plan with calories, water, meals, and refueling after the scale, based on your weight, class, and weigh-in date. Use that planning alongside your coach’s certification guidance.
Source
VPA 2026-2027 Wrestling Rules and Regulations ("Wrestling Guide" linked on vpaonline.org/winter-sports) (Vermont Principals' Association (VPA)). Last checked October 28, 2026.