Boys weight classes
| # | Class (lb) | With growth allowance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 106 | 108 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 2 | 113 | 115 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 3 | 120 | 122 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 4 | 126 | 128 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 5 | 132 | 134 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 6 | 138 | 140 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 7 | 144 | 146 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 8 | 150 | 152 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 9 | 157 | 159 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 10 | 165 | 167 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 11 | 175 | 177 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 12 | 190 | 192 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 13 | 215 | 217 lb after January 24, 2027 |
| 14 | 285 | 287 lb after January 24, 2027 |
Girls weight classes
| # | Class (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100 |
| 2 | 107 |
| 3 | 114 |
| 4 | 120 |
| 5 | 126 |
| 6 | 132 |
| 7 | 138 |
| 8 | 145 |
| 9 | 152 |
| 10 | 165 |
| 11 | 185 |
| 12 | 235 |
Growth allowance
- +1 lb starting December 24, 2026
- +1 lb starting January 24, 2027
Weight certification and hydration
- Hydration test limit: 1.025 specific gravity or lower
- Retest after a failed hydration test: 24 hours
- Descent plan ends: not listed in the handbook
How weight classes work in Virginia wrestling
Virginia high school wrestling uses different class structures for boys and girls. The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has 14 boys classes from 106 to 285 pounds, but only 12 girls classes from 100 to 235 pounds for 2026-27. VHSL Wrestling Weight Control Program
The girls divisions do not follow the standard 14-class NFHS list. For example, the Virginia girls list includes 107, 114, 185 and 235 pounds.
This means you should check the VHSL class table instead of assuming that the classes in a national wrestling guide apply to your division.
Virginia also has an unusual growth allowance schedule. You must pay attention to your assessment date to qualify for each increase.
Virginia growth allowance and weigh-in rules
VHSL has a staged growth allowance instead of adding the full allowance on a single date.
| Growth allowance date | Added weight | Required assessment completion |
|---|---|---|
| December 24, 2026 | 1 lb | On or before December 8, 2026 |
| January 24, 2027 | 1 lb | On or before January 8, 2027 |
The allowances are cumulative, so an eligible wrestler can receive a total of 2 pounds.
If you miss a testing cutoff, do not assume you qualify for the corresponding allowance. Ask your coach to check your status.
Virginia also recognizes a consecutive-day allowance as permitted by wrestling rules, but the VHSL weight control details do not state its pound amount.
Rule check: You must make scratch weight at least once in a class before competing in that class during postseason competition. A growth allowance does not replace this requirement.
Weight certification in Virginia
Virginia’s initial assessment window runs from November 2 through November 21, 2026. New wrestlers must be assessed within a week of their first practice.
VHSL uses a refractometer for urine hydration testing. The specific gravity must not exceed 1.025. If your result is higher, your body composition cannot be measured, and you must return no sooner than the following day, recorded as a 24-hour wait.
Minimum body fat standards are 7% for boys and 19% for girls.
Virginia calculates weight descent at 1.5% per week on a daily basis and includes a 2% buffer in the weight certification process. VHSL Wrestling Weight Control Program
The assessment deadline matters beyond simply completing certification. It also determines which growth allowances you may receive.
Planning your season in Virginia
Start by scheduling your VHSL assessment. If you want to qualify for the growth allowances, review the testing cutoff dates before making your season plan.
Once you receive your official results, use the weight certification calculator to estimate your minimum eligible weight.
The descent plan calculator can help you understand how a daily weight descent schedule affects your target class.
Virginia wrestlers should pay attention to three separate goals:
- Complete the required assessment within the correct window.
- Qualify for any growth allowance you plan to use.
- Make scratch weight at your intended postseason class.
These requirements make early planning useful. A late decision to drop a class can create problems even if the scale shows a weight you believe you can reach.
Eat consistently, stay hydrated and review your progress with your coach during the season.
Safety: Do not use dehydration or fasting to rush toward a scratch weight. If your target class is affecting your energy or training, discuss moving up a class.
Source
VHSL Wrestling Weight Control Program site (Coaches page, WCP 2026-2027) + VHSL Boys/Girls WCP Manual (Virginia High School League (VHSL)). Last checked October 28, 2026.