Wrestling Hygiene: Keeping Athletes on the Mat
Bear Cave Guide to Wrestling Hygiene: Keep Kids Healthy and on the Mat
At Bear Cave Wrestling, we want every athlete to train hard, compete confidently, and stay healthy while doing it. Good hygiene isn’t just about being clean — it’s about keeping everyone safe from skin infections, illness, and preventable setbacks that can take wrestlers out of practice or competition.
Here are the most important practices we emphasize for our wrestlers and families:
1. Shower Immediately After Every Practice and Match
Encourage your child to shower with soap right after wrestling. This removes sweat, bacteria and other germs they’ve picked up during practice. Waiting until later in the day can allow germs to multiply and lead to skin issues.
2. Wear Clean Clothes Every Day
Wrestling gear — including shirts, shorts, kneepads, headgear, and shoes — should be washed after every practice or event. Dirty clothes harbor bacteria and fungi that can spread quickly in a wrestling room.
3. Regularly Disinfect Equipment and Mats
While the club does its part to clean and spray mats, wrestlers should also disinfect their personal gear regularly. Headgear, shoes, bags, towels and pads should be wiped down with disinfectant or washed frequently.
4. Keep Fingernails Short and Smooth
Long or rough nails can scratch opponents and create entry points for infections. Regularly trimming and filing nails reduces this risk.
5. Avoid Training When Sick or Infectious
If your wrestler is sick or showing signs of a contagious condition (like ringworm, staph or fever), keep them off the mat until they are cleared by a doctor. This protects your child, their teammates and our coaching staff.
6. Don’t Share Personal Items
Towels, razors, soap, water bottles, and clothing should never be shared. Germs spread easily through shared items, and avoiding this practice greatly reduces risk.
7. Watch for Skin Issues and Report Them Promptly
Parents and athletes should check skin regularly for rashes, open sores or suspicious patches. If any appear, notify the coach right away and seek medical advice before returning to wrestling.
By following these simple yet effective hygiene habits, Bear Cave wrestlers can stay healthy, avoid avoidable illness or skin infections, and make the most of every practice and competition throughout the season.