UWW

Key Fact: Singlets must be UWW-approved, tight-fitting, and made of non-abrasive material without zippers or hard components.

Wrestlers must wear a one-piece wrestling singlet in either red or blue, as assigned by the competition draw. The singlet must be UWW-approved, tight-fitting to the body, and made of a non-abrasive material.

Athletes must wear approved wrestling shoes that cover and support the ankle. Shoes must have soft, non-marking soles with no heels.

Headgear (ear guards) is optional in senior international competition but strongly recommended to prevent cauliflower ear (auricular hematoma). Headgear is mandatory at Cadet (U17) and some Junior (U20) age levels, as determined by UWW regulations.

Handkerchief (Blood Rag): Every wrestler must carry a handkerchief tucked into the singlet during competition. This is used for immediate blood management if bleeding occurs.; Nails: Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed short before competition. Referees inspect nails at the pre-match equipme...

All UWW-sanctioned competitions take place on a regulation wrestling mat. The mat is a square platform with a circular competition surface marked upon it.

Competition takes place on a regulation wrestling mat.

The mat must be at least 6 cm (2.4 in) thick, constructed from high-density, shock-absorbing foam covered with a smooth, non-abrasive vinyl surface. The surface must provide adequate grip without causing mat burns.

Red and blue corner marks are placed diagonally opposite each other on the mat edge, corresponding to the assigned wrestler colors. The central circle includes a starting line for each wrestler.

Wrestling is an individual sport. Each match features two athletes competing one-on-one.