The Iowa High School Athletic Association’s wrestling advisory committee has approved changes involving the regional dual qualification criteria and seeding for the State Wrestling Tournament.
Schools will now be allowed to opt out of postseason dual events by the date of the scheduled competition.
In the past, the top two teams from each sectional qualified with no at-large bids. Under the changes, only the 16 sectional champions will qualify for regional duals and the next eight highest-ranked teams, chosen by the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) in class 2A and class 1A, will also qualify. If a sectional champion chooses to not attend a postseason dual, the next highest-ranked team will qualify.
The IHSAA also decided, instead of eight wrestlers seeded at the State Tournament, 16 wrestlers will be seeded while also reducing the criteria regarding common opponents from two points to one.
The changes were approved unanimously during the regular April meeting. The changes will take effect in the 2020-21 season.
