Wrestling Mats

Wrestling Mats

A proper scrubbing of wrestling mats is suggested before each use. Diseases, bacteria, and viruses are all easily passable from one person to the next rolling around on wrestling mats. Ringworm is such a common bacteria that has been so often transmitted between wrestlers, that the referees check for it before every dual match or tournament in high school wrestling. Before the match or meet, the whole wrestling team lines up and lowers the straps of their singlets, the tight spandex uniforms required for the sport. They lower their singlets enough so that wrestlers chests are exposed. If a wrestler is found to have a spot or three of ringworm, he is not allowed to set put on the mat. He must then go to the doctor where he will be issued a cream to apply on the affected area. Infected wrestlers are not allowed back on the mat, according to the rules, until all traces of it have dissolved. The precaution of searching for infection has no doubt prevented a countless number of cases and outbreaks.

Wrestling Mats

Studies have been conducted by scientists that have proven wrestling mats are, beyond any reasonable doubt, a source of ringworm infections. Cultured samples were taken from several wrestling mats that received action. When they were tested in the laboratory, dermatophytes were found present. Dermatophytes are the fungal molds responsible for causing ringworm. Clearly, the presence of these fungal molds on the tested mats proves there was a good chance of transmitting the bacteria to the wrestlers using it. If this tested mat had gone unwashed after the experiment, it may have passed the bacteria to human hosts. The results of this study, have been no secret to wrestling coaches across the country. For years, the practice has been to wash and sanitize the mats before they are used. Mops and disinfectant solutions are everyday items used in wrestling facilities.

High School Wrestling Mats

Mats in the professional ranks of wrestling tend to be elevated. Lined with ropes and inside of a ring, they are they focal point of any gym you step into. Wrestling mats in high school are not assembled in the same manner as those in the pros. They are simply roll-up mats built to be shoved away in a corner when not in use. Typically, a high school wrestling team will roll out their mats on days of dual meets or tournaments and roll them up afterwards. There are never ropes lining the mat in high school wrestling; that feature is strictly for show.