I am looking for clarification on the "minimum weight" rule for heavyweights.

I'm dealing with a junior high student and found on page 3 of the 7th/8th grade OHSAA Jr manual it states:
B2. Weight Classes--------------------------------
Junior High (7-8th grade) weight classes include 16 classes - : 80, 86, 92, 98,
104, 110, 116, 122, 128, 134, 142, 150, 160, 172, 205 and 245. Minimum weight for heavyweight is 205.
-------------------------------------------------

My interpretation of this rule is that a wrestler must be 205 pounds or heavier to compete as a heavyweight. If the wrestler is 204 or lighter, they can not compete as a heavyweight.
I'm not seeing eye to eye with an individual who says the 205 minimum applies to the entire 205 weight class. In other words, a wrestler 173 or heavier can compete at heavyweight.
Does anyone have experience with this rule?

The high school manual seems to be written a little clearer as the minimum weights aren't identical to the weight classes.
1.71) Freshmen —when the event is a freshman-only event, the weight classes shall be: 98, 103, 112, 119, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 152, 160, 171, 189, 220 and 265. The minimum weight for the 265 pound class shall be 188.
1.72) High School weight classes shall be those weight classes adopted by NFHS: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and 285. The minimum weight for the 285 pound class is 215 lbs. (and is subject to the growth allowance).

I sincerely appreciate any and all feedback!!!
Thanks

You are correct. The person you are arguing with is wrong. A wrestler must weigh 205 or more to compete at 245, it is not open to kids in the 205 weight class at large.

Dust_E_Roads;1682738 wrote:You are correct. The person you are arguing with is wrong. A wrestler must weigh 205 or more to compete at 245, it is not open to kids in the 205 weight class at large.

Thanks for the response!
Does anyone know who's responsible for verifying that both heavyweight wrestlers are 205 or more before they hit the mat in a sanctioned, team match? Should they catch that at weigh-in's?
Thanks again

It appears that the individual stating that the wrestler can compete in the 245 pound weight class is misusing the "wrestle up one weight class" scenario. If a JH kid weighs 104.1, he is ineligible for the 104 pound weight class, but eligible for the 110 and 116 pound weight class.

However, I agree with Dust_E_Roads on this, the heaviest weight class has a minimum, and no wrestler who weighs under that minimum can wrestle in the 245 pound weight class.

At the high school level, I do believe Groveport won a dual meet against Pickerington Central this way. The kid who stepped on the mat to wrestle us did not weigh above the minimum weight for 285, and thus, we received 6 team points.

wrestling-parent;1682784 wrote:Thanks for the response!
Does anyone know who's responsible for verifying that both heavyweight wrestlers are 205 or more before they hit the mat in a sanctioned, team match? Should they catch that at weigh-in's?
Thanks again

Typing at the same time...

Both coaches should receive a copy of the weigh-in sheets prior to the start of the dual. At that point the coach should see what each of the opponent's weighed.

wrestling-parent;1682784 wrote:Thanks for the response!
Does anyone know who's responsible for verifying that both heavyweight wrestlers are 205 or more before they hit the mat in a sanctioned, team match? Should they catch that at weigh-in's?
Thanks again

I think it is up to the opposing coach to catch it at weigh-ins and or hope the ref is diligent.

And I agree with Cruiser, I've seen teams use 220's below the cutoff to take forfeits at 285. I suppose it is up to the opposing coach to catch and challenge based upon the weigh in sheet. At the MS level, I've seen teams get away with it and be challenged/caught.