Novice (Beginner) Division

The 2026-2027 season will add a Novice (Beginner) division for the IOF Championships for select weight classes and divisions.

This Novice (Beginner) division focuses on providing newer wrestlers with the opportunity to compete against opponents with similar limited skills and experience, with a primary aim of fun over intense competition.

Criteria & Format

• Novice (Beginner) Division is for 1st- or 2nd-year IOF wrestlers only (2025-2026, 2026-2027). Wrestlers who have participated in more than 2 years of IOF events are not eligible for participation, dating back to the 2024-2025 and preceding seasons.
• Must participate with 1 entry in the conventional brackets as well; cannot only wrestle Novice divisions.
• Must still compete in at least 2 IOF events during the season.
• If you are in 9th grade, you are not eligible for the 14U Novice Division. 14U 9th graders are still eligible for conventional brackets.
• Boys and Girls are both eligible for the Novice Divisions if they meet the 2-year max criteria.
• Participation in Novice Division nulls the ability to earn team points for your club in the conventional bracket.
• Entry Fee: $20
• Novice Brackets will be built based upon Madison Block Weight, and flexibility with Age Ranges when necessary; Tournament Director’s discretion.

Tentative Weights & Age Ranges (Match Times)

• (8U - 50, 60, 70, 80) (1-1-1)
• (10U – 60, 70, 80, 90, 100) (1:30-1-1)
• (12U – 70, 80, 90, 100, 120) (1:30-1-1)
• (14U – 100, 110, 120, 130, 145) (1:30-1-1)