Ringworm/Skin Condition Policy
LAW Wrestling
Although I will do my very best to ensure our wrestling room is cleaned regularly, ringworm or other skin
conditions may be discovered during the upcoming wrestling season. In addition to keeping the wrestling mats
cleaned, the MOST IMPORT ANT preventative action that you can take is to shower with anti-bacterial soap
immediately following practice. Note: After tracking all cases from last year, nearly every single case involved
wrestlers from our oldest group. Parents - I know they should be old enough to shower on their own, but
PLEASE make sure they are doing it!
I want to clearly outline our club policy regarding ringworm and other skin conditions before the season starts
so everyone knows what is expected - before the first case is reported. The reality of skin issues is that certain
people may be carriers, without showing any outward signs, while some people may be more susceptible to
contracting skin conditions.
REPORTING: It will be expect~d and assumed all wrestlers/families will report any confirmed or suspicious
skin condition to me AS SOON 'AS THEY SEE THEM so I can note the condition and what part of the body is
effected. I need wrestlers and parents to be diligently checking for issues and wrestlers to be SHOWERING
with ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP!
TREATMENT: Families will get a variety of opinions and treatment plans based on which local doctor they
visit. Please be aware that our club policy does not ensure participation in weekend tournaments. Each
tournament handles their own body checks and they have their own criteria. The IKWF does require the use of
the official IHSA Skin Condition Form as the generally accepted proof of treatment/date of clearance. Please
ask if you want recommendations for topical treatment options.
I st Report: The wrestler will be expected to treat the condition for 24hrs before returning to the practice room.
After the 24 hr treatment period, the wrestler should come to practice with the area covered/taped in a way to
minimize the possibility that the covering will fall off The wrestler will be asked to leave the area covered
until they leave practice. I DO NOT RECOMMEND KEEPING THE AREA COVERED ALL OF THE TIME
- YOU WANT IT TO DRY OUT! Wrestlers will be asked to keep the area covered for at least 2 weeks from
start of treatment.
2nd Report: Same as Above.
3rd Report: When a wrestler reportslhas a skin condition a third time, I will ask then to take the IHSA skin form
to their own doctor to ensure topical treatment is being effective. In some cases, oral treatment is necessary to
resolve certain conditions.
4th Report: After the 3rd report of a skin condition, I will ask the family to begin using specially designed skin
protection products to try to prevent the condition from starting. There are several products available online or
through the wrestling catalogs.