MSHSL Position Regarding NFHS Rule 4-2-5—Tooth and Mouth Protector for wrestlers with braces

The National Federation of High schools (NFHS) wrestling rules for the 2007-2008 school year include a new rule, Rule 4-2-5 on page 18, requiring a high school wrestler with braces or a special orthodontic device to wear a tooth and mouth protector to cover the device(s).  The rule requires a tooth and mouth protector for both the upper and lower teeth if braces are present on both.

There has been significant difficulty identifying and locating a manufacturer of the device described in NFHS wrestling rule 4-2-5.  In particular, we have been unable to find a device for the lower teeth.

Until we have that information for our member schools we will not enforce 2007-2008 wrestling rule 4-2-5 as it is written.  A mouth guard will be required for the upper teeth but not for the lower teeth. 

Posted 11/27/07