After reading the headline, I know what you’re thinking…they don’t need a cup. No, but there are different equipment needs for girls who wrestle.
Slickers
What in the world would they need rain coats for, right? But, as I’m learning the wrestling world has its own lingo.
With our little girl wrestling, tight braids are enough to help her hair stay under control and not a danger. But as girl’s hair gets fuller and longer, how to keep it contained and from getting pulled or stuck somewhere and hurting is a real question. Thus, the hair slicker!
Made of lycra, sometimes ugly and sometimes customized and colorful, they serve a very useful purpose. Imagine wrestling around and having someone pull your hair. It would certainly be a distraction and could cause you to lose concentration and lose.
There are several types of hair slickers, some of them have straps and headgear can be worn over them. Most slip in and attach to the headgear so there is only one strap to secure. These come in many colors to match singlets but are more of a cap instead of a containment for a lot of hair.
Personal preference would be the key here. Take the time to read the reviews for each. The length and texture of hair and age of wrestler seem to be a huge factor in which slicker cap stays in place the best, is easiest to put on and put headgear through. The wrestler will have to decide if they want to just leave it on in between matches or would like something easier to slip off and on.
All options seem to do the job to protect the hair of the individual. I would imagine as more girls participate, customized hair slickers would become more prevalent.
Singlets for Girls
Singlets for girls are cut a little differently than those made for boys. Of course, girls need a little more coverage in the front. The material used is generally the same, but female singlets are generally cut to be slightly wider around the hips, and higher in the chest and armpit areas to accommodate a girl’s growing body. Some wear sports bras underneath the singlets.
As I was looking for singlets for our granddaughter, I also saw track singlets and gymnastic singlets that could also work for some young ladies. Obviously there are more and more young ladies wrestling, thus a greater number of singlets will become available for females.
Customized singlets for young ladies are also available. Lots of the clubs and AAU teams offer customized singlets. Options are now available for girls in many instances.
Ear Protection
Ear protection, headgear, is pretty much universal. The only real differences are sizes and colors. Reading reviews are very important when purchasing ear protection. Headgear is a critical element of the wrestling equipment. I don’t believe young ladies will believe the cauliflower ear is a badge to be worn proudly. I know some boys feel that way and lifelong discussions follow. But, I can’t imagine too many girls wanting to dress up and go to prom or walk down the aisle with cauliflower ears. I could be wrong, but I’d hate to see my little wrestler with those damaged ears.