ASTM F1081-23

Standard Specification for Competition Wrestling Mats

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the physical and performance requirements for qualifying construction designs of competition wrestling mats used in U.S. collegiate or high school style (Type I), and international free style (Type II) wrestling. All mat constructions are included here, except for felt-core mats enclosed in sewn covers. The mats shall be tested and conform accordingly to tensile strength, shock absorption, and thickness requirements.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The mats shall be constructed to yield the values listed in Table 1 throughout the mat area under the conditions of the manufacturer's warranty.  
5.2 Special requirements for the mats shall be subject to purchase agreements. Special requirements shall never reduce any of the basic requirements listed in this standard.  
5.3 Good manufacturing practices shall be used in the construction and inspection of the mats.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers competition wrestling mats used at the high school and college levels. All mat constructions are included, except felt-core mats enclosed in sewn covers. The intended use of this standard is for the qualification of construction designs.  
Note 1: The known constructions, as of the issuance of this specification are: (1) closed-cell foam cores with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or PVC copolymer coatings, or both, which are integral parts of the mat; (2) closed-cell foam cores with attached fabric cover; (3) foam cores, either open- or closed-cell enclosed in sewn, loose covers, and (4) molded open-cell PVC foam with a dense skin on one surface which is an integral part of the mat.
Note 2: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.  
1.2 This specification covers mats used in the two major styles of wrestling: U.S. collegiate or high school, and international free style.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Note 6 for specific hazards statements.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 97.220.30 - Indoor sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.12 - Gymnastics and Wrestling Equipment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1081-09(2021) - Standard Specification for Competition Wrestling Mats
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM F355-23 - Standard Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems, Other Protective Sport Systems, and Materials Used for Athletics, Recreation and Play
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM F355-16e1 - Standard Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems, Other Protective Sport Systems, and Materials Used for Athletics, Recreation and Play
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Referred By: ASTM F2983-13(2018) - Standard Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling and Care Instructions for Wrestling Mats
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM F1081-23: Standard Specification for Competition Wrestling Mats is published by ASTM International to establish uniform requirements for the construction, physical properties, and performance of wrestling mats used in competitive environments, specifically U.S. collegiate or high school style (Type I) and international freestyle (Type II) wrestling. This standard ensures mats provide appropriate shock absorption, tensile strength, and thickness for athlete safety. Notably, it does not include felt-core mats enclosed in sewn covers.

ASTM F1081-23 is a crucial reference for manufacturers, facility managers, and athletic organizations to guarantee wrestling mats meet the stringent demands of competitive and safe wrestling events.

Key Topics

• Mat Construction Types: Covers a range of mat core constructions, including:
  • Closed-cell foam cores with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coatings
  • Closed-cell foam cores with attached fabric covers
  • Open- or closed-cell foam cores in sewn, loose covers
  • Molded open-cell PVC foam with a dense skin
• Performance Requirements: Standards for tensile strength, shock absorption (impact attenuation), and minimum thickness ensure wrestling mats can withstand rigorous use without compromising athlete safety.
• Dimensions and Markings: Mats must comply with standard dimensions and visible markings as established by official wrestling governing bodies, ensuring consistency across events.
• Section Assembly: Competition mats are typically produced in sections, which must be securely fastened together to prevent separation during use.
• Surface Quality: The mat surface must be smooth, uniform in color, and free from physical defects such as step-offs or exposed seams that may injure athletes.
• Maintenance and Inspection: Recommends regular cleaning, testing, and reconditioning or replacement of mats that no longer meet specified criteria for impact absorption or thickness.
• Safety and Labeling: Requires permanent warning labels on mat surfaces, alerting users to potential safety concerns.

Applications

ASTM F1081-23 is applied widely in the design, manufacturing, testing, and purchase of competition wrestling mats for:

• High school and collegiate wrestling programs: Ensures mat performance meets strict interscholastic and intercollegiate rules.
• International wrestling competitions: Supports global events adopting international freestyle requirements.
• Facility installation and refurbishment: Guides athletic directors and facility managers in sourcing mats that conform to recognized safety and performance standards.
• Mat manufacturers and suppliers: Offers a clear benchmark for product development, quality control, and customer assurance.
• Event organizers and governing bodies: Defines a consistent baseline for mat safety and quality in sanctioned tournaments and meets.

The standard is recognized as the basis for purchase agreements and regulatory compliance, with special requirements addressed only when they do not diminish the baseline standards set by ASTM F1081-23.

Related Standards

• ASTM D412: Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers - Tension
• ASTM D1056: Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials - Sponge or Expanded Rubber
• ASTM F355: Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems
• NCAA Official Wrestling Rules: Defines competition requirements for U.S. collegiate wrestling
• National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules
• International Wrestling Rules (U.S. Wrestling Federation): Governs international freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling mat requirements

Note: There is currently no ISO equivalent to ASTM F1081-23.

By adhering to ASTM F1081-23, organizations support athlete safety, fair competition, and long-term durability of wrestling facilities, reinforcing critical standards in sports equipment quality and performance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1081 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Competition Wrestling Mats
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1081; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers competition wrestling mats 2.1 ASTM Standards:
used at the high school and college levels. All mat construc- D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplas-
tions are included, except felt-core mats enclosed in sewn tic Elastomers—Tension
covers. The intended use of this standard is for the qualification D1056 Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials—
of construction designs. Sponge or Expanded Rubber
D1682 Test Method for Breaking Load and Elongation of
NOTE 1—The known constructions, as of the issuance of this specifi-
Textile Fabric (Withdrawn 1992)
cation are: (1) closed-cell foam cores with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or
F355 Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface
PVC copolymer coatings, or both, which are integral parts of the mat; (2)
closed-cell foam cores with attached fabric cover; (3) foam cores, either
Systems, Other Protective Sport Systems, and Materials
open- or closed-cell enclosed in sewn, loose covers, and (4) molded
Used for Athletics, Recreation and Play
open-cell PVC foam with a dense skin on one surface which is an integral
2.2 National Collegiate Athletic Association Document:
part of the mat.
NCAA Official Wrestling Rules
NOTE 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
2.3 U.S. Wrestling Federation Document:
1.2 This specification covers mats used in the two major
International Wrestling Rules, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman
styles of wrestling: U.S. collegiate or high school, and inter-
2.4 National Federation of State High School Associations
national free style.
Document:
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Official High School Wrestling Rules
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3. Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 coating—Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or PVC
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the copolymer, or both, or other suitable polymeric materials.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.2 cure—Evaporation of solvents from coating and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
coated foam mats only.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Classification
See Note 6 for specific hazards statements.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 Classify mats in accordance with the style of wrestling
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
being performed.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 The classifications are:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilitiesand is the direct responsibility of www.astm.org.
Subcommittee F08.12 on Gymnastics and Wrestling Equipment. NCAA, Shawnee Mission, KN 66222.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally US Wrestling Federation, 405 West Hall of Fame Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074.
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as F1081 – 09 (2021). National Federation of State High School Associations, P.O. Box 20626,
DOI: 10.1520/F1081-23. Kansas City, MO 64195.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1081 − 23
4.2.1 Type I—U.S. collegiate or high school style wrestling. 7.2 A mat shall have a maximum of 20 sections, unless
4.2.2 Type II—International free style wrestling. otherwise specified.
7.3 Mats of the coating/foam construction shall not be used
5. Significance and Use
if any areas of the coating are missing. (Warning—Areas of
5.1 The mats shall be constructed to yield the values listed
mats of coating/foam construction having missing coating are
in Table 1 throughout the mat area under the conditions of the
considered health hazards.)
manufacturer’s warranty.
NOTE 5—Mats should be cleaned and sanitized daily, or after each use,
5.2 Special requirements for the mats shall be subject to
as recommended by the manufacturer.
purchase agreements. Special requirements shall never reduce
8. Dimensions
any of the basic requirements listed in this standard.
8.1 The mats shall meet the requirements for minimal
5.3 Good manufacturing practices shall be used in the
dimensions and markings given in the rules of the National
construction and inspection of the mats.
Collegiate Athletic Association, the U.S. Wrestling Federation,
and the National Federation of State High School Associations.
6. Performance Requirements
8.2 The length and width dimensions of the mats shall be as
6.1 The requirements listed in this section and in Table 1 are
given in the appropriate rule book.
minimal for new and reconditioned mats.
6.2 Shock Absorption:
9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
6.2.1 The device and preparation of the device shall b
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1081 − 09 (Reapproved 2021) F1081 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Competition Wrestling Mats
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1081; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers competition wrestling mats used at the high school and college levels. All mat constructions are
included, except felt-core mats enclosed in sewn covers. The intended use of this standard is for the qualification of construction
designs.
NOTE 1—The known constructions, as of the issuance of this specification are: (1) closed-cell foam cores with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or PVC
copolymer coatings, or both, which are integral parts of the mat; (2) closed-cell foam cores with attached fabric cover; (3) foam cores, either open- or
closed-cell enclosed in sewn, loose covers, and (4) molded open-cell PVC foam with a dense skin on one surface which is an integral part of the mat.
NOTE 2—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
1.2 This specification covers mats used in the two major styles of wrestling: U.S. collegiate or high school, and international free
style.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. See Note 6 for specific hazards statements.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers—Tension
D1056 Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials—Sponge or Expanded Rubber
D1682 Test Method for Breaking Load and Elongation of Textile Fabric (Withdrawn 1992)
F355 Test Method for Impact Attenuation of Playing Surface Systems, Other Protective Sport Systems, and Materials Used for
Athletics, Recreation and Play
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilitiesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F08.12 on Gymnastics and Wrestling Equipment.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021Nov. 1, 2023. Published January 2022November 2023. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 20152021
as F1081 – 09 (2015).(2021). DOI: 10.1520/F1081-09R21.10.1520/F1081-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1081 − 23
2.2 National Collegiate Athletic Association Document:
NCAA Official Wrestling Rules
2.3 U.S. Wrestling Federation Document:
International Wrestling Rules, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman
2.4 National Federation of State High School Associations Document:
Official High School Wrestling Rules
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 coating—Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or PVC copolymer, or both, or other suitable polymeric materials.
3.1.2 cure—Evaporation of solvents from coating and coated foam mats only.
4. Classification
4.1 Classify mats in accordance with the style of wrestling being performed.
4.2 The classifications are:
4.2.1 Type I—U.S. collegiate or high school style wrestling.
4.2.2 Type II—International free style wrestling.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The mats shall be constructed to yield the values listed in Table 1 throughout the mat area under the conditions of the
manufacturer’s warranty.
5.2 Special requirements for the mats shall be subject to purchase agreements. Special requirements shall never reduce any of the
basic requirements listed in this standard.
5.3 Good manufacturing practices shall be used in the construction and inspection of the mats.
6. Performance Requirements
6.1 The requirements listed in this section and in Table 1 are minimal for new and reconditioned mats.
6.2 Shock Absorption:
6.2.1 Determine the shock absorption properties of the mats The device and preparation of the device shall be in accordance with
Procedure A of Test Method F355. The test method shall be as outlined in Section 11.
TABLE 1 Performance and Physical Property Values for
Wrestling Mats
Used-
Test Recondi-
Property Section New Rejection
Method tioned
Level
G 13.2
max
at 167 ± 8.6 in./s (423 ± 22 F355 100 100 .
cm/s), max
Thickness, in. (mm), min 13.3 D1056 25 (1.00) 25 (1.00) 20 (0.80)
NCAA, Shawnee Mission, KN 66222.
US Wrestling Federation, 405 West Hall of Fame Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074.
National Federation of State High School Associations, P.O. Box 20626, Kansas City, MO 64195.
F1081 − 23
6.2.2 The maximum g values for the mats shall be as listed in Table 1.
max
NOTE 3—Under the specified test conditions (that is, missile size, impact velocity, etc.), lower g values indicate better shock-absorbing properties.
max
6.2.3 Replace or recondition the mats when the g in
...