Description
2026 NCGA National Championship
Welcome to the 2026 NCGA National Championships! We’re honored to host you and your teams at Sacramento State University – California for an unforgettable showcase of collegiate grappling talent.
As a coach, you set the tone for your athletes—and for our sport. Please take a few moments to review the details below so we can ensure a professional, well-run event for everyone.
ďż˝ Event & Registration
- Smoothcomp Registration: Closes Wednesday, April 22nd at midnight
- Coaches Check-In: Friday, April 25th | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM� LSU–Shreveport Gymnasium
- Open Mat (Athletes): 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Rules / Technique Q & A opportunity: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
�️ Coaches Meeting & Dinner – Friday, 6:00 PM
This mandatory meeting will cover NCGA rules, event logistics, and match procedures.
Dress Code: Team collared shirt, slacks, and tennis shoes.Floor Access: Only credentialed coaches and actively competing athletes are allowed on the competition floor. All others must remain in the stands or in the coaches’ corral.
�️ Credentials & Floor Access
Each registered and paid coach will receive:
- An event lanyard for facility entry and floor access
- One athlete lanyard per registered competitor
- Challenge cards based on team size
ďż˝ Lanyard sharing is not permitted.Violations may result in fines and removal from the event.
Only two coaches per corner are allowed. No hats, no filming, and professional attire is required.
ďż˝ Sportsmanship & Conduct
The NCGA holds coaches to the highest standard of professionalism and respect.
Please model the behavior you expect from your athletes:
- Shake hands at the end of each bout
- Avoid inappropriate language or gestures
- Support officials and fellow teams respectfully
Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties, loss of team points, or removal from the event.
⚖️ Appeals & Grievances
The National Tournament Committee, composed of NCGA-certified black belts, will handle any rule disputes.
- Only coaches may file appeals (no parents nor students).
- Appeals must include a $100 deposit, refunded if successful.
ďż˝ Weight Classes & All-American Status
Only weight classes with four or more competitors are eligible for All-American recognition. Smaller brackets may be combined or run as round robins (non-All-American).
ďż˝ Challenge Cards
Each team starts with two challenge cards.
Additional cards are awarded as follows:
- 6–10 athletes → +1 card (3 total)
- 11–15 athletes → +2 cards (4 total)
- 15+ athletes → +3 cards (5 total)
Win your challenge, keep your card. Lose, and the card is forfeited.
ďż˝ Thank You
Your leadership, preparation, and professionalism help make NCGA Nationals the premier collegiate grappling event in the country.
We look forward to an incredible weekend of competition and camaraderie in Shreveport.Thank you for representing your athletes and your programs with pride.
