How often must scales used for weigh-ins be certified?

Scales used for weigh-ins in wrestling must be certified annually to ensure accuracy and reliability in weight measurement. Accurate weight measurement is crucial for fair competition, as wrestlers are often categorized into weight classes. Annual certification helps maintain consistency in how the scales perform and ensures they meet the required standards for use in official weigh-ins. This practice is important not only for fairness among competitors but also for the integrity of the sport, ensuring that no wrestler gains an unfair advantage due to faulty or uncalibrated equipment.

The other intervals, such as every season or month, may seem frequent but would impose unnecessary burdens on facilities and could lead to variations in the scales being used throughout the years. The option of every four years is too infrequent to ensure precise measurements, which could jeopardize the fairness and safety of competitions. Thus, the annual certification strikes a balance between maintaining equipment and minimizing logistical issues.