Parent's Guide to Youth Wrestling ©2000
by Bill Campbell
Endorsed by: USA WRESTLING
Introduction
Of the many sports your child can participate in,
Wrestling is perhaps the most misrepresented, misunderstood, and
underrated. The ratio of participation to public awareness is
remarkably lopsided. Each year hundreds of thousands of kids
participate in this sport, yet the average person knows as much about
wrestling as they might know about rugby or polo -- which combined,
involve far fewer athletes. The purpose of this guide is to generate
new interest and awareness among parents whose children want to
participate in this exciting and rewarding sport.
Hopefully, this guide will help expose the myths and
uncover the benefits wrestling has to offer, and most importantly, help
parents understand how this unique sport best compliments other sports
choices their child makes.
Q&A
DOESN'T WRESTLING INVOLVE OR EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE
KINDS OF THINGS PROFESSIONAL WRESTLERS DO ON TELEVISION?
If you've been exposed to high school or college
wrestling, you may already realize that so-called "professional
wrestling" (i.e. WWF) as depicted on television, is entirely different
from the actual sport of wrestling. So different, in fact, that there
is little, if anything in common:
The Actual Sport of Wrestling
- Based on self-discipline, hard work, skill and
determination.
- Conducted on a mat with regulation shoes, kneepads
and headgear.
- Physically demanding, but relatively safe and
non-violent. Does not involve or even tolerate actions intended to
cause injury.
- World-class wrestlers utilize skills, strength and
endurance developed over a lifetime of practice and hard work.
"Professional Wrestling"
- Based on theatrics, entertainment value and shock
factor.
- Conducted in a ring with boots and outrageous
costumes.
- Violent in nature with contestants depicting
punching, kicking, body slams, etc.
- Showcase events typically involve participants with
no amateur (real) wrestling experience.
IF WRESTLING IS NOTHING LIKE WWF ON TV, THEN WHAT IS
IT ALL ABOUT, AND WHAT SHOULD PARENTS AND KIDS KNOW ABOUT THE SPORT
WHEN CONSIDERING THEIR OPTIONS?
Wrestling is perhaps the purest form of athletic
competition to exist in the realm of organized sports. There are no
bats or balls, or pucks or sticks. No pads or helmets or jerseys.
There's no time to rethink strategy, regroup, or even to catch your
breath. There's only you, and your opponent of equal weight and size.
Experience, preparation and the will to succeed will determine the
victor. There's no doubt about it, wrestling tops the list of intense,
highly-competitive sports.
Wrestling involves a unique balance of practically every
aspect of physical and psychological conditioning. Strength is as
important as stamina. Speed as technique, strategy as intensity, and
power as is coordination. However, it's not always the natural athlete
that ultimately succeeds in the sport - it's the natural competitor.
Kids that are strong for their weight, well coordinated
and naturally aggressive are usually more successful early on in the
sport. However, it's the highly competitive kids that really enjoy the
sport, that eventually achieve the highest levels of success. True
competitors come in all shapes and sizes, and in varying degrees of
natural talent. Many of the best wrestlers the world has ever seen,
such as John Smith, Dan Gable and Dave Schultz were not star athletes.
They are and were ordinary people with an extraordinary competitive
drive.
Gifted athletes, especially those that are strong and
well coordinated, typically do well and take an early liking to the
sport. Some kids that thrive on competition, with only average or below
average natural ability, often surprise parents and coaches by
eventually surpassing more gifted kids through hard work and
preparation.
Although it is wise for parents and coaches to
de-emphasize winning, victories can be extremely gratifying because of
the strong sense of personal accomplishment. The effort put forth in
practice and preparation is apparent in competition, and not lost in a
team effort. This aspect of wrestling can be a great motivator and
teacher, and can develop a person's work ethic, self-confidence, and
ability to achieve in all areas of life. Wrestling is great for
exposing the "champion" within most any kid, but especially with those
that love to compete.
HOW DOES WRESTLING COMPARE WITH TEAM SPORTS SUCH AS
SOCCER, BASEBALL AND BASKETBALL?
Wrestling is considered an individual sport, but
includes many of the benefits of team sports. Wrestling differs from
most team sports in that during competition, athletes must rely
entirely on their own individual abilities for success. Those that
dedicate the time and effort will eventually achieve at a level
directly proportionate to the investment they have made - even if their
teammates prepare and perform at a different level.
Similarities exist in that teammates still depend on
each other in team competition. Team victories in meets and tournaments
are determined by the number of individual victories, and the extent to
which each match was won or lost. Wrestlers also develop an
appreciation and respect for teammates that have been through the same
challenges, and a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie with
teammates and other wrestlers.
Other team sports may be better for developing
interactive player-toplayer skills such as passing and blocking, but
wrestling can offer benefits that other team sports lack. The
individual nature of the sport provides an outstanding opportunity for
young athletes to develop a sense of responsibility and self esteem
while learning the relationship between effort and achievement.
WHAT PHYSICAL EFFECTS CAN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING
HAVE ON CHILDREN?
Sports offer opportunities for children to improve their
strength, flexibility and coordination, while having fun. Most sports
activities rely more on some muscle groups and less on others. For
example, most sports focus primarily on pushing motions (leg/arm
extension) such as throwing, hitting, kicking, jumping and running.
Experts believe that unilateral (equal emphasis on all
muscle groups) physical development is especially important in young
athletes. Isolated development at an early age, over a long period,
increases the risk of injury and limits long-term foundational growth.
Swimming, gymnastics and wrestling are among the few sports that engage
both pulling and pushing muscle groups.
Of all the sports choices a parent and child can make,
wrestling is perhaps the best sport for overall physical development
because it involves all muscle groups, and requires the greatest
balance of athletic skill. In other words, wrestling does more to
improve basic things such as strength, balance, speed, agility and
intensity, and is not as specialized as most other common sports.
DOES WRESTLING TEACH OR PROMOTE AGGRESSIVE OR
VIOLENT BEHAVIOR?
Aggressiveness? Yes. Violence? No. Wrestling is often
referred to as the toughest sport, and in many ways it is, but it is
certainly not violent, nor does it lead to unruly or destructive
behavior.
One of the factors that make wrestling so different from most other
sports is that wrestling involves head-to-head competition. Each
wrestler's efforts work in direct opposite from each other as in a
tug-of-war contest. Success in wrestling requires the ability to
attack, as well as the ability to stop your opponent's attack. The same
factors apply with boxing and martial arts, but an attack in wrestling
is nonviolent. Wrestling does not permit opponents to strike one
another, and imposes strict penalties or disqualification for violent
behavior. In essence, wrestling is unique in the fact that it can be
very aggressive without being violent. The objective is not to destroy
or harm one's opponent, but to out-maneuver them and to gain control.
The intensity with which wrestlers compete increases
with age and experience. Kids wrestling, especially the younger age
groups, in not nearly as intense as high school or college wrestling.
It's common for new wrestlers to feel somewhat intimidated at first,
not knowing how they compare with other wrestlers, but that is soon
overcome. Wrestling, perhaps more than any other sport, is a great for
building confidence while retaining a healthy dose of humility. The
long-term result is that it develops the champion from within, and
leads to greater success both on and off the mat, and does not turn
kids into bullies or thugs.
At what age should kids get involved?
Some parents feel that wrestling is too intense for
young kids, and that it is better suited for post-pubescent teenage
years. Denying a child the opportunity to participate in wrestling
until high school greatly reduces their chance of success. Wrestling is
a sport involving very complex technique that can take many years to
master. A great high school athlete with little or no wrestling
experience has little or no chance against an 8 or 10 year veteran.
Some kids can close this gap by their last year of high school, but
like most sports these days, starting younger seems to be the norm.
There are two entry points prior to high school - kid's
clubs and middle school wrestling. Both are very accommodating for new
wrestlers. Age and maturity level is not a factor by the time kids are
in middle school, but at the club level, kids can enter wrestling as
young as 4 or 5 years of age.
There is no easy way to know when a child is mature
enough to be participating in a new sport. Some might be ready at
three, while others might not develop an interest for wrestling until
their early teens. The best approach is to introduce kids to the sport
at a time and pace that is consistent with their interest level,
backing off when necessary, and allowing more participation as their
interest grows. In any case, it is important NOT to involve very young
kids in a highly competitive program. Parents with young wrestlers
should check that their club can properly accommodate young wrestlers
with a separate, less competitive regimen involving more fun,
"tumbling" types of activities, with virtually no emphasis on any of
the serious, more competitive aspects of the sport.
IS WRESTLING A "DANGEROUS" SPORT?
There is a common misperception among the non-wrestling
public that wrestling is a very dangerous sport. Perhaps it's the
aggressive nature of the sport, association with "Pro Wrestling", or
perhaps fear of the unknown. Several studies have been conducted in
recent years that show wrestling to be safer than many more common
sports including football, ice hockey and gymnastics. Most notable in
these reports, is wrestling's low percentage of serious, permanent and
life-threatening injury in relation to other sports. A quote from USA
Wrestling Club Organizing Guide has the following to say about Risk of
Injury:
"Wrestling is a contact sport and injuries will
occur. As would be expected, wrestling has more injuries than tennis
and swimming, but most wrestling injuries are minor, consisting of
sprains and strains. Wrestling has fewer serious injuries than
football, basketball or ice hockey. There is a lesser chance of getting
seriously hurt when wrestling than when riding in a car, skateboarding
or riding a dirt bike."
Safety factors in some ways unique to wrestling include:
- Rules, regulations, and state certified officials.
- The high ratio of officials to athletes (one for
every two).
- Greater strength and flexibility as a result of more
emphasis on practice and preparation.
- Competitors are matched by age and weight.
Perhaps the most notable difference with respect to the
risk of injury, is the lack of high-impact collision that occurs in
most other common sports. Wrestlers do collide, but never at great
momentum or speeds as can happen with sports that involve running such
as football, baseball, soccer, hockey and basketball. Also, overuse
injuries from highly repetitive motions such as pitching are virtually
non-existent in youth wrestling because of the variety of movement, and
there is no risk of injury from hard objects such as bats, sticks,
balls or pucks. On the other hand, wrestlers are more susceptible to
some communicable skin infections such as ringworm, but these incidents
are quite rare, and can be prevented with the proper precautions, such
as washing the mat and showering after practice.
Wrestling injuries can and do occur, but are more of a
factor at the collegiate and international levels where match intensity
is much higher. Most injuries occur during periods of horseplay or
unsupervised activities such as before or after practice or
competition. Parents and coaches can reduce this risk through proper
planning and preparation.
CAN WRESTLING HAVE AN EFFECT ON CHARACTER
DEVELOPMENT?
Success factors in sports, or anything for that matter,
are part God-given (i.e. height and size) and part acquired (i.e.
endurance). Success in wrestling depends most on acquired factors, and
unlike most other sports, wrestling does not favor athletes of any
particular height, size, weight, muscle type, race or social class, and
does not rely on superior vision or hearing.
Wrestlers learn, by the nature of the sport, that
long-term success has much more to do with the investment made than the
"natural" gifts one is given. Wrestlers learn the value of preparation
and hard work, and the role it plays in achieving one's goals.
Wrestling provides real-life experiences that build and strengthen the
following character traits:
- Self Reliance
- Mental Toughness
- Work Ethic
- Competitive Spirit
- Responsibility
- Self Discipline
- Goal Orientation
- Confidence
In order to keep this in perspective, one must realize
that character development is a slow process, driven by a variety of
positive and negative influences with varying degrees of impact. Sports
can play a significant role in character development, but other
influences may have an even greater impact. Wrestling, in itself, is
not a character development solution, but years of participation can
provide positive influences. A person's overall character includes many
other dimensions, such as integrity and compassion, which may have
little if anything to do with sports.
Muscle types are categorized as fast-twitch and
slow-twitch. Fast-twitch muscle fibers deliver power, and are favored
in explosive sports such as football. Slow-twitch fibers are superior
in endurance activities such as long distance running. Training can
compensate for some of this difference, however, it's a known fact that
the ratio of slow-twitch to fast-twitch fibers varies from person to
person, providing some with a "natural" advantage over others in
particular sports.
WOULD MY CHILD BE REQUIRED OR EPECTED TO LOSE WEIGHT?
NO! There's no weight cutting in youth wrestling
programs. It's true that weight cutting does exist at the high school
and collegiate levels, but there are quite a few public misconceptions.
Some parents automatically associate wrestling with excessive,
out-of-control weight loss, akin to anorexia and bulimia. In reality,
the opposite is true - wrestlers gain control of their body weight and
body composition, and are able to set and achieve reasonable goals with
respect to muscle mass, fat percentage and body weight.
This form of weight control is more of a factor in later
years, when competing at high school or collegiate levels, but coaches
and wrestlers at that level are well aware of health and safety
factors, and not likely to engage in unhealthy or risky forms of weight
loss. Furthermore, state and national governing bodies, such as USA
Wrestling, now prohibit any form of rapid or unsafe weight loss.
To some, the practice of any sort of weight control for
the purpose of competing in a sport may still seem extreme and
unnecessary, however, at the appropriate age, with proper education,
planning and discipline, weight control can be a good thing that caries
into other sports and can be an asset in maintaining one's health later
in life. Proper weight control results in optimum body composition,
allowing athletes to compete in peak physical condition, with the
greatest ratio of strength, energy and power to body weight. These are
factors in virtually every sport at the Olympic level.
With young wrestlers, it is only appropriate to discuss
concepts. It can be a good time to explain how healthy eating can have
an impact on performance, or to discuss the difference between healthy
foods and "junk foods". Virtually all kids can learn and benefit from
this information, even at a young age.
CAN WRESTLING BE AN AID IN SELF-DEFENSE?
Who would win in a fight between a world-class boxer and
a black belt kung-fu expert? How about an NFL linebacker versus a
world-renowned jiu-jitsu champion? Opinions vary widely, but the truth
of the matter is that each sport, or self-defense discipline, offers
its own unique advantages that become more or less important depending
on the situation. For example, boxing skills are quite valuable in a
fistfight, but are practically useless if attacked from behind.
Most fight situations begin as a fistfight, but end up
on the ground in a grappling contest with the better wrestler being the
victor. Grappling, or wrestling skills, are actually more important in
most self-defense situations, than the ability to punch or kick. The
highly controversial sport of Ultimate Fighting proves this point.
Ultimate fighting, much like organized street fighting,
began in 1993 with contestants of virtually every discipline. More than
thirty forms of martial arts have been represented including everything
from aikido to wing chun kung fu. Win/loss statistics compiled since
inception list wrestling as the most effective discipline. Always able
to take their opponent to the ground and remain in control, wrestlers
with no other martial arts training fared extremely well against world
renowned experts in Karate, Jiu-jitsu and other similar martial arts
disciplines. Although wrestlers are relatively rare in the sport, past
champions have included several excellent wrestlers such as Dan Severn
and Mark Shultz, whom easily won matches against much bigger and
stronger, internationally acclaimed martial arts champions.
Involvement in wrestling is a great way to build
confidence and the ability to defend one's self, without resorting to
the violent tactics inherent in most other forms of self-defense.
Wrestling skills are an enormous asset in a schoolyard brawl or even a
street fight, however, wrestling's non-violent nature does not prepare
one for other aspects of self-defense such as disabling or disarming an
assailant.
IS WRESTLING ONLY FOR BOYS?
In the 1970's and early 1980's, with the exception of a
few isolated incidents, wrestling was a male-only sport. Over the last
ten years female participation has increased to the point that it is
not uncommon to find girls participating in youth and high school
programs. Women's divisions have been created in U.S. and international
freestyle competition, and some tournaments are exclusively for women.
Unlike Japan, where female participation sometimes exceeds male
participation, in the United States, there are still far fewer girls
than boys, however, female involvement is growing rapidly at all levels.
Girls can benefit from wrestling just as boys can;
however, the social, mental and physical challenges can be much
greater. In addition to the normal challenges of the sport, a female
wrestler may feel singled out if she is the only girl on the team.
Girls also face greater physical challenges. Differences in strength
can be minimal at young ages, but as children reach puberty, boys
typically gain a significant strength, advantage. Overcoming these
challenges requires great determination and mental toughness; however,
some girls have proven they can be successful competing against boys
despite these obstacles.
Parents with daughters willing to accept these
challenges should take the time to interview coaches and be sure they
are satisfied with the coaching staff's acceptance and effectiveness in
integrating girls into the program. If possible, it's best to select a
team with other girls, or to join with a girlfriend.
WHAT FORMS OF WRESTLING EXIST, AND WHAT AVENUES
EXIST BEYOND THE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE LEVELS?
Wrestling, like soccer, is an international sport,
prevalent in virtually every major country. It's also the oldest
organized sport, and dates back well over 5,000 years. Over time, many
variations, such as sumo wrestling, have developed in different parts
of the world.
Wrestling in the United Stated is practiced in three
styles: folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman. Folkstyle, the
predominant form of scholastic wrestling in the United States, is found
in our high schools, colleges and clubs. This style is unique to the
U.S. Rules are established by the National Collegiate Athletic
Association [NCAA] and the National Federation of State High School
Associations.
The other two styles, freestyle and Greco-Roman, are
practiced internationally, and are gaining popularity in the U.S. as we
continue to advance as a world wrestling power.
World and Olympic championships in Freestyle and
GrecoRoman wrestling are conducted by FILA, the international governing
body responsible for the administration and rule development of the
sport. USA Wrestling conducts annual regional and national tournaments
in all three styles for male and female wrestlers of all ages.
The differences between Freestyle, Folkstyle and
Greco-Roman are subtle to the novice observer, but rather significant
to the wrestler. There are differences in rules, scoring and strategy.
Freestyle and Greco-Roman focus more on wrestling from the feet. They
are identical except that Greco-Roman is limited to upper-body holds.
Folkstyle, on the other hand, places greater emphasis on establishing
and maintaining control and involves more mat wrestling.
Wrestlers advancing beyond the college level can compete
in Freestyle and/or GrecoRoman World and Olympic competition, however
there is no avenue to advance beyond that to a professional level. It's
unrealistic for wrestlers to fantasize about aspiring to the level of
notoriety and fame associated with other more popular sports, or to
imagine themselves, one day earning a living as a professional
wrestler. Dan Gable, for example, is as much of a legend in wrestling
as Michael Jordan is with basketball, but Dan is virtually unknown
outside the wrestling community. It's not likely that wrestling
champions will ever come to be known for their achievements in the
sport.
General Info
FOLKSTYLE BASICS
Objective
The primary objective in folkstyle wrestling is to gain
control of your opponent and to ultimately pin your opponent by holding
your opponent with their back (both shoulder blades simultaneously) on
the mat for a period of at least two seconds.
Match Basics
Wrestling matches consist of three periods. Periods can
vary in length from one minute in duration for younger age groups, to
as long as three minutes for college wrestling. Either wrestler can win
the match at any time if they are able to pin their opponent or develop
a lead of more than 14 points. Otherwise, the wrestler that can
accumulate the most points by the end of the third period (or after
overtime in the case of a tie) wins the match.
There are only two positions from which referees start,
or continue a match. The first is neutral position, with both wrestlers
standing and facing each other. The other is the referee's position,
where one wrestler starts on his hands and knees down on the mat, and
the other starts on top, behind and in control. The first period always
begins in the neutral position. Each wrestler has their choice in one
of the remaining periods, to choose to start from top or bottom
referee's position, or in the neutral position. If the action must be
stopped before the end of a period, the referee restarts the wrestlers
in the starting position that best reflects the position the wrestlers
were in when the action was stopped.
Scoring
The scoring system is rather simple. Takedowns (when
from a neutral position one wrestler is able to bring the other to the
mat and gain control) are worth two points. Escapes (when the bottom
wrestler is able to break free from the top wrestler and revert back to
a neutral position) are worth one point. Reversals, (when a wrestler on
the bottom is able to reverse the control so that the opponent is on
the bottom) are worth two points.
Back points (also called near fall) are awarded when one
wrestler comes close to pinning the other (i.e. exposing the other
wrestler's back) and are worth two or three points depending on the
length of time that the opponent's back is exposed. In addition,
penalty points can be awarded when the opposing wrestler performs
illegal moves or is penalized for excessive stalling.
Competition is conducted in a manner as to promote and
require good sportsmanship. Competitors are expected to show respect to
opponents, officials and coaches regardless of the outcome of their
match. Both wrestlers are required to shake hands before and after the
match. It is also common practice for each wrestler to shake the hand
of their opponent's coach after the match.
Officials
Officiating is more objective than subjective in that it
does not require judging, as with sports such as gymnastics or figure
skating. However, situations can and do occur that are subject to
interpretation. Those situations most often involve out of bounds
calls, determination of when/if control is sufficient to award points,
and determination of when/if stalling or penalties apply.
Equipment
Basic wrestling equipment includes a headgear, wrestling
shoes, and a singlet. Wrestling shoes offer more ankle support than the
traditional shoe and are designed lightweight and tight to the foot to
promote freedom of movement. Headgear can prevent outer ear injuries
and bruises during practice and competition. The standard wrestling
uniform, known as a singlet, is designed to fit snug to the body so
that it does not restrict the movement of either wrestler. Kneepads are
sometimes worn by choice.
FREESTYLE & GRECO-ROMAN BASICS
Objective
The primary objective in freestyle and Greco-Roman
wrestling is much the same as with folkstyle, except that other factors
are taken into account such as the skill with which moves are executed,
and the type of holds that is used.
Match Basics
Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling matches are
condensed into one or two periods, depending on the age group. Younger
groups typically, wrestle two ninety-second periods. Older groups
wrestle one continuous five-minute period. Periods always begin with
both wrestlers in the neutral position.
As with folkstyle wrestling, the match can be stopped
short of the time limit if either wrestler scores a pin or achieves
technical superiority, which in folkstyle and Greco-Roman wrestling is
a lead of ten or more points.
After a takedown situation in which both wrestlers
continue to wrestle down on the mat, known as the "par tarre" position,
the bottom wrestler is not obligated to work for an escape or reverse
as with folkstyle wrestling. Instead, it is the responsibility of the
top wrestler to work diligently to execute a hold that will expose
their opponent's back. If the top wrestler is not immediately
(officials allow about fifteen seconds) successful in doing this, the
official will stop the match and re-start the wrestlers on their feet
in a neutral position.
Scoring
Control of one's opponent is less of a concern in
freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Back points are awarded more
freely in that it is only necessary to turn your opponent's back within
90 degrees of the mat. Takedowns, escapes and reversals are awarded one
point, unless there is exposure of the back, in which additional points
are awarded.
Unlike folkstyle wrestling, it is not necessary to have
control in order to score back points. A wrestler in a defensive
situation can be awarded back points if their opponent's back makes
contact with the mat in executing an offensive move.
Other variations from folkstyle scoring include the
additional points that can be awarded for takedowns that result in back
exposure. "Grand Amplitude" holds, in which an opponent is lifted from
the mat and brought from a standing position directly to his or her
back are good for five points.
Sportsmanship
As with folkstyle wrestling, both freestyle and
Greco-Roman wrestling mandates sportsman-like conduct. In international
competition, wrestlers are required to shake hands with their opponent
and with the referee before and after the bout.
Officials
Officiating in freestyle and Greco-Roman is performed in
teams of one, two or three officials. When possible three officials are
used. The referee who stands on the mat and controls the action with
his/her whistle is assisted by a judge and a mat chairperson seated on
opposite sides of the mat. All scoring must be agreed upon by two of
the three officials.
Equipment
FILA permits, but does not require, the use of headgear
in international freestyle and Greco-Roman competition. In addition,
wrestlers are required to wear either red or blue singlets, depending
on their match pairing. Other than that, the equipment is identical to
that used with folkstyle wrestling.
THE WRESTLING SEASON
The wrestling season for folkstyle wrestling begins in
November and runs until March. The freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling
season begins in March and runs through July. School programs, being
folkstyle, follow the winter schedule. Clubs vary, depending on their
orientation, although some clubs practice throughout the year and
compete in all styles.
The wrestling season can be organized differently,
depending on whether your child is participating in a school program or
an independent club. School sponsored wrestling typically involves
after-school practice sessions with weekly meets and tournaments. Meets
involve matches between the starting wrestlers from each of the two or
more schools. Standard weight classes apply to all teams and
competitions. Competition exists within teams for starting positions.
Some school systems only offer wrestling at the high
school level, however, private wrestling clubs can provide
opportunities to participate at younger ages.
Wrestling clubs typically hold practices two or three
times per week and have anywhere from a few, to more than 100 wrestlers
ranging in age from 4 to 14. Club participants do not compete for
starting positions on the team. In most situations, tournaments are
open to all members.
Club and tournament operation typically conform to
guidelines of an affiliated state wrestling program. For example, most
kids wrestling clubs in Wisconsin belong to the WWF (Wisconsin
Wrestling Federation) which provides everything from insurance to state
tournament competition, resulting in a high standard of organization,
consistency and safety throughout the state.
TOURNAMENTS
Wrestlers of all ages can compete in weekly season
tournaments held in most metropolitan areas throughout the United
States. Tournament competition is organized by weight and age. Typical
age brackets, for example, are as follows: 8 and Under, 9 & 10, 11
& 12, and 13 & 14. Weight classes are either predetermined, or
blocked into groups of 4 or 8 after all wrestlers have weighed in.
Most school-sponsored tournaments are held on Saturdays.
Most club-sponsored tournaments during the school season are held on
Sundays because officials are busy with school tournaments. Wrestling
tournaments can last for 4 to 6 hours, and can involve as many as 200
to 600 participants." Depending on the team schedule, there can be as
many as ten or more tournaments throughout the season, some of which
can be as far as several hours away.
Registration is usually taken in advance, however,
wrestlers can sometimes register at the door when capacity has not been
met. Mandatory weigh-ins are most often held the morning of the
tournament approximately 1 to 2 hours before the first round of
competition. At weigh-in, wrestlers' weights, ages and experience
levels are recorded on slips of paper that are used to form brackets.
Some tournaments have pre-determined weight classifications, and
brackets are formed within those classifications.
A completed bracket sheet will show specific parings for
each match. After each round, bracket sheets are updated to show
parings for the following round. Winners continue to advance, while
those that loose are typically eligible for "wrestle backs" in
competition for third or fifth.
Four-man brackets are common with 8 and under age
groups, and eight-man brackets are most common for older age groups.
There is usually a 30 to 60 minute period before the tournament begins,
when wrestlers can warm up and locate their bracket Wrestlers typically
wrestle two to four matches in any one tournament; however, it's
possible in some situations to wrestle more. Tournaments are organized
in rounds, allowing wrestlers sufficient time to rest between matches.
Before each round, pairings are determined, using result of the
previous round, and wrestlers are called to a staging area or "bull
pen". Wrestlers are then escorted to the mat by bracket, as mat space
becomes available. Some tournaments call wrestlers to the mat by name
instead of using the "bull pen" staging method.
Tournament regulations usually limit the number of
coaches allowed to coach from the edge of the mat. A referee starts and
stops the match, awarding points when appropriate. When the match is
over, wrestlers shake hands and return to their coaches. In some cases,
winners must sign the score card at the scoring table. Trophies or
metals are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th , and sometimes 5th and
6th , after all matches in their bracket have been completed. Awards
are sometimes presented at the scoring table immediately after the
match, or as announced from the head table. Wrestlers are free to leave
after awards are presented, unless there are team activities for which
they need to be present.
Some kids tournaments exceed 600 participants.
The Illinois Kids Open, for example, has drawn over 1,600 participants,
making it one of the largest one-day sporting events.
HISTORY AND FAME
Wrestling has a fascinating history with deep roots in
virtually every major culture on the planet. Evidence found throughout
the world indicates that wrestling is without question the oldest sport
ever practiced. Cave drawings and carvings located in France dating
back fifteen thousand years show evidence of an early form of
competitive wrestling.
Wrestling was later popular in Greek and Egyptian
culture, and is prevalent in the architecture of many temples and
tombs. Match results are recorded in Japan dating back to the year 22
BC. Wrestling was also a common element of Native American culture
prior to the arrival of European settlers.
Although even the most accomplished wrestlers receive
little if any public notoriety, quite a few famous people began their
lifetime of achievement on the wrestling mat. A stroll through the
National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater Oklahoma offers the
surprising discovery that, many historical and current day prominent
people were once wrestlers. A partial list includes:
U.S. Presidents - George Washington, Zachary Taylor,
William Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson,
Ulysses S. Grant, and Chester A. Arthur.
Several well-known Congressmen, Senators, and other Statesmen and
Military leaders including General Norman Schwarzkoph
Several Scientists including Benjamin Franklin and Nobel prize winner
Dr. Norman Borlaug.
Several well known actors including Tom Cruise, Tony Danza, Kirk
Douglas and Robin Williams.
And quite a few other prominent people including a long list of CEO's
and presidents of major corporations.
THE COACH'S ROLE
An effective coaching staff is essential in helping kids
derive the greatest benefit from their involvement in the sport.
Coaches need to be effective in planning, organizing and running
practice sessions, and coaching mat-side during competition. They are
also called upon in a host of other related activities, but most
importantly, coaches should strive to create and maintain an
environment in which the champion in every child can blossom.
It is the coach's responsibility to provide
opportunities for growth, achievement and excellence that can lead to
success on and off the mat. A good wrestling coach is effective in
preparing his wrestlers for the challenges of competition and is able
to instill positive values such as goal setting and self-discipline,
while maintaining a high degree of enjoyment and fulfillment for the
wrestlers.
In addition, coaches must be perceptive, flexible and
creative enough to address individual needs. In summary, the coach
should be a person wrestlers trust, look up to, learn from, and rely on
for support. This is certainly a tall order given personal limitations
and other commitments most coaches face. It is more practical however,
for these virtues to be present collectively within a coaching staff.
THE PARENT'S ROLE
Wrestling can be relatively demanding, not only for the
wrestler, but also for the parent. Wrestling clubs typically hold
practice sessions two, and sometimes three times per week, in the
evening, after the high school practice is over. Many open tournaments
during the school wrestling season are held on Sundays, which may
conflict with other family plans, but at a minimum require a good deal
of preparation, driving and patience.
Some tournaments are a good distance from home, and
usually require an early start. There are other responsibilities as
well, ranging from fund raising activities to helping with tournaments
or participating in other team activities. The parent's role, however,
extends beyond such tasks. Matches and practice sessions offer new and
unique learning opportunities for young athletes. Involved parents spot
these opportunities and make the most of them.
Most importantly, kids need support and encouragement.
They need to be able to stake claim to something positive about
themselves that they can build from in developing self-confidence.
Parents can facilitate this process by identifying and reinforcing
strengths while helping their child to see past their weaknesses. Your
positive reinforcement as a perceptive and caring parent can be the
single most significant influence in your child's athletic development
and personal growth. A famous Lao-tsu quote sums it up like this...
"To see things in the seed, that is Genius."
Here's some additional do's and don'ts:
Don't impose your ambitions or expectations on your
child. Remember that wrestling is your child's activity.
Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each individual.
Don't judge your child's progress based on the performance of other
athletes and don't push them based on what you think they should be
doing.
Be supportive no matter what. There is only one
question to ask your child, "Did you have fun?" If meets and practices
are not fun you should not force them to participate.
Do not coach your child. Your job is to support,
love and hug your child no matter what. Conflicting advice and
criticism work against the coach's efforts and only serve to confuse
and demotivate your child. If you feel you have the experience and
ability to contribute to the team as a coach, volunteer your services
through the proper channels.
Get involved. Your club needs your help and
support. Attend parent and club meetings to find out how you can help.
And most importantly, show your child that you care by attending as
many meets and tournaments as possible.
Acknowledge your child's fears. Their opponents
appear to be much more intimidating through their eyes than through the
eyes of a grown-up. Consider their perspective and don't expect them to
compete with the confidence and mental toughness of a seasoned expert.
Do not criticize the officials. Unless you have
been there, you have no idea how challenging officiating can be. Expect
that in some matches your child could lose as a result of an error on
the part of an official or score keeper. That's life. Help your child
to understand that the official does their best to score the match
fairly, and that it is important that we respect the ruling of the
officials regardless of how we feel about the situation.
USA WRESTLING AND YOUR CLUB
USA Wrestling supports and promotes amateur wrestling at
all levels from youth programs to international and Olympic
competition. USAW provides services to wrestling clubs and their
individual participants, either directly, or through state
organizations, fulfilling a variety of important needs.
USA Wrestling Mission Statement
USA Wrestling, as the National Governing Body for
wrestling in the United States, shall responsibly advocate, promote,
coordinate and provide opportunities for amateur wrestlers to achieve
their full human and athletic potential.
Coaches Education and Certification
Wrestling plays an important role in the education and
training of wrestling coaches throughout the United States. USA
Wrestling's coaching education program offers training and
certification for coaches of all levels from club coaches to Olympic
coaches.
There are four levels of certification offered through
USAW's National Coaches Education Program (NCEP); Copper, Bronze,
Silver and Gold. The Copper Level program is designed for parents and
club coaches, and the Bronze Level is a prerequisite for the Silver and
Gold Levels required for coaching at the highest levels of competition.
Copper Level certification is mandatory for coaching
mat-side at any USA Wrestling Regional and National Events. It is also
the starting level for the beginning or part-time volunteer coach. This
program is four hours long and covers wrestling and coaching basics.
The Copper course uses materials from ACEP and the Rookie Coaches
Wrestling Guide book, and can be offered locally at the club level. The
cost is generally about $25. Contact USA Wrestling or your State
Chairperson for more information.
Bronze Level certification is needed to proceed to the
silver and gold levels. It is ten hours in duration and covers material
for the advanced volunteer or the professional coach. This course is
the minimum requirement to enter the National Coaching Pool. It
includes four hours of wrestling technique and the book Coach's Guide
to Excellence.
Liability and Sports Accident Insurance
USA Wrestling chartered clubs, directors, volunteers,
and membership programs include this valuable asset for your club and
members.
USA Wrestler
The official publication of USA Wrestling is sent to all
members of USA Wrestling six times a year. This feature-packed
publication appeals to wrestlers of all age groups, providing
tournament listings, wrestling tips and technique, kid's perspectives
and tournament results throughout the year. USA Wrestling is the
wrestling publication for any wrestler, parent or fan.
National Competition
Membership in USA Wrestling provides opportunities for
wrestlers to participate in National Folkstyle, Freestyle and
Greco-Roman age group championships. Your state and club
representatives can provide information about participation in these
events.
Olympic Involvement
Youth involvement serves as the grassroots foundation
for wrestling at all levels throughout the United States. USA Wrestling
not only serves the needs of youth clubs, but also organizes and
conducts World and Olympic competitions and has been instrumental in
positioning the USA as a world wrestling powerhouse.
For more information about USA Wrestling programs and
events see your club representative or contact USA Wrestling at
719-598-8181.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bill Campbell is an avid wrestling fan and coach, and
president of Young Champions, a youth wrestling organization located in
Wauconda, Illinois.
CONTACT USA WRESTLING
USA Wrestling
6155 Lehman Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918-3439
719-598-8181 719-598-9440 (fax)
www.themat.com for all
your wrestling news
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