| 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 makes 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, that 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 EXPECTED 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 fist fight, 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 selfdefense
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, Jiujitsu 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
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 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.
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. |
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.
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.
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. He can be reached
via email at wcampbe@earthlink.net
|
USA WRESTLING
6155 Lehman Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918-3439
719-598-8181 719-598-9440 (fax)
www.usawrestling.org
www.themat.com for all your wrestling news
