Wrestling is a great sport for all ages!

Some parents don't quite know what to make of wrestling as a sport, comparing wrestling to other youth sports such as soccer, football, and baseball is difficult to do. When competing, the wrestler walks out on the mat by themselves, their coaches and teammates can't wrestle for them. The individual nature of wrestling helps kids learn self-respect, build confidence, and treat them to a thrill of victory that can't be matched by other team sports.

If you have suggestions for additions or changes to the FAQ below please contact us.

Q. Who will my son wrestling with?

A. In practices he will wrestle with the kids closest to his weight/ability. In tournaments he will wrestle within his age group and usually within +/- 5lbs of his weight.

Q. Will he get hurt?

A. Yes. Wrestling is not a gentle sport. He will be banged up and bruised on occasion, this is normal. The coaching staff does everything possible to prevent serious injuries

Q. My Grandpa Charlie was a wrestler, he had those 'funny' ears wrestlers get, will that happen to my son?

A. The headgear that is required in tournaments works to prevent 'cauliflower ear', all boys are encouraged to wear them at all times in practice. Click here for more information.

Q. What should I expect from the first season?

A. Your son should return home from practice very tired. The coaches attempt to teach all the boys various techniques and moves each week, if he has time to practice them at home he will benefit greatly. Learning some moves takes 1 practice, learning the sport takes a lifetime.

Q. How will he do in the tournaments?

A. Generally first year wrestlers don't win too many matches, some of them will, but many have to work hard to earn their first victory. Some tournaments try to match wrestlers with similar records, so be patient, with hard work he will start winning.

Q. What are the tournaments like?

A. Difficult to describe if you haven't been to one before. The weigh-ins are usually from 6am to 8am. Wrestlers are due on the mats usually at 8:30-9:00, for a warm up with the team. All wrestlers called to the bullpen are sorted by weight. Groups of wrestlers will be led to a mat, the groups are usually their 'brackets', depending on age, brackets are usually 4man or 8man. After they wrestle their first matches there is sometimes a long wait for the second match and a similar wait for the 3rd match. The coach will be able to tell you how many matches there will be after the weigh-in (some brackets include byes). During this time spectators are required to be in the stands, we try to sit together as a team, usually only coaches and wrestlers are allowed near the mats. Good tournaments have plenty of room in the stands, and the matches are run quickly and smoothly.

Q.Does Wrestling Teach Or Promote Aggressive Or Violent Behavior?

Aggressiveness, Yes but violence absolutely Not. 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.

Q.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."

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 conflict with other family plans, but at a minimum may 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 take 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.

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 unmotivate 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.

If there is a question you have that is not answered here please email us and we will be happy to answer it.