Q: I AM A PARENT WHO DOES NOT HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH WRESLTING. HOW DO I LEARN ABOUT THE SPORT AND IF IT IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
A: No experience, no problem. We are here to help. Click here for a "Parent's Guide to Youth Wrestling" by Bill Campbell
Q; WHAT ARE PRACTICES LIKE?
A: Practices involves warm-ups and stretching, technique, drilling technique, live wrestling, and occasionally, games. The goal of practice is to develop wrestling fundamentals in an enjoyable atmosphere where all wrestlers can learn. Wrestlers are expected to pay attention. Parents are encouraged to watch and learn, and we are always looking for volunteers who have a wrestling background or experience working with kids.
Q: IS WRESTLING DANGEROUS?
A: Wrestling is very fun sport, but it is also a tough sport where bumps and bruises do occur. Wrestlers can briefly be put in uncomfortable positions while wrestling an opponent, but it is not very dangerous at all. In fact, most of the injuries suffered by wrestlers are not directly related to the sport itself, but to hygiene. These injuries / infections are completely avoidable through regular cleaning of the mats and the wrestler showering as soon as they get home from practice. Every now and then a wrestler may get a bloody lip or nose, but the practices and wrestling meets are all closely supervised, and overall very safe.
Q: WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR TO WRESTLING PRACTICE?
A: Your child should wear shorts, a t-shirt, wrestling shoes and head gear to practice. If you are new to the sport, please talk to the coaches before buying anything. We may have equipment for your child to use.
Q: WHO WILL MY CHILD BE WRESTLING WITH?
A: In practice, your child will wrestle with the kids closest to their age, weight and ability. We try to match age, experience and weight the best we can.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE FIRST SEASON?
A: This really depends on the age of your child. Where possible, coaches adapt training to the age, maturity and experience level of the wrestler. First-year wrestlers are encouraged but not required to compete at tournaments. While it is ultimately a personal/family decision, we highly highly recommended that wrestlers with two years or more of experience compete regularly at the tournament level.
Q: IF PLAY A FALL SPORT, SUCH AS FOOTBALL, CAN I START LATE?
A: Yes! We have football players and other sport athletes on the team every year. We will always review the basics. You can start practice as soon as playoffs are over. But, if you can make it on a night off you should try. The more time on the mat the better.