Big Lake Youth Wrestling Association. Parent Handbook. 2017/2018 Folkstyle Wrestling Season

Transcription

1 Big Lake Youth Wrestling Association Parent Handbook 2017/2018 Folkstyle Wrestling Season

2 Introduction Welcome to the Big Lake Youth Wrestling Association, AKA Big Lake Youth Athletic Association (BLYAA), AKA SWARM. As organizers for the BLYAA, we are excited about the upcoming season. In this handbook you will find information about the club, as well as interesting information about the great sport of wrestling. The BLYAA is a non-profit organization run under the direction of a youth committee composed of parents operating under the BLYAA. The club is funded by a portion of each member s registration fee, proceeds generated from our annual wrestling tournament, and other fundraising activities. Donations are always welcome, as the club receives no public funding. Board of Directors PRESIDENT: Ron Gellermen rgerllerman@biglakewrestling.org VICE PRESIDENT: Brady Bagne bbagne@biglakewrestling.org SECRETARY: Tiffany Caswell tcaswell@biglakewrestling.org TREASURER: Noel Krebs nkrebs@biglakewrestling.org FUNDRAISER COORDINATOR: Tiffany Caswell tcaswell@biglakewrestling.org MEMBER AT LARGE: Digger Kuchera dkuchera@biglakewrestling.org MEMBER AT LARGE: Brandon Westgaard bwestgaard@biglakewrestling.org MEMBER AT LARGE: Val LaPointe vlapointe@biglakewrestling.org MEMBER AT LARGE: Corey Wemple cwemple@biglakewrestling.org MEMBER AT LARGE: Chris Smith csmith@biglakewrestling.org MEMBER AT LARGE: Tom Newman tnewman@biglakewrestling.org HIVE: Tiffany Caswell, Melissa Smith & Cassie Bagne COACHES: Head Coach: Marv Sims Jr Assistant Coach: Levi Juhl Assistant Coach: Craig Browen Assistant Coach: Cary Schaller Varsity Team Assistant Coach: Justin Nelson Important Websites and Social Media

3 Board Meetings Regular meetings of the Board are held on the second Sunday of each month at 6pm in the Big Lake City Hall. Board meetings are open to all that are interested in Big Lake Youth Wrestling. You may contact a Board member if there are any concerns or ideas you would like placed on the agenda. Board Positions and Terms The Board administers the Big Lake Youth Wrestling Association operations. Each Board Member is elected to a two-year term. Election of Board members is held during the End of The Year banquet, usually in April of each year. Anybody may have their name placed on the ballot in advance of the election by notifying the President or Secretary of the Board. As a Board Member, you must fulfill your duties with the following considerations: Serve the entire membership fairly and without prejudice for your own children or friends. Take the initiative when accepting a position to fully understand your responsibilities and the time frames in which your work needs to be done. Attend all Board meetings and be prepared. Be supportive of all Board Members and Board decisions. Volunteers As with most youth programs, the people who manage our program, assist with activities, and serve on the Board are volunteers. Volunteers are extremely important to the program. We should be very grateful for the time and energy these volunteers provide. Without them, there would be no program. Many of BLYAA s fundraising initiatives are completely reliant upon parent volunteers. The Board requires parents to volunteer (6 hours per family) to help at our OPEN tournament (admissions, concessions, set-up, takedown, etc.). Without parent help, these events would not take place and BLYAA would lose critical funding. Parents will be notified in advance of tournament dates and given time to sign up for volunteering. The $150 Volunteer check will be returned or shredded at the End of the Year banquet that is held in April. Any family who has not fulfilled their Volunteer hours will have their check cashed the week following the banquet. Philosophy/Mission Statement The Big Lake Youth Wrestling Association is an all-volunteer, non-profit youth wrestling organization dedicated to introducing local pre-kindergarten through 6 th Grade students to the sport of wrestling. The focus of our program is to build self-discipline, sportsmanship, self-confidence and physical fitness. Goals and Values 1. Provide a positive, fun environment that challenges our wrestlers to be the best that they can be. 2. Positively influence character development by emphasizing good habits, attitudes, and work ethic. 3. Prepare our wrestlers to become more competitive and foster a sense of accomplishment. 4. Provide qualified adult leadership. 5. Provide an atmosphere that encourages parent/family involvement in the club. 6. Be CHAMPIONS in all we do!!!

4 Our Program Offerings Early Season These sessions are geared to prepare the wrestlers for the upcoming wrestling season as well as the early season tournaments. Practice schedule is: Tuesdays and Thursdays at BLHS Wrestling Room. Nov 2 Nov 28 6:00 7:30 Intro Season This 6-practice session is designed for both beginner wrestlers and returning wrestlers. It is intended to be an introduction to the sport and an overview of basic wrestling moves and fundamentals. Practice schedule is: Tuesdays and Thursdays at BLMS Wrestling Room. Nov 28 Dec 21 6:00 7:00 Regular Season This program is for the K-6 wrestler who wants to further develop their wrestling skills. Practice schedule is: Mondays and Thursdays at BLHS Wrestling Room. Dec 5 Feb 22 5:50 6:50 for wrestlers Pre-K 2 nd Grade 7:00 8:30 for wrestlers 3 rd 6 th Grade Team Practice These are high paced, technically focused practices geared to prepare the team and individuals for tournament and team events. Practice schedule is: Tuesdays at BLHS Wrestling Room. Dec 6 Feb 23 6:00 7:30 Extended Season These sessions help prepare the Swarm team and individual wrestlers who participate in the USA and NYWA State tournaments. Practice schedule is: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at BLHS Wrestling Room. March 5 April 3 6:00 7:30 Camps We are offering several camps throughout the year at a very competitive price with the goal of exposing our wrestlers These camps are put on by Orlando Ponce. He is an assistant coach for the Augsburg Wrestling program. 3-Day Camp: November 14-16, 2017 Take-down Camp: Offered to Big Lake registered football players. Late July Fall Camp: Limited to 45 wrestlers Sundays, September through November Participation Fee Schedule Early Season: $15 per wrestler Intro Season: $55 per wrestler Regular Season: $85 per wrestler ($30 for wrestlers that paid for Intro Season) Post Season: NO FEE Team Practice: NO FEE Fall Camp: $100 3-day Camp: NO FEE Take-down Camp: NO FEE

5 Out of Town Trip Bemidji, MN - January 5-6, 2018 Hotel rooms are reserved under Big Lake Youth Wrestling Jaycee State Qualifier Big Lake Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity Wrestlers will be there as well Singlets/T-Shirts BLAA provides high-quality, custom designed singlets to each registered wrestler. A $60 refundable deposit is required. Singlets are returned out our end of the year banquet in April. Deposit checks are returned or shredded once the singlet has been returned in good condition. Each wrestler is provided a Swarm T-Shirt and is encouraged to wear the T-Shirt and Singlet to Open Tournaments. Singlet s Each wrestler will be given a singlet to borrow for the season. $60.00 deposit is required. When the singlet is returned in good condition you will receive your deposit back. Wearing Singlet s at tournaments It is important that your wrestler wear the singlet to tournaments. Wearing a Swarm singlet makes it easier for the coaches to spot your wrestler for coaching. If your wrestler chooses to wrestle in his own singlet we cannot guarantee that a coach will be able to coach your child. Coaches use the singlet to easily spot wrestlers when running from mat to mat coaching. Wearing Singlet s at Team Tournaments Team wrestlers are required to wear a swarm singlet; this is not optional. Care of Singlet Wash in Cold Water and Hang to dry DO NOT place in dryer or use bleach. Practices For practices, wrestlers should: Try to attend all practices. Arrive 10 minutes early, in order to get changed and be ready to work out. Wear appropriate practice gear: t-shirt, shorts, socks, knee pads, wrestling shoes. Wear clean clothes to each practice. Stay quiet, sit up and focus during instruction. Ask questions if you don t understand. Wrestlers must follow the directions of the coaching staff during practice, including doing the exercises and participating in all drills. Profanity, horseplay, abusive language or fighting will NOT be allowed. Push your drill partner to work hard and focus during practice. Make sure fingernails are trimmed before practices and matches. Report any injuries to the Coach right away. Wrestlers are not to leave the room without permission from the coach. Concentrate on daily and weekly improvement and work hard on fundamentals, NOT wins and losses. Display good behavior before and after practice. Bring a positive attitude to practice. Early Season, Regular Season, Team Practice and Post Season practices will be CLOSED. BLYAA and our coaching staff feel the best scenario for kids to remain attentive and to best learn is to remove distractions parents and/or siblings may present while present in the wrestling room. Parents/guardians are welcome to wait outside the wrestling room during practice. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to help coach on the wrestling mat.

6 Hygiene To reduce the risk of skin infections in all athletes competing in any sport: Wear clean clothes to each practice. Take a hot, soapy shower right when you get home from practice or tournaments THIS IS MANDATORY. If you see something on your skin - SHOW THE COACH! If you suspect you may have a skin infection, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. See a Board Member or the Coach to get a form for the doctor to fill out. Random skin checks will be performed at practices throughout the season. Fundraisers Our most important fundraisers each year include our Open Tournament and volunteering at Spud Fest. Our club fundraisers are important and allow us to fund events for our team wrestlers, buy uniforms and clothing and pay our coaching staff. They are also great ways for parents, families and friends to get involved with Big Lake Youth Wrestling. Your support is appreciated. Individual fundraisers are also available that allow the wrestlers to raise funds to help with wrestling expenses throughout the season. Stop by the HIVE table for additional information on the fundraisers that are available to you. Important Dates Pictures December 18 All Wrestlers must arrive by 5 pm In their singlet. We will do a large group photo first followed by Individual photos and then small group photos. SWARM Night January 11, 2018 All Wrestlers must arrive by 6 pm. Wrestlers get into the Varsity match for FREE Big Lake SWARM OPEN Tournament Sunday February 18th Big Lake High School All Big Lake Wrestlers will wrestle at NO CHARGE Banquet April 12 th Big Lake High School Cafeteria Other Important Dates: Home Varsity Matches: 12/7/2017 vs STMA 12/8/2017 Big Lake Invite 1/9/2018 vs Becker 1/11/2018 vs Buffalo SWARM NIGHT 1/26/2018 Conference Tournament in Buffalo

7 Big Lake Open Tournament Each year, BLYAA will host the Big Lake Open Tournament at Big Lake High School. Each family will be required to work 6 hours during the tournament in order to meet their Volunteer requirements. It is absolutely critical to the success of this event. Volunteer sign-up will be made available prior to the tournament. Individual Open Tournaments There are many open tournaments every weekend throughout the wrestling season. You can find open tournament schedule posted on There is also a link to The Guillotine on BLYAA will also let you know which tournaments a coach/parent coach will likely be at each weekend or the recommended tournament for that weekend. These tournaments are optional and are not required, but it is encouraged that your wrestler participates in open tournaments whenever possible. This is where the wrestler can use the skills learned in practices and where the most development and experience comes from. These tournaments vary in length of time, depending on the number of wrestlers attending and age/ability, so be prepared for the possibility of a long wait. Wins/ Pins- Keep track of your wrestler wins and pins. If your wrestler pins another wrestler during a tournament a Pin will be awarded at the end of practice on the following Tuesday. Parents must fill out a PIN sheet, available at the HIVE table, in order for the PINS to be awarded. We want to thank the HIVE for organizing the PINS! PINS are only handed out on Tuesdays. Types Pin- is a Win that ends the match by holding an opponent's shoulders on the wrestling mat typically for a count of 1-2 by the referee. (wrestlers will be awarded a pin at practice, once you turn in the information) Tech fall - is a Win that ends the match by outscoring your opponent by a specified number of points, typically 15 points if this happens the referee will end the match. (Wrestlers will then be awarded a tech pin at practice, once you turn in the information) State/National Tournaments BLYAA wrestlers participate in both State and National tournaments. As a group, we have focused mainly on the USA State, NYWA State tournaments and Midwest Wrestling Tour. MN/USA - A MN/USA card is required to wrestle at these events. Information - State Tournament March 11-13, Rochester, MN NYWA State/Invite - A NYWA card is required Information: Please check the NYWA website for district and regional pairings to ensure that your wrestler qualifies for the regional that you want to attend. MN Jaycees Wrestling Tournament Information - Midwest Wrestling Tour National Tournaments Information - Hawkeye Nationals - IA Badgerland Nationals - WI Buffalo Nationals - SD Gopher State Nationals - MN If you have any questions on the NYWA or MN-USA qualifiers/state tournaments, please talk to a coach or board member.

8 How Youth Wrestling Works Wrestling is a both an individual and a team sport. Unlike how other organized youth sports programs may run, the BLYAA wrestling season is built primarily of practices that are hosted by the board and coached by our coaching staff. There is no weekly game day for all participants; instead, each wrestler as an individual participant is encouraged to compete in individual tournaments, where they can experience live wrestling matches. You can find tournaments in the state of Minnesota listed here: BLYAA does participate in Team Tournaments by either hosting or by attending by invitation. The tournaments in which Big Lake Youth Wrestling participates is determined by the Board. Big Lake Wrestling Team participants are determined by the coaches and may include intra-club wrestle-offs by weight. LIVE WRESTLING at Tournaments -- What to Expect! First year parents may not know what to expect at a wrestling tournament. Here is a high-level overview of a typical open/individual tournament experience: Typically, you register upon arrival at the tournament. These details will be available on Before wrestling begins, your child s entire age group or grade is called into a staging area. This is where wrestlers are put into a bracket of four based on age/grade and weight. Right before wrestling starts for your child, they are sent out onto the mats with their entire weight bracket where they are paired with an opponent. When their bout is called (usually a table worker will call the names of the two wrestlers), the two wrestlers put on ankle bands -one green and one red. After they put on the bands, they shake hands and the referee blows the whistle. At this point both wrestlers are on their feet in neutral position trying to gain control of the other wrestler. The primary objective in folk style wrestling is to gain control of your opponent and to ultimately pin your opponent by holding your opponent down with their back (both shoulder blades simultaneously) on the mat for a period of at least 2 seconds. If one wrestler gets a takedown (s)he scores 2 points. Two points are scored by taking down - basically, the wrestler who scored the take down is in control of the other wrestler. Now that a takedown occurred the wrestler on the top is trying to score a near fall or working for a pin (also called a fall). A near fall means the top wrestler is exposing his/her opponents back to the mat almost in a pinning position. A pin is also called a fall. This is why in this position it is called a near fall. If the wrestler holds his/her opponent for 2-4 seconds he/she scores 2 points. If the wrestler holds his/her opponent for 5 seconds, he/she scores 3 points. If the wrestler holds his/her opponent for 2 seconds flat on his/her back, he/she has pinned the opponent and the match is over. When the match is over, wrestlers shake hands. As a courtesy, wrestlers should shake the hand of his opponent s coach after a match before returning to his coach. Trophies or medals are usually awarded to all 4 wrestlers in a bracket. Wrestlers are free to leave the tournament after awards are presented to their bracket. Team Tournaments vs Dual Meets Our club will participate in several team tournaments throughout the season. Dual or Team refers to one team competing against another team. There may be different weight classes for some of the team events, so the lineup for the team may change for each team event. There is one wrestler per weight, with alternates selected by the Coaches. Team tournaments are typically very competitive events as the top wrestler at each weight class is wrestling without regard to grade or age. Wrestle Offs If you are interested in having your wrestler participate in a team event, please inform the Head Coach so that wrestle-offs can be set up if need be. Wrestle-offs assist the coaches in evaluating the wrestlers abilities. Coaches ultimately have the final decision in selecting wrestlers for the SWARM team, wrestle-offs are only used as a guide in the decision-making process.

9 Wrestle Offs/Challenge Rules Wrestlers must notify the Head Coach to indicate they are interested in challenging at a given weight. That wrestler will then be weighed to confirm that the wrestler does not weigh too much/too little for the challenged weight. For open spots and first time wrestle-offs of the season, if two team wrestlers are at the same weight, final position is determined by the Head Coach. COACHING IS NOT ALLOWED DURING WRESTLE-OFFS. This includes parents, coaches, siblings and other wrestlers. Parents may not keep score/time/referee for their wrestler s challenge. Only adults may keep score and time. BLYAA coaches will referee the matches. Challenges/wrestle-offs are OPTIONAL - up to the parent and wrestler. Wrestle-offs will typically take place on a scheduled evening on a Monday night in the weeks prior to a team event. The Head Coach MUST be notified PRIOR to the scheduled wrestle-off night if a wrestler is unable to attend but would like to challenge. Failure to do so will cause the wrestler to forfeit their team position until the next wrestle-off. The coaches reserve the right to make exceptions for extenuating circumstances (illness, family vacation, etc.) and these wrestle-offs will be arranged at a different time. The coaches MUST be notified of these situations prior to the wrestle-off night, or the wrestler will lose their team position until the next wrestle-off. If you know your wrestler cannot make a team tournament date, do not allow them to challenge for a spot. If your wrestler is on the team and cannot make a team tournament date, notify the coaches and Director as soon as possible so another wrestler can fill that spot. Coaches will select alternates for the team. BLYAA will attempt to post team tournament dates as far in advance as possible. The BLYAA Board and coaches reserve the right to make decisions regarding any other issues that may arise during wrestle-offs and wrestle-offs are only used as a guideline. Final decision on team participation is at the sole discretion of the Head Coach. Team Competition Guidelines The team event is entirely under the discretion of the coaches. The coaches may need to adjust the line-up to remain competitive with the other teams and opposing coaches who are doing the same. In some situations, the wrestler who earned the spot may be asked to sit out or wrestle up a weight class for a round as strategy based on the upcoming match-ups. These decisions are based on the styles of wrestlers and the competition. In some cases, an alternate may be better suited/skilled at wrestling a style necessary to compete with an opponent. Alternates at varying weights will be brought along to team tournaments. Alternates cannot be guaranteed a competitive match. Effort will be made to arrange an exhibition match for alternates, but this is dependent upon other teams alternates and their weights, whether there is enough time between matches, etc. Parents are not allowed on the sidelines to coach their child during a team competition or interfere with any coaching decisions. It is important to remember that these events are TEAM competitions. These events are about the sum of all wrestlers and not each match individually. Sometimes a wrestler who loses by a few points rather than a major decision or by fall contributes as much to the team winning as someone who wins their match by fall over his opponent. It is MANDATORY that all wrestlers stay at the team event until ALL matches are completed. Wrestlers are expected to sit mat side and cheer for their teammates. Good sportsmanship is expected of all BLYAA wrestlers and parents at all times. Team Scoring in Dual Meets The following are the Team Scoring Procedures based on the outcome of matches- Fall, Forfeit, Default, Disqualification: 6 team points Technical Fall (getting ahead of your opponent by 15 points ends the match): 5 team points Major Decision (winning the match by 8-14 points): 4 team points Decision (winning the match by fewer than 8 points): 3 team points

10 The Rules of Wrestling and Wrestling Positions Neutral Position: The match starts with both contestants standing opposite each other with their lead foot on the green or red area of the starting lines and their other foot even with or behind the lead foot. In the neutral position, neither wrestler has control. Defensive Starting Position (aka Referee s Position): The defensive wrestler takes a stationary position at the center of the mat with both hands and knees on the mat, as directed by the referee. The elbows may not touch the mat. Offensive Starting Position: The offensive wrestler is positioned on the right or left side of the opponent with the near side knee on the mat and head on or above the midline of the opponent's back. One arm is placed loosely around the defensive wrestler's body perpendicular to the long axis of the body, with the palm of the hand placed loosely against the defensive wrestler's navel and the palm of the other hand placed on or over the back of the near elbow. Stalemate: When the contestants are interlocked in a position other than a pinning situation in which neither wrestler can improve position, the referee stops the match as soon as possible; wrestling is resumed as for out of bounds. Position of Advantage: A situation in which a contestant is in control and maintaining restraining power over the opponent. Control is the determining factor. The offensive wrestler is entitled to this advantage until such time as the opponent gains a neutral position or a reversal. In Bounds: Contestants are considered to be in bounds if the supporting parts of either wrestler are on or inside the inner edge of the boundary lines. A wrestler's supporting points are the parts of the body touching, or within, the wrestling area that bears the wrestler's weight, other than those parts being used to hold the opponent. (Down on the mat, the usual points of support are the knees, the side of the thigh, the buttocks and the hands.) Wrestling continues as long as the supporting parts of either wrestler remain in bounds. When the defensive wrestler's back is exposed to the mat in a pinning situation while at least the supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds, wrestling continues as long as there is a possibility of the offensive wrestler bringing the opponent back in bounds. In this situation, the defensive wrestler's shoulders (scapulae) are the supporting parts. Near-fall points may be earned only while any part of the defensive wrestler's shoulders (scapulae) are in bounds. A fall may only be earned if both shoulders (scapulae) of the defensive wrestler are in bounds. If there is no action at the edge of the mat and one wrestler is out of bounds, the referee may stop the match. Upon resumption of the match, the contestants begin in the neutral position at the center of the mat if neither wrestler has control. If one wrestler has the advantage, that contestant will take the offensive starting position at the center of the mat, and the opponent will assume the defensive starting position. Wrestling Terminology Sprawl: Falling forwards with your legs going back. A defensive counter to an attack on the legs. Wrist Control: Control your opponent's wrist. Hand Control: Control of your opponent's hand. Shoot: Making an attempt for a takedown. Escape: Defensive person escapes for points from controlling wrestler. Takedown: Wrestler has taken his opponent down to the mat and gained control by being on top and behind the arms of opponent. Breakdown: Wrestler has his opponent flat on his belly. Reversal: Defensive wrestler gained control. Neutral Position: Both wrestlers standing. Referee's Position/Base Position: Wrestler is on his hands and knees and his opponent is on top of him. Pin: Wrestler has succeeded in turning over his opponent to the mat and keeping any part of both of his opponent s shoulders (or scapulas) to the mat for 1-2 continuous seconds or less. Resulting in completion and winning of the match. Fall: Pin Cross Face: Forearm is placed on the near side of the opponents face to maneuver him for control. Optional Start: In referee's position the offensive man is standing up with 2 hands on the defensives man's back shaped like a diamond. Usually to let him go to neutral but not always. Stalling: Offensive or defensive wrestler fails to attempt to gain control or go for the pin. Stance: Correct standing position -knees bent, bottom down, elbows in, head up, one foot slightly in front of the other, feet shoulder-width apart. Technical Fall: Scoring a lead of 15 points in Folkstyle (10 points in Freestyle), resulting in completion and winning of the match.

11 Scoring Opportunities Takedown: A takedown is awarded when, from the neutral position, a contestant gains control and places the opponent's supporting point(s) down on the mat beyond reaction time. For the purpose of awarding takedown points at the edge of the mat, such points shall be awarded when control is established while the supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds or while at least the feet of the scoring contestant finish down on the mat in bounds. Escape: A defensive wrestler is awarded an escape when the offensive wrestler loses control of the opponent while the supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds. An escape may be awarded while the wrestlers are still in contact. Reversal: A reversal occurs when the defensive wrestler comes from underneath and gains control of the opponent, either on the mat or in a rear-standing position. For the purpose of awarding reversal points at the edge of the mat, such points are awarded when control is established while the supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds or while at least the feet of the scoring contestant finish down on the mat in bounds. Near Fall: A near fall is a position in which the offensive wrestler has the opponent in a controlled pinning situation in which (1) the defensive wrestler is held in a high bridge or on both elbows, or (2) any part of one shoulder or scapula, or the head is touching the mat and the other shoulder or scapula is held at an angle of 45 degrees or less to the mat, or (3) any part of both shoulders or both scapulae are held within four inches of the mat. Two points are awarded for such nearfall situations when one of these three criteria has been met for two seconds. A continuous roll-through is not considered a near fall. Three points are awarded if a criterion for a near fall is met and held uninterrupted for five seconds. A near fall is ended when the defensive wrestler gets out of a pinning situation. Only one near fall shall be scored in each pinning situation and only the wrestler with the advantage may score a near fall. Imminent Scoring: Any time a contestant is injured by a legal or illegal hold, unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct, applicable points shall be awarded if successful completion of the maneuver was imminent. End of Match Fall: Any part of both shoulders or part of both scapulae of either wrestler held in contact with the mat for one second constitutes a fall. A fall shall not be awarded unless part of both shoulders or part of both scapulae is in bounds. If any portion of the body of one of the wrestlers is out of bounds so that the wrestler is disadvantaged, no fall shall be awarded and out of bounds shall be declared. When the match is stopped for out of bounds in a fall situation, the match shall be resumed in the starting position on the mat. Technical Fall: A technical fall occurs when a wrestler has earned a 15-point advantage over an opponent in Folkstyle Wrestling (10 points in Freestyle). Major Decision: A major decision occurs when the margin of victory after three periods is 8 through 14 points. Decision: A decision occurs when the margin of victory is fewer than 8 points. A decision also is credited to the wrestler who is awarded the first points in an overtime match that does not end with a fall, default or disqualification. Default: A default is awarded in a match when one of the wrestlers is unable to continue wrestling for any reason. A default shall be included as a win or loss in each wrestler's season record. Disqualification: A disqualification is a situation in which a contestant is banned from participation in accordance with a pre-determined penalty table. A disqualification shall be included as a win or loss in each wrestler's season record. Forfeit: A forfeit is received by a wrestler when the opponent, for any reason, fails to appear for the match. In order to receive a forfeit or medical forfeit, the non-forfeiting wrestler must be dressed in a wrestling uniform and appear on the mat. A forfeit or medical forfeit shall be included as a win in the victor's season record. In the event of injury or illness, a contestant may declare a medical forfeit, which counts as a win but not as a loss on record. General Wrestling Scoring Procedures Folkstyle Wrestling Takedowns are scored when one wrestler brings his opponent down to the mat from a standing position-neutral. Additional points are awarded when a wrestler takes his opponent directly to his back. Common takedowns include single legs, double legs, headlocks, body locks, shrugs, drags, throws, fireman's carries, and many more. Reversals are scored when a wrestler, controlled by his opponent on the mat, executes a move that allows him to assume a controlling position on top of the opponent, thus reversing the situation. Common reversals include switches, rolls, and hip heists. Exposing an opponent's back to the mat is a scoring technique in all styles of wrestling. In international wrestling, all a wrestler must do to earn points is tilt the opponent's back toward the mat, breaking a 90 angle. In Folkstyle wrestling, a wrestler must not only tilt the rival's back toward the mat, but also hold the back in this position to score points. Common "pinning combinations" include the half nelson, bar arm, cradle, and tilt leg ride. Escapes are scored when a wrestler, controlled by his opponent on the mat, frees himself and moves to a standing neutral position, facing the opponent. Common escapes include the standup and the sit-out. The 3 Periods of a Match Generally all matches are 3 periods in length. Periods will run 1:00 to 1:30 each. A match will end when one wrestler scores a pin

12 fall over another or time expires after the third period. Most of the tournaments that the team participates in will have 1 & 1 & 1 timing format. That is to say that in a 1 & 1 & 1 format, there are three 1-minute periods. If at the end of all three periods the score of the match is tied there will be a 1-minute overtime period. In overtime, it is a sudden death format which means that the first person to get a takedown wins the match. If the match is still tied after the 1 minute overtime period, it goes to 30 second periods, and if needed an ultimate tiebreaker. Be prepared for tears, it happens and there is no shame in tears. Losing is difficult especially when your wrestler makes a mistake and begins losing a match they were winning. Screaming stop crying during a match is not the best way to help your wrestler gain their composure again. Frustration and or anger at losing are not uncommon but we ask that any displays of anger by the wrestler be done outside of public view, and absolutely not on the wrestling mat. We have a saying Walk on like a champion, walk off like a champion. The coaching staff would like the first few moments after a match to speak with the wrestler; maybe to give some constructive criticism or congratulations on a success, please respect this time as parents and wrestlers. Your words after a match as a parent should be positive whether they won or lost. If the wrestler is still angry or frustrated letting them leave the gym area and walking around by themselves can allow them time to gain their composure again. Wrestling is a very physically and mentally demanding sport. Some say it is the most demanding of all sports. We as coaches, parents and wrestlers need to find ways to keep this sport FUN. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR PARNETS OF ATHLETIC CHILDREN Reprinted from The Young Athlete by Bill Burgess 1. Make sure your child knows that win or lose, scared or heroic, you love him, appreciate his efforts, and are not disappointed in him. This will allow them to do their best without a fear of failure. Be the person in his life he can look to for constant positive enforcement. 2. Try your best to be completely honest about your child s athletic ability, his competitive attitude, his sportsmanship, and his actual skill level. 3. Be helpful but don t coach him on the way to the field, rink, pool, gym, track or on the way back or at breakfast, and so on. It s tough not to, but it s a lot tougher for the child to be inundated with advice, pep talks and often critical instruction. 4. Teach him to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be out there trying, to be working to improve their skills and attitudes. Help him to develop the feel for competing, for trying hard, for having fun. 5. Try not to re-live your athletic life through your child in a way that creates pressure; you lost as well as won. You were frightened, you blacked off at times, you were not always heroic. Don t pressure your child because of your pride. Athletic children need their parents so you must not withdraw. Just remember there is a thinking, feeling, sensitive free spirit out there in that uniform who needs a lot of understanding, especially when his word turns bad. If he is comfortable with you win or lose; he s on his way to maximum achievement and enjoyment. 6. Don t compete with the coach. If the coach becomes an authority figure, it will run from enchantment to disenchantment with your athlete. 7. Don t compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your child with other members of the team, at least within his hearing. 8. Get to know the coach so that you can be assured that his philosophy, attitudes, ethics and knowledge are such that you are happy to have your child under his leadership. 9. Always remember that children tend to exaggerate both when praised and when criticized. Temper your reaction and investigate before over-reacting Make a point of understanding courage, and the fact that it is relative. Some of us can climb mountains, and are afraid to fight, but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened in certain areas. Explain that courage is not the absence of fear, but a means of doing something in spite of fear of discomfort. The job of the parent of an athletic child is a tough one, and it takes a lot of effort to do it well. It is worth all the effort when you hear your child say, My parents really helped and I was lucky in this respect.

13 Wrestling Signals