Palisades Youth Wrestling Association Wrestling Rules and Guidelines Parental Commitment Parents play an integral role in this organization. Therefore, parents should stress and model the importance of discipline, respect, and a good attitude to your children. Parents must read the PYWA s Rules and Guidelines and General Information and must sign the Parental Consent form that is contained as the last page of this document. The Program The wrestling program consists of a team that competes with other schools and clubs in controlled matches in Folk Style wrestling. The team is comprised of children who are in kindergarten through sixth grade. The team is further broken down into Varsity, Junior Varsity, Competition/Novice, and Intramural/Instructional squads. Palisades Youth Wrestling Association is a member of the Valley Elementary Wrestling League (further information can be found at www.vewl.org). This league features associations from the Lehigh Valley area. The regular season will consist of practices two to three nights per week for all wrestlers and an additional day per week for individualized instruction at the coach s discretion. The season will also consist of regularly scheduled league dual meets and tournaments, and other non-league competitions and tournaments. Philosophy Palisades Youth Wrestling Association promotes youth wrestling and cheerleading programs by combining teaching, training, and supervision of the ideals of sportsmanship, teamwork, scholarship and development of good character. In addition, our focus is the mental and physical development of all participating children. 1
The Team The team will consist of four squads: Varsity, Junior Varsity, Competition/Novice, and Intramural/Instructional. Within the Valley Elementary Wrestling League, there are several weight classes as shown in the table below. Squad Weight Class Varsity 46, 50, 54, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 80, 85, 90, 95, 105, 120, 160* Junior Varsity 46, 50, 54, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 80, 85, 90, 95, 105, 120, 160* Novice 46, 50, 54, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 80, 85, 90, 95, 105, 120, 160* * - Must weigh a minimum of 120.1 pounds wearing only a singlet The weight classes for non-league competitions and tournaments may be different from those shown in the table. Team Selection Wrestle-Offs are conducted at the discretion of the coaching staff. The general purpose of wrestle-offs is to determine the Varsity and Junior Varsity squad positions. After the first couple of weeks of practice, we may conduct wrestle-offs within each weight class to determine the varsity and junior varsity lineups. Challenges may continue as far into the season as the coaching staff deems necessary. The coaching staff reserves the right to make all final decisions in all matters concerning match line-ups. Other considerations regarding a wrestler s placement in the lineup will include, but are not limited to, attitude, practice attendance and other related factors. Rules for Wrestle-Offs A complete wrestle-off may consist of a series of three matches. The first competitor to win two matches wins the position. Wrestle-offs include wrestling all wrestlers in a weight range. Therefore, wrestlers may wrestle more than one wrestle-off match during any practice. A wrestle-off match will consist of three periods. The first period will be one minute. The second and third periods will be one and a half minutes. In the event of a tie, in accordance with PIAA rules, overtime will commence. The first wrestler to score in the first overtime period shall be declared the winner. If no wrestler scores within 1 minute first overtime period, a second and third period of overtime will commence. These two periods are thirty seconds each and are not sudden death, as each wrestler will have the opportunity choose a position. Even if one wrestler scores, the match continues. If the score is still tied after the third overtime period, A fourth overtime period will commence. This period is known as ultimate ride-out. This means that if the bottom wrestler escapes 2
within thirty seconds he wins the match. Conversely, if the top wrestler maintains control for at least thirty seconds, he is declared the winner of the match. The coaching staff will score, referee and time each wrestle-off match. The coaching staff reserves the right to exercise its collective discretion in the entire wrestle-off system. Where there is a complete or substantial mismatch (a situation where one wrestler is significantly more advanced than the other) the coaching staff may intervene for the benefit of the wrestlers and the program. There will be no coaching of any wrestler during a wrestle-off match. However, coaches may, at their discretion, critique the match for each participant following the match. Everyone in the wrestling room during a wrestle-off match will show courtesy to competing wrestlers by remaining quiet. The coaching staff reserves the right to make all final decisions in all matters concerning wrestle-offs. The objective is to make wrestle-offs a positive experience for each and every wrestler, and to avoid continuous lopsided match-ups, or where the outcome would not be in dispute. Challenge Procedure Following the conclusion of wrestle-offs, a wrestler may request a challenge match. All challenge requests will be taken under consideration by the coaching staff and the coaching staff may or may not permit the challenge. In addition, the coaching staff reserves the right to require challenge matches between two wrestlers at any time during the wrestling season. A wrestler may challenge for a weight class that is 1 pound under his current weight or the next higher weight class. The challenging wrestler is required to weigh in the day or night of the challenge match. If the wrestler makes weight, the defending wrestler will be notified and a match will be held before, during, or after practice at the coach s discretion. Challenge matches will follow the same format and guidelines concerning period times and overtime criteria as described in the Rules for Wrestle-Offs section of this document. To obtain a wrestling spot on the varsity squad, the wrestler holding that spot must be beaten twice consecutively. To obtain a spot on the JV squad, the wrestler must be beaten once. A varsity wrestler may be challenged by another varsity wrestler or a JV wrestler. A Junior Varsity wrestler may be challenged by another JV wrestler or a Novice wrestler. Health, Nutrition and Weight Loss We do not encourage our wrestlers to lose excessive weight. We may discuss and support a managed and healthy weight loss program for wrestlers who would benefit from weight loss. One foreseeable occasion for such support would be in a case of a wrestler being significantly overweight for his age, height, and body composition. In any such case where a wrestler may be in a position to lose weight to benefit his health, we will work in conjunction with parents and within guidelines provided by the wrestler s health care professionals. 3
We are extremely sensitive to the health issues presented by excessive weight loss. We stress the importance of a good diet and plenty of sleep. Under normal practice and competition conditions, some weight loss will naturally occur and is expected. The small amount of weight loss that may occur is not detrimental to the health or physical development of any wrestler. Drug use, purging, or other unhealthy means to control body weight are not acceptable practices. If the coaching staff becomes aware of any wrestler exhibiting any of these practices, we will immediately consult with parents or guardians. NUTRITION. The most effective method for energy and weight control for a wrestler is by proper diet. Nutrition and hydration play important roles throughout the season. Therefore, we suggest that wrestlers avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods and snacks such as potato chips, soft drinks, mayonnaise, candy bars and ice cream. Instead, wrestlers should eat foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, such as cereals, pasta, baked potatoes, and vegetables. A well balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates is essential for supplying energy and building muscle glycogen levels. We also suggest that snacks high in sugar content be replaced with fruits and vegetables. In addition, we also suggest that all wrestlers drink six to eight glasses of water per day. PRE-MATCH MEALS. The pre-match meal is important for increasing blood glucose and liver glycogen levels energy sources used in the early stages of competition. If blood glucose levels are high at the start of the match, the wrestler will be able to compete longer before having to use muscle glycogen resources. We emphasize avoidance of spicy, fatty foods. These foods are difficult to digest and may cause distress during a match. We also discourage the intake of high-fat, high-protein foods such as steaks, hamburgers, french fries, chips and mayonnaise before matches. Cereals, pasta, baked potatoes, and muffins are good carbohydrate sources that are easily digested and we encourage wrestlers to eat foods before matches. Vegetables and fruit juices are also good pre-match foods, as are some dairy products such as low-fat yogurt, ice milk, and low-fat milk. SKIN CARE. Skin conditions such as ringworm, staph infection and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA) are associated with wrestling. These conditions can be easily and appropriately addressed through proper hygiene, bathing, skin care, and preventative measures. We have not experienced any such issues in our program over the past years. But we must always be vigilant. A wrestler can become infected by touching an infected opponent or teammate or touching contaminated surfaces. The bacteria enters the body through cuts, scrapes, and other openings in the skin, including the sweat glands. We have developed a procedure to help prevent skin conditions. Wrestlers should bath/shower after every practice. Washcloths should be used to scrub every part of the body. Antibacterial soap should be used. Kennedy Industries sells Sport Hair and Body Cleanser For Athletes that is significantly higher in antibacterial composition than most store brands. However, Dial antibacterial soap can also be used effectively. In addition, we recommend the use of Ken-Shield (KS) skin Protection. This is also a Kennedy Industry product. KS is a skin protector that provides a protective barrier that stops bacteria from penetrating the skin. It is a non-greasy foam lotion that is rubbed on the body before practices and competitions. Some people use it when working in the woods to prevent getting poison ivy. 4
Practice Practices are generally held three days per week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday is optional for Novice wrestlers. On occasion, practice days may be switched due to the weather, school closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. Wrestlers are expected to be at practice unless an excuse is presented to one of the coaches. Excuses include illness, doctor s appointments, school obligations, family emergencies and family obligations. If a wrestler cannot attend practice, a parent or guardian should telephone one of the coaches prior to practice. Excused practices will not count against the wrestler. Unexcused absences will factor into coaches decisions for wrestle-offs, challenges, and participation in matches and tournaments. Practices begin promptly at 6:00 PM. Please attempt to arrive by 5:50 PM. Late arrival is often disruptive and the athlete may miss a key stretching activity that may later result in injury. If the wrestler will be late, please notify one of the coaches. As is the case with excused absences, excused tardiness will not count against the wrestler. Practices will be two hours in duration for varsity and junior varsity and approximately 1½ hours for novice wrestlers. Practices will include stretching and warm-up exercises, endurance training, wrestling mechanics and technique, live drilling, live wrestling and fun games. Some practices may include wrestle-offs and challenge matches. These matches may be held before, during, and/or after practice. The varsity and most of the junior varsity wrestlers will practice in Palisades High School wrestling room. The novice squad and some junior varsity wrestlers will practice in High School s gold gym. Occasionally, however, a novice wrestler may be asked to participate in varsity and junior varsity practices. It is extremely important that the wrestler be attentive and considerate at practice. Continued interruptions and distractions from kids who will not pay attention or are problematic are not fair to the Team. Persistent misbehavior of this type will be addressed by the coaching staff. The consequence of such behavior may factor into coaches decisions for wrestle-offs, challenges, and participation in matches and tournaments. Where a wrestler does not comply with repeated requests to refrain from disruptive behavior, the coaching staff reserves the right to place the wrestler in time out (for the remainder of practice if necessary), or to suspend the wrestler from one or more practices. Parents are allowed to attend practice to the extent that it is not distracting to the Team or to an individual wrestler. Parents are kindly asked to keep comments brief and of a positive nature. Wrestlers are encouraged to drink water during practice at scheduled water break times. Wrestlers should bring their own water bottle, containing water, for practice. We cannot guarantee that a drinking fountain will always be available. Headgear is mandatory for all contact aspects of practice. Refusal to wear proper headgear will result in the wrestler receiving a time out during practice, and for repeated cases possible suspension from the team. 5
Matches and Tournaments Matches are held most often on Sundays for varsity and junior varsity, and occasionally varsity and junior varsity matches will be held on Saturday. Novice matches may be scheduled on the same days as varsity and junior varsity matches. Novice matches may also be scheduled during the week. Since the Valley Elementary Wrestling League does not have a novice competition program, we make every effort to schedule novice matches with other organizations in the surrounding area. This usually includes approximately five novice matches per year. A match consists of two wrestlers of the same weight class in a contest of three periods. A varsity match consists of periods of one minute, one and a half minutes, and one and a half minutes. Junior varsity and novice matches consist of three one-minute periods. Before, during, and after the season, there is a variety of tournaments available for any wrestler regardless of experience. Some of these tournaments are specifically designated as novice tournaments. Providing that they do not directly affect the team, the wrestling staff encourages all wrestlers to experience these events. In some instances we may enter our entire varsity, junior varsity, and/or novice teams in selected tournaments. For example, our team will participate in our tournament, the Palisades Annual Winter Break Wrestling Tournament. At the end of the year, there are league tournaments for the varsity and junior varsity squads. Eligibility for participation in the varsity tournament requires a wrestler to wrestle at least four varsity matches during the season. Junior varsity and novice wrestlers are permitted to wrestle in the junior varsity tournament providing that they have been certified at a specific weight. Post-season activities include The Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association (MAWA) Districts, Regionals and possibly Eastern Nationals, and other post-season tournaments. Awards There are two genres of awards match awards and banquet awards. Match awards are earned by a wrestler for his or her performance in any one match. Banquet awards are earned by a wrestler for his or her performance over the course of the entire season. Wrestlers may be awarded for the following match awards: Wrestlers may earn the following pins for their performance in a match for a win, the wrestler will receive a win pin ; a wrestler will receive a tech fall pin if he beats his opponent by 15 points; a pin pin will be given to any wrestler who pins his opponent. Wrestlers may receive the following awards at the season ending banquet: These awards are predicated on the wrestler s overall performance during the actual wrestling season: - Coaches Award For dedication, reliability and leadership. Given to one varsity, one junior varsity and one novice wrestler. 6
- Most Improved Wrestler Self-explanatory. Given to one varsity, one junior varsity and one novice wrestler. - Headhunter Award Awarded to the wrestler with the most wins by pin. - Outstanding Wrestler Award Awarded to the most outstanding wrestler on the team, as determine by season performance and coaching staff discretion. - Pirate Achievement Award Awarded to all varsity wrestlers who place within the first five places in the Valley Elementary Wrestling League varsity tournament. Also awarded to junior varsity wrestlers who place first in the Valley Elementary Wrestling League junior varsity tournament. - Sixth Grade Jacket Award Awarded to a wrestler or cheerleader who: 1-has completed the entire wrestling season during their sixth grade year. 2-has completed three consecutive years, including their sixth grade year of wrestling or cheerleading with PYWA; or a total of five years of wrestling or cheerleading with PYWA. 3-has fulfilled all team responsibilities including registration, participation, fundraising, etc. 4-has not have previously received this award Exceptions may be made only by majority vote of the association officers General The athletes and coaches should respect each other. There will be no foul language or verbal battery. Throwing of headgear is not acceptable! All wrestlers on a squad will sit together on the bench during a meet. Wrestlers are not permitted to leave the bench area without the permission of a coach. A coach will prep the wrestlers who are next to wrestle. After wrestling the match, a wrestler must shake hands with the opponent and then return to the team bench or coaching corner, whichever is applicable. Wrestlers will put warmups back on as soon as possible following their match. Parents can visit briefly with wrestler after a match in the warm-up area. Wrestler will return to bench after their match to encourage teammates. Wrestlers must receive permission from a coach to leave the bench area during a meet. Any organization is only as good as the support it receives. Thus, parent support is key to the success of Palisades Youth Wrestling Association. To these ends we request that all parents honor the following guidelines: Remember, our wrestlers are young children Recognize that all coaches and officers are volunteers and do the best they can 7
Always endeavor to be part of the solution, not part of the problem Please feel free to donate your time and effort to the organization. Help is always needed and very welcome. Please address any issues before or after practice, not during practice and before or after any meet and not during the meet. Any problems should be addressed first to the coaching staff, and then if necessary, taken to the board of commissioners. Equipment Headgear. Wrestling shoes. Shorts or sweats and a non-baggy T-shirt or sweatshirt. If a wrestler owns his/her own singlet, it may be used for practice. Singlets, shorts and tee shirts are issued by the organization as the wrestling uniform and must worn for scheduled matches. It is permissible to use the uniform for tournaments outside of the regular schedule, but remember that when wearing the uniform, the athlete is a representative of Palisades Youth Wrestling Association and the Palisades School District. The tee shirts can be kept at the end of the season. The singlet and shorts must be returned at the end of the season unless permission is given to use the singlet in postseason tournaments. In this event, the singlet should be returned to the equipment manager when tournament activity ceases. Considerations Athletes should try to do their homework before coming to practice. They may be too tired afterwards to do an adequate job on homework. It will also allow them to focus more readily on wrestling. After practice, the wrestler should take a shower or bath as soon as possible and we recommend using an anti-bacterial soap such as Dial or the Kennedy Industries Sport Hair and Body Cleanser For Athletes The wrestler must have their fingernails trimmed low so as not to scratch an opponent or teammate. Jewelry cannot be worn during matches or at practice. The only exceptions would be for medical or religious purposes. In this case the jewelry must be taped over or may have to be relocated to a safer part of the body. 8
Hair longer than collar length presents a danger to the wrestler. Therefore, hair should be maintained at or above this length and should not extend more than two inches from the head. Moreover, a wrestler may not be permitted to participate in league matches if the referee deems the hair to be beyond collar length. Problems Any problems that may be encountered should be reported first to a member of the coaching staff. In the event that no resolution is reached, a complaint or problem can be reported to the board of commissioners. The board of commissioners will render a decision after a complete and thorough investigation. 9
Parental Consent and Release I have read the Rules and Guidelines and General Information and agree to abide by the ideas and principles set forth therein. I hereby certify that is in normal health and capable of participating in any Palisades Youth Wrestling Association function. RELEASE: I, the parent of the above named child, hereby give my approval for his/her participation in any and all wrestling activities during the current wrestling season. I assume all risks and hazards incident to such participation including transportation to and from activities and do hereby waive, release, absolve, indemnify and agree to hold harmless the Palisades Youth Wrestling Association, sponsors, supervisors, coaches, participants, and persons transporting my child to and from activities from any claim arising from injury to my child except to the extent and in the amount of Palisades Youth Wrestling Association s accident or liability insurance, provided such claims are not covered by my private medical or automobile insurance. I agree to return upon request the uniform and other equipment issued to my child participating in this wrestling and cheerleading program. I pledge ten (10) hours of work during the regular wrestling season, including the Palisades Wrestling Association s Winter Break Wrestling Tournament. Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: 10