Parent Questions About Wrestling

What measures are taken to protect the health of the wrestlers?

On a daily basis, the coaching staff stresses the use of proper and legal wrestling techniques and maneuvers. We closely monitor their actions during all competitive and/or scrimmage wrestling situations so that any risk of an injury is lessened. Furthermore, we recommend that the boys wear their headgear during all wrestling and drill sessions to prevent cauliflower ear and other abrasions on the ear or head. Please understand that we only recommend and do not require them to wear their headgear.

They are also only allowed to wear t-shirts during any drilling and/or wrestling activity instead of a heavy sweatshirt or jersey which could cause dehydration or fatigue to occur quickly. In addition, we allow periodic water breaks so that they can adequately hydrate themselves during intense practice sessions. Finally, we provide direct access to an athletic trainer. They can provide ice and any other medical attention as needed. If a serious injury should occur, one of the coaches or trainers will contact the parent(s) as soon as possible.

How much weight should my son lose?

As in many situations, the key concept here is common sense. Your son may not have to lose any weight to wrestle at his weight class. His weight class selection, in fact, should be determined only after he discusses it with both his parents and the coaching staff. We reject weight loss methods that involve extreme starvation, dehydration, laxatives, induced vomiting, or any other artificial means (saunas, etc.). What we hope to accomplish is a favorable balance between ENERGY IN and ENERGY OUT. When losing weight, you can decrease your calorie intake (ENERGY IN) or increase your physical activity (ENERGY OUT). The most effective approach is a combination of these methods.

Your son should have a well-balanced diet and avoid any "fad" diets which deny him proper nutrition. Moderation is the key in regards to his eating habits - eliminate candy, pastries, junk foods, and snacks between meals. Food portions can be lessened, and you may choose to provide food items high in carbohydrates (pastas, fruit, potatoes, breads) rather than foods high in fat content. If you believe your son's weight loss methods are wrong or excessive, please contact any one of the coaches immediately.

Why do wrestlers choose to lose weight?

Most wrestlers believe that by dropping excess weight, they can compete in a weight class where they will be stronger. This belief is accurate in most cases, but they must consider their health first. Each wrestler reviews, with the coaching staff, his percentage of body fat, the number of pounds he wishes to lose, and the level of competition he would face at various weight classes. The coaches are very careful in monitoring each wrestler's weight loss.

How are varsity and junior varsity wrestlers chosen?

Contrary to belief, there is no objective criteria (you win a wrestle-off and you wrestle that weight) in determining who wrestlers varsity and junior varsity. A wrestle-off would be the easiest thing for our coaching staff and would take away any perceptions of favoritism to certain athletes. We do have many "indication" bouts throughout the year. These bouts give the coaching staff "indications" of where each wrestler is and what area he may need improvement. The following reasons denote what criteria is used and why the wrestle-off method is not used as the only means for who wrestles:

Some wrestlers are great in practice and do not perform well in match situations.
One wrestler's style may match-up better against certain opponents.
We believe in student-athletes and consider each wrestler's academic progress when determining who wrestles.
Attendance and punctuality at practice is mandatory and one's absence/tardiness could impact his wrestling for the team.
Attitude in school, as determined by the wrestler's teachers, is looked at closely by the staff.
Attitude in practice is crucial to the team's success. A poor attitude is not looked at as favorable by the coaching staff.
Dedication and determination to the sport of wrestling have been the keys to the success of our wrestling program. A wrestler's lack of dedication and determination would have an impact on their ability to secure a position in the line-up.
Physical condition is a necessity to succeed in this sport. If a wrestler is not in top physical condition, he cannot perform at his best.
Cooperation with one's teammates is critical for team unity. The coaching staff expects all wrestlers to cooperate with one another and the coaching staff.
Competitiveness in this sport is needed to excel. A wrestler lacking competitiveness will struggle in all aspects of wrestling.
Proper nutrition and weight loss are vital to the health and well-being of the student-athletes. Wrestlers using improper weight loss techniques or not adhering to the weight limits set for practice will not compete in the matches.
Wrestlers needs to exhibit focus, enthusiasm and motivation at practice. Controlling emotions is fundamental to the team's success. Athletes who swear or are easily overcome with disgust or anger at practice are prone to exhibit this behavior in a match.
Following team rules is paramount to our program's success. The coaching staff instills basic rules for the program. Chronic disregard for any/all of the rules will result in either a dismissal from the team or a wrestler not be granted an opportunity to compete.

The coaching staff, based on their experience and expertise, retains the right to wrestle the best wrestler based on all of the above criteria and not a single wrestle-off bout.

What do they do at practice?

Each practice contains all/some of the following:

comprehensive warm-up/stretching
running/conditioning (mile, 1/2 miles, 1/4 miles, sprints, distance)
combative/live drilling
instructional drilling
new skill teaching
special tactics/techniques in the standing, top and bottom positions
strength training
competitive/live wrestling (matches, round robin, iron man, situational)
reviewing wrestling video
one-on-one meeting with coaches

What kind of physical changes should I expect to observe in my son?

First, since most wrestlers choose to lose at least some weight over the season, you may notice that their pants fit loosely, their faces become more taut, and their upper body begins to show more muscle definition. Their endurance and stamina levels increase, and they become more flexible due to exercise performed during practices. On the down side, you may also notice bumps and bruises form on their cheeks, legs and arms. These are typical areas that come in contact with an opponent or drill partner, so some type of a black-and-blue spot can be expected occasionally. He should demonstrate more fatigue during the week since he is working very hard for five or six straight days.

What kind of psychological changes should I expect to observe in my son?

He may become more irritable and moody. Wrestling is a long season where for two hours every day the boys sweat and strain in an enclosed area, pounding on each other to prepare for the next competition. That competition involves a one-on-one situation that can make even the most poised person nervous. Therefore, it is crucial that parents work to keep their son's spirits as high as possible. Please contact a coach immediately if your son's moody behavior turns into belligerence. This should not be tolerated regardless on any anxiety he may be feeling.

What should I do if there is a problem?

We ask that all major problems be directed as soon as possible to the head coach. However, for minor problems or concerns, feel free to discuss them with the coach you find most accessible.