What is expected of my child?

Each child is expected to be at every practice and match. THEIR development is dependent on their attentiveness and work ethic. Wrestling will be taught and learned in ‘building blocks'. Coaches will DEMAND that the kids are paying attention and not disrupting during a practice or match. Coaches realize that they are kids, but if your child is continually disrupting they will be asked to leave practice or the event. We have only a few hours so quality practice time is critical?

What is expected of the parent? Is there a way for me to become more involved?

Coaches expect parents to be positively involved with your child. Positive participation is beneficial to everyone involved. Always support your child, encourage them to do their best, never chastise or belittle them, and donate your time to work at events. During practice we ask that you sit quietly and allow your child to do his best. It is important that each child listen attentively to their coaches so that they can master the skills of the sport. Parents who cannot will be asked to leave.

My child did not wrestle last year, will they have the opportunity to compete? Is there a possibility that they may be ‘cut' from the team?

Experience is not required. A strong work ethic and willingness to learn are all that are required. NO WRESTLERS WILL BE CUT!! The beauty of this sport is that if you come out, you are on the team. Children need educated and developed. How can anybody expect that to happen if you cut a kid before you get to know their strengths and weaknesses? All possible efforts will be made to ensure that your child gets to compete in all events.

What equipment will my child need?

Wrestling shoes are recommended, but are not required.  Your child may practice and compete in gym shoes. However, please do not wear street shoes into the wrestling area. Have your child carry them into the room. During practice, dress as you would for gym class - shoes, shorts and a t-shirt. Refrain from having your child wear any clothing that is heavy or has zippers, buttons, belts or anything else that may cause injury to other children. Head gear are not required, but are recommended. Tournament singlets will be provided but must be turned in on specified date at the end of the season.

How do you select the starting lineup?

A wrestler is not ‘selected for the starting lineup. We will be competing only in individual tournaments. Everyone gets to wrestle.

What are the physical demands of this sport?

You can expect your child to get over heated and exhausted from the workouts. Wrestling is a physical sport that requires hard work. All precautions will be made to ensure their safety. Your child will be sore but soon their bodies will adjust. Keep pushing them to stay with it! The sport of wrestling will help with a child's coordination, flexibility and kinetic skills.

What do I do while my child is practicing?

First, this is not a baby-sitting service. We ask that you don't just ‘drop your kid off and leave'. However, space in the wrestling room is limited. If you choose to stay in the room, please sit quietly off to the side and watch. It will be difficult to ‘watch your baby' get all twisted and turned, but they will be okay. Coaches will do their best to ensure their safety. Also, it is important that the wrestlers stay focused and attentive to the instruction, please refrain from talking with them during practice. Again, children who are ‘goofing off' will increase the chances of someone getting hurt.

Will we have to do any fundraisers?

Yes, but only one. More information on this will be given at our 1^st parent meeting.

What should I do if my child gets frustrated and wants to quit?

DON'T LET THEM!! Wrestling is not an easy sport. The demands can sometimes be overwhelming on your child. It is important for a child to learn that they must finish what they started. Please encourage and love them no matter the outcome, but do not teach them to be quitters. Our goal is to encourage participation and have fun with the hopes that one day they will feed into our Junior High, and eventually into our High School program.

Will parents have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts to show our support of our kids?

Yes. We will give every parent an opportunity to purchase a t-shirt that is similar to the ones your child will get as part of their club membership. We highly encourage it so that we can continue the sense of PRIDE and TRADITION in the Western Brown Wrestling program.

After the season is over will there be any opportunities to continue wrestling?

YES!! There will be a spring wrestling club ran by the coaching staff. Though the focus will be in the styles Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling it would be a great opportunity to enhance your child's wrestling skills. Members of our youth club who join the spring club will have 50% of the club fees waived.

Where will practices be held?

Practice will be held in the High School Wrestling room. Parents will be asked to park in the front parking lot and enter the building through the East Doors (closest to the football field). Please understand that in order for our program to use these facilities we must keep them clean and no one will be allowed to ‘roam' around the building. Please be prompt and pick your child up at the scheduled time.

How do competitions work?

All tournaments are held on Sunday. They are optional but not attending them on a regular basis only limits the development of their wrestling skills. Most tournaments have registration fees ranging from $10-$15 dollars. There are no spectator fees. Weigh ins are held at practice before each event and all registration fees are due at that time (NO EXCEPTIONS). Rosters will be sent in that night. Wrestlers are paired up with others their age and weight (usually within 5-7 pounds). Each child will have a coach in his corner and parents are not allowed on the floor during the tournament.

Should I be concerned about skin infections? How can I prevent them?

                Unfortunately skin infections are common in all sports. There are basically three ways to help prevent them. The first line of defense is good health. Eating properly is essential to successful athletic performance but it is also an excellent way to defend against disease and infection. Secondly take the time to exam your child from time to time. Should you notice anything different on their skin please inform a coach immediately. Finally, have your child take a bath or shower on a daily basis and do not let them practice in used or dirty clothes.