Does my child need any special equipment to wrestle?
That depends on his/her age and level of involvement. For practices he should wear shorts and a t-shirt (tight-fitting is best). We do wrestle on a special (and expensive) mat, so we ask that wrestlers wear either: 1) Wrestling Shoes (click here for a link to an online store to purchase shoes), 2) non-street shoes (for wrestlers <10 years old), or 3) stocking feet (please no bear feet). Wrestling Shoes are strongly recommended for wrestler older than 10, because they give the wrestler needed traction without damaging the mat (prices range from $20 to $60--we recommend the cheaper shoes as there really isn't a difference in performance).
Headgear and kneepads are worn by some wrestlers but are not necessary for most younger wrestlers (<13 years old).
Wrestlers who intend to participate in tournaments will need a wrestling singlet (click here for a photograph). For most children and youth wrestlers, the best singlet is a reversable red and blue singlet that can typically be purchased for about $30 (click here for a link to an online store offering children's singlets).
What do I need to bring to practice?
Please bring water, wrestling shoes or non-street-shoes or clean socks, and a great attitude!
What time should I arrive at practice?
Please arrive a few minutes early so you or your wrestler will have time to get on the mat and be ready to begin on time. If you need to speak to a coach, please come early so you don't disrupt practice. The coaches need to spend practice time focusing on the wrestlers.
Do I need to attend my child's practice or can I drop him off and return for him after practice ends?
You may stay and watch or leave your child at practice. If your child has a difficult time adjusting without you, it may be a good idea to stay for at least the first couple practices. In certain situations the coaches may request that you stay if your child consistently has trouble adjusting to the new environment or following instructions. We don't have much seating for spectators, but if you are comfortable sitting on an old mat, please feel free! Whether you stay or not, we would love for you to take an active interest in your wrestler's progress. In a short amount of time they will learn new movements and some "fancy tricks" that they will be excited to show you.
Does the team provide transportation to and from the tournaments?
No. Parents may carpool together, but the coaches will not provide supervision of the children between matches at the tournament (they will be on the mats coaching the wrestlers during their matches). So if you carpool, please send your children with someone you trust to supervise them until they return home to you.
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