Youth Tournament Information: What to Expect
This document provides information about youth wrestling tournaments, and will hopefully ease any anxiety about what you will encounter while attending a tournament. Tournaments are usually scheduled on weekends. Most open tournament details are posted in advance on the internet. We have links to upcoming tournaments on our website under Links. Tournaments may appear to be chaotic; however have faith, most tournaments are well organized and there is a method to the sometime apparent madness. In most tournaments, the wrestler will wrestle on the same mat for the entire tournament. They will be given individual bout numbers which will let you know when to expect your child to wrestle. Each mat will post what bout is currently wrestling. Your child should start to warm up and stretch a few bouts before he is scheduled to wrestle. You will spend most of your time sitting on a bleacher. If you need it, bring something soft to sit on or something to support your back. You may also want to bring along some form of entertainment for both you and the child. Some examples include a book or newspaper to read, video games for the child to pass the time while you are waiting for your next scheduled match. There can be an hour or more between matches. You may consider bringing along water and food for yourself as well. Most tournaments have concessions; some may even have clothing, headgear, and shoes for sale. Occasionally, you may see area youth tournament fliers or summer camp information distributed on lunch tables or in common areas. We suggest labeling all your clothing, except your singlet. Bring along your wrestling equipment in a designated bag for wrestling: headgear, shoes, knee pads, singlet, sweats or anything to be comfortable. These items are often lost and misplaced. Start good habits by having your wrestler put everything in the same bag after each practice, each match, and each tournament.
A. Registration Process
1.) Registration is often due a week in advance for the sake of bracketing and scheduling. Some tournaments will allow you to register the day before or the day of the tournament. This is called a walk-on. You typically have to pay more money to register as a walk-on than if you pre-register your child.
2.) Some tournaments have weigh-ins the day prior or the day of a tournament. Some have honor weigh-ins which means you write your child’s weight on the registration form ahead of time.
3.) Save yourself some headache by downloading the tournament flyer online and filling it out in advance.
4.) Most tournaments have separate medical waivers that may also have to be filled in before competition. Often these flyers list the tournament rules, start times, weigh-in times, styles, concessions, costs, etc.
5.) Some tournaments require proof of birth. It is good to keep a copy of your birth certificate in your child’s wrestling bag.
6.) Bring along food. Most tournaments have concessions; but to save money bring a sack lunch as well. Also, bring your own water and sport drink. Note that some schools do not allow food, beverages and/or coolers in the gym.
B. Actual Weigh-ins
1.) Some tournaments will have actual weigh-ins the day prior or the day of a tournament. Some have honor weigh-ins which means you write your child’s weight on the registration form ahead of time.
2.) After registration, your wrestler will need to get ready to weigh-in. Parents may not be able to directly accompany the wrestler at the weigh-in scale.
3.) There may not be a specific place to change clothing at the tournament, (other than the restroom). Many kids simply wear their singlet under their warm ups, shorts and t-shirt to the tournament.
4.) Fingernails will be checked and may require clipping, (for the safety of others), before proceeding.
5.) Any obvious rashes or skin infections may warrant non-admission to the tournament. Skin infections are extremely contagious, and clubs are very proactive to protect the other kids and anyone who may come in contact with the mats.
6.) After weigh-ins, the tournament organizers group the wrestlers based on weight, age and possibly experience. This is known as "bracketing."
C. Waiting For Brackets
1.) Once the host club completes the grouping of wrestlers, they may post bracket cards or sheets along a wall. It will inform parents, coaches and wrestlers the following: group/chart/mat number. Some parents take a quick snapshot of the bracket using their phone for reference throughout the day; others bring a pen and paper to write. Some tournaments sell the bracket sheets.
2.) Also, when the brackets are posted, you will still have time before wrestling actually starts. If your wrestler is missing when his match is supposed to start, some tournaments may page your wrestler to mat side, but some tournaments will forfeit your child’s match and move on.
3.) When you are not wrestling stay warm with warm-ups or sweatpants and sweatshirt. Parents - bring along something for you to do. There is always a waiting period after registration and before the tournament begins. There can also be an hour or more wait in between wrestling matches.
4.) If the tournament is run by mat assignments, the wrestlers will always be on the same mat; they will likely stay together.
D. Wrestling the Tournament
1.) Before wrestling begins, (during bracketing), the wrestling mats are usually open for kids to roll around, chat, stretch and warm-up.
2.) Act like a champion; the mat is not a playground. Follow the code of conduct.
3.) When you are not wrestling, watch and support your teammates. It is a good way to learn.
4.) Be respectful, follow directions, and be a good sport. Clean up after yourself.
5.) Some tournaments will use a "round robin" format. This means that your child will wrestle at least 3-4 times; although, this always depends on the number of wrestlers that show up in the same age, experience or weight category.
6.) Some tournaments will use a “double elimination” format. This means that your child will get at least 2 matches. When the wrestlers lose their 2nd match they are done for the day.
7.) Each youth wrestler will compete in each of three periods for 1 minute. Older kids or Varsity/JV may get 1 ½ minute periods for the second and third periods depending on the tournament rules.
8.) Each round involves all ages/weights wrestling before the next round begins. It may take up to 90 minutes per round. Sometimes things take longer and sometimes rounds go quickly. Pay attention.
9.) After each match, the wrestler is to go to the coach at mat side for final tips and a "pep talk".
10.) You will see many parents crouching up close to the mat in order to “mat-side” coach. Please be responsive and sensitive – if a coach is available, let them coach. Your presence may undermine, distract and confuse your child from the direction and objective feedback - coming from the coach.
11.) Spectators should note that a maximum number of persons on the mat might be limited to two. Either one coach and one video recorder or coaches only. Each tournament is different. State and national tournaments are more strict.
E. Awards / Afterwards / Positive Reinforcement / Injury
1.) After your last round of wrestling, stay with your group and proceed to the awards area.
2.) Tournaments usually give out some type of award to some or all wrestlers in the form of a medal or trophy. The 1st place champion is often also awarded the wall chart or paper bracket itself for their performance.
3.) In round robin format, a tie is very commonplace; some tournaments will post their tie-breaking criteria in order to eliminate duplicate places. Criteria may include, (but not limited to), most pins, most points, fastest pin, coin toss, etc. If tie criteria is not posted, do not be surprised if your idea of place is different than the final outcome.
4.) Parents may take photos or video at any time throughout the tournament. Wrestling is finished once the awards are distributed.
5.) Tournaments should have first aid handy. Nose bleeds do happen. Do not be alarmed. Also, do not overreact at tears that may flow. The referee is there not only to score the match but also to try to prevent injury. Sometimes, kids are simply not used to some positions that may be unfamiliar or rightfully uncomfortable.
6.) This is a personal sport and kids need to learn how to handle it when it is not going their way. The coaches are there to coach and will be truthful with your child and support him/her. Your job is to be the supportive parent giving the young athlete a hug or a pat on the back. Be aware of your behavior!
7.) Often after the tournament, families sometimes stop as a group to eat; this is not a required activity. It builds camaraderie and is fun for the kids; as they grow older, they will likely remember this more than the wrestling.
8.) Take pictures and/or video. This is the good stuff that they will cherish at some point down the road.
