parents packetmedia.hometeamsonline.com/photos/htosports/warwick... · h. as a coach, be careful...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Parents Packet
Everything you need to know about being a Warwick Wrestling parent
2
Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………...3
About our Program……………………… …………………………...3
Leadership Team…………………………………………...................3
Mission Statement and Values……………………………..................4
Goals for the Program…………………………………………………5
Philosophy and Overview of the Program…………………………….6
Expectations of Coaches………………………………………………7
Risk Management……………………………………………………...8
Issues and Concerns……………………………………………………8
Facilities at Warwick…………………………………………………..9
Dates and Times………………………………………………………..9
Communication………………………………………………………...9
Contact Us……………………………………………………………...9
Rules, Regulations and Other Key Information for Practice…………10
Sample Practices………………………………………………………11
Core Curriculum………………………………………………………12
Competition…………………………………………………………...13
Lancaster Wrestling League…………………………………………...13
Intermediate Group Competition……………………………………...14
Intermediate Scrimmages……………………………………………...14
Wrestling Rules and Terminology…………………………………….15
Match Conduct………………………………………………………...18
Do’s and Don’ts……………………………………………………….19
Warwick Youth Boosters……………………………………………...21
Developmental Characteristics………………………………………..22
Myths of Talent Development…………………………………………23
Skin Infection in Wrestling…………………………………………….24
Wrestling Resources for Parents………………………………………26
3
Introduction
We are very pleased that your child has signed up to be a Warwick wrestler! The sport of
wrestling can enrich your child’s life in innumerable ways. This packet is intended to
serve as a guide for you and your child to help make the most of the season and the
opportunities available in the club. Please do not ever hesitate to bring up any points or
ask any questions you may have, as we are working together to make this an incredible
experience for you and your child. So follow along to learn about each part of the
program.
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
The Warwick Youth Wrestling Program (“Warwick Wrestling” or “Warwick”) is not
affiliated with the Warwick School District. We are considered a "feeder" program by
the School District, meaning our job is to prepare the young wrestlers to move up to the
Junior High Program. We have a great relationship with the school district and
appreciate their support of our program.
Our program is designed for any boy or girl who is between the school ages of
Kindergarten through 6th grade. 7th graders and above would need to wrestle at the
junior high or senior high level.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Warwick Youth Wrestling program leadership team for the 2014-15 wrestling season
is as follows:
Director: Alicia McClune
Assistant Director: Ben Yerger
Treasurer: Dan Wooley
Secretary: Pat Tocci
Head Advanced Coach (Assistant Director): Dave Martin
Head Intermediate Coach (Assistant Director): Ben Yerger
4
Warwick Mission Statement, Values and Goals
Mission Statement
Warwick Wrestling is dedicated to providing an educationally based coaching
philosophy to the wrestlers of the Warwick Wrestling program. The program will
be focused on skill development in a fun but safe environment. The coaches will
not only stress the best techniques for the sport of wrestling but to provide life
skills. Coaches will try to connect what they are doing in the wrestling room to
lessons outside the wrestling room. The program will not determine success by
wins and losses but in how wrestlers learn the sport and having a positive athlete
experience.
Values
We at Warwick are accountable to the sport of wrestling, the wrestlers and the
parents of those members. We have a responsibility to use the best methods to
teach a student-wrestler a lifestyle of excellence and high moral character.
Including but not limited to: teaching correct wrestling techniques, life skills and
excellence in the classroom.
As Warwick coaches we have a responsibility to value everyone’s time equally.
We have an obligation to ensure all wrestlers receive the attention they need to
have the best possible experience with the sport. Only by honoring these
responsibilities and standing by these values can Warwick provide the absolute
best service to the Warwick wrestling community. Our coaches will work to
advance the sport of wrestling to its utmost potential, by not taking any shortcuts
and making decisions of the highest moral character.
5
Goals for the Program
- Get each wrestler to learn the basic skills of the sport
- To have a positive athletic experience
- Master techniques needed to be successful in the sport
- Double the number of wrestlers in the program
- Have 6th grade wrestlers want to continue in the sport in JHS
- Have wrestlers do well in school and understand the importance of
academics
- Make sure all wrestlers understand the rules of the sport
- Have advance wrestlers place in the Lancaster County Tournament
6
Philosophy of the Program
The focus of our program will be on skill development and providing a fun and
rewarding experience for each child in a positive learning environment. We will not be
measuring the success of our season on wins and losses but instead, on how each wrestler
develops throughout the season.
While winning is important, we must realize that success isn’t defined solely by winning.
We will define the success of the program in the educational experience we provide to
your child.
We will do our very best to group your child with other students of similar weight and
ability at all practices and competitions. The guiding principal is that safety and well-
being of the wrestlers will take precedence. Please know that not every student will
initially be physically and/or emotionally ready for competition in a combative sport like
wrestling. We will pay very close attention to how they do in controlled competition at
practice before we subject them to open competitions (outside of our practice room).
We will also be stressing to the wrestlers the importance of sportsmanship. Our coaches
will be tasked with setting a proper example of sportsmanship for our wrestlers and,
parents. Our coaches will have positive interaction with officials, opposing coaches and
wrestlers.
Make it fun! The number one reason kids play youth sports is because they want to have
fun. The number reason why kids quit sports is because it is no longer fun. We have an
obligation to ensure that our wrestlers have fun while developing their wrestling skills.
While wrestling can be the greatest sport in the world, it can also be one of the most
difficult. If practice is not fun, students tend to drift towards other sports and lose interest.
While there is time for wrestling and working hard, there also needs to be time for fun
and games. Please know that “fun” can also be realized when young students enjoy being
around their coaches/teammates, they experience “healthy challenges” that are kept in the
proper perspective, they can see progression with skill development and
strength/conditioning, they can contribute to the overall success of the team, and they
take part in active participation.
7
Coaches:
We have an excellent group of coaches who have wrestled and competed at the highest
level of the sport and also have coached at the high school and Division I college level.
Many of our coaches also work in the educational fields including teachers,
administrators and coaching development.
Expectations of Our Coaches
Health and safety is the top priority (nothing supersedes this)
Adhere to a educationally based coaching philosophy
Ensure wrestlers have a good experience
Take an interest in the wrestlers: ask about school or etc.
Be positive, patient, and encouraging with the athletes
Stress sportsmanship and fair-play
Character development (work ethic, responding to success & failure
appropriately, facing adversity, self-discipline, team-oriented, etc.)
Stress and recognize improvement
Understand that wrestling is a contact sport and kids will get upset. Stay
positive
Ensure that partners are working together cooperatively
Ensure kids are paying attention and help when someone is not following
the rules.
Make sure partners are matched up appropriately
During live wrestling make sure to watch and intercede when there is
mismatches
Use mistakes as teachable moments.
Let parents know when a child is doing well
Not allowing negative comments by wrestlers
Supervise during live wrestling
Assist in making sure wrestlers are learning the technique correctly
Not acceptable actions by coaches:
Use of exercise as a punishment
Yelling at a wrestler for mistakes
Negative or disparaging comments to any wrestler
Yelling at officials and displaying poor sportsmanship
Touching or grabbing a wrestler in an physical manner
Arguing or engaging negatively with parents
8
How coaches are instructed to deal with poor behavior
Provide several verbal warnings
Separate the wrestler from the group (during technique session)
Have the wrestler sit or stand with another coach (during technique
session)
Have the wrestler sit on the wall and not participate (drilling)
Do not allow the wrestler to participate in game at end
If the issue continues to be a problem please bring it to Dave, Ben, or
Pat’s attention
Risk Management
A. Athletes must be supervised at all times. Never leave children alone at any
time. Most accidents happen before or after practice when athletes are
unsupervised. Be sure that a supervising adult is first to arrive and the last to
leave the training facility.
B. Make certain that there is sufficient supervision at practice and/or
competitions.
C. Inspect the practice area daily to make certain that it is safe.
D. The mat area must be properly disinfected before every practice.
E. Do not allow the practice area to become too crowded. This dramatically
increases the risk of athletes falling on (or into) others thus causing injury.
F. Never allow there to be a large difference between the weight and/or ability
levels of partners during practice or competition. This is first and foremost a
safety issue.
G. Organize the wrestlers in the room by keeping the heavyweights in one end
and the lighter weights in the other end. Any wrestlers/coaches who are not
drilling or sparring should remain on their feet so they can keep teammates
from colliding into each other.
H. As a coach, be careful when demonstrating a technique on a young wrestler
I. Practice attire should consist of gym shorts and t-shirt and/or a singlet.
J. Ensure the emergency action plan is available in the wrestling room. Have
contact information on site for all student athlete’s parents as well as
emergency squad phone numbers in the event of injury or emergency.
Issues or Concerns
It is important that if you have concerns or questions (included but not limited to
wrestler’s progression, issues with a coach(es), safety concerns, etc.), please address them
to Dave, Ben, Pat or Alicia immediately. We cannot improve or change things if we are
not aware of issues.
9
Facilities at Warwick
Our practice facility will be at the Warwick High School Wrestling Room. The wrestling
room is located near the weight room and old gym. You should enter the wrestling room
from the Orange Street door. Please do not enter the main doors of the high school gym.
Dates and Times
The program will run from December 2 through February 28.
Practice Times:
Braves (Grades K-3): Tuesday and Thursday 5:45-6:45
Warriors (Grades 4-6): Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 6:50-8:05
If school is closed there will be no practice.
Cancellation of practice: In the event that practice must be cancelled due to weather or reasons, we will send an
email and also post on the Facebook page. If you would like to be alerted via text
message, please let me know and we can add you that way as well.
Complete practice schedule will be available on the Warwick Wrestling Website
Communication We will provide weekly email communication to the parents for all groups. The
communication will include schedule for the week, upcoming competitions, progress
report of the group and other pertinent information.
Contact Us
Alicia McClune: Director, 717-587-0791 or [email protected]
Dave Martin, Warriors Head Coach: 717-203-3275 or [email protected]
Ben Yerger, Braves Head Coach, 717-682-2709 or [email protected]
Website: www.warwickwrestlingclub.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/222424191154256/
10
Rules, Regulations, & Other Key Information for
Practice
Practice Rules
Please be on time
No running in the halls prior to practice
Please dress in the hallway before entering the wrestling room
Do not enter the wrestling room until your practice time starts
No horseplay before or during practice
Proper attire must be worn to practices.
This following is recommended to wear to practice:
• Loose fitting gym shorts or sweat pants (no belts allowed)
• T-shirt
• High top gym sneakers or wrestling shoes (preferred)
• Mouth guard for any child with braces (must be supplied by the families, need both
upper and lower guards)
Bring water bottle
There will be no jewelry of any kind worn during practice or matches!!!
Treat teammates and coaches with respect
Shower after practice
Bring warm clothes for after practice
Practice Procedures
• Participants will only wrestle with a teammate of similar age, size, and skill level
• No wrestler will be forced to participate in “live” practice situations
• Any participant who fails to follow the safety rules put in place by the Warwick coaching
staff is subject to removal from the program.
Parents in the Wrestling Room
Parents are allowed in the wrestling room during practice. Being involved in your child’s
practices is an important part of learning the sport for all. However, due to the tight space we
ask that you abide by the following rules:
Please keep conversations to a minimum
Please do not have siblings in the rooms
Please make sure you have flat footed shoes and wipe them before entering the room
Let coaches do the coaching
Be encouraging during practice and not critical
Words of encouragement or direction towards their child to pay attention, or focus
are okay, and can be helpful.
11
Sample Practices
Braves:
5:45 – 5:55 Warm-up & Stretch 5:55 – 6:05 Stance, Motion, Penetration Step 6:05 – 6:10 Sit out Turn In, Sit Back Turn In, Stand-Up 6:10 – 6:15 Agility Lines (Penetration Step, Tumbling, Bear Crawls…..) 6:15 – 6:20 Break 6:20 – 6:40 Technique 6:40 – 6:45 Game
Warriors:
Sample Practice Schedule Mid-Season (Advanced) 6:50 – 7:00 Warm-up & Stretch 7:00 – 7:05 Stance, Motion, Penetration Step 7:05 – 7:10 Sit out Turn In, Sit Back Turn In, Stand-Up 7:10 – 7:15 Agility Lines (Penetration Step, Tumbling, Bear Crawls…..) 7:15 – 7:20 (Maximum of 5 Minutes) Demo a Move from Neutral 7:20 – 7:30 Practice Move and Re-teach as Needed (Maximum of 2 Minutes to Re-teach) 7:30 – 7:35 Water Break (must have a break) 7:35 – 7:40 (Maximum of 5 Minutes) Demo a Move from Top or Bottom 7:40 – 7:50 Practice Move and Re-teach as Needed (Maximum of 2 Minutes to Re-teach) 7:50 – 8:00 Live Wrestling 8:00 – 8:05 Game
12
Core Curriculum
Warriors Braves/Scouts
Lead Stance Lead Stance
Basics Square Stance Square Stance
Motion (Circling) Motion (Circling)
Downblock Downblock
Penetration Step Penetration Step
Bottom Set up Bottom Set up
Top Set up Top Set up
Neutral Offense 1) Double leg 1) Double leg
2) Single Leg 2) Single Leg
3) Head Outside Single 3) Low leg single
4) Duck Under
5) Low leg single
Offense Set up Inside Control Head tap
Arm snap Inside Control
Post
Neutral Defense Snap Down Snap and Spin
Front Headlock Sprawl, stuff and cross
face
Whizzer
Sprawl, stuff and cross
face
Top - Turns 1) Far Side Cradle 1) Far Side Cradle
2) Half Nelson 2) Half Nelson
3) cross-wrist tilt
Top -
Breakdowns 1) Chop 1) Chop
2) Far Ankle, Far Knee 2) Far Ankle, Far Knee
3) Spiral
Bottom 1) Stand-up 1) Stand-up
2) Sit-outs 2) Switch
3) Switch 3) Half Nelson Counter
4) Wrist Roll 4) Belly to base - Head Up
5) Half Nelson Counter
13
Competition
"Youth pushed too early do well quickly but usually don't last for the good stuff. Solid
foundations are built slowly on sound principals."
Cael Sanderson, Head Coach, Penn State University
4X NCAA Champion (159-0)
2004 Olympic Champion
NCAA National Coach of the Year
The Lancaster Wrestling League
The Lancaster Wrestling League is composed of Lancaster County teams. The Advanced
group will wrestle in eight dual meets throughout the season. Wrestlers will also have an
opportunity to enter novice and open tournaments this year. To be considered a novice
wrestler, the athlete should have two or less years of tournament wrestling experience. To
be considered an advanced wrestler the athlete should have more than two years of
experience. This is just a guideline and may be modified based on the wrestler’s ability.
Please see the wrestling calendar for specific dates and locations of dual meets and
tournaments.
Please know that no wrestlers are required to compete.
Note on Competition for Braves Group
One of the toughest questions in the sport of wrestling is when is the proper time for a
child to compete? Wrestling is unlike any sport when it comes to competition because of
the individual nature of the sport and the physical aspect. You should be very cautious
entering a kindergarten or first grade wrestler into a tournament. It is recommended that
as a second grader you can start to introduce some competition but only if the wrestler is
ready. Please talk to your wrestlers to see if they want to attend the event. Please know
that many kids in k-2 compete and do just fine with competition but it is something about
which you need to be cautious. It is important for the wrestler to have a good experience
and enjoy the event. Please consult with a coach prior to entering your wrestler into
competition to make sure they are ready.
14
Braves Scrimmages
We hope to have some low-key scrimmages for the wrestlers starting January. The focus
of this group is to be exposed to the sport and learn the basics however; we will set up a
few scrimmages for the wrestlers who would like to participate. It is not mandatory to
take part in the scrimmages. We hope to have that schedule finalized shortly.
15
Wrestling Rules and Terminology
Takedown (Folkstyle)
When from a neutral position, one wrestler is able
to bring his opponent to the mat and gain control.
Score: 2 points
Escape (Folkstyle)
Escaping your opponent's control.
Score: 1 point
Reversal (Folkstyle)
When the wrestler on the bottom is able to reverse
the control so that his/her opponent is on the
bottom.
Score: 2 points
Near Fall (Folkstyle)
Points awarded when one wrestler comes close to
pinning the other.
Score: Worth two or three points depending on the
length of time that the opponent's back is exposed to
the mat.
Penalty Points (Folkstyle)
Can be awarded when the opposing wrestler
performs illegal moves or receives a penalty for
excessive stalling.
Take Downs, Escapes,
Reversals (Freestyle,
Greco-Roman)
Awarded one point unless there is exposure of the
back then additional points would be awarded.
Grand Amplitude
(Freestyle, Greco-Roman)
Holds where an opponent is lifted from the mat and
brought from a standing position immediately to
their back.
Five points
Back Points (Freestyle,
Greco-Roman)
Turning your opponents back within 90 degrees of
the mat. Not necessary to be in the offensive
position to get back points. A defender can be
awarded points if their opponent's back makes
contact with the mat.
Stalling
A warning is given for excessive stalling and then
penalties begin for subsequent calls.
Penalty: 1 point for the first and second penalty, 2
points for the third penalty, disqualification for the
fourth penalty.
Win by Fall A fall is known as a pin, which occurs when one
wrestler holds both his opponents' shoulders on the
16
mat at the same time.
Win by Technical Fall
If either wrestler gains a fourteen-point lead
(Folkstyle) or a ten-point lead (Freestyle, Greco-
Roman) on their opponent at any point then the
match is declared over and he/she is the winner.
Win by Decision
This occurs when neither wrestler achieves a fall or
technical fall, the wrestler with the most points is
declared the winner. If the number of points is the
same then the decision will go to a panel of judges
who will base the winner on aggressiveness and
effectiveness.
Win by injury A wrestler is knocked out or unable to wrestle
because of injury the other is declared the winner.
Flagrant Misconduct Results in disqualification of individual and
immediate removal from premises.
17
18
Match Conduct
Our team considers sportsmanship, honor, integrity and dedication to teammates above
all competitive aspects of our matches. As wrestlers and spectators, there are a few
simple principles we ask that you follow this season as we enter the competitive
schedule:
Competition Rules and Guidelines
Match Day
o Be Positive!
o Don’t talk about trophies, medals, prior matches, how good or bad the
other team was last year, etc…
o Identify nervousness – it’s the body’s way of getting ready
o Tell them how proud you are before you get there
After the Match
o Only praise! Tell them how proud you are of them.
o Constructive criticism comes from the coaches later
o Use of the ‘oreo’ approach in providing feedback (something positive,
something constructive, something positive)
o Nothing about the ref, match up, or excuses
o Focus on something they tried to do in the match that they have been
working on
o More praise, focus on effort, not performance
Dealing with losses
o Walk off the mat with pride, head held high
o Always shake the opponents hand
o Be respectful of the other team, coaches, referee and opponent regardless
of their actions
o The focus is on competing with oneself not our opponents – It’s not WHO
you wrestle, it’s HOW you wrestle.
Communication is Key
o Problems should be referred to the coaches after the match, not during
o If there is something you don’t like or believe is not fair tell the coaches
(calmly and respectfully) away from the student
19
Dos and Don’ts
Please DO:
Have your wrestler at the match early.
Come to the match if you can. Younger students do get support from their
teammates, but sometimes they look for support from their parents as well.
Cheer on your wrestler, and his teammates. (E.g. Atta boy James! Keep it up
Patrick! Looking great Ryan!). Please leave the coaching to the coaches, unless
you have specifically discussed beforehand with a coach that you want to be in
your wrestler’s corner.
Say positive things to wrestlers, after a match, both on your team and on the other
team as well. “Great match” is always short, sweet, to the point, and
appropriate.
Have a great time! Wrestling is a very special sport and this will be a very
positive experience for your family.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, after the match. We encourage all of our
wrestlers to leave everything on the mat. That means when the match is over… it
is OVER! If your wrestler feels like talking about his match with you… that’s
fine. However, we encourage you not to bring it up in discussion, otherwise. If
he’s not talking about it, it’s because he doesn’t want to talk about it. Wrestling is
a healthy sport. Obsession with success or failure in wrestling is unhealthy.
Instead of talking about the match, buy your wrestler a snack, or take him to a
movie. He’s earned a reward for being courageous enough to step out on the mat
and wrestle.
Please DON’T:
Say anything unless it is positive.
Coach your wrestler from the stands. It distracts the wrestler to hear his parent’s
voice giving advice that often can conflicts with what the coaches are telling him.
Yell and scream or say derogatory things about other wrestlers, coaches, referees
or parents. This seems obvious, but you wouldn’t believe what has occurred over
the years. Emotions sometimes get the best of all of us. The wrestling room is a
small place and there are lots and lots of ears around. We tell the team to wrestle
on the mat and act like wrestlers off of the mat. Please remember that the
behavior of the parents of our wrestlers also reflects on our program. We want
our program to be one of the finest youth programs in the state and we need our
parents to uphold their end of the bargain.
20
Approach the scorer’s table or coaches while they are in the corner
coaching. There is a lot of stuff going on, and we don’t have the liberty to answer
all of your questions during a match. Under no circumstances are parents
allowed on the mat during a match. If your son is injured, a coach will wave you
onto the mat if parental attention is required.
Dwell on the result of the match. Life is a journey, not a destination and this is a
marathon, not a sprint. This is all a process that will result in all of us becoming
better wrestlers, better athletes and better people.
Press your wrestler to discuss his or her match if he doesn’t want to. There is a
time and a place for everything. A youth wrestler is not a videotape. He does not
want to go over his match again and again. When the match is over, he wants to
just be himself. The Warwick coaches will follow up with every wrestler about
the things he did properly and the things he can improve upon.
21
Warwick Boosters
Parents! Warwick is an excellent organization to be a part of, but we can’t do it all alone.
Our parent volunteers do most of the hard work and put in most of the time that goes into
making this program so great. If you would like to step up and volunteer this year, here
are some of the committees where Warwick could use your help.
Board Member
Coaches
Organize Pictures
Website
End of Year Banquet
T-shirts and merchandise
Fundraising
Warwick Youth Open Tournament Fundraiser 2/21/15
o Table Help Coordinator
Clock Operator
Scorekeeper
Tapper
o Concession Coordinator
Concession worker
o Front Door
o Gym Set up (2-20-15)
o Gym Clean Up
o Awards
o Announcer
o Merchandise
o Weigh-ins
o Officials (Dave Martin)
o Photos
o Athletic Trainer
Developmental Characteristics – students develop differently depending on their age. This is
important to know when trying to teach skills and/or maintaining their attention. We have to be careful
about teaching some skills to students that might not be physically developed enough to do them. It is
also much easier to teach students once you know how they are motivated. This chart is provided by
the NWCA “Best Practices for Improving the Recruitment/Retention of Wrestlers” online course.
Age Group Physical Social Emotional Cognitive
5-6 year olds Developing eye hand coordination Like to take part in new activities led by an adult
Eager to learn
Like long periods of free play Play well in small groups Ask lots of questions
Improved body coordination yet fall easily Learning to cooperate with others but still selfish
Need adult guidance when starting new things, short
attention span
7-9 year olds Good sense of balance Increasingly friend conscious and loyal to friends
Enjoys problem solving
Improved fine and gross motor skills & like to test muscle skills.
Finds criticism difficult to handle Longer attention span
Enthusiastic about games that allow for self-improvement
Rigid sense of right and wrong More self directed
Ungainly in appearance and often awkward Need to belong to a group Beginning to understand right and left
10-12 year olds
Careless about cleanliness and personal hygiene
Like to join organized groups and see security in them
Ask lots of questions and want thoughtful answers
Girls entering puberty with rapid growth spurts
Intensely loyal to peer group (tremendous pressure)
Develop strong interests—hobbies
Enjoy physical activities that master specific skills
Assert individuality and independence rebellious & defiant
Enjoys problem solving with greater complexity
Like to see self improvement Daring and competitive and like competitive sports
Like rule based games
Enjoy competition Self-conscious of their ability Have a good sense of humor and enjoys
jokes/sarcasm
23
Myths of Talent Development
Institute of Youth Sports at Michigan State University
The following has been developed by internationally renowned coaching
development experts, Dr. Dan Gould and Dr. Larry Lauer at the Institute for
Youth Sports at Michigan State University.
Myth 1: Athletic Talent Can Be Accurately Predicted in Youth: Sport science
research shows that it is very difficult to predict who will be a successful elite
athlete from their performance as children and youth. It is true that there are some
athletic prodigies who excel through all levels of sport. For the vast majority of
children, however, early success does not predict later athletic performance.
Myth 2: More Is Always Better! It takes 10 years or 10,000 hours of practice to
develop expertise in any field, including sport. However, these hours must be
distributed in different amounts at appropriate developmental times. Too often
youth sports parents and coaches are over training young athletes, which results
in more injuries, later losses of motivation, and burnout.
Myth 3: Early Single Sport Specialization Is Essential: With the exception of a
few early specialization sports, young athletes shouldn’t think about specializing
in a single sport until age 14-15. Even then they may still play a second sport for a
change of pace.
Myth 4: You Cannot Have Fun If You Are Going To Be Good: Because the
development of athletic talent is a long term process, research shows that elite
athletes must fall in love with their sport in their early years of involvement. They
need programs that emphasize fun, camaraderie, and skill development.
Myth 5: Talented Individuals Need Different Entry Programs and Coaching
Approaches Than Their Less Talented Counterparts: There is feeling today
that children as young as 6 or 7 need to be placed into special athletic talent
development programs. This is not the case. All children should be encouraged to
play multiple sports, develop fundamental motor skills, and have time to fall in
love with physical activity
24
Skin Infections in Wrestling
The Sport of Wrestling faces many challenges and with each one its community has responded in
a positive way. Identification and management of infectious skin diseases have always been an
issue, but we are now facing a more insidious outbreak of infections that could mean the loss of
life and limb.
As result of this new challenge, it is critical that every parent, coach and physician that works
with the sport of wrestling must be aware of what to look for and the appropriate action to take.
There are basically three types of skin infections that plague this sport:
Bacterial-Small organisms that are found everywhere in the air, water, ground, mats and
on skin. These organisms only become a problem if they get into and under the skin and
“colonize”. The two major strains (types) are Staphylococcal and Streptococcal that
produce infectious lesions within the sport. Early identification and management of
bacterial infection is critical in minimizing the impact on the athlete.
Viral-Microscopic “parasitic” structures that require a host cell to survive. Viruses are
constantly changing and mutating but cannot survive without a “host”. Within the Sport
of Wrestling the primary agent being Herpes Simplex Type-I. The major concern with
Herpes is once an athlete has contracted the virus, they are infected for life and can have
a breakout at any time. They become carriers and can develop a breakout lesion at any
time. If a breakout infection occurs the athlete can “share” the virus with any wrestler
they have direct contact with.
Fungal-Small Parasitic Plant Organisms that are found throughout daily living. They
spread through the dispersal of spores and can be very contagious. These organisms love
moist conditions and in some cases prefer to be anaerobic. Common types seen in
athletics are “Athlete’s Foot”, “Jock Itch” and Ringworm.
There are specific guidelines that should be followed in recognition of a skin lesion that should be
seen by physician for identification and management:
Lesions with a red, flaky border.
Weepy lesions, especially with “pus” or yellowish fluid.
Facial lesions associated with fever, redness and swollen lymph nodes.
Any skin lesion that is around the mouth, crosses the face into the scalp or redevelops in
the same area.
Lesions that produce ‘”Pins and Needles” sensation.
25
PREVENTION
“The best cure for skin infections is prevention”
The best way to treat contagious skin infections is prevention. The following rules are
critical to the success of preventing wrestlers from becoming infected:
1. GOOD Hygiene: Shower immediately and no longer than 30 minutes after
practice, change workout clothes and socks daily, consistently washing your
hands during the day, DO NOT share equipment.
2. If you notice an open lesion, keep it clean, cover it with a dressing and show it to
the Athletic Trainer or coach immediately.
3. Do not reuse razors, towels, or lotions that have had contact with an infected
lesion.
4. Self “skin checks” and workout partner “skin checks” daily.
5. Report any redness of a lesion to coach or Athletic Trainer.
6. If you have a sudden area that “itches”, show it to the Athletic Trainer or coach.
7. If you come in contact with an opponent or workout partner with an open lesion
clean the area with appropriate cleanser that contains Triclosan 1%; Nonoxynol 9;
8. Clean all practice mats and equipment daily with a 10% bleach or appropriate
cleaner.
9. If it appears to be infected get to the physician quickly and have the lesion tested
to determine the specific organism. Certain lesions may be covered with a
bioocclusive agent (i.e. Tegaderm), but not herpes to protect teammates,
opponents or family members.
26
Wrestling Resources for Parents
Suggested Wrestling Coaching Education Websites: National Wrestling Coaches Association: www.nwcaonline.com USA Wrestling: www.usawrestling.org Wrestling Media Websites: Flo Wrestling: www.flowrestling.com The Mat: www.themat.com The Open Mat: www.theopenmat.com InterMat: www.intermatwrestle.com Pennsylvania Youth Wrestling: www.pywrestling.com PAWR Wrestling: www.pawrvideo.com Sports Safety: Concussions: http://www.sportsconcussions.org Parenting Tips: Role of the Parent in Sport: www.nfshlearn.org Recommended Facebook Pages: NWCA: http://www.facebook.com/NWCAonline USA Wrestling: http://www.facebook.com/usawrestling NFHS Coaching Education: http://www.facebook.com/NFHSCoachEducation National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS): http://www.facebook.com/nays.org