WHAT TO EXPECT

MENTAL / PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS: 

"WHAT TO EXPECT AS A PARENT NEW TO WRESTLING"

TEAM USA Wrestling published that great article. If we could make it required reading before registering your wrestler, we would. Since we cannot, please find the time and energy to read it and follow its advice.  

Key headlines include: 

1. Attend pre-season team meetings.

2. Get to know other parents/fans. 

3. Get to know the coaches and wrestlers.

4. Ask coaches and parents for assistance. 

5. It’s about the kids.

6. Start out slow. 

7. Don’t compare your child to others. 

8. Don’t be that parent.

9. Use technology to your advantage. 

   • Utilize the educational resources available through USA Wrestling. Watch videos on the USA Wrestling YouTube channel with your child/wrestler or husband/wife, or through Flo Wrestling or Track Wrestling. Listen to wrestling podcasts and if one is really adventurous, read the most recent wrestling rules. Attend local high school or college matches, and follow those in your area, to help understand and grow knowledge and a love for the sport. 

10. Don’t base success on wins and losses. 

    • Progress is the goal. 

DAILY EXPECTATIONS: 

1. Come to practice. The only way to get better at wrestling is to wrestle under supervision.

2. Only wear t-shirt, shorts, wrestling shoes. We have a limited supply of wrestling shoes and headgear that have been worn, sprayed, and donated back to LDYW. Just ask!  

3. Bring a drawstring bag, water bottle, and slides to wear to the bathroom. 

4. If you are sick, do not come to wrestling. Respiratory and skin illness can be controlled by prevention. We disinfect the mats before every practice.

5. Use parent discretion when sending a wrestler who may be "having a day."

6. After practice, using antibacterial soap, get a shower right away. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes on wrestling bag/shoes. 

7. Wrestling offers many opportunities to make friends and develop physical and mental toughness. Find the balance of competing, hard work, and fun. We are all FALCONS seeking progress! Be a good teammate!

8. When coaches are giving instruction, wrestlers need to give their full attention. Our practices are designed to burn off energy with games, but the main point is to learn and drill the techniques. Drill, situational, and live wrestling will be major aspects of practice. 

9. The LDYW Dual Team competes against other schools/clubs' dual teams. Before a varsity (main event) wrestling match, our Dual Team will wrestle on one mat while the LD Junior High (7, 8, 9th graders) will wrestle on another mat. Wrestlers earn spots on the LDYW Dual Team by winning a coach officiated "wrestle off." Dual Team or competition level wrestling (novice or open tournaments) is something to work toward, but it is not appropriate for everyone, at least not right away. 

10. Novice wrestlers can choose to participate in events, including the annual CPWA Takedown Tournament in December (goal is takedowns, not pins) and the CPWA (Central PA Wrestling Association) Novice Tournament in January. "Beginner" group wrestlers are not encouraged to participate in competition beyond the takedown tournament.

PRACTICE:

1. Practices will begin before Thanksgiving. The novice (Beginner and some Intermediate) season ends at the Novice Championship, while the Advanced/Dual/Open Wrestlers will continue through February. 

2. We will have a kickoff dinner and meeting in early November, as well as an end of the season banquet in February. Everyone is invited!

3. Advanced Wrestlers: Enter LDHS near the gazebo entrance (door #18). In the hallways near the cardio room, there is a doorway to the wrestling room. Wrestlers should get ready to wrestle, but SHOULD ONLY PUT ON SHOES WHILE STANDING ON THE CLEANED MAT. This will keep everyone cleaner and safer. If wrestlers have to use the bathroom, they must take off their shoes or put their slides over their shoes. Beginner and Intermediate Wrestlers: Enter the Falcon Field House gate and building, then do likewise. Spectating parents are not permitted "in the room."

4. Once you see your wrestler is dressed and ready on the mat, please exit the wrestling room. While at LDHS, parents may gather and relax in the cafeteria or leave. Our practices are closed to spectators. We operate in a small, loud space with a lot of wrestlers. We want the wrestlers focused on the coaches. We do not permit coaching from the sidelines. Please trust us to do our best in working with these wrestlers. Coaches and Board Members have training, clearances, and experience with youth sports and children. Many of us our teachers and most of us are parents in our community. Our Managers will be in the room to take attendance and assist the coaches as needed. If you are interested in joining our organization, please contact our Board Members or Head Coach and/or email us at [email protected]. 

5. Practice plans include:  

   • Pre-practice / Games

   • Warm up

   • Instruction / Demonstration / Explanation

     • Technique: 

       • Positions: neutral, top, and bottom 

       • Stance, sprawl, single leg, double leg, cradle, half nelson, escape, far ankle/far knee, etc.

     • Coaches tell, show, do

     • Volunteer wrestlers will tell, show, and do the same technique

   • Live wrestling

   • Games (dodgeball, foxtails, sharks and minnows, king of the ring)

   • Grit Conditioning