If you find yourself reveling in the collection of novice wrestling trophies for your child, it’s time to reconsider your strategy. Many parents unwittingly extend their child’s stay in the novice division, perhaps enticed by the glittering array of accolades. Have you been that parent, witnessing your child’s dominance in every novice tournament but hesitating to take the leap to more challenging competitions?

Let’s delve into the true essence of novice wrestling and explore compelling reasons why transitioning your budding wrestler to the open category sooner rather than later is not just a choice but a crucial step toward unlocking their full potential.

What is the purpose of Novice Wrestling?

The concept of novice wrestling is relatively new. The novice(rookie) division is for introducing children to the sport of wrestling. It allows them to develop the basics, so that when a wrestler is ready, he/she can compete with experienced wrestlers.

The essence of novice wrestling lies in nurturing a solid understanding of the sport’s fundamentals. By engaging in this developmental phase, aspiring wrestlers can hone their skills, grasp essential techniques, and cultivate a passion for the art of grappling. The structured training and exposure offered within the novice division pave the way for a seamless transition to competing with seasoned wrestlers when the time is right.

This progressive approach not only fosters a love for wrestling but also ensures that participants build a strong foundation, setting them on a path towards success as they advance in their wrestling careers. Novice wrestling, therefore, acts as a crucial gateway for young athletes to develop the confidence, discipline, and technical proficiency required to excel in the challenging realm of competitive wrestling.

Novice Wrestling has become Tainted

In recent years, the integrity of novice wrestling has been compromised, as some parents have found ways to exploit the system. A concerning trend has emerged, where wrestlers who have clearly outgrown the novice division continue to participate, distorting the intended developmental purpose. Unfortunately, it is no longer uncommon to witness seasoned competitors occupying spots in novice tournaments that should have been relinquished long ago.

The situation has escalated to the point where instances of purported two-time novice state champions have surfaced, raising questions about the legitimacy and fairness of the competition. This not only undermines the spirit of novice wrestling but also detracts from the genuine growth and learning opportunities it aims to provide for aspiring athletes. Addressing these challenges is essential to restore the credibility and purity of novice wrestling, ensuring that it remains a true developmental stage for newcomers in the sport.

You are Holding your Child Back

If your wrestler is winning every novice tournament they wrestle, it is time to move them to open. If you want your kid to become a better wrestler, he needs to wrestle kids that are better than him.

Your kid will lose some matches, but that is what makes them better.  Convince your kid to put on this best wrestling shoes and learn to battle better opponents. If your kid works hard, you will be surprised how fast they will improve.

Beating up on a true novice wrestler doesn’t do your child or his opponent any good.  You might be thinking you have a stud wrestler. The reality is that you are limiting your child’s potential in the sport of wrestling.

A Wrestling Trophy is not the Point of Wrestling

If your goal is to collect novice trophies to brag on your child, you are missing the point of wrestling.

When your young wrestler consistently triumphs in novice tournaments, it’s a clear signal that it’s time to elevate their competition by transitioning to the open category. Genuine improvement in wrestling is achieved when facing opponents who pose a challenge and push one’s skills to new heights.

The whole point of wrestling is to teach your child how to be self-reliant, persevere through tough times, shoot for goals, and grow into a confident adult.

While it may be tough to witness your child lose a few matches initially, it’s a vital part of the learning process that ultimately contributes to their overall growth. Encourage your young athlete to lace up their wrestling shoes and embrace the opportunity to grapple with more skilled opponents. Through dedication and hard work, the progress will be rapid and remarkable.

Trust me. If your child sticks with wrestling, he/she will have more trophies and medals than you have room to put them. Eventually, you will only display his most important wrestling accomplishments.

Prolonging participation in novice tournaments, where your child consistently outshines their opponents, may provide a false sense of superiority. However, this approach hampers their true potential and limits their development in the sport. Embrace the challenge of higher competition levels, and watch as your child evolves into a more resilient and skilled wrestler, fully realizing their capabilities in the world of wrestling.

I used to be that Novice Wrestling Parent that I’m Talking About

Ten years ago, my child was a novice wrestler.  He started at five years old.  He lost almost every match his first year.  I kept him in novice his entire second year.

He quickly started dominating his opponents during that second year.  He ended up being a novice state champ.

I truly thought my kid was a stud… until I moved him to open his third year.  He got his rear handed to him his first year of open wrestling.  It was a real eye opener.  In hindsight, I wish I have moved him to open earlier.  I think he would have developed a lot quicker.

Take Advice from Someone that’s Been Where You are

I look at my son’s accomplishments now and realize that his novice accomplishments were just a building block to get him where he is now.

Take advice from a parent that has been in your shoes.  Novice has its place in youth wrestling, but you should move your child to the open as soon as he is ready.  In the long run, you will be glad you did.

What do you think?
I hope you enjoyed the article.  As an active member of the wrestling community, my goal is to grow this wonderful sport.

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