What does my registration include?

The $100.00 registration fee covers the entire wrestling season, Folksyle from November-February, then we dive right into Freesyle/Greco from February-April. This fee includes entry into three pre-selected tournaments and a club shirt to keep. Additionally, we offer gear for you to borrow for competitions throughout the season, or you can choose to purchase your gear.

 

What Are The Differences Between Folkstyle, Freestyle & Greco-Roman?

Many of the best wrestlers in the United States compete in three uniquely different styles: folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman. 

Freestyle and Greco-Roman are used for international competitions, namely the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

Freestyle has similarities to our American folkstyle system, while Greco-Roman is uniquely different from the other two.

Folkstyle and freestyle allow leg attacks but there are a variety of differences between the two. The biggest difference is that the American folkstyle system rewards control and freestyle rewards execution. 

Freestyle wrestling is just that: a freestyle of wrestling. Points come faster and matches often end quicker. Folkstyle won’t have as many throws since referees will stop any potentially dangerous moves. 

As mentioned above, Greco-Roman only allows attacks above the waist, which often leads to spectacular throws. This can also lead to low-scoring matches since attacks are limited to half of the body. 

Are there scholarships available?

Yes, we offer scholarships to cover your registration fee and possibly the purchase of a USA Wrestling card. We don't want to turn anyone away due to financial constraints. Please find the application form under "Forms & Links" on our website. Once completed, kindly email it to [email protected].

At what age should kids become involved in wrestling?

Cottage Grove Mat Club offers wrestling that starts once they are enrolled in kindergarten.

 

What will my child need to participate?

A USA Wrestling card and we recommend wearing wrestling shoes; however, we have loaner shoes available if you want to borrow them for the season. Wrestlers must arrive at practice dressed in athletic wear, such as shorts, t-shirts, or sweatpants.

**ONLY wrestling shoes are allowed on the mat and should NEVER be worn outside or on any other surface.**

 

Why do I need a USA wrestling Card?

Per USA Wrestling, Athlete membership is required to compete as a wrestler in any USA Wrestling-sanctioned event and/or chartered club. The membership provides secondary insurance for the protection of everyone involved.

Most facilities require clubs to carry USA insurance for all their members, as well as for the club itself, when utilizing the venue for practice or competition. Additionally, remember to bring a copy of your child's USA Card to every tournament, as it may be requested for verification.

 

How do I purchase a USA Card?

Please visit https://www.usawmembership.com/help/category/3/question/14 for instructions on how to purchase your USA Wrestlers card.

How long is my USA Wrestling card valid for?

The USA Membership Card is valid September 1st-August 31st and must be renewed yearly. The card may be purchased anytime during the year but will expire on August 31st each year.

 

Is wrestling safe for my child?

There is a common misperception among the non-wrestling public that wrestling is a very dangerous sport. Perhaps it's the aggressive nature of the sport, association with "Pro Wrestling", or perhaps fear of the unknown. Several studies have been conducted in recent years that show wrestling to be safer than many more common sports including football, ice hockey and gymnastics. Most notable in these reports, is wrestling's low percentage of serious, permanent and life-threatening injury in relation to other sports.

A quote from USA Wrestling Club Organizing Guide has the following to say about Risk of Injury: "Wrestling is a contact sport and injuries will occur. As would be expected, wrestling has more injuries than tennis and swimming, but most wrestling injuries are minor, consisting of sprains and strains. Wrestling has fewer serious injuries than football, basketball or ice hockey. There is a lesser chance of getting seriously hurt when wrestling than riding in a car, skateboarding or dirt bike."

 

I hear wrestling is a violent and will cause my child to be aggressive. Is that true?

Aggressiveness, yes; violence, no. Wrestling is often considered the toughest sport, and in many respects, it truly is. However, it is not a violent activity nor promotes unruly or destructive behavior.

The misconception that wrestling is a violent sport often comes from those who have never witnessed it firsthand. While wrestlers are encouraged to be aggressive on the mat, those who display excessive aggression or lose control typically find themselves defeated by a more disciplined opponent. Wrestling teaches young men and women how to manage their aggression both on and off the mat, similar to the lessons learned in martial arts disciplines. They learn to respect their opponents and the sport itself. Furthermore, wrestling instills a profound sense of humility, as athletes must confront losses on an individual basis rather than as part of a team. This lesson in resilience stays with them long after they leave the mat.

 

What should my child wear for practice?

If your child is just getting started, you'll need little (to no) gear. Singlets are not worn in practice (only in competition).   

• What to wear:
• Shorts (preferred without pockets) or sweatpants
• T-shirt
• Socks
• What else to bring:
• Water bottle

The following are recommended at practice (but not required):

• Wrestling Shoes – we have loaners
• Headgear – as needed as they get older

 

What can my child NOT wear to practice?

Wrestlers are prohibited from wearing jewelry, jeans, buttons, or snaps during matches or practice as it can damage the mats and cause injuries to them and their partners.

Why is it important my child showers after wrestling practice or tournaments?

Wrestling is a very close-contact sport; therefore, illnesses and skin infections can spread easily if preventive measures are not followed. To help prevent and contain the spread of skin infections, please adhere to the following guidelines, which apply to all age levels:

- Wrestlers should shower each night after practice and as soon as possible after meets or tournaments. Antibacterial soap or wrestling soap, such as Defense, is recommended.

- Wear clean practice clothes for each session.

- Keep fingernails clean and trimmed.

- Wash all tournament clothing, including sweatshirts and shorts, after each tournament before wearing them again.

- If your child wears headgear, disinfect it after each use.  

Will my child have to lose weight?

Absolutely not! In our youth and middle school wrestling programs, there is no discussion of weight loss among our wrestlers. In all competitions that wrestlers in these age groups attend, they compete at their natural body weight and face opponents of similar size.

 

Will wrestling make my child's ear look funny? (cauliflower ear. Wrestlers ear)

Cauliflower ear is easily preventable by wearing headgear. While headgear is not mandatory for youth wrestling, it becomes a requirement in high school. Cauliflower ear is less common among younger wrestlers; however, if you notice your child complaining of ear pain or want to take precautions against it, you are encouraged to have them wear headgear at any age.

Does my child have to complete at tournaments?

No, wrestling is not a team sport, so you can choose to compete in tournaments as often or as little as you like. During wrestling season, you can attend a tournament every weekend if you wish, or you can select the ones that best fit your and your child's schedule.

How do wrestlers participate in tournaments?

Each tournament is different so be sure to read the flyer to see when, where and how to register. Most tournaments require you to pre-register by a deadline. Ask your child's coach with any questions or if you need assistance.

 

Does my child have to wear a singlet for competition?

No, at this level, they can wear shorts and a T-shirt. However, after attending their first tournament and seeing everyone else in singlets, they may reconsider their choice.

During tournaments, wrestlers typically stay in their warmups and t-shirts until it's time to step onto the mat. Singlets are only worn for a few minutes during the wrestling match, after which wrestlers can put their warmups and t-shirts back on. Generally, wrestlers do not walk around wearing just their singlets.

What gear does my child need for tournaments?

If this is your child's first year, we suggest checking out CG Wrestling gear for use during meets and tournaments, which requires a $75 refundable deposit. However, you're also welcome to purchase your own gear package or singlets.

We strongly recommend either buying wrestling shoes or borrowing a pair from the room.

What are the age and weight divisions for wrestling?

Please visit https://www.usawmembership.com/age_group_weight_chart

 

What can I expect and prepare for at my child's first tournament?

• This will likely be one of the most chaotic youth sporting events you have ever attended. Initially, it may feel overwhelming and a bit chaotic, but you will find yourself missing the excitement once the season ends.

• Pack plenty of snacks and water! Some tournaments do not permit coolers, but you can always bring a bag filled with goodies.

• Be ready for a long day – tournaments can run from sunrise to sunset! Don't expect to see much daylight. Bring a cushion, a book to read, a picnic lunch, a cooler, and perhaps a crock pot of stew lol! And, of course, a lawn chair is essential when the gym turns into a sauna filled with hot, sweaty, and smelly wrestlers.

• Arrive early! Thirty minutes is not sufficient. Coaches will not reserve seats for you. Other wrestling parents can become grumpy when they see 20 blankets covering five rows of bleachers with only two people occupying them.

• Consider bringing a stadium seat for the bleachers! Alternatively, keep a pillow in the wrestling bag to sit on and to save your seat when you step away.

• Bring cash – Some tournaments charge a small entry fee, and concession stands may only accept cash.

• Try not to laugh when seeing your child in a singlet.

• If your wrestler is in a headlock, turning purple and mouthing "I can't breathe," resist the urge to rush onto the mat; the referee will notice eventually.

• No child should wrestle without a coach present during their match. If a coach is unavailable, please ask the referee to delay the match until you can locate one.

• Always allow the coach to address any issues during a match, including disputes over points or injuries. The coach will inform you if your assistance is needed.

• Remember—most wrestling coaches tend to be very vocal. Don't take their shouting and energetic behavior personally.

• When the match concludes, wrestlers should shake hands with their opponent, the referee, and the opposing coach before returning to their own coach.

• If your child loses their first match, encourage them not to give up; wrestling is unpredictable, and mental and physical toughness are crucial.

• If you plan to video your wrestler's matches, do so from the bleachers or the side of the mat, and ensure you are not recording from the opponent's corner.

• As a parent, you may never fully understand how your gentle, sweet child loves wrestling, enduring stretches and twists that seem unnatural, but they embrace it! Celebrate their victories, support them in defeats, and always keep your camera and camcorder batteries charged!

• Above all, don't forget the singlet, shoes, headgear, and your wrestler! Bring a copy of your child's USA Card to every tournament; sometimes they require to see them

• Bring some aspirin—you might end up with a headache from staying out too late the night before an early morning event, trying to read multiple scoreboards over the four mats, or from the PA announcer repeating "sit down" in front of the mats a hundred times per hour.

• Water is essential; hydration is crucial for wrestlers, but no one may need it more than you will. Refer back to the aspirin.

• Don't forget athletic tape; ensure shoelaces are tucked in or taped to prevent accidents.

• Keep a pair of nail clippers in your bag, as referees have strict rules about wrestlers with long fingernails.

• Bring handheld games, a book, or something to keep your child entertained between matches.

What can my child expect at their first tournament?

Wrestlers are generally required to weigh in one to two hours before every tournament. Please verify this information on the flyer, and remember to BE EARLY—DON'T MISS WEIGH-IN or you won't be able to participate!

These mandatory weigh-ins are typically held on the morning of the tournament, although a few tournaments allow weigh-ins the evening before.

At weigh-ins, wrestlers must fill out a color-coded weigh-in card indicating their age division, or sometimes they may be asked to simply show their USA Wrestling card. At the weigh-in desk, wrestlers are also sometimes asked about their number of years of wrestling experience.

Wrestlers' nails are examined to ensure they are not too long, and their skin is checked to confirm they are free of any infections that could be passed to another wrestler. Wrestlers found to have any skin issues may not be allowed to compete.

Once these checks are completed, the wrestler proceeds to be weighed. The wrestler is weighed only in their singlet and without any shoes.

After all wrestlers have weighed in, the tournament officials create the brackets in which the wrestlers will compete. Each tournament operates differently; some use paper brackets while others post brackets and mat assignments on TrackWrestling.com.

Most tournaments utilize a crab pool format. In this format, all participants competing in the same weight category face each other regardless of the outcome of their matches. Typically, crab pools consist of three or four wrestlers.

A completed bracket sheet for larger bracket tournaments will show the specific pairings for each match. After each round, these sheets are updated to reflect the pairings for the following round. Winners will continue to advance, while those who lose twice are usually eliminated, although this can vary between tournaments.

Tournaments are organized in rounds, so wrestlers are given time to rest between matches. Many of our wrestlers use this time to watch their friends compete, hang out, play video games, read, or have a healthy snack before they need to warm up again.

Once a wrestler steps onto the mat, a referee starts and stops the match, awarding points as appropriate. When the match is over, wrestlers shake hands and return to their coaches. Winners must check in at the table after the match.

 

How do I register my child for a tournament?

Be sure to read the tournament flyer carefully for registration deadline and how to register. Most tournaments are cheaper if you register beforehand, and only some even allow registration at the door. Most registration will be through trackwrestling.com

1.     Visit trackwrestling.com

2.     Choose Events

3.     Click Search Events button

4.     I find it easiest to sort by State.

5.     Find the correct date and event

6.     Click Pre-Register on the left side of window

7.     You will need your child's USA card to register

8.     Choose correct weight class and experience level

9.     Complete the payment section and check that you receive an email confirmation

10. Bring a copy of your child's USA Card to every tournament sometimes they require to see them

If you need help please reach out to us or ask your child's coach.

What are the long-term benefits of wrestling?

Wrestling, as a full-body sport that combines physicality, strategy, and mental discipline, can provide numerous long-term benefits across various aspects of life. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. **Physical Fitness**: Wrestling promotes overall physical health, including increased strength, flexibility, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Engaging in wrestling can help maintain a healthy weight and improve body composition over time.

2. **Discipline and Work Ethic**: The training and commitment required to excel in wrestling instills a strong sense of discipline and work ethic. Wrestlers learn to set goals, work consistently towards them, and persevere despite challenges.

3. **Mental Toughness**: Wrestling demands mental resilience and the ability to cope with pressure and setbacks. This mental toughness can translate to improved performance in various life situations, including academics and professional careers.

4. **Confidence and Self-Esteem**: Participating in wrestling can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Mastering techniques, overcoming opponents, and achieving personal milestones can lead to a strong sense of accomplishment.

5. **Social Skills and Teamwork**: While wrestling is often an individual sport, it typically involves training and competing in a team environment. This fosters camaraderie, social skills, and the ability to work well with others, which are essential in many areas of life.

6. **Conflict Resolution and Sportsmanship**: Wrestlers learn to handle victory and defeat gracefully. This experience fosters sportsmanship and equips individuals with conflict resolution skills that can be applied in personal and professional contexts.

7. **Goal Setting**: Wrestlers frequently set specific, measurable goals related to their performance and improvement. This practice can enhance one's ability to set and achieve goals in other areas, such as academics or career development.

8. **Mental Health Benefits**: Physical activity, including wrestling, is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. The endorphins released during exercise contribute to improved mental well-being over time.

9. **Life Skills**: Wrestling teaches various life skills, such as time management, organizational skills, and strategic thinking, all of which are beneficial in personal and professional endeavors.

10. **Networking and Community Engagement**: Being part of a wrestling community can provide networking opportunities and foster lifelong friendships, contributing to a sense of belonging and support.

11. **Long-Term Health Awareness**: Wrestlers often develop a greater awareness of nutrition, fitness, and health, leading to healthier lifestyle choices that can have lasting effects throughout their lives.

Overall, the skills and values acquired through wrestling can positively influence various aspects of an individual's life well beyond their time in the sport.

Why should my child wrestle? Can wrestling help with other sports?

A: All children should wrestle at some point in their youth!  

Here are 10 reasons why all kids should wrestle, even if they decide not to stick with it through high school.

1. Foundation sport. Wrestling is the perfect foundation for all other sports. Wrestling is balance, agility, hand –eye coordination, flexibility, positioning, strength, speed, explosiveness, footwork, hustle, mental focus, mental toughness, core strength, concentration, competition, and endurance. Wrestling will make our youth better at all other sports.

2. Fun. Wrestling is a game. It is the most basic and instinctual game. Toddlers wrestle. The sport of wrestling is the ultimate competition where two individual take their individual strengths and match them up against each other. Wrestling is a battle of wits, technique, speed, agility, flexibility, and toughness. No two wrestlers are alike. Fun stuff!!

3. Exercise. Wrestling is one the world's most premier physical fitness sports. Wrestling develops strength and endurance. Poor health is a major issue in our society today and wrestling will help develop a love of exercise and physical fitness in our youth.

4. Self-confidence. Very little is accomplished without self-confidence. Wrestling teaches self-confidence like nothing else I know. Insecure people have the most difficult time learning from others and make progress even more difficult than it already is. Wrestling teaches hard work, self-improvement, sense of accomplishment, camaraderie of team, 1 on 1 aspect, and self-defense to name a few. These promote self-worth, respect and confidence.

5. Self-defense. Although wrestling is not commonly considered a "martial art," it is the #1 base discipline in the world of MMA. Wrestlers know how to defend themselves and neutralize threats quickly. Wrestling is controlling an opponent. If you want your kids to know how to defend themselves, put them in wrestling.

6. Humility. Nothing teaches humility better than a 1-on-1 sport. Winning and losing in a 1-on-1 setting brings humility. There is nowhere to hide and no one to blame but yourself. All wrestlers will lose at some point and doing so in these conditions teaches humility. Hard work and discipline are two keys to success in wrestling and both teach humility.

"…I learned a lot about taking responsibility for my actions when I wrestled for 4 years…All professional athletes ought to spend a year wrestling. It teaches you something, you get pinned; you can't blame the coach. You can't blame your teammates. The guy you are looking for is staring back at you in the mirror" –former Phillies pitcher Mitch Williams

7. Respect. The challenges of being a wrestler teach you to respect yourself. After you learn to respect yourself you will learn to respect others. You learn to respect your team mates as well as your opponents. You learn to listen to and respect your coach. After you learn to respect others you are able to learn from them, a life lesson.

8. Self-discipline. Wrestling is discipline. Repetition of drills, hard work, weight management, and continually doing the best thing instead of the easiest thing is discipline. Wrestling requires postponing instant "wants" to gain something more valuable long term. It takes discipline and focus to reach goals.

9. Roadmap to success. Wrestling is the perfect example of what it takes to be successful in life. Goal setting, hard work, determination, focus, love of challenges, love of competition, confidence, being coachable, mental toughness, discipline, creativity, team work and accountability.

10. Toughness. Wrestling is a physical, contact sport. You learn that sometimes you just get poked in the eye. Physical and mental toughness go hand in hand. You learn that a little pain or struggle is part of the process of doing great things.