I have been reading this forum for many years as a spectator; but, for the first time I have decided to speak my mind. Twice in the last three weeks, I have witnessed bad parent behavior-in particular, moms on the mat screaming at their sons or their opponents. We have had to put up with this for several years during kids club; but this is high school. These are young men. The only people that should be matside are coaches and team members. I can't believe coaches allow this kind of behavior. This is a very highly charged sport; and it's just a matter of time before something happens. I think referees should be able to take away team points for any excessive bad parent behavior. Wrestlers and coaches should be able to do their jobs without these distractions.

Agree 100%.

How you fix this problem is start with your local club program. Club coaches should set ground rules early on with parents. If we are to coach, let us coach. Parents want to coach, get out on the mat 3-4 times a week, learn moves and the system.

At a HS level, YOU'RE OUT! The HS coach is the coach! No holds barred. Just a simple fact of the sport. Be a supportive parent, not a THORN, in coaches side.

The greatest times I had watching my son wrestle were in Junior High and High School. I got to take a step back and let the coaches coach while I faded into the stands as a dad and spectator of the sport. Definitely may favorite memories.

Officials should have taken charge. Either the men in stripes or the Administrators of the school.

Spexy,
I agree 100%. The only problem is when clubs cram 1000 entries into a high school gym there are no seats. There have been times i would like for the parents to be outside but we can't have that either. I do feel that if a non-coaching parent is on the floor that they should keep their mouths shut so the coaches can do their job. Sometimes they don't realize that every time they yell at little Johnny, his eyes leave the coach and look for the parent.

I will be announcing for the Ark City Regional tomorrow. In speaking with Administration and our Head Coach, parents will be asked to stay in the stands and this will be strictly enforced.

Parents are not allowed on the sidelines in Football. They are not allowed on the floor in Basketball. They should not be allowed on the floor for wrestling. Parents, you belong in the stands. Let the coaches do their job and coach your young men. Parents need to do their jobs and be supportive, from the stands.

I think as a kids club coach you have to mention it just about every week in one way or another. Beyond that its also up to the club hosting the tournament to use bands or caution tape or whatever they need to do to enforce it. We used both and made announcements and it worked pretty well.