Interesting article from the York Dispatch. As ambassadors of the sport, it's imperative that we set realistic expectations for our youth, ensuring they grow to love the sport.
York Dispatch

Numbers are down in all contact sports that are mentally and physically challenging (football and wrestling). There are many things one could blame for this happening. IMO...it is society, and the trend of becoming softer. Soft and easy sports to participate in will actually grow in the future. I will leave you with this link to a video. Good video of how and why the millennials are a generation of weakness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXWNChoIluo

Craig Amrein

Good link. Lots of people in this world that need to pay attention, and really think about the old saying "Prepare the child, not the path"

To much emphasis at young age on competitions, travel, gear that a wrestler can wear one year. Youth organizations should teach skills and a few life lessons, keep it fun - get them to high school still liking the sport with a mental and technical skill set foundation. To many nationals this, nationals that, diaper world tournament, etc. Focus on 6th, 7th, and 8th grade development and monitor number of competitions for most.
Parents running the clubs and organizations are to blame - need a long term plan on retaining kids and adults. The one and done
that is allowed in college basketball at the college level reminds me of what is happening in youth sports. Not many of the college basketball players will make it with that mind set. A very very small percentage of those guys go on with the proper life skill set and make it. Growing the Sport or Activity and Developing Talent are very different.