I wish that all clubs and/or coaches and parents would follow this same sound judgement. My son's first year of wrestling, once he started "wiping the mat" with the other novice kids, we kept him out of Novice tournaments. However, since it was his first year he still qualified for the Novice Championships which are for 1st year wrestlers only. We caught a little flak (mainly from our own club)about him being in that tournament as well, since he "wiped the mat" with his competition then as well. But that's why I believe this tournament is a great tournament for 1st year wrestlers, no matter their skill level, in their first year they can participate.