I can see where the cost factor would be a significant barrier for many kids in wrestling. The cost of tournaments, food, gasoline, possibly rooms at some weekend tournaments adds up. This does not even include the costs of the summer and National junior programs which I imagine could even be more since the travel costs are probably more and maybe the tournament fees too. It does not include costs for extra wrestling camps and training or strength training that many of our wrestlers go to. I am sure you are both correct that this does make it very difficult for many families. Many of families with financial difficulties have trouble even getting their kids to the events because they might be working on weekends or during the evenings.

I see it in other sports too. I do not think this problem is unique to wrestling. Extra costs are there also for sports like soccer, basketball, baseball and track & field. It seems to be the trend in our society for this one sport emphasis year round and the cost does not seem to be an obstacle for some families. You are right this makes it very difficult for a lot of families who can't afford all these extra costs to compete. The only way to include them would be to help them with these financial costs. I think our Kansas USAW group does that but I do not know to what extent. I am sure there are many in the middle income group who could also use help with these costs but who probably do not qualify and choose to just not participate.