I do not have kids involved in wrestling nor am I a father. I know little about the sport of wrestling or the people involved in kids wrestling. I feel I can provide a unique perspective to those of you who are "wrapped up" in the sport. I have done alot of officiating in both baseball and basketball at the elementary level, high school level, and few times on the collegiate level.

The sporting atmosphere sets a unique stage not seen or experienced in everyday life. It is unfair to assume that if a child "throws a tantrum" on the mat/court/field that the child acts like this in a everyday setting. I have seen many children act in a manner during competition that would not be allowed in any other setting. Also just because a kid throws a fit after one match doesn't mean they do it everytime. I AM NOT condoning fit throwing as it made me furios when I officated. I do believe there should be some reprimand for the child after the fact in a different environment. My point is that parents AND officials need to know that alot of these kids bust their butt all week long and put alot of emotion into their wins or losses. Also we see grown men/athletes who make millions of dollars throw fits everyday. So it is unrealistic to think that a child will not get wrapped up in the atmosphere. Oh yeah I was at state this weekend, and what an overwhelming astmosphere. All those things come into play. Don't think that a 7,8,9 or even 12 year old isn't affected by the atmosphere no matter how many times they have been in it.

As an official you have to understand that part of your pay check is being able to handle people telling you what to do, (including kids). It happens, and if you can't deal with it, do something else. I know there are rewarding times, take the good with the bad. Officiating is not for the faint of heart, and if it bothers you don't let people know because "it makes you look weak". I totally disagree with punishing the child in front of everybody while pulling them off the mat. The communication must be done in a different setting otherwise it will not get through. A parent must restrain themselved from that just like the child has to restrain themselves from throwing a fit. What I hate more than anything is seeing a parent yell at and belittle their child in front of everybody.

When I have a child and IF he or she decides to compete I will be greatly disappointed if I do not see them greatly bothered after losing. That means they don't care and we all are just wasting our time.