ksred, I do think you make a point worthy of discussion on a talented 1st year kid and taking them to a novice tournament. This is a tough issue that has been debated for some time since the incorporation of Novice Wrestlers. I keep hearing from all of the old timers who say they remember everyone being thrown in together and that it was not all that bad. A true definition of Novice is an area that I still believe needs to be addressed. As I know from my experiences in Oklahoma, it is not just establishing a rule for true novice, but then being able to enforce it.

I took advantage of the rule in Oklahoma when I was new to the sport some years ago, I am not so certain I would do it the same again, but will not say I wouldn't either. I would personally see the issue not with the tournament hosting a novice tournament, but with the parents who have kids wrestling in a novice tournament when they are ready to move up to advanced. Then again, sometimes that development of self-confidence might be one of the things that allow them to excel.