OK,
I raised this question to see (in my opinion) how many coaches and parents felt that the only way to compete was to cut weight. I also brought up this topic because of first hand experience of wrestling up to get better. If you want details PM me, I will gladly give them to you.

PatrickCavanaugh--How many times would the kids starve himself after getting beat time and again because he is weak? At some point and time the kids and/or parents would say enough is enough after being DQ'd or getting beat. No not just the 10U and younger. If they learn how to wrestle using great technique instead of sloppy technique and extra strength will they be better wrestlers in HS? Also, it doesn't have to be before each match. It was put that way just to get the topic started. Yes, it was started for the younger kids. Are the younger ones cutting because of choice or is it the parents/coaches? Accuracy of the scales-----give them 1.5# for shoes and singlet. If this isn't enough they need to bump up to the next weight. If they can't compete at the next weight up then they are NOT being taught enough/proper technique. Kids won't be running from scale to scale if they are told not to. If they are their parents or coaches are acting the same way then the coach isn't taking care of handling his club. Maybe they act that way because the coaches/parents act the same way??????? Maybe i am wrong but it seems that the fence is below you on this subject.

PatrickCavanaugh posted this on a different thread:

Sounds like there's alot of 6/under kids dieting or God forbid dropping weight. Am i the only one on this thread that thinks a 6 year old should not be worrying about weight the night before a tournament? Maybe the 6 year old should be wrestling up. unless you want the kid to hate wrestling before they get to 10/under.


esj:
If cutting weight doesn't give you and advantage as you stated that it doesn't, why do they keep doing it?


Travius:
It appears that you are a coach as i am with our club. In no way shape or form do i nor our head coach promote weight cutting, watching or dieting on a continuous basis. Dieting is ok, if, the kids needs to diet due to unhealthiness prior to stepping in the room. WE stress proper technique, mental toughness and proper attitude on and off the mat. It does concern me that if you are a coach, you seem to be promoting weight watching, maybe not cutting.

Travius stated:
It will take a lot to convince me that someone isn't gonna gain weight by drinking water etc. on a tournament day... Keep in mind that tournaments can be an all day event.

The concession stands make a killing off of Gatorade, pizza, and prob the only think the kids could buy to NOT make them gain much weight during a tournament is CANDY.

Question to Travius:
Aren't kids suppose to drink as much water as they can? Isn't it healthy for them? Isn't pizza one of the most favorite foods of kids? I hope that they are allowed to eat more than just candy. I would hate to pay for their dental costs later on. Don't know about you but i feel "let kids be kids".


If the wrestlers are taught the proper technique by their coach and learn to use it against heavier kids they won't have to cut/watch their weight. If they have to cut/watch weight here are some reasons they may be doing so.

Poor teaching
Not born to be a wrestler
haven't grasped the sport yet (but will later on)


Main reason for weight cutting?
Parents wanting their kids to win so they can beat their own chest?
Coaches wanting to look good due to how their program stacks up.


It is pretty sad when you sit back and really think about what some of these kids are going through to please others. Some are going through it because someone is telling them "you have to if you want to win". NOT TRUE You don't have to cut weight to win.


Jason Wood