Given the number of post and views in less than a week it is obvious that this is an important issue to many. Hopefully if nothing else, the WGSC will recognize that and I would strongly encourage them to be more open and communicate proactively with the wrestling community.

I think it is also safe to say that everyone would like, as safe and enjoyable experience as possible at this event. I like the comment previously made, sometimes you have to listen to the customer! As I have tried to communicate, I am only interested in making this tourney something Kansas can be proud of. It is not to bash any of the clubs that volunteer or organize it.

Given the time of the year there are a few things to consider. Foremost it is critical that extra efforts are taken to ensure the safety of our kids. Any skin disease or mild injury a month into the season is not that big of a deal, a week before subs could be season ending. Why not go the extra mile? Secondly, considering that a lot of the other state’s wrestling seasons have wrapped up, offers a great opportunity to attract even more out of state competition to a 1st class tourney. In my mind that is one reason the competition is so good at the classic, just imagine what it would be if it was held in a well respected venue?

I always feel it is important if you have concerns or constructive criticism that you also help find a solution. Hopefully my comments below will prove that.
This morning I had a great (educational) phone conversation with Paul Gilbert, President of Resilite Sport Products Inc. Paul also serves as Sub-Committee Chair for American Society of Testing and Materials International (ASTMI). ASTM set the standards for all sorts of products in varying industries including the manufacturing of wrestling mats (for reference Google ASTM 1081-97 “Standard Specification for Competition Wrestling Mats”). Paul shared several things worthy of sharing here to help educate everyone reading this. Interesting, according to Paul a cold surface does not adversely change the qualities of the mat. In fact, an excessive hot environment will have more of a negative effect on the mat’s shock-absorbing properties than a cold environment. He also advised that mats can last as long as 25 years and still be safe. Although there are specific test that can be performed to assure the safeness (F 355-01 “Standard Test Method for Shock-absorbing Properties of Playing Surface Systems and Materials) of the mats it would not be feasible to conduct these on site. However Paul recommended that there are still things that can help ensure the safety of the wrestlers. First, although the thickness of the mat can lead to misconceptions of its safety, he recommends a minimum of 1 in. It should be easy enough for the organizers to get confirmation from whoever is lending the mats that they meet ASTM specs. Along with a visual inspection looking for compressed areas that don’t meet the 1inch criteria or any obvious flaws and communicating these steps have been done would hopefully calm some of the concerns. I will be honest some of the finding surprised me but am happy to share the results.

Secondly, it is again important to understand what measures are being put in place to protect those attending. As indicated in a previous post, Via Christi’s Sports Medicine has been and will be on site. Along with EMS, I think this is great, however with the exception of the prescreen for skin disorders Via Christi performs it is important to understand that their roles are reactive in nature and not proactive. It is not their role to determine the safeness of the venue only to attend to those that are injured (reactive). Considering that prevention is the best way to eliminate injury or health issues, it would be nice to know what measures are being taken to again ensure the safety of those attending.

Lastly, the issue that the venue is contaminated to an unsafe level –whether it is or isn’t, I do not know with 100% certainty. I do know this though, the perception is there and sometimes perception is reality. I have not visited with the Sedgwick County Health Department or any health agency for that matter but would think if the appropriate tests were performed and they came back clean, it would calm and change the opinions of many.

In conclusion, (finally) are there issues keeping this tourney from being a great tournament? Can those be improved? In my opinion both answers are yes but strongly believe it starts with communication. If we hear nothing we have to make up our own conclusions, right or wrong. I as many have always said this could rival some of the national tourneys especially given the time of the year (other state’s seasons are over). It will however never happen in its current condition.

Good luck to everyone that attends, hope to see you at State.