I would like to through out a different idea that I haven't seen discussed in this thread.....first I will give some background.
1. I am assuming that we as adults are in this for the kids.
2. In other threads we have talked about losing kids as they get older, one of the reasons never mentioned is the whole stress of making weight. Whether you are cutting or not it is still an added stresser compared to other sports.
3. I assume we can trust other teams and the adults running the clubs.
4. There has been a lot of talk about tournaments not starting on time, going too long, etc. A lot of this has been contributed to scratches, etc. Also, a lot of talk about gas prices, having to get up early to make weigh ins, etc.
With all that said, I recommend that for OPEN & NOVICE tournaments only (not qualifying tournaments) that the clubs weigh their kids in on Friday night at their practice site and then call in the confirmation to the tournament director by 7:30 or 8:00 pm.
In my opinion I see a lot of advantages to this.....
1. Clubs can submit entries like we always do. Hosting sites can then prepare Trackwrestling and have a 80-90% solution prior to Friday night.
2. Alleviates parents having to drive either Fri. night or early Sat morning to make weigh ins.
3. Keeps kids from having to add on an additional day (Fri night) to wrestling or get up early to drive and make weigh ins and then sit around for 1-2 hrs before wrestling. Shortens the day, improves attitudes, who knows....we may keep some of them wrestling for a lot longer.
4. Once the weigh ins are confirmed to the tournament director then the host team can use Fri night to make changes and get brackets printed before the start of wrestling. In theory then we should be able to start closter to on time.
A friend of ours says they do this in eastern and central Missouri quite a bit. He coached with us in KS for 3-4 years so he has seen both ideas in execution. He says he really likes the idea of Fri night home weigh ins.
No I know that I am assuming that everyone will be honest and if a kid is over then the club will make them work it off. I am willing to take that risk and put the trust in the ADULTS that run the teams. Will some people let things slide a little, yes. Does it really matter for Open and Novice tournaments...No.
Doing weigh ins this way allows clubs to make Fri practices a fun night. You can come in, warm up, drill a little, play a game, weigh in and be done.
I am interested in your thoughts.
Shawn Budke
