Will, Couldn't agree more. For the sport of wrestling to increase in numbers, we need to explore all possibilities. How many non wrestling parents encourage their kids to another sport after a year of novice, going to all day tournaments, ect. I know Gonz Medina/Blue Chip has been advocating for a couple of years for some sort of novice league with a sort of belt (I.e. Karate) system that promotes technique development, hopefully kids get a taste of wrestling and want to come back. The season would be 8 weeks and could include informal regional tournaments perhaps held on Friday evenings. How many parents steer clear of wrestling due their perceptions of kids have to cut weight? Concepts like matside weigh ins or at least multiple weigh ins for tournaments lasting two plus days are a step in the right direction. Shorter folkstyle seasons should lead to an increase in numbers for freestyle/greco. A proactive state like Kansas could set the example for USA wrestling and be a model for all states.
Bach, I think it a great concept and I think it will work, if the tourney directors get behind it. If a few of the early tournaments do it, I think others will follow, particularly if the parents get on the forum and let everyone know they like it. Hope all is well in Kansas!