I agree that there should be a tracking system in place for this problem. With more tournaments utilizing the trackwrestling program to run the tournaments, there should be some way of setting up a database with each wrestler's record which could be kept with the participants file at the state level. I know that when a child signs up for a wrestling card they are on file at the state level. The number of years of membership should be available upon request by USAW Card Number (not name to protect identity).

Ultimately it is up to the coach to have the integrity to know a wrestler's ability and skill level to help promote the sport for all participants involved. Like what has been said before, all kids mature in the sport at different levels and this is where the coaches need to recognize their wrestler's maturity level in the sport.

This is the main reason Derby started the format of our Novice Championships Tournament for first year wrestlers only. Even here we get those kids who have matured faster than others in the sport, but it seems to at least give the participants as much of a level playing field as they can get in a novice tournament. Having said this, it is always a difficult task scouring through every entry making sure that the entrants are all first year kids. With the current system, the only way to double check that the entrants are first year wrestlers is to check through each tournament's posted results for the last few years. I also have to trust that the parents, club directors and coaches have the integrity to not enter anything but first year wrestlers into the tournament.

Craig Gash
Derby Wrestling Club
Tournament Director