Quick question on using high school wrestlers as kids club assistant coaches.

Is it OK to let a high school wrestler get a USAW coaches card and help coach the kids club program? Does it effect their eligibilty for high school wrestling etc.?

Thanks for your feedback in advance.

Yes it is OK for HS wrestlers to COACH KIDS during the HS season (if they have the time/energy!). To do so will not "void" their eligibility.

However, if pay is involved you need to to be aware of the "play for pay" rules. KSHSAA Rule 21 deals with maintaining amateur status. The pertinent rules dealing with coaching/instructing are addressed in Section 1, Article 3(a),(b) and (c) of Rule 21 (page 33):

"Article 3: A student who receives pay for participation in athletics is ineligible in that sport under the provisions of this rule.
(a) A student may receive pay for teaching activities such as swimming, lifesaving, golf, tennis, wrestling, basketball, dancing, baseball, etc. provided he or she confines the work to teaching skills.
(b) A student may NOT receive pay for coaching teams or individual involved in competition.
(c) A student may receive pay for officiating athletic contests."

What about background checks on these kids that just turned 18? (November BDay)

... my best guess is, as long as they were 17 at the start of the membership year, they should be alright without one!

There is no pay involved so it sounds like we are good. Is there somewhere that I can point our AD to so he can confirm this?
Thanks again
Tom

Your AD should have a copy of the KSHSAA Handbook referenced above; if he does not your HS Principal does.

Page 33, Rule 21, Section 1, Article 3(a) 3(b) and 3(c).

KIDS Federation may have rules on age, liability, etc.; I am out of touch with Federation rules now that my kids are grown and gone.

Greg Mann
Norton

theald01: sorry, the rule has to do with pay for play.

The rules your AD needs to look at is found under Rule 22; Outside Competition and which is also on page 33. If your AD is still skeptical, he can call the KSHSAA and ask Rick Bowden for clarification.

When I was the AD here in Norton we used to have a flag football program on the weekends during football season. It was sponsored and organized by our Rec Commission and our HS FB players were the coaches. I checked with the KSHSAA at that time and found it to be OK.

Greg Mann
Norton, KS