I think this is a very interesting dynamic and the only thing that I have learned and know for sure is that I don't think the best approach is at the extremes of this discussion. I think that the best approach lies somewhere in the middle.

Will I respect your thoughts and opinions but I disagree with you on this in one aspect. I think kids wrestling is where you lay the foundation for teaching the team concept. I agree that the wrestlers really get a lot more of this in high school but the fundamental ideas of unity, teamwork, etc can be started in the kids club; no different than teaching the fundamentals of wrestling technique.

When we first started our club I was more on the side of wrestling and practicing only with the team you register with. Over the years I have realized that this is too drastic of an approach because you can't get all the right size kids with the right experience in one place under one club at the same time. Therefore as a policy we ask our kids to practice with us when we have practice but when we don't practice they can go wherever they want. I also think it is good for the kids to get exposed to different coaching and technique. Likewise, we always welcome guests in our room as long as they have their USAW card.

On the other hand, I agree with what Jeff Smith and Smokey said about having rules and learning the team/comraderie aspect of the sport. For me personally, I feel that this is one of the most important life lessons that wrestling can teach kids. I think a lot depends on the age of the kids. The younger kids love meeting and practicing with their team. As the kids get older and more serious about wrestling then they can branch out because they have the team aspect as a foundation. Our kids love becoming the "big" kids so they can be the team leaders.

Bottomline: You have to find the right mix. Both aspects (individual and team) are very important for the kids to learn.

Shawn Budke
Leavenworth County Spartans