I learned a long time ago that figures lie and liars figure. All that says is any set of data can be used to prove both the pro and con.
I rwecommend that you look at the pondage and percentage differientials between weight classes:
103 to 112 = 9 lbs/ 8.7%
112 to 119 = 7 lbs/ 6.25%
119 to 125 = 6 lbs/ 5%
125 to 130 = 5 lbs/ 3.85%
130 to 135 = 5 lbs/ 3.85%
140 to 145 = 5 lbs/ 3.6%
171 to 189 = 18 lbs/ 10.5%
189 to 215 = 26 lbs/ 13.75%
215 to 285 = 70 lbs/ 32.5%
I would think if anything needs to be done it would be to even out the per centage differientials between a weight classes--some which are gerossly unfair.
To do that other issues have to be considered:
1) The normal bell curve distribution of wrestlers across all weight classes. Lots of wrestlers at all ages in the welter and middle weights (lets use 125 to 160) and fewer wrestlers above and below those weights.
2) The grossly largest differientials are between the 4 top weights 171 to 285. Be realistic, what chance does a 225 pounder have against a decent 285--virtually none. Yeah Yeah--exceptions happen!!
3) It would not be feasible to establish a set percentage differiential between all weight classes. The bell curve distribution would have the weight classes skewed to the heavier weights--with not enough wrestlers to fill the added brackets--while the welter and middle weight classes would have to be reduced and the differientials increased--which could result in not enough weights for the number of wrestlers.
AS Option D, how about:
103 no change or a very small increase to 106
112 No change
119 No change
126 replaces 125
133 rplaces 130
141 replaves 135
149 replaces 140
158 replaces 145
167 replaces 152
177 replaces 160
190 replaces 171
210 replaces 189
240 replaces 215
252 is a new weight class
285 no change
This scheme is constructed using a 6% differiential between 119 and the 177 weights.
Why not just leave the current lower weights and differientials as they are, add at least one mor bracket in the heavier weights, and slightly increase the diffierientials in the welters and middle weights. Although the new weights aoppear to have wide spreads, they are not that great. Plus by being a few pound difference that allow wrestlers to either cut or add weight as they and their coaches choose.
Maybe not the answer, but another thought!!
Last edited by Contrarian; 02/26/10 01:06 AM.