Every tournament seems to have their own set of "rules" for seeding. Why is it so inconsistent? Seeding is about separating the the 4, 6, or 8 best wrestlers in the bracket in a predictive manner based on the data available. The goal is to fairly distribute the competition onto both sides of the bracket. It is not science, it is not brain surgery, nor is there any way to be totally objective.
Seeding "guidelines" should be developed and sprinkled with some common sense decision making. There is no need for a seeding "dictator" but an arbitrator to hear the occasional case a coach might need to make for their wrestler.
Wrestling is all about beating your opponent! Simple, the one who scores the most points is the better wrestler at that time. Wrestlers who win more than they lose should be considered, in general, seedable. Beyond that their record winning percentage means ZIPPO! Strength and quality of opponents means everything!
1) All wrestlers over .500 considered for seeding.
2) ANY head to head win or last head to head win during the current season matters! If you have a loss against a seedable wrestler then you can't be seeded higher! That doesn't mean that a win jumps you up but it most certainly means a loss will pull you down!!
3) All wrestlers have the goal to win state! Being a state champion matters. Are all state champs equal?? HECK NO!! The state and the classification have to be considered.
4) All tournament placements from the current season matter. Rate the tournaments based on strength.
5) Wrestling outside of the HS season matters!! In order...
a. Super 32 below 160 b. Fargo FS c. Flo d. USA FLK Nationals e. VA Beach f. Super 32 160 and above g. Fargo GR
6) The previous year placing at your tournament.(2nd and 3rd are the same unless there was a head to head)
7) All state placings beyond the previous year. (2nd and 3rd are the same unless there was a head to head. Being a finalist means nothing unless you WIN!)
8) All host tournament placings prior to the previous year
There you have it. The preponderance of criteria is to be taken into consideration not just one category. There will ALWAYS be special cases and exceptions. Don't try to make it too black and white! Seeding is more art than science.
Feedback on these guideline??
Last edited by Cokeley; 01/17/16 01:35 PM.