I have never liked the novice idea. My son never wrestled in novice. Once he was out of 6U. It was open only. I did not wrestle him at very many tournaments that first year of 8U. He went to practice and learned. I knew he wasn't quite ready mental/physically. As the season went on he wanted to go to more tournaments. So I entered him and he got beat down a lot. He came back and wanted to do it again. He was never forced by me. Always made it his choice to go to a tournament. By the time Sub- Districts (when Sub-Districts mattered) came he was able to qualify for Districts. Got beat out at Districts. Next year he ended up win the State Title at 8U 125. My son is still wrestling now in high school. Getting beat down will not hurt your kid. It will only make them stronger. Just my opinion and thought on Novice. Just get rid of Novice all together. Let the kids and parents decide if what is best.

Josh Parker