I try to stick to the 2 year rule, but I also have allowed parents to extend into the third year.

That may take some heat instead of having a kid just practice majority of the year a leading to them quitting.

This a very rare case and obviously the exception not the rule. Several things help me come to the decision.

What was activity and tournaments entered in the first and second year. What is their true skill level not the parent’s implied skill level.

I think if we can pass the red faced test with our hand on a bible that our action is out of best interest for the wrestler (not in a trophy hunting perspective). I think it is acceptable for a third year kid to enter a novice.

The case I spoke of was last year and in every tournament he battled for a third or fourth place finish in a couple of novice tournaments. Had his first win ever in three years of wrestling.

Now with that being said I had seen plenty the other way....that shouldn’t be in novice. My thought Is you win 2 tournaments in Novice time to go open.

If it is managed correctly it can be a positive thing, problem is most don’t.