Ions ago, when my own kid was a 2nd year wrestler, he did compete in a few novice tournaments to gain the invaluable, "mat time."

But what we did in the novice tourneys, which might be a suggestion, was to enter him at the next highest weight class.

"Novice Guidelines" have been an issue for years. But there are too many variables, many have been discussed here, to create a workable solution for all.

There are a few kids who coaches or parents should move up! But even this, takes a couple of weeks to accomplish. I would suggest the host club would be a lot more likely to move a kid up than to refund an entry fee.