... a can of worms, as predicted! Some excellent thoughts are being presented. But a couple of other points.

I feel fans can be just as supportive from the bleachers and that is where they belong. Perhaps wrestling is the only sport where fans can get literally, right on top of the action. In middle school, high school, and beyond fans are resticted to the stands. Even team mates are restricted. Think about other sports where you are required to sit behind a fence. Are fans or parents less supportive in baseball, football, tennis, etc.?

Next, the size of the wrestling surface also presents a few challenges. Logistically, a 15' x 15' mat (8 and unders), which realistically only has one side of access, needs to be kept clear. Where do you draw the line? We all know, that given an inch, most will take a mile! All sanctioned tournaments are required to have a 3' safety area around the mat. If that area is full of spectators then its' safety is compromised. I have seen adults, in a push up position, literally 4 or 5' onto the mat. Granted their toes are behind the line, but that's about all.

A word about team mates matside. Just because they are mat side, does not mean they are truly supportive or intent on learning other skills.

About family members taping at mat side. From my perspective as a coach, that is probably the worse possible angle to film from. I realize that not all video is being shot for the purpose of technique development, but the quality of the video is improved if you are further away. In fact from my perspective, sitting on the top row in the bleachers opposite the mat, give you the best angle.

Finally a real can-of-worms! If the local fire chief, would walk into our kids tourneys, they would likely shut us down. Few gyms are ideally suited for wrestling. Traffic flows for spectators, giving workers access with the beverage cart, allowing bracket runners and updaters an opportunity to work, are all concerns. This is a safety issue!!!

Just a few thoughts ... what are yours!