sportfan,

The example you provided is exactly why the rule I have suggested should be in place. With a January 1 deadline to declare yourself novice or open would eliminate any discussion on the matter.

The original post that was taken off centered around 6 year olds abusing the system, which I have clearly stated I don't agree with a six year old being labeled advanced.

But look at the grand scheme of things. The way it is right now, a novice kid can wrestle open and novice tournaments to get better, doubling his matches. An advanced kid is not afforded those opportunities. I don't see how limiting the growth of one wrestler and adding to the opportunity of another wrestler makes us better as a state.

Declaring open and novice status after a feeling out period (December)would fix this problem. Mind you, this is not a 6 and under problem. It is a recurring problem throughout the age brackets.

The "honor system" will not work in this arena. Quite simply, if I were to have followed the guidelines set forth by many tournaments, I would have been able to wrestle novice my second year of wrestling. Coincidentally, I was a state placer that year in the 14 under division.

No, a clear rule must be in place. We have speed restrictions on roads because some of us think we are driving safely at 90 mph. "Being careful" is open to interpretation. Such are the guidelines put forth by many novice tournaments. By strict definition, no rules may have been broken. By having a wrestler declare status, rules can be broken and sanctions can be imposed.

As it stands right now, the state can only sit on it's hands.

gibby