Mr. Mann (it's odd writing to Mr. Mann when I've spent my entire life fighting "The Man" - haha),
First off, congratulations on your success at Norton this past year. Your community should be proud.
1. As you have pointed out, there are issues we have to consider in relation to how we regulate. 7% is arbitrary, why not 8% or 6%? This should be considered because of the fact that many athletes are under this number - cross country runners coming into the room is an example. The problem with the rules, both body fat and hydration, are multiple. The first problem is the issue of the waver. Who determines who gets a waver? Laws/rules have been established within our systems to be a clear line of yes or no. If a speed sign says 55, then its 55. If you get pulled over doing 60, you're breaking the law. Such is the case with the 7%. By acknowledging there will be allowances or wavers, we are in essence saying it's okay as long as you fill out the proper paperwork. See the 10% weight reduction rule and doctor's permission.
2. Liability - I've got to call you out on this one. I understand that KSHSAA is being proactive in protecting kids from themselves, but something we need to consider is history. In regards to history, can you name me one athlete that has ever died in Kansas from improper weight reduction? Yes, yes, I know there are unscrupulous coaches out there (a very small minority mind you). In fact, I would be hard pressed to throw out some trivia to anyone that could name a wrestler that has passed away (aside from the two college wrestlers in one year) from the past? I can't think of any, but I could be corrected.
3. You immediately threw out the argument of voting rights in the National Federation. I am at odds with this type of thinking. I was present when Mr. Bowden went around to various coaching meetings at the preseason of wrestling a few years back and understood his rationale. I agreed with it totally. The problems I see are faulty logic. On one hand, KSHSAA says out of one side of their mouthes that they don't want kids walking around all day hungry because they wouldn't eat anything all day, yet at the same time, would like to see a hydration/body fat initiative which would encourage proper nutrition. You see, if a kid was properly hydrated, (you can become dehydrated just by not drinking all day before weigh-in), then an afternoon weigh-in for duals and an on site weigh-in for all tournaments should be encouraged. By instituting both the weigh-ins and body fat/hydration tests we will be in full compliance with the nation.
4. Being a voting member does matter. As citizens, it's our public responsibility to vote. We expect it of one another and we should expect it from the governing body of the institution that is safeguarding our athletes. We are upset or should be upset when our Represenatives/Senators don't show up for votes (I know, I know, no one shows up for ALL votes). It's quite another thing to be kicked out of the voting process. As educators we try to guide our students in the right direction and instill upon them the responsibility of voting.
5. FS/GR - yes I'm bringing it up. It would appear to me that the one area our athletes DO get hurt is the one area that KSHSAA is disinterested in discussing. See the post started by Salyer for more info. In a nutshell, we as coaches ARE interested in the athlete's TOTAL welfare, this is why we are so troubled in sending our small town athletes to the only tourney left after the cutoff - state, a national qualifier. If KSHSAA was truely bent on an athlete's welfare, they would work with USA Wrestling Kansas in adopting GR/FS as separate sports from the folkstyle utilized in high school. I haven't seen anyone die yet, but I've seen a few broken arms, dislocated shoulders, etc. from lack of time allowed by the entity that suppose to protect children at the only tourney they can qualify for nationals, i.e. state.
