It is unfortunate that this type of behavior does happen... in any sport. Youth, collegiate, professional. It is a sport, a game to be "played", and was originally created by God, for the enjoyment and enrichment of those who participate, and for those who spectate. Sad, that it has become win at all cost....say, or do anything to make others out to be the bad guys....swear out loud, yell at officials, coaches, and even your own child.....say and do things that would shame & embarrass you if your mother was watching you. I cannot say that I am not without blame when it came to wanting my son to "beat that other kid" because I don't like the other parent/coach/club. However, taking a step back to think about what you said and did (in the heat of the match, or after it was over) and looking at your true reasons for it, can be a humbling & embarrasing experience. Really, what can be gained by any wrestler, should he win because his coach/parent/fans intimidated, scared, etc. his opponent? Not much. I also think that most of the yelling/screaming during the matches is probably more to encourage and get your wrestler fired up, rather than to intimidate the opponent. It probably is not interpreted that way by the other side of the mat. I could just be naive on this though.
I have grown to love this sport in the past 6 years of involvement. We went to Wichita knowing what the tournament was going to be like with the crowd, the screaming and the emotions. That was the downside.
We also went to the Wichita Classic knowing that the very best competition would be there for our kids to compete against, and that overall the tournament would be well run. That was the upside.
My son wrestled one of the best matches of his life against probably one of, if not the best wrestler in the state at that age/weight. My son won. He could have easily lost. I would have been proud of him either way. I just wish that Kansas wrestling parents and coaches could be satisfied with "praising the effort", rather than focusing on the "outcome". If we all take a step back, look at what we are saying/doing, and why.... maybe strings like this would become alot shorter, alot less emotional, and less frequent.
Good luck to all wrestlers/coaches/parents over the next 3 weeks.
Pray for peace.