Sportsfan02 is correct that the Derby tournament did have a girls division. One of the problems at many tournaments is that because there are so few girls that if they enter the girls division that the tournament may have restrictions limiting them to only that particular division. For example, a young lady may only be able to get 1 or 2 matches from entering the girls division, and even then there may be combined weights and combined ages. Those tournaments may also have a stipulation that the girls can only enter one division, for example, "You may enter only the boys division, or only the girls division." I think that is where the problem comes in, then a wrestler is forced to choose and their choice will limit the number of matches.
A question to Sportsfan02 and others. Would you have entered your wrestler in both the girls division and boys division at a tournament if given the opportunity? I think that most would but am just curious as to the response to this point.
I think this is an issue for girls, all lightweights, (girls and boys), and all heavyweights (girls and boys) that are getting limited matches. For whatever reason that particular wrestler is being "discriminated" against based on their gender or size. (I use this word cautiously because I haven't even decided if it is an appropriate application.) Thus is one of the problems that I believe we as a wrestling community must find a way to address. How do we provide the most opportunity possible for the wrestler getting fewer matches? Of course, this has to be done within the rules, and where the rules "discriminate" against the development of a wrestler, we must find ways to change those rules. It seems to me that when you do not have the same opportunity, for whatever reason, then that is discrimination. When opportunities are not provided, or are taken away from an individual because of circumstances, which they cannot help, then those activities and circumstances need to be evaluated. Of course, all of these are tough questions, with no easy answers. I for one am not confident that the interpretation of legal decisions like Title IX are the answer, but then in some situations where there is clear discrimination, or a misunderstanding of what is and is not appropriate, then legal decisions have to be made.
One area Richard where I can see possible discrimination but, will admit I have no proof of it. I, as well as many others know of athletes being discriminated against in some capacities, this is especially true in team sports but not as evident in sports like swimming or wrestling where one on one competition takes place. I believe, again, not having proof here, it takes place because not all athletes, or their parents have the funds or means to fight that discrimination, although that is another topic. By the way this is for all sports, not just wrestling. You made mention though, and a valid point, that most if not all schools have wrestle off's regarding wrestling. I would ask though who scores those sometimes weekly wrestle off's? Is it the coaches? I also know that how quick back points, or a close out of bounds take down is called can sometimes make the difference in a close match. I again, am not saying that I know that these things go on, but neither would it surprise me if they did. I would hope that if they did that teammates and other coaches would stand up and do what is right. A question of concern from a coach, student, or parent will certainly go a long way in today’s society at seeing to it that this type of possible “discrimination” don’t take place. If however, those individuals are silent when they see these things happen, then it will certainly continue.
I will say this; thankfully, the young ladies are getting their fair share of attention and are getting better. I have the honor of going into and watching some of the Derby High School practices and know that there are several girls with the club that if they were with other clubs they would be starting, but the fact that they are in a tough room, and at tough weights makes it difficult. I also know that Coach Ross is as fair as anyone could or would want, I am honored to know him because he is as fair a man as I know, he truly sees wrestlers, not men and or women, and once putting on the shoes, singlet and stepping on the mat that is how it should be. Those young women from Derby are doing quite well though and it won't surprise me to eventually see them and others at other schools at the varsity level.
Just this last week, I saw a finals match at Salina with two girls. I watched closely because one of the young ladies was Amber Graebner (Tyler's sister). By the way, Coach Ed, you want to check her out, she, and the other girl she wrestled are both fine wrestlers. My point here is that things are changing, although in some communities slowly. Thankfully, Kansas is on the forefront of seeing to it that that change takes place. Is there work to be done yet? You bet there is, and hopefully we can have as many people on board as possible to assist with that change to see to it that we provide the most and best opportunities possible to all of our wrestlers.
Tony, I also wanted to say thanks for your kind words about me and my family, if you only knew. You and your family are welcome at my house any time.
