This seems to be a subject that comes up every year. I really think that we need some definite guidlines in place. Since there isn't it seems everyone has a different take on what a "Novice" wrestler is. Take me for instance. I was to the understanding that you could wrestle novice your first 2 years regardless of skill, so I would wrestle my son in both to get more mat time. Now that I look back, I wish that I hadn't wrestled him in novice after his first year.