Originally Posted By: Zach F. Dad
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.

As others have noted, we currently have guidelines. None of which do any good if coaches/parents choose to ignore them or look for the slightest loophole to keep a kid in the novice division. If what you are requesting are some type of rules which could be enforced with some type of punishment then I think you're out of luck. Each year we have rules concerning more serious issues that go unreported or unpunished. I believe that the best route is for each host club to have their own novice qualifications clearly spelled out on the flyer. Should it become known that someone violated the printed qualifications then I think it is totally appropriate to hold them up to public ridicule as was the case here.
While we're discussing the novice qualifications it should be asked, how many clubs are holding open classes in the morning and the novice classes in the afternoon in order to increase entries by allowing wrestlers to enter both? One way to help avoid these conflicts would be for the age groups to run concurrently in either the morning or afternoon regardless of rating. Unfortunately, we have some greedy tournament directors only looking for the bucks.