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What is wrestling?
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports known to man. The ultimate competition that is not only physically demanding, but mentally demanding as well. The skills and experiences gained from wrestling are unmatched in any other sport. To sum up wrestling in one statement is difficult. U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist, Dan Gable said it best "Once you've wrestled, everything else in life is easy."
Is wrestling only for boys?
No. Wrestling is open to all participants, regardless of gender.
2021-2022 Season will be the FIRST KHSAA Sanctioned all female State Championship.
Is wrestling dangerous?
While there is risk for injury in any sport, athlete safety is always top priority. Wrestling is considered a contact sport, but has the best referee to athlete ratio compared to other contact sports. Typically one referee is in charge of officiating one match between two wrestlers. At times, there may even be two referees per match for certain tournament finals matches.
How old does my child have to be to participate?
Our Youth program is designed for wrestlers 1st - 4th Grade.
Our Middle School program is designed for wrestlers 5th - 8th Grade.
Does my child have to attend Walton-Verona Schools to participate?
No. Our programs are open to any and all participants within the acceptable age range.
What equipment is needed to wrestle?
The most important items a wrestler will need is a decent pair of wrestling shoes and a good set of headgear. No, not all wrestling equipment is created equally, ask your team coaches for recommendations. Other standard items in the wrestling world are normal athletic apparel for practices, a singlet/approved two piece uniform (for competition), knee pads (optional, not usually recommended for youth level), and a mouth guard (mouth guards are required for individuals with braces).
When are practices?
Specific days may vary depending on weather/holidays that occur during the season.
Youth Practice: Tuesday & Thursday
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Middle School Practice: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
How long is a wrestling practice?
Practice duration is between 1.5 - 2 hours per practice.
Where are practices held?
Walton-Verona Middle School Gym: 32 School Road Walton, KY 41094.
When are tournaments?
Youth tournaments are usually on Sundays.
Middle School tournaments are usually on Saturdays.
Although this is the norm, specific days can differ based on the specific tournament.
Are tournaments mandatory?
No. As a team/organization we do not mandate that wrestlers attend each tournament on the schedule. Parents may use discretion and advice from coaches regarding tournament attendance.
We do encourage full team participation for all scheduled Middle School tournaments.
How much do tournaments cost?
Youth: A typical tournament entry fee is $10 - $20 dollars per wrestler.
Middle School: Regional and State Tournaments will be covered through season registration fees. All other events will be parent responsibility. A typical tournament entry fee is $15 - $25 dollars per wrestler.
Will my child have to wrestle bigger or smaller kids?
While practice may be difficult to pair individuals up at times, we make every effort to pair wrestlers up based on size and skill level.
Tournaments are separated by weight class. Youth tournaments typically set the max weight difference at 10% for wrestlers in the same bracket and keep the age difference within one year. Example: Birth Year - 2012/2013, Weight - 60-65.
Most local youth tournaments also make separate brackets for first-year wrestlers.
Middle School tournaments are bracketed by weight class only.
How are weight classes determined?
For USA sanctioned events, age/weight classes are defined by USA Wrestling. Click HERE to see a list of age and weight divisions for the current season.
KY Middle School weight classes are as follows. 70, 75, 80, 86, 92, 98, 105, 113, 121, 130, 140, 152, 168, 190, & HWT (MAX 240). Weight allowances will be given at certain tournaments and will be communicated when such an instance occurs. All Middle School weights will be +2 pounds for every tournament held in Kentucky after Christmas (Including Regionals & State).
Will my child be required to cut weight?
No. Weight cutting is prohibited. We hope to provide wrestlers with a better understanding of the positive effects that good nutrition and proper conditioning/exercise can have on their bodies.
How does wrestling compare to other "team" sports?
Wrestling is considered an individual sport to an extent. Matches consist of two wrestlers, but this sport does offer many of the same benefits as other team sports. Some tournaments will place the team overall based on individual performances. Dual tournaments are also an excellent avenue for team building experiences. In wrestling, a dual is when one team competes against another team, one weight at a time. At the end of the dual, the team with the most team points is the victor.
Will my child get skin infections from wrestling?
Since wrestling is a contact sport, the risk of contracting certain skin infections is increased. Typical infections include Tinea Corporis (commonly known as ring worm), impetigo, herpes simplex, and staphylococcus infection (staph infection). Personal hygiene and sanitation is very important in reducing these risks. Wrestlers should only wear their wrestling shoes on the mat/in the gym to reduce these risks. Another great habit is to store wrestling shoes in a separate, specific pouch to eliminate contact with other wrestling gear, especially head gear. Showers are recommended for all wrestlers as soon as possible after practice and tournaments. Disinfecting equipment is also highly recommended. Wrestling mats are sanitized before use to prevent such infections from occurring. In the event that an infection does occur, don't wait to treat it. The sooner it's caught, the sooner your wrestler will be able to get rid of the infection. In order to continue in competition you can have your doctor complete the form found HERE.
Do all wrestlers get cauliflower ear?
No. Headgear is a requirement at almost every tournament. Simply wearing headgear during practice and tournaments greatly reduces the risk of cauliflower ear.
Will my child become more violent if I let him/her participate?
No. Although we do teach aggressiveness, we do not promote violence. This sport will provide excellent tools for participants to learn how to channel aggression and when it is or is not appropriate.