TOURNAMENT DO’S AND DON’TS FOR PARENTS

Here are a few tips for parents new to this sport:

· Do bring things for your child to do during the tournament. Games, cards, books, small toys are welcome and encouraged. Also, you may want to bring something for yourself to do as well, but remember the noise factor – anything that requires a lot of attention may prove challenging.

· Don’t go out onto the mat during a match, even if your child appears to be injured. Let the coach handle things. If he feels you’re needed he will find you immediately.

· Do use a gym bag or some other container for all the clothes, toys, etc. You’ll be moving around a lot and you don’t want to get things lost.

· Do mark all of your child’s wrestling gear (head gear, shoes, knee pads, bag, etc.) so that you can tell it’s yours. Gyms get very crowded and everyone’s stuff gets mixed up all the time.

· Do ask someone else to videotape your child’s match rather than doing it yourself. Remember, the matches are only 3 minutes long and you will want to experience every second rather than fussing with a jammed tape or changing a battery. Return the favor when you have a chance.

· Don’t, and this is a big one, argue with or challenge the referee. This is the coach’s job. If you’re unhappy with a referee talk to the coach or the tournament staff. They will be able to explain things better.

· Do try to arrive when you’re supposed to. This allows the final bracketing to happen on time and for the tournament to start on time.

· Do write your child’s name and date on any award that they win, especially if you have two or more wrestlers in your family. After a few years you won’t be able to tell whose is whose if you don’t do this.