Bill:
I just went to my first junior high tournament after a few years away. I used to coach my sons and now my grandson is wrestling so I am back. First tournament, the Northern Little League Championships at Weber High. When I entered, I was shocked to see that at least half the wrestlers were in t-shirts and shorts, not wrestling singlets, some of them barefoot, few with headgear.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE RULES?
I asked several people about it and was told that the rules are not being followed anymore. Are you kidding me? EVERY sport has a required uniform, be it football, soccer, even swimming. They serve a purpose, safety among them.
WHY is Utah wrestling NOT enforcing the rules?
Coach Dave
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Reader's Response
USA Wrestling has made the rules to allow "fight shorts" and snug fitting "rash guard " shirts. This is to get wrestlers out that are insecure about wearing singlets. I fully support this rule as someone with a struggling program in a rural area. But loose fitting ... I don't agree with. Barefoot ... I hate. I won't let a kid barefoot on the mats in my room.
I like what is being done to make the sport more appealing. I was able to recruit about eight wrestlers this year because they won't have to wrestle in a singlet. When they gain experience and enter high school, I hope the fear of wearing singlets is gone.
Kelly Sheets
Coach and Club Director
Moab Junior Devils
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That is a very good point. To be honest, I find the lack of adherence to rules like the ones you cite to be appalling. I agree. Every sport has a required uniform and/or equipment. Do you play soccer without cleats? No. Do you play football without a helmet? No. Do you play baseball without a mitt? No. It's required and that's all there is to it. If you don't want to comply with the rules, you don't play.
I feel your pain and frustration. I had wrestlers at the same tournament and one of them got a finger caught in a kid's baggy t-shirt. Result? A crying boy whose finger swelled up and turned purple around one joint after being bent backwards.
I agree 100%. I don't know what else to say. I agree. The rules should be enforced.
