GORILLA WRESTLING

PARENT HANDBOOK

Gorilla Wrestling Club, Inc Welcomes You! We’re glad to have you as a member and hope you have a lot of fun. If you have any questions, the coaches and parent volunteers will be happy to visit with you.

This booklet was designed to help explain our program, especially to new members. Please file it away for future reference during our current wrestling season. The Board of Directors reserves the right to modify this handbook and rules at any time.

Gorilla Wrestling Web Site: This web Site contains a lot of useful information regarding the wrestling tournament schedule, practice times, latest events along with useful links to other clubs.

All are welcome. Whether male or female, pre-school through grade 12 all kids are encouraged to join. Wrestling is a sport in which both genders can participate. The text of this manual may refer to boy, him, he, or his. It was written this way for simplicity. Its intended interpretation is for all genders.

BOARD MEMBERS:

President: Brian Fettig

Vice President: Justin DeCoteau

Secretary: Tara Fleck

Treasurer: Joslyn Braun

Program Chair: Tina Radenz

Directors: Ilene Brackin and Travis Lutman

FUNDING:

Gorilla Wrestling will have fundraisers during the year. These fundraisers provide money to be used for singlets, awards, etc.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship programs are available for youth to participate with the Gorilla Wrestling Club. Reduced tuition, membership fees, and equipment may be covered by one of these programs. The mission of the Scholarship Program is to help youth participate and reduce barriers to become involved in these organized activities for youth who would otherwise not be able to participate due to limited financial resources. Please direct all questions toward our Board of Directors.

Updated 10/17/17

PRACTICES

Only approved coaches are allowed in the wrestling room during practice. We will open the practice up to parents/guardians with 15/20 minutes left of each practice. Note: Coaches must have USA Wrestling Coaches Certification and background checks are conducted on all coaches.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING NEEDED

Practice: Shorts T-shirt Socks Clean Wrestling or Tennis Shoes Head Gear (required – available at sporting goods stores) Kneepads (optional – available at sporting goods stores) USA Competitor Card (required – available through club)

Tournaments and Dual Meets: Gorilla Wrestling Club Singlet Clean Wrestling or Tennis Shoes Head Gear (required – available at sporting goods stores) Kneepads (optional – available at sporting goods stores) Warm-up Shirt/Pants (any type)–use for running workout/after wrestling to prevent chilling. USA Competitor Card

SINGLET

Each wrestler from our club wishing to compete in a tournament can rent a singlet. We will have handouts at designated times (see website and bulletin board) with a $45 deposit for each singlet. There is a $10.00 user fee per singlet and that is for the normal wear and tear of the item(s). Deposit Checks will be attached to the rental form and returned when singlet(s) (cleaned and in good condition) are returned at the end of the season. If not returned or are in unacceptable condition, we will cash the deposit checks.

Washing Instructions on Singlet: Wash in cold water, hang to dry.

TOURNAMENT COMPETITION

If your child decides he wants to wrestle in a tournament, he will be wrestling with an opponent matched by class level and weight (or age and weight). Efforts are always made to match wrestlers with opponents within five pounds of their own weight. If the tournament pairs wrestlers by age, then the age group each wrestler competes in is determined by the year of their birth. Some tournaments will pair wrestlers by school grade, if a tournament is set up with this format, we will inform you.

Updated 10/17/17 TOURNAMENTS

Gorilla Wrestling Club is a USA Wrestling Chartered Club. Our Coaches and Wrestlers attend select wrestling tournaments throughout the season. Wrestling clubs, in the area, sponsor these competitions. Tournament participation is strictly by personal choice. Weigh-ins for all tournaments except for the State tournaments will be held on the Thursday before the tournament after practice.

TYPICAL TOURNAMENT TIMETABLE

1. Before each tournament, bathe and cut fingernails. 2. Remember to bring your wrestler’s USA Competitor card (if required), wrestling singlet, and attire. 3. Wrestling Charts/Brackets are usually posted at the tournament, with competition beginning depending on the division you are in. Each tournament flier will have the registration and start time of your child’s division (tournament flier’s are located on the Gorilla Wrestling Web Site schedule page). Find your wrestling chart by looking for your (1) division or class group, (2) weight, and (3) your name on the chart. 4. Warm-up. Exercise with the other GORILLA members and loosen up before wrestling by doing calisthenics and practice moves. 5. Listen to the announcer for your division or class group to be called. Example: Bantam’s, wrestler’s name and weight group A, report to mat #2. If available, a GORILLA coach will also report to mat #2. NEVER wrestle without a GORILLA coach at mat side. If no coach is at the mat, you will need to inform the referee and he will help you find a coach before the match begins. 6. Once called to a Mat, the wrestler will stay at that mat until the entire bracket has been completed. Once completed a table worker will take the wrestlers to the awards stand. www.cowrestling.com

WHY PARTICIPATE IN WRESTLING?

Few sports require total use of the body, and wrestling develops this with all the following benefits:

1. Greater physiological development 2. Flexibility 3. Body awareness 4. Strength and leverage 5. Balance 6. Coordination and reaction time 7. Speed 8. Reduced body fat

Wrestling in schools and clubs is a sport of individual participation functioning within the framework of team concepts. This aspect contributes to the development of life-long patterns of responsible behavior, including respect for others regardless of social or racial origin. A young person involved in wrestling can be expected to display increased self- confidence and appreciation of their self-worth, and to develop analytical and adaptive skills.

Wrestling is fun and like other athletic pursuits, all the family can participate in various ways.

Updated 10/17/17 WHAT IS WRESTLING?

There are a number of various styles of wrestling. What we do in organized Junior and High School wrestling in the U.S. is called American Folkstyle wrestling. The styles that are taught all around the world (and what is seen at the Olympics), are Freestyle and Greco- Roman. There are organized programs in the U.S. that are strictly these two types of wrestling from the youth level, right on up to the Olympic teams and beyond. We introduce our club to Freestyle and Greco-Roman in the month of April.

The Styles

The Gorilla Wrestling Club focuses on three styles: Folkstyle, Freestyle and Greco-Roman, each with separate rules, techniques, and emphasis. Wrestlers with a strong background in only one style, and little experience in the others, sometimes have difficulty adjusting to an opponent who uses the stronger techniques from a different style to attack. For this reason, most successful coaches stress that their wrestlers learn as many styles as they can to develop their own unique techniques. This becomes particularly important if the wrestler plans to compete at the college level or in national competitions.

Below is a short description of each style as practiced in the US. There are many flavors of each of these styles.

Folkstyle

Folkstyle (scholastic) is the style common to junior, high school and college competition in the United States. As the name implies, the style was developed in the U.S., and is not used in international competition. Folkstyle concentrates on control, with points awarded for controlling an opponent for lengths of time longer than when under control. The wrestler on top must constantly work towards a pin, while the wrestler on the bottom must continually try to escape or reverse. Folkstyle is similar to Freestyle in that, for some time, both wrestlers are on their feet and attempting to take each other to the mat in order to gain control.

Freestyle

Freestyle wrestling concentrates on attacking the entire body of the opponent. Wrestlers start on their feet, and points are accumulated by taking the opponent to the mat and exposing his back.

New FILA Rules Go Into Effect 1. Three 2-minute rounds (all age divisions) with 30-second rest 2. Each round will start 0-0. 3. Must win two out of three rounds to win the match. 4. A fall ends the bout, regardless of winning rounds. 5. Getting a five-point throw wins the round. 6. Getting two three-point scoring actions wins the round. 7. Gaining a six-point lead constitutes a technical fall in that round. This does not end the bout, but simply ends the round. 8. Going out of bounds costs you one point. 9. Passivity will no longer be called. 10. If you gain a lead and stall, evading your opponent, particularly if your opponent is in a scoring position, you will be called for Fleeing the Hold, which is a Caution and two points

Updated 10/17/17 Since the emphasis in Freestyle is on attack and exposure, just controlling the opponent from on top with no continuous back exposure is considered a stalemate, and both wrestlers are brought to their feet after a short time in order for the bout to continue.

Also, since back exposure is emphasized, a wrestler can easily score points or pin himself by exposing his own back unless he is very careful how he performs his movements.

Greco-Roman

Greco-Roman is the oldest wrestling style, and very popular in some parts of the world. Like Freestyle, Greco-Roman concentrates on taking your opponent to the mat and exposing his back, but without using or attacking the legs. Points for takedowns and exposures are nearly identical between Freestyle and Greco-Roman, so long as legs are not used. Both Freestyle and Greco-Roman, in addition to Judo, are recognized Olympic sports.

New FILA Rules Go Into Effect 1. In Greco-Roman, there is a mandatory clinch, each round, at the midpoint of the round. a. The clinch position is a reverse body lock. b. Each wrestler will have an opportunity to clinch in each round, unless one is in a position of danger and time runs out in the round.

Professional Wrestling

As a final note, the wrestling commonly seen on television bears little resemblance to sport wrestling. This form of wrestling is known as catch-as-catch-can, and is both dangerous and theatrical in nature. While modern traditional wrestling is professional in some parts of the world, it is not as glamorous or dangerous as that seen on television. In all traditional styles, wrestlers compete in age and weight categories, so each boy has an equal chance regardless of size. Sport wrestling is safer than football (according to insurance companies), with scholastic wrestling currently ranked as the third most popular sport among high school boys in the U.S.

Our regular club season concentrates on Folkstyle Wrestling. We introduce our club to Freestyle and Greco Roman in the month of April. The remainder of this document will be discussing Folkstyle Wrestling.

Updated 10/17/17 THE RULES OF WRESTLING & WRESTLING POSITIONS

Neutral Position - The match starts with both contestants standing opposite each other with their lead foot on the green or red area of the starting lines and their other foot even with or behind the lead foot. In the neutral position, neither wrestler has control.

Defensive Starting Position (aka Referee’s Position) - The defensive wrestler takes a stationary position at the center of the mat with both hands and knees on the mat, as directed by the referee. The elbows may not touch the mat.

Offensive Starting Position - The offensive wrestler is positioned on the right or left side of the opponent with at least one knee on the mat and head on or above the midline of the opponent’s back. One arm is placed loosely around the defensive wrestler’s body perpendicular to the long axis of the body, with the palm of the hand placed loosely against the defensive wrestler’s navel and the palm of the other hand placed on or over the back of the near elbow. One knee is on the mat to the outside of the near leg, not touching the defensive wrestler.

Stalemate - When the contestants are interlocked in a position other than a pinning situation in which neither wrestler can improve position, the referee stops the match as soon as possible; wrestling is resumed as for out of bounds.

Position of Advantage – This is a situation in which a contestant is in control and maintaining restraining power over the opponent. Control is the determining factor. The offensive wrestler is entitled to this advantage until such time when the opponent gains a neutral position or a reversal.

In Bounds - Contestants are considered to be in bounds if the supporting parts of either wrestler are inside the inner edge of the boundary lines. A wrestler’s supporting points are the parts of the body touching, or within, the wrestling area that bears the wrestler’s weight, other than those parts being used to hold the opponent. (Down on the mat, the usual points of support are the knees, the side of the thigh, the buttocks and the hands.) Wrestling continues as long as the supporting parts of either wrestler remain in bounds. When the defensive wrestler’s back is exposed to the mat in a pinning situation, while at least the supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds, wrestling continues as long as there is a possibility of the offensive wrestler bringing the opponent back in bounds. In this situation, the defensive wrestler’s shoulders (scapulae) are the supporting parts. Near fall points may be earned only while any part of the defensive wrestler’s shoulders (scapulae) are in bounds. If there is no action at the edge of the mat and one wrestler is out of bounds, the referee may stop the match. Upon resumption of the match, the contestants begin in the neutral position at the center of the mat if neither wrestler has control. If one wrestler has the advantage, that contestant will take the offensive starting position at the center of the mat, and the opponent will assume the defensive starting position.

WRESTLING TERMINOLOGY

Sprawl - Falling forward with your legs going back; a defensive counter to an attack on the legs.

Wrist Control - Control your opponent’s wrist.

Hand Control - Control of your opponent’s hand. Updated 10/17/17 Shoot - Making an attempt for a takedown.

Escape - Defensive person escapes for points from controlling wrestler.

Takedown - Wrestler has taken his opponent down to the mat and gained control by being on top and behind the arms of opponent.

Breakdown - Wrestler has his opponent flat on his belly.

Reversal - Defensive wrestler gained control.

Neutral position - Both wrestlers standing.

Referee’s Position or Base position - Wrestler is on his hands and knees and his opponent is on top of him.

Pin - Wrestler has succeeded in turning over his opponent to the mat and keeping any part of both of his opponent’s shoulders (or scapulae) to the mat for two continuous seconds or less, resulting in completion and winning of the match.

Fall – Pin

Cross Face - Forearm is placed on the near side of the opponent’s face to maneuver him for control.

Optional Start - In referee’s position, the offensive man is standing up with two hands on the defensives man’s back shaped like a V, usually to let him go to neutral, but not always.

Stalling - Offensive or defensive wrestler fails to attempt to gain control or go for the pin.

Stance - Correct standing position.

Technical Fall – Scoring a lead of 15 points in Folkstyle (six points in Freestyle/Greco), resulting in completion and winning of the match.

SCORING OPPORTUNITIES

Takedown - A takedown is awarded when, from the neutral position, a contestant gains control and places the opponent’s supporting point(s) down on the mat beyond reaction time. For the purpose of awarding takedown points at the edge of the mat, such points shall be awarded when control is established while the supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds or while at least the feet of the scoring contestant finish down on the mat in bounds.

Escape - A defensive wrestler is awarded an escape when the offensive wrestler loses control of the opponent while the supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds. An escape may be awarded while the wrestlers are still in contact.

Reversal - A reversal occurs when the defensive wrestler comes from underneath and gains control of the opponent, either on the mat or in a rear-standing position. For the purpose of awarding reversal points at the edge of the mat, such points are awarded when control is established while the supporting points of either wrestler are in bounds or while at least the feet of the scoring contestant finish down on the mat in bounds.

Updated 10/17/17 Near Fall - A near fall is a position in which the offensive wrestler has the opponent in a controlled pinning situation in which (1) the defensive wrestler is held in a high bridge or on both elbows, or (2) any part of one shoulder or scapula, or the head is touching the mat and the other shoulder or scapula is held at an angle of 45 degrees or less to the mat, or (3) any part of both shoulders or both scapulae are held within four inches of the mat. Two points are awarded for such near fall situations when one of these three criteria has been met for two seconds. A continuous roll through is not considered a near fall. Three points are awarded if a criterion for a near fall is met and held uninterrupted for five seconds. A near fall is ended when the defensive wrestler gets out of a pinning situation. Only one near fall shall be scored in each pinning situation and only the wrestler with the advantage may score a near fall.

END OF MATCH

Fall - Any part of both the shoulders or part of both scapulae of either wrestler held in contact with the mat for one second constitutes a fall. A fall shall not be awarded unless part of both the shoulders or part of both scapulae is in bounds. If any portion of the body of one of the wrestlers is out of bounds so that the wrestler is disadvantaged, no fall shall be awarded and out of bounds shall be declared. When the match is stopped for out of bounds in a fall situation, the match shall be resumed in the starting position on the mat.

Technical Fall – A technical fall occurs when a wrestler has earned a 15-point advantage over an opponent in Folkstyle Wrestling (six points in Freestyle/Greco).

Major Decision - A major decision occurs when the margin of victory after three periods is 8 through 14 points.

Decision - A decision occurs when the margin of victory is fewer than eight points. A decision also is credited to the wrestler who is awarded the first points in an overtime match that does not end with a fall, default, or disqualification.

Default - A default is awarded in a match when one of the wrestlers is unable to continue wrestling for any reason. A default shall be included as a win or loss in each wrestler’s season record.

Disqualification - A disqualification is a situation in which a contestant is banned from participation in accordance with a pre-determined penalty table. A disqualification shall be included as a win or loss in each wrestler’s season record.

Forfeit - A forfeit is received by a wrestler when the opponent, for any reason, fails to appear for the match. In order to receive a forfeit or medical forfeit, the non-forfeiting wrestler must be dressed in a wrestling uniform and appear on the mat. A forfeit or medical forfeit shall be included as a win in the victor’s season record. In the event of injury or illness, a contestant may declare a medical forfeit, which counts as a win, but not as a loss on record.

Updated 10/17/17

MATCH SCORING Move Points Description Takedown 2 Points From a neutral position (both standing with neither wrestler having control) a wrestler gains control over his opponent down on the mat while the supporting parts of either wrestler are inbounds. Escape 1 Point When a defensive (bottom) wrestler gains a neutral position and his opponent has lost control while at least one wrestler is inbounds. Reversal 2 Points When the defensive wrestler comes from the bottom position and gains control of his opponent, either on the mat or in a rear standing position, while the supporting points of either wrestler are inbounds. Near Fall 2 or 3 When near-fall criteria is met for two seconds. Near fall criteria is: Points • when any part of both shoulders or scapula of the defensive wrestler are held for at least two seconds within four inches of the mat; • or when one shoulder or scapula is touching the mat with the other shoulder or scapula held at an angle of 45 degrees or less.

If near=fall criteria is met for two continuous seconds, two points are awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the predicament. If near- fall criteria is met for five continuous seconds a three-point near-fall is awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the near-fall situation.

TEAM SCORING IN DUAL MEETS

We may participate in Dual Meet Tournaments. The following are the Team Scoring Procedures based on the outcome of matches:

Fall, Forfeit, Default, Disqualification - 6 team points Technical Fall (being ahead of your opponent by 15 points ends the match) - 5 team points Major Decision (winning the match by 8 - 14 points) - 4 team points Decision (winning the match by fewer than 8 points) - 3 team points

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES

• Properly plan the activities for practice, meets, and tournaments • Provide proper instruction • Provide safe physical environment • Provide adequate and proper equipment • Match your athletes • Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity • Supervise the activity closely • Warn of inherent risks • Require each wrestler to give their best effort • Treat each wrestler and family with respect • Provide appropriate emergency assistance • Coaches should show good sportsmanship at all times Updated 10/17/17 CONSEQUENCES FOR COACHES

1. Verbal warning and/or written warning 2. Suspensions from two weeks of practice 3. Removal from coaching

PARENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

• Parents should make sure that all fees are paid on time. • Parents must turn in all necessary forms promptly. • Parents must equip their wrestler properly, so they can participate in all practices and matches. • Go over the Wrestlers’ Code of Conduct and ensure wrestlers understand what is expected of them. • Parents should keep abreast of all information pertinent to their wrestler’s practices and tournament schedule. • Bring any issues to the coaches, as soon as possible, away from the wrestlers. • Parents should get their wrestler to practices and tournaments at prescribed times. • Parents should be encouraging, not critical of their wrestler, coach, and team. • Parents should try, as much as possible, to be available to assist in the Wrestling Program and team functions as requested. • Parents should try to promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire to win. • Remember that your child wrestles for his enjoyment, not yours. • Encourage good sportsmanship through your actions by demonstrating positive support for all wrestlers. • Respect the property and equipment used at any sports facility, both home and away. • Support and encourage the wrestlers to always give their best effort. • Provide support for coaches and officials working with the wrestlers to provide a positive experience for all. • Demand the wrestler to treat all wrestlers, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability. • Treat all wrestlers, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators with dignity and in language, attitude, behavior, and mannerisms. • Inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of the wrestler or the safety of others.

CONSEQUENCE FOR PARENTS

1. Verbal warning and/or written warning 2. Suspension from two weeks of practice 3. Wrestler and Parents removed from the Gorilla Wrestling Program

Updated 10/17/17 WRESTLERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

• Have fun. • Always give best effort. • Be on time and attend every practice possible – with the required gear. • Maintain a “can-do” attitude. • Always take responsibility for actions. • It is NEVER the referee’s fault! • It is not the coach’s fault. • It is not your parent’s fault. • Show respect for the coaches, referees, parents, and other wrestlers. • Pay attention. We have to make the most of our practice time. • Do not talk when the coaches are talking. • Do not engage in horseplay. That is how people get hurt. • Dangerous “TV moves” will not be tolerated. • Always demonstrate good sportsmanship. • Control temper. • Respect the property and equipment used at any sports facility, both home and away. • No talking bad about other wrestlers or their families on the team. • No form of “hazing” or “initiation” of other wrestlers, regardless of how insignificant it may seem. • No obscene gestures or language. • No pinching, scratching, biting, punching, poking, tripping, ball-grabbing, chinning in the back, or pushing off allowed.

CONSEQUENCES FOR WRESTLERS

1. Verbal warning and/or written warning 2. Suspension from two weeks of practice 3. Removal from the Gorilla Wrestling program

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

It is possible that conditions arise when a member feels that a situation is unfair or unjust. This situation may be with a particular coach, team, or the wrestling program, in general. You should attempt to resolve the issue informally by speaking with the coaches. It is recommended that this be done after you have considered the situation and your perspective for at least 24 hours. You can choose to do this face to face, by mail, or via e- mail. It will be the coaches’ discretion as to whether or not to address anonymous grievances.

Updated 10/17/17 FOR THE PARENT – A WINNING ATTITUDE

Keep winning in perspective. Be fair at all times. Stand up for your wrestler when necessary. They expect this, but do it quietly and respectfully in private discussions with coaches or mat officials.

Winning is important. If we are not trying to win, then we are not really competing. But keep it in correct perspective. Winning and losing are a part of life and important lessons can be learned. If you want your child to win at all costs, you’re in trouble. If you ever get to the point where you don’t care about losing, you’re also in trouble.

One lesson in life is to learn to live with both, and if we, as parents, cannot control ourselves and be good sports, then how will we ever teach it to our children? The sport of wrestling is one of the best places to learn these valuable lessons.

FOR THE WRESTLER – WHAT IS WINNING?

In our wonderful competitive world of amateur wrestling, what is winning? It is important that all the competitors know the answer. Is winning a gold medal real winning?

Yes, if a gold medal is won at the Olympic Games, that is winning. But that cannot happen to everyone and winning any other kind of gold medal just means that, at that time, and in that place, you were the best there, which is nice, but not necessarily “winning”. Is beating the other fellow really winning?

Maybe… maybe not. Perhaps he is not as well trained as you, or as strong as you, or as good at wrestling as you, so this cannot be winning. Well, then, what is winning?

Real winning is clear to see. Winning is improving, learning, and trying. Winning is the first time you are able to do a good butcher in competition. It is finishing the match strong and well. It is performing better than you have ever performed before.

Winning is working hard, listening and paying attention, and applying what you hear from your coach. It is doing better every time, and striving with all your might.

Winning is never giving into a feeling of being tired. Winning can happen to everybody.

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”

Updated 10/17/17