20 MYTHS ABOUT YOUTH WRESTLING- Debunked

People who are unfamiliar with wrestling may not understand what is a myth and what is reality. In turn, these myths can discourage parents from encouraging their children from participating in the sport.

In this article, we smackdown 20 myths about youth wrestling:

1. Wrestling is violent.

It is from wrestling that wrestlers learn discipline and respect far more than anything else.

Competitions are initiated and concluded with a handshake, which promotes mutual respect between competitors.

2. The sport of wrestling is expensive.

There are very limited expenses involved with wrestling, including, headgear, shoes, and uniforms. You may have to cover a small fee to join a club, and most events cost less than $12 to enter.

3. Success at an earlier age will make you a star in the future.

This is definitely not true.

Even if a 10-year-old wins a state championship, he or she is not assured success in the future. Often the best wrestlers lose more than they win during their early years because every child develops differently.

The truth is that many state champions in high school and college, as well as national champions, failed to win a single match in their first year and often did not win many matches until later in their careers.

4. Every wrestler cuts weight.

There are rules and regulations in wrestling that prevent the kids from excessive weight cutting. Many wrestling coaches encourage kids to wrestle at their natural weight, which allows them to focus more on fundamentals and skill development than weight management.

5. Wrestling is dangerous.

In accordance with statistics, the sport of wrestling is one of the safer sports for young athletes. A single official oversees two kids. There aren't many other sports that offer such a level of protection.

6. Every wrestler develops cauliflower ear.

In order to prevent the symptoms associated with cauliflower ear, headgear is strongly encouraged during practice and required during most competitions.

7. Wrestlers tend to get skin infections often.

Skin checks are conducted at all wrestling events to ensure the safety of all wrestlers. By following a disciplined routine that includes showering and cleaning equipment after practice and competition, these infections can be prevented.

8. All wrestlers must wear singlets.

Almost all youth wrestling leagues have approved the use of a two-piece singlet, compression shirts, and even shorts and t-shirts for their wrestlers. Wrestling is trending away from the traditional singlet.

9. My child is too tall or too short to wrestle.

A wrestler can be successful regardless of their body type. Based on their weight and age, wrestlers are matched up and divided into weight classes.

10. My daughter will have to wrestle with boys.

At open tournaments, girls can wrestle with boys. Due to the rising popularity of female wrestling, there are now multiple tournaments and clubs across the country specifically for women. This has led to female wrestling becoming an Olympic sport.

11. Wrestling has to be done year-round to be good.

Wrestling coaches often encourage young athletes to participate in multiple sports so they don't burn out or overuse their bodies. Kids who practice wrestling have proven to be better at all other sports. It teaches discipline, hard work, and dedication that can be applied to all other sports.

12. My child is too "emotional" for wrestling.

Wrestling helps us confront our fears. Almost every kid who has wrestled has gained self-confidence, determination, and a sense of accomplishment. Wrestling also teaches discipline and respect by starting and ending each match with a handshake.

13. In their first match, my child will be outmatched by a more experienced wrestler.

Youth wrestling leagues typically offer "novice" divisions where kids can compete against other new wrestlers only. Gradually, they will move up based on their experience and skills.

14. My child may be starting the sport too late.

Wrestling at an early age can be enjoyable. However, only older children are capable of understanding the mechanics and dedication needed to succeed. Many successful wrestlers do not begin grappling until they reached a high school level.

15. The sport of wrestling is not a team sport.

Team sports are designed to foster teamwork, respect, and mutual acceptance. There is no other sport that embodies these values. These young athletes sweat, win, lose, and sometimes bleed together. The bond among teammates is unparalleled in this sport.

Many competitions have team awards based on points accumulated by individual wrestlers during competition.

16. Kids need to compete every weekend in wrestling.

Wrestlers learn far more from an hour and a half of practice than from 3 minutes of competition. Competitions allow you to put your skills to the test.

17. Young children should know a lot of moves.

Learning the seven basic skills is essential for kids: stance, level change, motion, lifting, penetration, back step, back arch. Additionally, kids should practice flexibility and tumbling. These are the building blocks to becoming a better wrestler.

18. To be a wrestler, kids must be tough.

Anyone can wrestle! Wrestling is a sport that welcomes all sizes, races, and genders.

Coaches need to instill a love for the sport in the players. That is the key to being a wrestler.

19. Families of wrestlers are crazy!

Absolutely! Additionally, they're close-knit and develop special bonds that support, encourage, and grow together over the years.

20. Wrestling Coaches wear singlets to practice like in the movies.

Coaches don't wear singlets during practice. Coaches usually wear shorts and T-shirts or compression shorts and shirts. Don't be fooled by what you see on TV or in the movies.

Bringing Home The Hardware

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