10 ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WRESTLING
Updated: Mar 22, 2022
1) “What is Wrestling?”
Amateur Wrestling is a combat sport that involves two opponents who use grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws, takedowns, and pins to gain physical control of the other and ultimately win the game known as a match.
The goal is to hold the other wrestler on their back for a set amount of time called a pin.
Wrestling perhaps is the purest form of athletic competition because you don't have any bats or balls or teammates out there with you on the mat. It's only you and your opponent of equal size and weight. The sport can either be genuinely competitive or an entertaining sport (see professional wrestling).
2) “Is wrestling like the kind of thing I see on TV with professional wrestlers?”
No, not at all!
Professional wrestling has nothing in common with amateur wrestling. Professional wrestling is based on theatrics, entertainment value, and a certain shock factor. These wrestlers wear outrageous costumes and boots. During such "theatrical wrestling," the performers punch, kick, gouge their opponents' eyes, and slam them.
3) “Is Wrestling Expensive?”
Overall, wrestling isn't an expensive sport because the equipment is cheap.
Headgear, shoes, and a singlet (maybe knee pads) are usually all you need. Used footwear and headgear can be purchased. All travel and lodging expenses are your responsibility if you choose to participate in an overnight tournament.
4) “Do girls wrestle?”
Yes, there are quite a few female wrestlers.
Women's wrestling is gaining popularity. At the end of the year, girls compete in all-female tournaments including girls' state and national championships.
Girls are required to wear a hair cap in tournaments and should wear a "sports bra".
5) “Will my child get hurt?”
In wrestling serious injuries are uncommon, but wrestling is a contact sport, which can cause bruising, swelling, and soreness from time to time. Coaches do everything they can to avoid serious injuries.
Protective equipment like headgear and knee pads are worn.
6) "Do I have to wear a singlet?”
A wrestler usually wears shorts and a t-shirt during practice.
At tournaments, wrestlers remain in their warm-ups and club t-shirts until it is time to step on the mat. Singlets are usually reserved for competition days.
In recent years, wrestlers have been allowed to wear compression shorts and a shirt instead of a singlet.
7) “Are wrestlers required or expected to lose weight?
It's true that weight cutting does exist at the high school, and collegiate levels, but there are quite a few public misconceptions.
Furthermore, state and national governing bodies now prohibit any form of rapid or unsafe weight loss.
8) “At what age should kids become involved in wrestling?”
There are programs that have wrestlers as young as 3 and 4 years old.
At tournaments, you can see these wrestlers competing in the "Tot" division.
Experts suggest starting wrestling around age 5 or 6.
Some parents believe that wrestling is too intense for young children, and is more suitable for post-pubescent teenagers.
9) “How Dangerous is Wrestling?”
In recent years, several studies have shown that wrestling is safer than other sports such as football, ice hockey, and gymnastics.
As compared with other sports, wrestling has the lowest percentage of serious, permanent, and life-threatening injuries.
Here are some quotes regarding the risk of injury in wrestling from the USA Wrestling Club:
"Wrestling is a contact sport and injuries will occur. As would be expected, wrestling has more injuries than tennis and swimming, but most injuries are minor, consisting of sprains and strains. Wrestling has fewer serious injuries than football, basketball, or ice hockey. There is a lesser chance of getting seriously hurt when wrestling than when riding in a car, skateboarding, or riding a dirt bike."
10) “Is wrestling good for self-defense?”
Definitely, yes!
The unique feature of wrestling is that it can be very aggressive without being violent. Rather than destroy or harm one's opponent, the goal is to outmaneuver them and gain control.
Involvement in wrestling is a great way to build self-confidence and develop self-defense skills without resorting to violence.
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