Bylaws

Section I

Article I – Name, Address, Fiscal Year

(1)

Name – The name of the organization shall be United States of America Wrestling Association – Kansas, Inc. (USAWKS). In addition, the organization may conduct its affairs under such trade name(s) as may be approved by its board of directors, including but not limited to the name USAW-Kansas, Inc., USAW-Kansas, or USAWKS Kids.

(2)

Address – The principal office of the organization in the state of Kansas shall be located at the current address of the State Chairman. The corporation may have such other offices, within or without the state of Kanas, as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time.

(3)

Fiscal Year – The fiscal year of the organization shall begin on the first (1st) day of September in each year.

(4)

Registration Agent – The Corporation shall appoint a registered agent upon whom service of process may be made against the Corporation. It will be the responsibility of the appointed agent of the Corporation to file with the Secretary of State of the State of Kansas, the proper documents to change the principal address of the Corporation, if a change of address takes place.

Article II – Objectives

The objectives of USAWKS shall be:

(1)

To create opportunities in wrestling for youths of all ages through high school, along with their coaches and teachers, and to encourage their continued participation in the sport as they advance beyond this level.

(2)

To place control and direction of the USAWKS wrestling program in the hands of those who are working in the program.

(3)

To help develop responsible wrestling administrators from the ranks of the USAWKS wrestling programs on the local, state and national levels who will provide responsible leadership and
direction to their membership.

(4)

To develop an attitude of sincere concern among all USAWKS wrestling coaches towards the improvement of all levels and aspects of wrestling from elementary through Olympic levels of
competition.

(5)

To provide channels of communication within Kansas and between the various states, furthering the exchange of ideas and experience, both favorable and unfavorable, so USAWKS wrestling
programs in any area can learn from, profit from, and expand upon the efforts of such programs in all other areas.

(6)

To assist in developing strong and enthusiastic USAWKS wrestling programs throughout Kansas, and to assist in those activities which can best be developed on a statewide basis.

(7)

To develop an attitude of unity within the state of Kansas toward program development and achievement and to increase the positive attitudes of educators, wrestlers and the general public
toward the art of science of wrestling.

(8)

To provide channels for democratic representation in the various national organizations and national activities which involve the wrestlers and coaches of this age group.

(9)

To establish general patterns of organization and objectives within the state of Kansas, providing continuity of effort as wrestlers and coaches step forward into more advanced phases of
wrestling and in turn are succeeded by newcomers to the USAWKS program.

Article III – Members

(1)

Chartered Clubs – USAWKS shall include Kansas clubs, known as chartered clubs recognized by USA Wrestling, which meet the prescribed requirements as follows:

A chartered club in USAWKS must be open to all persons active in the advancement of Kansas wrestling and willing to accept the objectives outlined in this constitution. Clubs may provide reasonable requirements of its individual members in order to retain membership in the club.

A club may become chartered by filing an application and paying the annual fee, if any, to USAWKS

(2)

Voting Members

Each chartered club whose charter was issued by USAWKS and paid for during the previous fiscal year by January 1.

A chartered club must be in good standing with USAWKS to be eligible to vote.

Each voting member shall have only one vote

(3)

Individual Members Within USAWKS Clubs – Individuals in good standing may obtain a membership card by paying the annual fee set by and payable to USAWKS. Membership categories are:

Competitor – A wrestler who is on the roster of a current chartered club and in good financial standing. The club shall confirm, through a birth certificate or similarly reliable means, the wrestler’s date of birth prior to adding the wrestler to its roster. A competitor must purchase a membership card prior to participating in any club activity or a USA Wrestling sanctioned tournament. Any funds received for a USA competitor’s membership card must be sent to the Membership Director at the earliest of either of the following dates (1) no more than ten days after receipt, or (2) at the time of any seeding meeting, qualifying tournament, or State level tournaments.

Coach – A person registered with a chartered club that obtains a current USAW Wrestling Leader card and is in good standing with USAWKS.

Official – There are two officials’ memberships available. A folkstyle official must be registered with the Kansas State High School Activities Association and USAWKS. A freestyle/Greco official must be licensed with the United States Wrestling Officials Association and USAWKS.

General Member – Any person that registers with USAW and supports the sport of wrestling.

Honorary – Life membership, sustaining membership, supporting membership and honorary membership in the Corporation shall be open to individuals on such terms, not involving the right to vote on Corporation matters, as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

(4)

State Body – The term State Body shall refer to the voting members (chartered clubs) and the individuals they represent.

Article V – Meetings

(1)

State Body Meetings

Annual Meeting of the State Body – The annual meeting of members (the State Body meeting) shall be held within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year for the purpose of electing officers of the Corporate Board and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting. Minutes of the preceding year’s meeting plus all corporate board meeting since then shall be available at or prior to the meeting. The meeting will be conducted under the rules published in the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order. Any meeting of the board may be conducted via video teleconference if approved by a majority in an electronic vote held at least one week prior to the meeting. The board may elect to hold the meeting entirely via video conference or through a combination of video conferences and in-person attendees.

Special Meetings – Special meetings of the members for any purpose(s), unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by the State Chairman or by the Corporate Board, or
shall be called by the State Chairman at the requests of the members of not less than a quorum required of the organization. The purpose of any special meeting must be specified and only that topic may be discussed.

Place of Meeting – The Corporate Board may designate any place, either within or without the state unless otherwise prescribed by statute, as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting.

Notice of Meeting – Written or email notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, the purpose(s) for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than twenty (20) days before the date of the meeting, to current addresses on record.

Quorum – At any meeting of the members, a quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of voting representatives from five (5) or more chartered clubs from each of the four (4) districts with a minimum of forty (40) chartered clubs.

Proxies – Voting by proxy will not be allowed at any meeting of the members.

Order of Business – The order of business at all meetings of the members, shall be as follows:

Roll Call

ii.

Proof of Notice of Meeting, or Waiver of Notice

iii.

Reading of minutes of preceding meeting

iv.

Reports of officers

Reports of committees

vi.

Approval of budget (vote must be for entire budget)

vii.

Election of officers

viii.

Unfinished business

ix.

New business

All officers giving reports will provide a typed or neatly hand-written copy of their report to the Secretary prior to giving the report to the state body.

(2)

Corporate Board Meetings

The Corporate Board shall hold the following meetings in the month provided and conduct the following business items at the respective meetings.

January – Kids State Folkstyle Tournament.

ii.

March – Proposals on rules and by‐laws changes considered, and report on Folkstyle season provided by the Folkstyle Director. The board has the option to cancel any year’s March meeting and accept written reports, both from the State Chair on any proposed changes and from the Folkstyle Director on the Folkstyle Season.

iii.

July – Vote on rules and by-laws changes, election of officers, and report on Freestyle/Greco-Roman season provided by the Freestyle/Greco-Roman Director.

iv.

September – A proposed budget shall be prepared and presented by the State Chairman to the Corporate Board. The Corporate Board shall pass a budget. This meeting can be held electronically.

Special meetings of the Corporate Board. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held upon call of the State Chairman or upon written request of not less than 25% of the Board of Directors. Such meetings shall be held at such location within or without the State of Kansas, at such time as shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or via electronic communication and voting.

Notice of any meeting. Notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors shall be sent to each Board Member in writing by the State Chairman by mail or email at least thirty (30) days in advance of any regular meeting and at least fifteen (15) days in advance of a special meeting.

Business may be conducted by the Board of Directors electronically, provided that votes are received from at least 75% of all members. Advance notice is not required in this instance.

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be open to the public unless the Board of Directors votes to meet in executive session. Executive session voting is prohibited.

Quorum and Voting. A quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of its voting members, but if less than a quorum is present at a meeting, those present may
adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. Unless otherwise provided herein, all action to be taken by the Board of Directors shall be authorized by a majority vote of those present and voting, a quorum being present. Voting by proxy shall be permitted when that member has notified the State Chairman of the name of the person who will be acting as his proxy prior to the start of each meeting. A current member of the Board of directors may not act as proxy for another member. Each director shall be entitled to one vote, except the State Chairman who only votes in case of a tie.

Article IV – Officers

(1)

Corporate Board – The officers of the organization shall be:

State Chairman – elected annually by the members of the State Body

Membership Director – a non-voting member elected annually by the Board of Directors

Treasurer – elected annually by the Board of Directors

Folkstyle Director – elected annually by the members of the State Body

Assistant Folkstyle Director – elected annually by the members of the State Body

Freestyle/Greco‐Roman Director – elected annually by the members of the State Body

Women’s Director – elected annually by the members of the State Body

Officials Director – elected annually by the members of the State Body

Coaches Development Director – elected annually by the members of the State Body

District Directors – elected annually by the membership of each of the four respective districts (4 positions)

KWCA/University Representative – elected annually by the members of the State Body

(2)

Election and Term of Office – The officers of the organization are to be elected in the manner outlined above. Each officer shall hold office until his/her successor shall have been duly elected.

(3)

Removal – Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the State Body, Corporate Board or the State Chairman may be removed by the Corporate Board whenever, in their judgment, the best interests of the organization would be thereby benefited.

(4)

Vacancies – A vacancy in any office that is elected or appointed annually by the State Body or Corporate Board shall be filled by the Corporate Board for the unexpired portion of the term. A vacancy in any office that is appointed by the State Chairman shall be filled by the State Chairman for the unexpired portion of the term. A vacancy of a District Director shall be filled by the Corporate Board with a member from the respective District for the unexpired portion of the term or until filled by the District.

(5)

State Chairman

The State Chairman shall be the principal executive officer of the organization and subject to the control of the Corporate Board. He/she shall, in general, supervise and control all of
the business and affairs of the organization. He/she shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the State Body and of the Corporate Board.

He/she may sign instruments which the Corporate Board has authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the
Corporate Board, or by these Bylaws, to some other officer or agent of the organization, or shall be required by law to be otherwise signed or executed; and in general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of the State Chairman and such duties as may be prescribed by the Corporate Board from time to time.

The State Chairman will also interpret this constitution and associated rules, and render a decision whenever there is a question regarding the contents of this document. Any interpretation may be overturned by a total two-thirds voting membership of the Corporate Board.

The State Chairman shall have supervision over monies generated for the use of the Corporation, or entrusted by the National Governing Body, and funds designated by the Board of Directors from time to time.

The State Chairman shall have the responsibility of generating data and information from the various state accounts to formulate and file a Federal Income Tax Return on an annual basis. The Corporation will provide financial assistance as needed to complete this task or if the Board of Directors orders an audit.

The State Chairman shall have the responsibility of filing Corporation papers annually with the Secretary of State of the State of Kansas.

Subject to any limitation adopted by the Board of Directors, the State Chairman shall be entitled to execute contracts and other legal instruments on behalf of the Corporation.

The State Chairman shall be invited to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors, and committee meetings provided by the will of each division director of the Corporation.

(6)

Folkstyle Director – The Folkstyle Director shall supervise and oversee the Folkstyle season of the membership including the State Championship series. He shall report directly to and work closely with the State Chairman during the Folkstyle season. In the absence of the State Chairman, or in the event of his/her death, inability or refusal to act, the Folkstyle Director shall perform the duties of the principal executive officer until such time as the Corporate Board may meet and elect a successive State Chairman.

(7)

Assistant Folkstyle Director – In the absence of the Folkstyle Director, or in the event of his/her death, inability or refusal to act, the Assistant Folkstyle Director shall perform the duties of the Folkstyle Director, and when so acting, shall hold all the power of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the State Chairman. The Assistant Folkstyle Director will serve as the Chairperson of the State Folkstyle Tournament Committee and shall be responsible for organizing all USAWKS Folkstyle national competition and, in the event of a USAWKS sponsored Folkstyle summer wrestling camp, the Assistant Folkstyle Director shall be responsible for supervising the camp. The Assistant Folkstyle Director shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the State Chairman, Folkstyle Director, or by the Corporate Board.

(8)

Secretary – The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the State Body and of the Corporate Board meetings, provide electronic copies of recent minutes to Corporate Board members on a timely basis, and in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the State Chairman or the Corporate Board. The Secretary shall be a non-voting member of the Corporate Board.

(9)

Membership Director – The Membership Director shall assist clubs in obtaining USAW charters and event sanctions and individuals in obtaining USAW memberships. He/she shall maintain contact information for all chartered clubs. He/she shall manage the state office on a regular basis and provide assistance for any director, including arranging travel and lodging for official Kansas national teams. The Membership Director is a paid staff position and is a nonvoting member of the Corporate Board.

(10)

Treasurer – If required by the Corporate Board, the Treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his/her duties in such sum and with such surety or guaranties as the Corporate Board shall determine. He/she shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the organization; receive and give receipts for moneys due and payable to the organization from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the name of the organization in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected in accordance with this constitution and in general, perform all of the duties incident to the office of the Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the State Chairman or Corporate Board.

(11)

Women’s Director – The Women’s Director shall be responsible for the promotion of wrestling, at all levels, for women in the State of Kansas.

(12)

Freestyle/Greco‐Roman Director – The Freestyle/Greco-Roman Director shall have the responsibility of setting up the summer camps and USAWKS Regional and National teams and
events relating to Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. He shall report directly to and work closely with the State Chairman during the Freestyle/Greco-Roman season

(13)

Officials Director – The Officials Director’s responsibility shall be to represent all Kansas wrestling officials, including both folkstyle and freestyle/Greco-Roman officials, and is responsible for improving the quality and increasing the numbers of officials within the state. He/she will supervise registration of all USAWKS officials and keep a written record of all officials. He/she will appoint the head official at the USAWKS Kids Folkstyle tournament. He/she will coordinate the assignment of officials at freestyle/Greco-Roman tournaments, including regional and national events. He/she will review and authorize any stipends or expense reimbursements for officials approved by the State Body or Corporate Board.

(14)

Coaches Development Director – The Coaches Development Director is responsible for improving the quality of coaching in Kansas. This includes developing instructors for USAW
certification courses and providing ongoing opportunities for coaches to improve their skills through clinics, webinars and other resources. He/she shall be silver certified.

(15)

District Directors – Each district shall be represented by no fewer than four directors: a District Director, two Assistant District Directors and one Freestyle/Greco-Roman District Director. The duties of these directors shall be established by each district, with the Assistant District Directors reporting to their respective District Director while the Freestyle/Greco-Roman District Directors will report to the State Freestyle/Greco-Roman Director. The District Director shall select one of these district officers to represent his/her district on the Corporate Board. This selection shall be effective for the fiscal year or until modified by the District Director.

(16)

KWCA/University Representative – The responsibility of the KWCA/University Representative shall be to act as a liaison between the Corporate Board, the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA), and the collegiate wrestling programs in Kansas. He/she must be a member of the KWCA.

Article VI – Corporate Board

(1)

General Powers – The Corporate Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the State Body between its business meetings, fix the hour and place of the meetings, make recommendations to the State Body, and shall perform such other duties as are specified in this constitution. The Corporate Board shall, in all cases, act as a board and they may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of their meetings and the management of the organization as they deem proper to carry out the objective of the organization.

The Corporate Board shall be subject to the orders of the State Body and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the State Body, the constitution, and/or the laws of this state.

(2)

Number and Selection Procedure of District Directors

The state shall be divided into four (4) geographical districts as determined by the Corporate Board. The chartered clubs within each District shall elect, from its member chartered clubs, the following Directors on an annual basis: a District Director, two (2) assistant District Directors and one District Freestyle/Greco-Roman Director. The Assistant District Directors shall report to their respective District Director. The District Freestyle/Greco-Roman Representatives shall report directly to the State Freestyle/GrecoRoman Director.

Each district shall be required to hold a minimum of one (1) annual meeting per year, and a copy of the minutes of that meeting shall be sent to the State Chairman by December 1st of that fiscal year. Each District will provide the names of their elected Directors at the annual meeting of the organization.

(3)

Compensation – Except where otherwise authorized in these by-laws, no compensation shall be paid to board members for their services. By resolution of the board reimbursements for expenses for actual attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Corporate Board may be authorized.

(4)

Executive and Other Committees – The Board of Directors, by resolution, may designate from among its Members an Executive Committee and other committees, each consisting of at least one (1) Director from each District. Each such committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

(5)

Contracts, Loans, Checks and Deposits

Contracts – The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the organization, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Loans – No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the organization and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Checks, Drafts, etc. – All checks, drafts or other orders for payment or money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the organization shall be signed by such officer, officers, or agents of the organization and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Deposits – All funds of the organization not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to credit of the organization in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

Article VII – Committees

(1)

State Folkstyle Tournament Committee – The State Folkstyle Tournament Committee shall be appointed by the Folkstyle Director and confirmed by the members of the Board of Directors. The State Folkstyle Tournament Committee shall be chaired by the Assistant Folkstyle Director.

(2)

Other Committees – Such other committees, standing or special, shall be appointed by the State Chairman, Folkstyle Director, Board of Directors or the State Body from time to time as deemed necessary to carry on the work of the organization.

Article VIII – Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-Laws and the Constitution of the organization and any special rules of order the organization may adopt.

Article IX – Amendments of By-Laws

(1)

These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed and a set of new By-Laws may be adopted at any annual State Body meeting or at any special State Body meeting in which at least fifty percent (50%) of all voting representatives of the state are present. This fifty (50%) requirement excludes any Kansas high school only teams chartered by USA Wrestling. Only those proposed changes which have been identified in a notice sent out to member clubs at least 20 days in advance of the meeting may be voted upon at the meeting; however, amendments to the proposals are allowed.

(2)

Proposed amendments of these by-laws may be made by any individual member of USAWKS. To guarantee that a proposed amendment is considered by the Board of Directors, it must be
presented to the State Chairman, in writing, by certified mail postdated no later than March 15. The State Chairman must mail or email a copy of any proposed amendments to each member
of the Board of Directors no later than March 20. The Board of Directors will review proposed amendments and make recommendation to the State Body at the next annual meeting.

(3)

The Corporate Board will review all proposed amendments and rules changes at its March meeting and will vote on them at its July meeting. All proposals will be presented at the next
State Body meeting. Those motions that have been approved by the Corporate Board may be passed by a majority of the voting members. Those motions without the approval of the Corporate Board may be passed by a two-thirds vote of the voting members.

Section II: Discipline

It is the intention of USAWKS to provide for a safe and enjoyable environment where its members can enjoy the sport of wrestling and develop both life skills as well as wrestling abilities. When actions by coaches, athletes, officials or others interfere with this goal, USAWKS may take certain disciplinary actions. In addition, all matters that fall within USA Wrestling Safe Sport Policy and Coaching Codes of Conduct should comply with those national policies.

Article I – Ejection From Sanctioned Event

(1)

Every ejection from a USAWKS sanctioned event by either an official or the tournament director shall be reviewed by the tournament disciplinary committee. For events other than the state
folkstyle tournament this committee shall be comprised of the head official, the tournament director and certified member coaches from two participating clubs not otherwise involved in the ejection. The member coaches shall be selected by the tournament director.

(2)

The tournament disciplinary committee at the Kansas Kids State Championship shall include the Assistant Folkstyle Director and the four District Directors. If one of these individuals cannot or is not willing to serve on this committee then the Folkstyle Director shall appoint a disinterested individual, who is a current USAW Wrestling Leader member, to serve on the committee. If the
individual being replaced is a District Director, then they shall be replaced by someone from that same District.

(3)

The committee must meet as soon as practicable but no later than 30 minutes following the conclusion of the tournament. Failure of the committee to meet shall result in no additional sanctions for the ejected party.

(4)

The ejected individual shall have the right to have someone advocate for them with the tournament disciplinary committee, but the ejected individual may not directly meet with the committee unless such a meeting is requested by the committee. It is the responsibility of the ejected individual to have their advocate contact the disciplinary committee if they wish to have such representation. The committee may gather information either in writing or orally on the ejection incident from anyone with first-hand information. After considering the information provided the committee must take two votes, as follows. A majority vote is required on each vote.

First, should the ejection be upheld?

Second, if the ejection is upheld should additional sanctions be applied?

(5)

If the committee votes to apply additional sanctions, the guidelines provided in Article II(3) should be followed.

(6)

If the committee votes to uphold the sanction and apply additional sanctions, this must be reported to the state through a form designed for this purpose. The form can be found on the USAWKS
website at USA Wrestling Kansas Ejection Form.

Article II – Other Sanctions

(1)

In addition to sanctions resulting from ejection from a tournament, additional disciplinary proceedings may result from one or any combination of the following:

Any action that harms the reputation of the sport.

Flagrant and/or repeated destruction of personal and/or public property.

Falsification of documents regarding wrestling.

Disciplinary suspension and/or expulsion from a charted club.

Theft by an individual or individuals from USA Wrestling, USAWKS, a sanctioned event, a charted club or any subdivision of USA Wrestling.

Abusive actions or language, or unsportsmanlike conduct by a contestant, spectator, coach, table worker, or official.

Any violation of the USA Wrestling Safe Sport Policy.

(2)

Any USAW member or the parent or legal guardian of a competitor under the age of 18, (the petitioner) may initiate a disciplinary action, or request for additional disciplinary action, against any member of the Board of Directors, State Officer, State Committee member, chartered club, competitive member, official, coach, tournament worker, or spectator (the respondent).

In order to initiate a disciplinary proceeding the petitioner must provide the District Director, in the District where the alleged event occurred, with a detailed written complaint specifically requesting that action be taken. If all the alleged events did not occurr in a single District, then the complaint should be filed with the District Director of the respondent.

If the petitioner believes the complaint may fall under the USAW Safe Sport Policy they may file a complaint with USAW or with the USAW-Kansas Safe Sport Coordinator. A complaint filed with the USAWKS Safe Sport Coordinator will be reviewed by the coordinator to determine whether to forward it to USA Wrestling. If the complaint is not forwarded to USA Wrestling it will be handled by the District Disciplinary Committee under these procedures.

If a complaint is filed with the District Director, said director shall form a District Disciplinary Committee to review the allegations. The committee shall be chaired by the District Director and include the two Assistant District Directors and two at large members. Each Assistant District Director shall pick one of the two at-large members to serve on the committee. If one of the members of the District Disciplinary Committee is affiliated with the home club of the petitioner or respondent, then the District Director shall find a replacement for that committee member. If the District Director is affiliated with the petitioner or respondent, then the State Chairman shall appoint one of the other District Directors to chair the committee for that complaint.

The District Disciplinary Committee shall review any Disciplinary Request form or Official Ejection Report submitted within ten days of its receipt. The Committee may gather information either in writing or orally in relation to the request from anyone with first-hand information. Both the petitioner and respondent may submit information to the committee.

The District Disciplinary Committee may conduct its review and vote in person, by conference call, or by email.

In order for there to be any disciplinary action taken against an individual at least a majority of the disciplinary committee must make a finding that the individual was found to have violated one of the actions listed above in paragraph 1 of this Article.

(3)

Sanctions Related to Disciplinary Actions

Upon a finding that an individual or entity has committed a violation of USA Wrestling Kansas or SafeSport, the following sanctions may be applied. The committee has the authority to modify these sanctions where they feel modifications are appropriate. All sanctions shall be posted on the USAWKS website.

First occurrence within a 3-year period – warning

ii.

Second occurrence within a 3-year period – Eight (8) day suspension

iii.

Third occurrence within a 3-year period – Twenty-Four (24) day suspension

iv.

Fourth or more occurrence within a 3-year period – One (1) calendar year suspension

Individuals under suspension will not be allowed to participate in and/or attend any other sanctioned tournaments, meetings, events, or practices from the date of the ejection.

If the committee feels the recommended sanctions are not appropriate for the infraction it may establish its own sanctions. This should be done with a clear explanation to all parties of the reason for the deviation.

In the event that a sanction is imposed, the individual should be informed in writing (letter or email) of the reasons for the sanction, the penalties being imposed and the options for appeal of the decision.

(4)

Definitions

Suspension is the removal of an individual or entity from membership in the organization for a set period of time. During the period of suspension, the suspended party shall not be allowed to participate in and/or attend any sanctioned tournaments, meetings, events, or practices.

Expulsion is the permanent removal of an individual or entity from the membership in the organization. During the period of expulsion, the expelled party shall not be allowed to participate in and/or attend any, sanctioned tournaments, meetings, events, or practices.

Probation is a period of time in which an individual or entity’s fitness for membership in the organization is being tested and reviewed. During a period of probation any sanctionable offense, or violation of a term of probation, shall be reviewed directly and solely by the State Committee on Discipline. Reports of any sanctionable offenses or violations of probation shall be sent directly to the State Chairman. During the period of probation, by majority vote, the State Committee on Discipline may make changes to the terms of the probation, suspend the member, or expel the member. Any decision of the State Committee on Discipline is not reviewable during a period of probation.

Article III – Appeal Procedures

(1)

Any individual or entity that is disciplined or sanctioned has the right to appeal an ejection, sanction, or disciplinary action. However, any action of a person or entity who is on probation at the time of the action will be reviewed only by the State Committee on Discipline and may not appeal to any other committee for review. Any disciplinary actions shall be suspended pending a ruling on the appeal.

(2)

Appeal to the State Committee on Discipline

Any individual or entity that has been disciplined or sanctioned by a District Disciplinary Committee or Tournament Disciplinary Committee has the right to appeal to the State Committee on Discipline. Any appeal must occur within 10 days of the date of notification of the sanction.

The State Committee on Discipline shall include the State Safe Sport Coordinator and either the Folkstyle Director or the Freestyle/Greco-Roman Director (as selected by the State Chairman). If
one of these individuals cannot or is not willing to serve on this committee, then the State Chairman shall appoint a reasonably unbiased individual, who is USAW Wrestling Leader member, to serve on the committee. In addition, four club directors will be selected at random from each of the four districts. If one of the individuals cannot or is not willing to serve, additional random draws from that district will occur until the position is filled.

No member of the committee shall have served on the committee whose ruling is being appealed. No members of the committee may be involved in the incident being appealed. If any member is excluded under this section that seat will be filled as described in the previous section.

The individual or entity that has been disciplined or sanctioned must initiate their appeal in writing (including email) to the State Chairman.

The State Chairman shall provide a copy of the appeal to the members of the State Committee on Discipline within three days of its receipt.

The State Committee on Discipline shall be chaired by the State Safe Sport Coordinator. The committee shall endeavor to gather all relevant information regarding the appeal. The party filing the appeal may also provide the State Chairman with information to be forwarded to the members of the State Committee on Discipline.

The State Committee on Discipline may review the materials at a meeting in person, by phone conference, email, or a combination of those. After reviewing the materials provided, the Committee
shall then vote by majority rule to uphold the finding of the sanction, reverse the sanction, or modify it in any manner, including adding additional sanctions.

The State Committee on Discipline shall review any appeal within ten days of the appeal being filed with the State Chairman. If additional time is required to obtain the necessary information the committee will notify the interested parties of the delay and the reasons for the delay. In any event the committee must provide a final response within 21 days of the appeal.

(3)

Appeal from the State Committee on Discipline

If the USAWKS Safe Sport Coordinator determines that the complaint is subject to the USAW Safe Sport Policy, any appeal must be made to USA Wrestling and will not be covered under the following additional appeals procedures.

An individual or entity (appellant) may appeal any sanction or disciplinary action of the State Committee on Discipline. To initiate an appeal the appellant must provide in writing (including
email) to the State Chairman the basis for his or her appeal and must also make a payment of $100 made payable to USAWKS. The deposit shall be refunded if the appellant is found not guilty of the violation which is the cause of the action.

Such an appeal will be conducted as an informal hearing. The hearing will be conducted at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Corporate Board or at a special meeting of the Corporate Board, whichever is sooner.

The members of the Corporate Board shall serve as the Appeals Board and determine any sanction or disciplinary action taken by majority vote. At least one half of the members of the Corporate Board must be present for there to be a quorum present during the hearing. If there is no quorum present for the hearing, then the hearing must be continued to the next regular meeting or special meeting of the Corporate Board.

The State Chairman shall serve as the presiding officer at the hearing. The Folkstyle Director shall serve in this capacity if the State Chairman is not available.

The State SafeSport Coordinator shall advocate (the committee’s advocate) on behalf of the position of the State Committee on Discipline. The Freestyle/Greco-Roman Director shall serve in this capacity if the State Safe Sport Coordinator is not available.

The appellant may have an advisor present with him. This advocate must be member in good standing with USAWKS. The advisor can consult with the appellant but may not address the panel
or advocate for the appellant.

The Hearing Procedure

The presiding officer shall call the hearing to order.

ii.

The hearing is not open to the public and shall be held privately. Only members of the Corporate Board, the appellant, and his advisor may be present at the hearing.

iii.

The Secretary shall read the complaint and specifications out loud to those present.

iv.

The presiding officer shall ask the appellant how he or she pleads to each specification or charge. The accused may admit, deny, or not contest, each specification or charge. If the appellant admits or does not contest each of the specifications or charges, then the case will proceed to disposition. If the appellant denies any or all of the specifications or charges, then the case will continue.

The committee’s advocate may present witnesses. The appellant may question those witnesses.

vi.

The appellant may present witnesses. The committee’s advocate may question those witnesses.

vii.

Each party will then have an opportunity for rebuttal witnesses and to question those witnesses.

viii.

The committee’s advocate may make a closing statement followed by the appellant. The committee’s advocate may then make a final statement.

ix.

The Appeals Board shall then deliberate, in private, as to whether the appellant did or did not do the acts he/she is accused of doing. The Appeals Board shall vote by majority of those present and will use a preponderance of evidence standard of proof (more likely than not) to determine whether or not the appellant committed the acts he/she is accused of committing.

If the Appeals Board finds that the appellant did not do any of the sanctionable acts he/she is accused of doing, the appellant will be immediately informed of their finding and any record of a contrary finding will be deleted from the records of USAWKS. Further, any sanction or disciplinary action previously taken will be immediately removed.

xi.

If the Appeals Board finds that the appellant did commit any of the sanctionable acts he or she is accused of doing, the case will proceed immediately to disposition.

Disposition Procedure

A majority of the individuals serving as the Appeals Board must agree on the cases disposition. Once they have determined a disposition they will notify the appellant in writing (email or postal mail) of their finding. Notice will be delivered promptly

(4)

Appeal from the Corporate Board Hearing

Any party who has gone through the hearing and/or disposition procedure of the State Committee on Discipline may appeal this disposition to the State Membership at the next meeting of the State Body. In order to initiate such appeal, the appellant must submit a payment of $250 to the treasurer of USAWKS and inform the State Chairman in writing (including email) that he wishes to appeal the disposition of the Corporate Board. The appeal will then be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of the State Body.

Appeal Process at the State Body Meeting.

The charges, findings of the Appeals Board, and disposition of the Appeals Board will be read to the state body by the secretary

ii.

The appellant may make a statement to the State Body.

iii.

The committee’s advocate may make a statement to the State Body.

iv.

The appellant will leave the room.

The State Body will vote by majority vote to do the following: leave the disposition the same or lessen any disciplinary action or sanction. The State Body may not increase the disciplinary action or sanction of the appellant.

vi.

The appellant will then be informed by the State Chairman of the State Body’s decision.

Article IV – Reinstatment

(1)

Reinstatement of Suspension

Following the successful completion of an individual or entity’s period of suspension, they shall be reinstated as a member of the organization.

Once an individual or entity is reinstated as a member, they may be required to serve a period of probation, with additional conditions, through a majority vote of the State Committee on Discipline.

After an individual or entity has served 75% of their suspension period they may request an early reinstatement. This request shall be in writing to the State Chairman. The request will also include a deposit of $250 made payable to USAWKS.

A copy of the request will be sent to each member of the State Committee on Discipline.

The State Committee on Discipline will meet in person, by conference call, or by email. The State Committee on Discipline will determine, by majority vote, if the individual shall be reinstated early, and if so, any other actions including terms of a probationary period which are imposed.

Any expenses of the State Committee on Discipline, or the cost of any terms of the probationary period, shall be borne by the suspended party.

(2)

Reinstatement of Expulsion

An individual or entity may request reinstatement in the membership of the organization at any time after they have been expelled for a period of five years. This request shall be in writing to the State Chairman. The request will also include a deposit of $500 made payable to USAWKS.

A copy of the request will be sent to each member of the State Committee on Discipline.

The State Committee on Discipline will meet in person, by conference call, or by email. The State Committee on Discipline will determine by majority vote if the individual shall have the expulsion lifted, and if so, any other actions including terms of a minimum one- year probationary period.

Any expenses of the State Committee on Discipline or the cost of any terms of the probationary period shall be borne by the suspended party.

Section III – Tournament Operations

Article I – Sanctioned Folkstyle Tournaments

(1)

All USAWKS sanctioned tournaments must be sanctioned by USA Wrestling and be on file with the USAWKS Membership Director at least thirty (30) days prior to the tournament.

(2)

Rapid Weight Reduction Rule – USAWKS discourages rapid weight reduction methods under any circumstances. It further believes that rapid weight reduction “cutting
weight” through caloric restriction, dehydration, and excessive exercise in heated environments exposes wrestlers to decreased performance, heat related trauma, and hazard to health and life. Whereas USAWKS has adopted the following rules:

With regard to the practice of dehydration, the use of hot rooms, hot showers, hot boxes, saunas, steam rooms, heated devices, diuretics, emetics, laxatives, excessive food and fluid restriction and self-induced vomiting is prohibited.

Regardless of purpose, the use of vapor-impermeable suits (e.g. rubber or rubberized nylon) is prohibited.

Violation of these rules at USAWKS sanctioned events shall cause the individual(s) in question to be suspended from the competition for which use of the prohibited methods were intended.

Enforcement for this rule shall be the responsibility of the tournament committee which is to be established prior to the competition. The decision of the tournament committee shall be final.

A second violation will result in the suspension of the individual(s) from any USAWA sanctioned event for one calendar year from time of suspension.

Any individual assisting an athlete in prohibited weight reduction practices shall be held to the same rules and penalties as athletes.

(3)

Payment of Tournament Fees: Any USAWKS Chartered club, club director, coach or competitor who willfully avoids payment of tournament entry fees, clinic fees, or clock rental
fees or any other fees which payment is to be made to USAWKS Inc. or any of USAWKS affiliate organization will be considered not in good standing and subject to sanctions until such time
that the debt is satisfied.

(4)

When USAWKS sponsors or supports teams that participate in events, such as dual team formats or individual tournament competitions, Kansas wrestlers will not be allowed to
participate in these events outside the USAWKS process. For example, Kansas wrestlers will not be allowed to participate in these events as individual competitors not affiliated with
USAWKS, or with additional teams formed outside the USAWKS process. If there is a USAWKS qualifying process, such as a qualifying tournament or application process, to make any of
these USAWKS teams, everyone must participate in the required qualifying process to attend these events. If an individual participates in the qualifying process and is not asked to be a part
of the USAWKS team, then he may participate outside the USAWKS teams if allowed to do so by the event. A Kansas wrestler is an individual who is either a resident or Kansas or attends a
Kansas school.

(5)

All Folkstyle sanctioned tournaments must comply with the rules in the annual publication by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA), unless otherwise
specified in this document. The following modifications refer to the NFSHSA rule that has been modified and apply to all sanctioned Folkstyle tournaments. USAWKS requires all
sanctioned tournaments to submit a list of officials used to the head official in each district to begin tracking officials. This list must be sent to the Officials Director. All USAWKS sanctioned tournaments will ensure when a female division is offered, females will NOT be allowed to compete against male competitors.

Rule 1‐2‐1 A club may enter as many wrestlers per age and weight class as are otherwise qualified.

Rule 1‐2‐2 There is no limit to the number of matches per day per wrestler. Wrestling will not continue past 10:00 P.M. and no more than twelve hours per day.

Rule 1‐2‐3 No contestant shall wrestle in two (2) consecutive matches with less than fifteen (15) minutes rest between matches in the same bracket, unless both of the coaches and wrestlers involved agree to waive the rest period.

Rule 2‐1‐2 The wrestling area of the mat shall be based on the age group competing, as follows:

Under 11 must have a minimum wrestling area of 15′ x 15′

11 to 14 must have a minimum wrestling area of 20′ x 20′

High School must have a minimum wrestling area of 24’ x 24’ or a circular area of 28 feet in diameter

Rule 2‐1‐3 This rule is omitted.

Rule 3‐1‐1 A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the officials will be required to be USAWA‐ Kansas and high school registered for all sanctioned tournaments. One
registered official will serve on the tournament disciplinary committee and be in charge of all officials. It is recommended that all officials be both high school and kids registered.

To be a Kansas Kids registered official:

Return registration form.
Must be a high school registered official.
An official referee uniform is mandatory during all competition.
Failure to honor a written contract to officiate will be grounds to have Kansas Kids certification revoked.
To be considered for the Kids State Tournament an official must
1. have officiated at least one kids tournament and
2. must work a district tournament unless they receive a waiver from the State Officials’ Director and the State Folkstyle Director.

Rule 3‐1‐4 The enforcement of rules regarding facial hair, finger nails, and communicable diseases will be the responsibility of the tournament committee at the time of weigh‐in. The Tournament Director will have a medical aid procedure in operation and at a minimum of an E.M.T. present on site, and will advise the coaches who the medical director may be.

Rule 3‐1‐5 The safe handling of blood cleanup on the mats will be the responsibility of the host tournament director, who will have cleanup materials at all mat areas.

Rule 4‐1‐1 The legality of all uniforms will be up to the referee, and need not conform to the NFSHSA rule.

Rule 4‐2‐1 The requirement of a hair cover is eliminated. There is no restriction on hair length.

Rule 4‐2‐3 The written documentation must consist of the form designed by USAWKS. This form must be accompanied by a physician’s letterhead or prescription form.

Rule 4‐4‐1 Competition shall be in the following age and weight classes. Minimum age determination shall be as of midnight, August 31 for that competitive year. For
example, a child with a birthday on August 31, 2007 will wrestle at a minimum as an eleven‐year‐old during the 2018/19 season. A child born on September 1, 2007
will wrestle at a minimum as a ten‐year‐old during the 2018/19 season. Any USAWKS club may challenge the age of any wrestler during weigh‐in at a sanctioned tournament. The wrestler or the wrestler’s club must, within one week, provide a birth certificate or similarly reliable verification that the wrestler’s age and school grade stated on his/her membership card is accurate. The High School Division is available for wrestlers currently attending high school, or middle school if their age does not qualify them for a younger age division. Wrestlers qualifying for two different age divisions may only enter one of those divisions.

Boys

8 & Under: 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 80, 88, 95, 110, 125, 140

9 & 10: 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 79, 82, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 150, 170, 190

11 & 12: 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 130, 140, 150, 165, 190, 215, 240, 265

13 & 14: 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 175, 205, 235, 265

High School: 100, 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190, 215, 250, 285

Girls

8 & Under: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90, 110, 125

9 & 10: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 110, 125, 140

11 & 12: 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 130, 140, 150, 165, 185

13 & 14: 72, 79, 85, 92, 97, 101, 105, 110, 115, 119, 127, 136, 145, 165, 185, 200, 235

High School: 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 155, 170, 190, 235

Additional and/or combined age and weight classes can be used at the option of the host tournament director. Double‐dipping (entry into a maximum of two different age brackets) and wrestling up in age shall be permitted. Should the tournament director wish to opt out of allowing double‐dipping and /or wrestling up in age, they must notify entrants via flyer or other means prior to tournament.

Special Needs Wrestler

A wrestler with “special needs” may be certified as a special needs athlete and allowed an accommodation to wrestle in an age group one division younger than currently qualified.
In order for a special needs athlete to be allowed such an accommodation they must present an application to the chair of the Special Needs Advisory Board (SNAB). The application must include the reasons for the requested accommodation, a letter requesting such an accommodation from the applicant’s home club, and an individual education plan (IEP) that states the
age appropriateness of the applicant to their peers. If the applicant has Down syndrome, then a completed Atlantoaxial Subluxation exam form must also be provided with the application.
The three member SNAB is appointed each year by the Folkstyle Director at the State Body Meeting. At least one of the members of the SNAB shall have a child who would meet the requirements of special needs certification listed below, and at least one of the members of the SNAB must be a coach, as defined in Section 1, Article III, 3(b) of these By‐Laws, and hold a bronze level certification or higher. The three members of the SNAB shall select a chairman from their membership each year.
The SNAB will review any application for “special needs” certification which is submitted. During the review process the SNAB may also request additional information from the applicant or their club. The application review process may be done in person, by telephone, or email. After review of the application the SNAB will then recommend to the Folkstyle Director whether or not the applicant should be allowed to wrestle in an age division one division younger during the Folkstyle season than currently qualified.
Upon receipt of the recommendation from the SNAB, the Folkstyle Director will determine whether or not to certify the applicant as a wrestler with “special needs”. If the wrestler is certified by the Folkstyle Director as a “special needs” athlete then a written certification will be provided to the applicant by the Folkstyle Director. The written certification will be valid for the current season only, and a copy must be presented by the home club of the special needs
wrestler to each tournament director, at the time of any tournament registration, in order for the special needs athlete to be allowed to wrestle in an age group one division younger than currently qualified.
An athlete with “special needs” is a person that satisfies any one of the following requirements below:
1. The person has been identified by an agency or professional as being developmentally delayed as determined by their localities. The term “developmentally delayed” refers to various terminology used throughout the world, including intellectual disability, intellectual handicap, mental disability and mental handicap; or
2. The person has a cognitive delay, as determined by standardized measures such as intelligent quotient of “IQ” testing (typically defined as having an IQ of 75 or less) or other measures which are generally accepted within the professional community as being a reliable measurement of the existence of a cognitive delay; or
3. The person has a closely related developmental disability. A “closely related development disability” means having functional limitations in both
  general learning (such as IQ) and in adaptive skills (such as in recreation, work, independent living, self‐direction or self‐care). However, persons whose functional limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioral or emotional disability, or a specific learning or sensory disability, would not qualify as a wrestler with “special needs”; or
4. In the case of exceptional circumstances that do not meet the requirements set out above.

Rule 4‐5‐1 All sanctioned tournaments will hold a weigh‐in. The weigh‐in procedures shall be determined by the tournament director. All participants shall have the opportunity

Rule 4‐5‐3 to weigh‐in at the same time. No weigh‐in shall be prior to twenty four (24) hours before the published tournament start time. However, a novice only tournament wrestled on
Sunday may conduct its weigh‐in up to forty‐eight (48) hours before the published tournament start time Wrestlers shall wear a competition style singlet at weigh‐in. Rule 4‐5‐5 There shall be no weight allowances given, unless otherwise allowed by the tournament director.

Rule 6‐1‐1 The length of matches will be determined by the age group wrestling. 8 & Under / 9 & 10 will wrestle three one (1) minute periods. All other age groups will wrestle three one and one‐half (1 1/2) minute periods.

Rule 6‐1‐2 The first period in all consolation matches may be either one minute, or a regulation length period, at the option of the tournament director.

Rule 10‐2‐2 Wrestling will not begin until the wrestler is represented by a coach at matside. Coaches and wrestlers shall be permitted a maximum of two (2) minutes total to appear at the mat. Failure of a coach or wrestler to appear shall result in forfeit to the opponent.

Rule 10‐2‐5 A forfeit or no‐show is the same as any other loss.

Rule 10‐3‐6 In the event of a tie in the number of match wins in a round robin bracket, the following criteria will be applied. After each criteria is applied, if two wrestlers remain tied the winner will be based on head‐to‐head competition. If more than two wrestlers remain tied the next criteria will be applied.

Head to head competition;
Activity Points,(2‐Fall, Forfeit, Inj. Default; WBD; 1.5 – Tech Fall; 1 – Major
Decision);
Most Pins;
Most Technical Falls;
Most Major Decisions;
Most Pins in Least amount of time;
Most Tech Falls in Least amount of time;
Most Match Points;
Lowest contestant weight;
If the winner still cannot be determined, then the winner will be by coin flip.

Article II – Qualifying Folkstyle Tournaments

(6)

The Girls’ division will not require a qualifying series. Brackets will be created by block bracketing after the deadline for entries. The deadline for entries will be established on the tournament flyer. Girls may only compete in the Girls’ division.

(7)

Qualifying Folkstyle tournaments are tournaments that are used to qualify or are in a series of tournaments that could advance a wrestler to the State level of competition, including the state
tournament itself. Qualifying tournaments are subject to all sanctioned tournament rules in the preceding Part A, except where those rules have been modified or expanded under this Part B.

(8)

For the purpose of eligibility of entering a Sub-District or District tournament, the competitive member has to be a resident of Kansas or must be enrolled in a Kansas educational school
system, be a member of a Kansas chartered club and not entered in another states’ qualifying series in that season. Exceptions to this rule are subject to notification and permission from
the corporate board. Application must be received on or before January 1. The State Tournament Director will be notified of any person permitted to wrestle under this permission. All questions on the determination of eligibility shall be resolved by the corporate board.

(9)

SEEDING MEETINGS – At the seeding meeting, weight or age corrections or scratches may be made in all age groups, including walk-on wrestlers, prior to the start of seeding the wrestlers
without requiring a penalty fee. Additional entries may be made in writing one hour prior to the published start time of the seeding meeting, but any such entrant must pay a penalty fee. Once the seeding starts, no changes or additions will be allowed except in the case of clerical errors by the tournament director.

(10)

Each qualifying tournament may have one weigh-in at or near the qualifying tournament location and up to four additional satellite weigh-ins, to be determined by the district director,
within the qualifying tournament boundaries. The weigh-in at each location shall be held at the same time on scales that are verified. Each weigh-in location must be supervised by a State
or District officer, and a USAWKS registered official.

(11)

Entry forms will be furnished by USAWKS.

(12)

Entry Fees for the qualifying tournaments and state tournament will be set each year by the State Body. The entry fee starting with the 2016-17 season will be $25.

(13)

Each District Director and his/her two Assistant Directors will determine the number of qualifiers from Sub-District to District. Each District will have this responsibility. A District is
not required to hold a Sub-District Tournament for any one or all of the age divisions.

(14)

There will be four (4) qualifiers from each District to State. The State Folkstyle Tournament Committee, working in conjunction with the district directors, shall establish standard policies
that each district will follow in determining these qualifiers. These policies will not conflict with any rule in these By-Laws.

(15)

In any bracket with less than 16 district qualifiers, open spots on the bracket will be filled by district in an annually rotating fashion, using 5th/6th district placers. If a district does not have a wrestler to fill in, the next district will have the opportunity. Selections will follow a serpentine approach for example: District 1,2,3,4,4,3,2,1.

(16)

The weight classes that a kid wrestler enters at the lowest level qualifying or advancement tournament will be the same for the following tournaments throughout state competition.

(17)

All Junior High Wrestlers that were participating in a school affiliated (KSHSAA) wrestling program on the same day as a qualifier, will be permitted to wrestle in the next level tournament.

(18)

There will be at least one official per wrestling area, plus one official for each three wrestling areas.

(19)

The pairings of the State Tournament bracket will be District first place winner vs. District fourth place winner, and District second place winner vs. District third place winner. Bracket pairings are made by the State Tournament Committee on a random basis following the final district tournament each year.

(20)

USAWKS Kids State Tournament will be held two weeks following the KSHSAA High School State Wrestling Championships.

(21)

Rules Modifications (references to NFSHSA rules book):

Rule 2‐2‐2 The safety mat area defined in modified Rule 2‐1‐2 must be kept clear at all times, except for two member coaches per wrestler. Only member coaches with bronze level certification will be allowed mat side.

Rule 3‐1‐1 The referee’s uniform is mandatory. All referees must be High School registered and Kids registered.

Rule 4‐4‐1 No additional age or weight classes are allowed. Wrestlers whose weight exceeds the maximum weight class in their age division may move up a maximum of one age division; otherwise, wrestlers may not wrestle out of their age division.

Rule 4‐4‐2 This modification is eliminated for the state qualifying series.

Rule 4‐5‐5 There shall be no weight allowances given.

Rule 6‐1‐2 The first period in all consolation matches will be one minute.

Rule 10‐4 In the event of a bracket with three to five wrestlers, there will be a round robin. In the event of a two‐man bracket they will wrestle the best two out of three matches. Brackets with six to eight competitors will be redrawn by randomly seeding all wrestlers except for the top two seeds from each district. Leave the number one and number two seeds in the same spots then randomly fill remaining spots with other wrestlers.

Article III – Freestyle & Greco‐Roman Tournaments

(1)

The fall, illegal holds, age determination, criteria, weight classes, and length of matches are as defined in the International Rule Book & Guide to Wrestling, as published by USA Wrestling.

USA Wrestling Kansas By-Laws