This is a very touchy subject. I do agree that fits on the mat are uncalled for. If you make them set out are you hurting them because they aren't dealing with handling a loss? Once these fits subside you have the burning desire inside that is needed to succeed on and off the mat. Do we take that burn away from them? The burning in a kids heart to succeed is something that no coach can give them. They have it or they don't. There are always 2 sides to every coin. Give me that kid who throws fits now at the age of 5-6. I will take heart over ability and knowledge any day.

No names have been mentioned and i am not going to mention any. BUT, if it is the one i think that is in question wrestled more than one match at state. After his first loss i was greeted by him coming off the mat with a smile and attitude of, I got beat by a better kid. Did he get beat by a better kid in the finals or was he upset by something else.

One thing to remember. There are numerous "kids" that know wrestling and the rules better than their parents and sometimes even the coaches that are mat side with them. Yes, they are suppose to handle themselves and listen to the ref and their coach. BUT! How do you blame a 5-6 year old for getting mad when they know the rules even better than the ref making the calls.

One other thing, wrestlers feed off the fans and their coaches. If the coaches and surrounding fans are up in arms the kid will naturally get that way also. It is easier to tell a older kid "you shouldn't have let it get that close" than a 5-6 year old. This is why you see the fits in the younger ages.

2+2=4
Does Fit=Heart

Just one opinion.


Jason Wood