As I coach, I try to judge my kids at his/her ability. I have seen 1st year kids excel quickly and then I have seen some kids not catch on for 4 years or more. Mat time is valuable for everyone and that is why we see novice wrestlers entered in both open/novice tournaments. As a coach, I can see talent a little better than others. The truth is, at some weight classes, the novice tournaments are tougher than the open tournament.

My baby boy wrestled his 1st tournament at the a couple weekends ago at the 6&under 49 lbs. bracket. He ran into a kid from Maize who was pretty good. He was more advanced than my son and most other 6 year olds in Ks. He competed hard and dealt with some things he had not seen before. I take ownership of that, because I did not prepare him. It was hard to see, but I understand that is the nature of the sport. He eventually ran into some kids who were on his level and did well. Those people who don't understand the nature of the sport should get out of the sport or train harder.

I believe everyone is novice in 6&under. If Ks. did not believe so the 6 year olds would be able to participate with the big boys in Topeka at the real state tournament.

Problem:
- Parents/Coaches who believe that a wrestler is not a novice based on the results of an open tournament.
- Judging the ability of Open/Novice wrestlers.
- The emphasis is on novice tournaments is revenue.
- Regulation of who is entering a Novice tournament.


Solution:
- Any coach caught entering a kid in a novice tournament illegally will be suspended for 1 week.
- Any club hosting a tournament caught "KNOWINGLY" allowing a open level wrestler to enter a novice tournament will be fined by the state.
- Make rules CLEAR

Gaylen Taylor