Beeson; Yes, I am in my 13th year of coaching with the kids wrestling program. When I gave you my opinions as a Junior High (middle school) coach it is in the sport of T&F, I do not coach Jh wrestling. I also have a unique perspective of this situation (Independent vs. Club), My 13 year old decided to start this year as an Independent wrestler, after 5 years with his club. I applied for his card through Kathy Juby, and he spent the first two months of the season practicing with whatever club we could find. After that period, he decided to join one of the clubs that he visited, recieved some excellent coaching, and had a great year. To sportsfan02 and Beeson; judging from your previous post on this board, you both seem like very caring and supportive parents. The whole point of my post on this subject is to help you to understand that not everyone has the support staff that your kids do. Without revealing to much more about this young man, I'll let you know, he has both parents out of his life, is raised by his Grand-Mother, and she has many medical problems. So once again do I believe in giving a kid like this an opportunity, regardless of what the establishment says? YES! Also, our T&F club season is currently in swing along with my JH & HS seasons, so the situation is not unique to wrestling. I feel like you have raised some very valid concerns on this subject and we could probably debate this subject for months, I just wan't everyone to understand, not all situations are the same.