My post on another thread regarding this subject:

quote:
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Originally posted by Bronco Wrestler:
I personally have nothing wrong with it, whatever gets you motivated, but according to KSHSAA rules a wrestling tournament is a school sponsored event and the separation of church of state law would apply

Alex
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Actually what the constitution says in the First Amendment is:



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Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
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Student led and initiated prayer, Bible Study, or whatever related to religious (any religion) expression has been upheld in federal courts and the Supreme Court for years. Perceptions like the one made here are actually misperceptions that even educators often have, although, and albeit mistaken. Sometimes they err on the side of caution but that can not be done in such a way that prevents the free exercise of the individual. Group led prayers, or religious activities (specifically by the state or government run organization) is what the Constitution speaks of. The key is student led. This is why you see students at football games often get together to pray after the game and sometimes even before the game. It is why you also see student led Bible studies and activities like FCA taking place at schools. Again, the key is being student led. A link with numerous resources follows: http://www.aclj.org/Issues/InDepth.aspx?ID=40

My son always prays before a match for safety of both wrestlers and that he would do his best. We once had a ref put his hands on my son right before a match, during the prayer, and tell him to get to the center and wrestle and that he should “take care of business before you get on the mat.” This whole process for him only takes about 30 seconds immediately after getting on the mat. He grabs his band, puts it on and says a quick prayer. This was one of the times the ref and I had a “little discussion” at the conclusion of the mat, actually after he cautioned me for saying “I can’t believe what I just saw to the other coach in the corner with me.” By the way it was one of the few times I actually saw where the ref was booed by the spectators at the match.

Now to this particular thread.

Since the post I have had some thoughts about when the prayer should take place. First understand, that I have never told my son to pray, it is something he started on his own and has been doing now for some time. I am thinking of telling him to pray before the band goes on. It is very possible that this not distract or take time from the mat if the wrestler hurries out to do it. Everyone here knows that there is always almost some time before the start of the match. All of that being said, I think there are some valid points, that once the band is on, then the person needs to be ready to wrestle so that is something I am thinking about. However, that decision should ultimately be up to the individual wrestler, and if they are in violation of any rules as determined by the official, they must be willing to accept the consequences of that violation. It would be interesting to know what rules might apply here and if they are even addressed.

I really don't think very many wrestlers who pray, prays to win. I honestly think that most prayers are just like the one mentioned by fris. I know that is the prayer of my son, to do his best and that no one would get hurt. These prayers can also be used as a time for thanks and request, for example, "Lord thank you that I have this opportunity to wrestle. Be with little guys like Tyler Graebner who would love to be here. I also ask that you would be with the table workers, coaches and officials to stay focused and do their job. Help me respect them and my opponenet. Keep us both safe and may we all do our best. Amen." A prayer like this takes less than 20 seconds and I believe is appropriate. By the way as to the time issue, this weekend I saw 2 kids pray before their match at a kids tourney, and at High School Duals, of which I have been to about 7 this year I have seen 1 kid pray. I just don't see what the issue is about the time of those doing it.

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