Actually what the constitution says in the First Amendment is:

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.

Mike, Thank you for posting this clarification. Many people do not understand the First Amendment and the "separation of church and state" concept. Hopefully your post helped to educate many and clear up some misconceptions.

Sorry to hear about Nathan's experience, but it made me feel good to hear that the referee's actions were obviously not acceptable to many in attendance.

Keep praying Dustin!!!

I see nothing wrong with people praying. In fact, it is very admirable to see young kids doing it. Also nice to know they are not praying for the win, but for nobody to get hurt. The problem I have is with doing it on the mat--especially after you have put your leg band on. It is time to wrestle then. If as you say it only takes 30 seconds, in a 16-man bracket if every kid did that, it could prolong the tournament 2 more hours. I know not everybody does or will start doing this but I just think there is plenty of time right before you go on the mat to pray.

This is not suppose to be about if i should pray or not this is asking if anybody is going to Australia this summer thats all i want to know so i will start a new topic if you should pray or not and people can write on that one how about that. thanks