Our club tries to promote a family friendly side of the sport. We all car pool to tournaments. We all bring lunch and snack items that all the families share. We all trade out grown gear. We are all very supportive of each others kids. Consquently, we have seen our clubs numbers nearly double every year. I live in a small town and there are TWO clubs here.
On the topic of a gym that resembles a war zone. This is main thing that concerns, and frankly embarasses me about this sport. I invited my mother-in-law to Ottawa on Sunday to watch her grandson. Now, this woman is a veteran sports spectator. She had three sons of her own who were involved in sports for many years, but never wrestling. She was overwhelmed with the noise level and shocked by the behavior of some of the parents and coaches. I think if a parent or coach can not control their emotions they should definitely not be at matside. And some of them should not be within earshot of their wrestler or any wrestler for that matter. I just don't understand the thought process of screaming at the top of your lungs at a child who is suppose to be having fun. Its not like the house and the farm are riding the outcome of a match. With the little ones your focus should be on building for the years to come and making today a positve experience for them.