Fall - 1994
Compilation of Suggested Kids Folkstyle Tournament Rules
Bruce Gabrielson - SMWC Coach
Fall - 1994
General Operational Rules
1. No spectators will be allowed at the mat.
2. Only two coaches per wrestler in each corner. On deck wrestlers with coaches must stand off the mat behind the current wrestlers.
3. If coaches corners located in front of spectator stands, then coaches and on deck wrestlers/coaches must kneel down or move out of viewing line of site.
4. Only pre-approved photographers allowed to shoot at matside. Flash not allowed unless both wrestlers agree. Photographers must kneel down in location suggested by referee or meet director.
5. No food or drink in the gym.
Drinks supplied to officials must be well protected so they can't be knocked over.
6. Anyone caught defacing property, trashing bathrooms, or entering unauthorized areas subject to disqualification and ejection.
7. Parents/coaches are responsible for keeping young wrestlers under control. This includes throwing balls, running, and similar unrestricted playing on the mats prior to the tournament start. For best results, prevent all such behavior. This restriction will also help keep the mats clean
8. Only wrestlers and/or coaches are allowed at the head table.
9. Wrestlers are responsible for ensuring there have been no weight class or age group mistakes on the bracket sheets when posted. Report any mistakes to the head table immediately.
Bout Procedures
1. All matches called from the head table. If wrestler required to check in at the head table first, and then does not show after the name has been called 3 times, he/she will be disqualified. No show time should be applied at the head table first rather than at the mat.
2. When a head table is used, the bout sheet is given to the wrestler at the head table, plus directions on which mat to report to.
3. Winners are responsible for insuring correctness of results and bringing the bout sheet back to the head table.
For a Popular Event
1. Try limiting the number of on-deck matches to no more than four. However, NEVER allow open mats to develop.
2. For fewer complaints by athletes and spectators, avoid long delays or excessive breaks. One short 10-15 minute break during a tournament is acceptable provided the tournament hasn't run late. Remember, that after a long day, tempers are running short, and there will be a lot of participants wanting to go home. Most don't live close like the tournament staff and officials probably do.
3. If a particular class has only 3-4 wrestlers, hold the matches early and get these wrestlers out. It is very upsetting to those attending when a large tournament has a few small classes, but the wrestlers and their parents/coaches need to wait all day to wrestle. They don't care if all the finals are at the same time and, if there isn't going to be an introduction ceremony, neither should you.
4. If you're the tournament director and you have a referee who is getting lots of complaints from spectators, say something to the head official. Officials might not like or appreciate this, but a simple talk is much better than a major blowout by a fan or coach. Blowouts still happen, and they reflect very badly on BOTH the person and the event. There isn't much that will stop a real problem person. But regardless of the way they sometimes act, officials aren't always perfect either. You can't change a bad call, but believe that an ounce of protection up front will provide a pound of cure.