About 10 minute read
Before tournament day
Confirm the tournament location, schedule and weigh-in instructions. Pack the wrestler's required uniform, wrestling shoes, headgear when applicable, water and appropriate food or snacks. Tournament procedures vary, so follow the event information supplied for that specific tournament.
Weigh-ins and Jr Wildcats check-in
Weigh-in procedures are not identical at every event. Some tournaments use on-site weigh-ins, some use satellite or club weigh-ins, and others use procedures specific to that event.
During or immediately after weigh-ins, the wrestler and parent should check in with the Jr Wildcats head coach for that event. This lets the coaching staff know that the wrestler has arrived, completed weigh-ins and is competing.
Warm up with the team
Coaches will identify a time and area for Jr Wildcats wrestlers to gather and warm up together whenever practical. We expect wrestlers to make a reasonable effort to join the team for warmups.
Sometimes a wrestler will not have an appropriate partner from our club because of size, weight, age or experience. It is fine to warm up with an appropriate wrestler from another club when necessary, but we still want Jr Wildcats wrestlers gathering in the same team area whenever possible.
Understanding the bracket
You may see traditional brackets, round-robin pools or other formats. In a traditional bracket, wrestlers advance based on wins and may move into consolation rounds after a loss. In a round robin, wrestlers compete against multiple wrestlers in their group and final placement is determined from those results.
Do not worry if the bracket looks confusing at first. Tournament staff, experienced families and coaches can help you understand where your wrestler is in the event.
Bout and mat assignments
Many tournaments assign matches by mat and bout number. Watch the tournament's display or bracketing system and pay attention as your wrestler's bout approaches. Give the coaching staff enough notice to get to the mat whenever possible.
Wins and losses
Every tournament provides opportunities to learn. A wrestler can wrestle very well and lose, or win while still having plenty to improve. Help your wrestler focus on effort, technique, attitude and what can be learned from each match.
Before you leave
Make sure your wrestler has completed all scheduled matches and any placement or award responsibilities before leaving. If you are unsure, check with the event coach.