The latest from Rusty!
MAY 18, 2013
TO: SOUTHERN PLAINS COACHES & STATE LEADERS
FR: RUSTY DAVIDSON
RE: NATIONAL COACHES COUNCIL
Coaches and Leaders,
I love it when my “Nostradometer” is working. As anticipated, FILA has handed us some new operated orders, in the form of rule changes. As anticipated, they are a breath of fresh air. As anticipated, the Southern Plains will embrace these rules to the benefit of our athletes.
I was so impressed with President Lalovic’s gesture, as he delivered his acceptance speech to the FILA representatives from around the globe. He gave each member an envelope, telling them it contained a “Picture of the Person who will preserve our sport in 2020 and beyond”. Each envelope contained a small mirror.
I am anxious and ready to do my part. As I write this, I’m on the plane to Los Angeles for our UNITED 4 WRESTLING duals tomorrow. I have a plan about how to begin working WITH our coaches, regarding the way Passivity is managed.
The big thing, for us, is to start MONDAY preparing athletes to wrestle THREE-MINUTE PERIODS. Think and watch, and think some more. Our tactical approach will change. Pace will be something to practice and perfect.
With this, prepare for CUMULATIVE SCORING. It will be vital for us to OPEN A LEAD, in the first period, when we are ahead. Same-Same... if we are behind, it is vital to RECOVER and CLOSE.
I'll know more after tomorrow in LA.
May 20th
Yesterday afternoon and last night were AWESOME. I can’t say it’s just because of the term NEW, but I can say it’s because of what NEW means this time. The “New” rules set us free. Coaches and athletes and officials are working TOGETHER again. Being on the mat, yesterday, with these great athletes, made me feel like part of a TEAM again.
It’s the nature of our organization to want to play a lot of “What If’s” and make everything a long, drawn-out, political process. Save that, my friends. Jump in. Everything’s OK.
My opinion, HERE WE GO, for the Southern Plains, next week. My proposal is: We wrestle TWO 2-MINUTE PERIODS, SCHOOLBOY AND YOUNGER and TWO 3-MINUTE PERIODS, CADET AND OLDER.
I’m campaigning hard for us to NOT stop he match to issue the first warning for passivity. Officials, this means you need to use your voice and your hands to make it clear who you’re looking at. Second warning… we HAVE TO blow a whistle. Let the athlete know, “You’re on the clock”. This applies to Freestyle only. Again, I am campaigning, and will continue… If we get to the end of that 30 seconds, we need to award the Passivity Point WITHOUT BLOWING A WHISTLE. Mat-Chairmen: Record this as a point with a CIRCLE around it.
Alright. I’m gonna’ stop, for now. I’m working on the Greco applications, and will get them to you.
I just have to say… You and your athletes are going to LOVE these rules… I promise. I’m asking State Leaders, DO NOT politicize this. You have Bigger Fish to Fry, than to make this attempt at returning common sense to our rules complicated.
No doubt, there’s a lot of news coming our way. When I know, you’ll know… promise.
Ciao
Rusty
