Kansas Wrestling Forums General Discussion Kids Folkstyle tournament weigh ins

What would you all think about the wrestlers having to weigh as they step on the mat to wrestle their first rounds? I think it is wrong to have kids starve themselves a solid week to lose 5-6 lbs to make weight and then stuffing themselves and rehydrating after weigh ins. That adds a good 4-5lb advantage over the wrestlers that are entering within a pound of two of their natural weight. At this age it makes a huge difference.

Weigh ins are OK the way they are. Think about the hassle if a kid steps on the mat and is .1 over! Plus I'm sure the safety issue would be even more critical if wrestlers who pull a pound or two weren't allowed to rehydrate significantly prior to wrestling. There are times in most(all?) kids careers where they are at an advantage or disadvantage due to their weight. A bigger issue is parents and coaches who allow, or even encouragge, their kids to pull TOO MUCH weight. I know lots of kids who pull several pounds prior to certification in high school, just so they can pull more weight than the restriction allows when the season begins. That may not be a problem for a 189 pounder--but may be very unhealthy for a 103 pounder.