Kansas Wrestling Forums General Discussion Kids Folkstyle tournament weigh ins

I would like some input on weigh in procudures. In recent years I've helped with weigh-ins at our tournaments and it always seems to come with some controversy. Should we give the kids a little cushion, if so how much is appropriate? Do we allow them to weigh in late? Challenge scales ? Weigh in with out singlet ?
I'm of the opinion no cushion. Their are plenty of compelling arguements to give them a little weight but it's just not fair to those who sacrifice bowls of ice cream or run a little extra to stay at the weight in which they wish to compete.
No late weigh in, except in the event of inclimate weather.
Challenging scales is a topic I waffle on but probably lean towards waiting until scales are open or weigh ins are over.
No singlet, no step on the scales.
Your thoughts please.

From my experience, I believe that the controversies stem from the parents more than the coaches based upon previous exceptions that have been made. Here are my thoughts on the questions you have raised:

1. All wrestlers should be required to weigh-in wearing a singlet. You have to wrestle in them, why not where them to weigh-ins?
2. Weight Allowances: Rule 4-5-4 states "There shall be no weight allowances, unless otherwise allowed by the tournament director." However, it is modified for the state tournament to "There shall be no weight allowances given." One way to eliminate the controversy is to simply just follow it and quit making exceptions!
3. Late Weigh-Ins: Times for weigh-ins are posted for a reason. I understand the "bad weather" exception, especially with this last week of weather, but it should never be extended so long for this reason that it delays the entire tournament for the rest of the wrestlers and their families who planned appropriately to arrive on time. But, if the weather is that bad should you really be risking the life of your family rushing to make weigh-in for a tournament?
4. Challenge the scales: I have seen several tournaments when this question arised allow wrestlers to weigh-in on other scales that are available at the weigh-in in order to check the consistency of the scales. An easy way to find out if this is a problem is to check the scales prior to weigh-ins to see if any potential problems might be incountered. If so, you will know ahead of time and will be able to act appropriately when a question of weight is raised.

We all have to remember that the weight classifications are set for a reason and once everyone follows it, I believe that the controversies will become limited once the standards are set.

Let me first state that the following is my opinion on this topic, no one else’s, mine.

#1 Singlet - truth is that now there is discussion as to what kind of singlet is to be used for weigh in. My son for example collects singlets as does many wrestlers. There actually are some that he can get into that weigh an ounce or so less, hard to imagine but true. I think here that one has to look at the intent of the rule. The reason for the singlet is that they have to wrestle in it and skin checks are one of the reasons for wearing the singlet. Weigh in with a singlet as the rule states, but when a kid forgets a singlet remember the intent of the rule. I know someone will make mention of borrowing a singlet, but frankly I know that kids don't always wear underwear when weighing in so I don't want my son borrowing one. Maybe more graphic than you want but the truth.

#2 I believe in making weight for the reasons mentioned above. Even in tournaments where they give weight, my son makes weight. As a coach I would hope that every child makes weight. The posts are correct, flat weight and you must make it. If you have trouble making weight, then go up a weight class. We can't have it both ways, complain about kids who cut weight and then give weight. Last note, it is never fair to the kid who makes weight and then give another an ounce or two. Explain that to the kid that made it.

#3 I agree don't give allowances here, but then again, be patient and allow a redrawing of brackets. We can't have it both ways if it really is for the kids. I also agree with time being allowed for conditions like weather. Also realize that the redrawing of brackets could take longer than the allowance of weighing in. Last note on this one, if it is about the kids, it is about letting the kids get matches. That is why I favor the redrawing of brackets. Believe me, we have so many trophies and medals in boxes in our basement that I don't know what we will do with them. After awhile it is not about trophies or medals, although the nice ones are special. It is about mat time. Want me upset, let me show up at a tournament pay my money, drive the distance, and then only get one match for a wrestler. One match as has happened numerous times is never acceptable in my book, redraw brackets if need be, combine brackets, round robin or something but find a way to allow the wrestler to wrestle.

#4 There should be one test scale before stepping into the room. I like this about Freestyle and Greco. Once in the room you get the option to challenge 1 scale if you don't like the scale you are on. In Freestyle and Greco if you don't make the weight, after the challenge you wrestle the weight on the challenge scale, so if heavier, you wrestler the next weight class up, but you get to wrestle. Then once in the room, because of the test scale, once you weigh or challenge you either have or have not made weight, no multiple chances thus drawing out the process.

The problem with simply rebracketing every person who doesn't make weight is, the incentive TO make weight. If the parent knows you are going to rebracket, why should they care what the kid weighs in the first place? You can place them in an existing upper bracket if you have room and can do so without delaying the tournament but you NEVER rebracket!

Sportsfan, what I am speaking of primarily here is what is already used in Summer Freestyle & Greco tournaments. The process is actually quite simple and not nearly as time consuming, of course there are not as many kids normally either.

Also Mike I might add one other thought here in accordance with the singlet issue.

As you know there has been an increase in the number of females participating in the sport in recent years. Part of the weighing in with a singlet is an attempt to allow all competitors regardless of gender to participate in every part of a tournament on equal footing. This extends to the weigh in room as well, where you would typically see naked or half naked boys running around. There are also a number of parents who are in these rooms as well. It has become somewhat of a decentcy issue. I could see arguements on both sides of the line, but I personally don't feel the wrestlers are being hurt by having to weigh in with singlets regardless of the article's weight itself.

Nigel good point on the singlet. By the way did anyone see the Missouri / Lehigh dual last night? They are looking at going away from singlets to a underarmor style shirt and shorts. It looked really good and the wretlers seemed to like them. Any thoughts on this?