This happened to our club last year also. Our kid was 10U but was WAY over the cutoff weight. When he had wrestled in tournaments that year, he was usually bumped up an age, but couldn't hang with those kids. He was only first year and ended up facing kids that were 3yrs or better. The disappointments and frustration was just too much and too often I guess because he didn't come back this year. Like you, we didn't realize that he couldn't wrestle subs until all the fees and forms were turned in. Wrestling is the one sport where all kids of all shapes, sizes, ability and/or disability levels are welcome to compete. I think that if these kids are willing to put forth the effort all year, there should be a place for them at the end, just like everyone else.
This doesn't only happen to the heavy kids. I know that there are a few 56-60 lb kids at 12U that will have to wrestle in the 70lb bracket. Same story here, but at least these kids can participate. 10-15 lbs is alot of weight to give up for anyone. I know that these cases are few and far between, but I think that they are becoming more and more common. I would like to believe that USA wrestling could separate itself from the mentality of "mainstream society" and change these guidelines to remedy situations such as these. Not everyone is a size 6! In the days of x-box and gameboys, obesity is a serious issue facing our children. Sports like wrestling are one positive way to combat this problem.
Bottom line: If you are willing to work for it, the reward should be available to you, no matter what size you are!
