The official bracketing splits are set for this year. They have been the same all year. However, during the regular season, tournament directors try to be more inclusive. Often times weight brackets are combined in order to allow the greatest number of kids an opportunity to participate. In order to be fair to the kids making weight in a particular weight class, more strict guidelines must be followed at the qualifying events. Unfortunately a few kids find themselves outside the limits. The weight brackets are established such that a robust bracket can be drawn for the state tournament. If an extra bracket were added, would there be anyone for your child to wrestle after he paid his entry fees?
A few years ago the 8-year old class went from 80 to 95. There were enough people asking for a class in the middle that it was changed to 80, 88, and 95. I think it took several years to get this change implemented. You took the first step by posting your comments on this site. Next let you club directors know that you want them to lobby for another class. Unfortunately, this will not help you this year.
I might suggest wrestling up an age group. However, after doing a little research I do not think wrestling up an age group would be a possibility. Article IX, Section III, Part B, Rule 4-4-1: "at no time will a wrestler be permitted to wrestle out of their age division". I believe this rule was put in for qualifying tournaments only.
Good luck. Tell your wrestler to keep their head up. Kids in this age group have a long career ahead of them. I am sure that they will carry their experiences this season with them the rest of their life, whether they compete at state or not.
Mark Stanley
Junior Viking Wrestling
