The official statement from USAW KS is a "guideline" that was issued in 2005. The highlights were:
1 - 1st or 2nd year wrestler.
2 - Could not have won MORE than 4 Novice tournaments.
3 - Could not have WON an open tournament.
Even qualifying for state does not keep you out of Novice tournaments. There have been kids that have scratched their way into the state tournament with very few kids in their bracket. There are exceptions to these guidelines. I have seen 3rd year wrestlers that cannot compete at open tournaments and are still getting beat at novice tournaments. I have also seen 1st year wrestlers that are so athletic that they should be wrestling open right away. Most coaches in Kansas can clearly tell if a wrestler should be moved to the Open division.
