Mike,
I've noticed that there seem to be a lot less tournaments to choose from this year, as opposed to past years. I hate to see a tournament cancelled due to lack of help from club members, or whatever the reason may be. Weather definitely can be a factor, and living in Kansas, you have to respect that.
As a team that is getting ready to host a tournament, I know that we cannot pull this off without the help of others. But to do so, the team also has to be willing to help others with their tournament. (working tables, offering assistance in any way possible)
We have to remember that this is for the kids, and we want the best possible things for them. Having good tournaments that are available for them to wrestle in is important, whether they are local or longer distances.
The season may be long, and sometimes rather costly, but I know when my daughter played softball, and basketball year round, it cost a lot of money too. Most of that cost was up front, and smaller expenses throughout the year. Wrestling tends to be a costly sport if you really want to commit to it, and it seems to be an ongoing expense, but I truly feel it is worth every dime I spend on it. I understamd fully that some people can't afford this, and I would like to see something done for the kids to help off-set these costs (team fundraising, scholarships, etc.) One thing that might help some people that think the season is too long might be starting the season for their child after Christmas. Another could be going to only 2 tournaments a month. This gives a kid a break from every weekend, and also eases up a little on the pocketbook. (food for thought.)
As one that is expecting another addition to our family, I for sure know that money is always an issue. But, I wouldn't trade those special times with my son on those long Saturdays for anything in the world. I love the wrestling season!! When we are in the off-season, I can hardly wait for wrestling to begin again. Something else that has helped us prevent burn-out has been allowing our son to participate in the sport of the season. (summer-baseball, fall-football, winter-wrestling)
