Scooby, if you are from where I think you are then I can say it is the school board and ADMINISTRATION.
I agree that Split Format tournaments would really help. I loved going to the split tournaments in Nebraska. It was such a joy to leave a well-run tournament after only spending 3-4 hours in a gym. It also made watching so much more enjoyable because when you sat in the stands, you could see all of the action (they would run it like some of the high school tournaments - 4 mats, same age group at a time, different weights at different mats). The announcers would tell you what age group and what weight was next. The coaches loved it as it wasn't as hectic trying to be there for everyone and watching 8 or more mats for numbers. Lot's of fun and good memories.
I have not noticed that there are less tournaments to go to. I also have not experienced a scheduled tournament cancelling except due to weather (which is understandable) so it may be a regional issue. I have seen some of the smaller tournaments (like Lincoln ) not being there this year. I really don't know why.
I was talking to some of the people from our hometown. I thought it was interesting that for their club, they actually limit the amount of tournaments a beginner can do. For example: a first year wrestler usually only competes in two tournaments that year but goes to all of the practices where they only work on technique. The second year wrestler goes to four. After that, they can go to as many as they want. I also believe that they don't start practices until later in the season as well. What they have found is that their numbers have increased, parent support has increased, they have more kids returning from year to year and they are not having the trouble with burn-out that some of the other clubs are having. Maybe they are on to something.
