APRIL 4, 2018

TO: SOUTHERN PLAINS COACHES & STATE LEADERS
FR: RUSTY DAVIDSON
RE: NATIONAL COACHES COUNCIL

Coaches and Leaders,
Thinkin’ about goin’ to Vegas ! I know this applies to some of us, not all of us. The National Open and all its satellite events will draw many of us together. It’s going to give us all a chance to “Feel” 2018’s Freestyle and Greco Rules applications and see how we are listening to them across regions. As always, when I talk about Rules application, I start with “DON’T PANIC”.
But… it is Vegas… and it brings out the gambler in many of us. Always hit on 15, but never hit on a hard 16. You have to split Aces. Realize that the Roulette Table is NOT there for you to make money. Betting the Six and Eight has some value. Betting the Hard six and Hard Eight is giving money away.
Oh, wait. I was talking about wrestling. Ironically, the analogies hold true. You and your kids need to be prepared to put chips on the table, when you try to anticipate how officiating is going to react to Rule Change or Modification. Play to win !
The new terminology, that’s got everyone’s attention, is “Negative Wrestling”. I think I was wrong, in last month’s update, when I suggested that Negative Wrestling might be synonymous with Passivity. They are Two Different concepts !
Since my last, there has been a Rules Update video released, including refinements to be implemented globally by April 2. As always, USA’s Zach Errett does a magnificent job simplifying the concepts. Please do three things: One, track it down (youtube) and watch it; Two, encourage / demand that all of your local and regional referees watch it; Three, study this weekend’s World Cup matches to get a sense of how things can, and will, be called.
Negative Wrestling describes one athlete denying the other’s attempts to score. Passivity looks very similar, but its basis is that both athletes appear equally unable to generate offense.
Now, we’re back to that “Chips on the Table” thing. It is never my purpose to bash refereeing or its process. God knows… I am one. But, that said, ANY change is very threatening. Sometimes, I really thing I know what’s right, when I’m on the whistle. I wish I didn’t have to admit… but it’s true… there are other times I just go with my gut. Your officials will do the same thing, with a good heart.
So… if you put Chips on the Table, thinking someone may get called for Passivity, and your kid gets hit for a Caution and (1 fs) (2 gr), your chips are gone. Either walk away from the table or put some more out there !
Working with your kids to keep their butts to the center, and IN the center, is buying the Six and Eight. Your odds are good. Hangin’ out, in the zone, waiting for the other athlete to get called for either a Caution or Passivity, is betting a Hard 4. Don’t scream at the ‘Croupier’, when they take your chips !
One last analogy, and then I’ll quit. Most gamblers go to Vegas to LOSE money and See the Shows. Those that gamble to feed their families, do not fare well. Those that convince themselves they “Have a System” end up broke and broken hearted.
We need to portray the right mentality for the vast majority of our athletes, whether they are Seniors or Developing age groups. A very few will come home with trophies or medals. If we coach ‘em to “Gamble responsibly, lose when it’s time, and Enjoy The Show, we’ll go home with some pretty happy kids.
I wish I could guarantee you that every Coach and every Referee are on the same identical page, regarding our understanding of Active, Passive and Negative. But, you know that’s not how it’s gonna’ play out. Above all, prepare ‘em to be resilient and adapt.
I look forward to seeing all of you… if not in Vegas… sometime soon. Enjoy the World Cup. Go USA !!!

Rusty


Are you making a POSITIVE difference in the life of kids?

Randy Hinderliter
USAW Kansas
KWCA Rep/Coaches Liaison
Ottawa University Volunteer Assistant