Travel Team Wrestle-Offs
Wrestilng is unique in the world of sports insofar as spots on the team are earned through actual competition rather than by the judgment of the coaching staff. We call this process "wrestling off."
In the past, we’ve tackled wrestle-offs during our regularly scheduled practices. While this approach accomplished the objective of slotting wrestlers in the appropriate spots, the wrestlers lost valuable practice time as they prepared for their initial matches. In order to give our wrestlers the maximum amount of coaching and preparation time prior to our first match, we’ve decided to implement a new tournament-style wrestle-off format. The tournament will take place outside of our regular practice time and so won’t disrupt the regular flow of practice.
The 2008-09 Team selection wrestle-offs will be held on Saturday, Nov 22 at Delaware Valley College from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Raiders field two separate travel teams in the East Penn Youth Wrestling League this year—the Raiders Black team and the Raiders Silver team. Each of the teams has a Varsity and a Junior Varsity team. That means that we have 4 spots available at every weight class (except 42lbs. where we only have J.V. competition). This provides for a total of 70 available travel team spots—hopefully enough to give each of our wrestlers some great competition over the course of the year (a listing of the weight classes is included for your review below).
We’ve attached Frequently Asked Questions below to help better explain the process and answer any additional questions that you might have. PLEASE READ THESE FAQs because they provide valuable information about the new wrestle off process. Also, please feel free to approach the Coach Stout or Coach Wilson before or after practice if you have further questions.
FAQs
What will the tournament format be?
Depending upon the number of wrestlers in each weight class the format will either be a round robin or bracketed. In bracketed formats, we will seed wrestlers based upon the coach’s knowledge of the wrestler from practice and their past performances. The goal of the tournament is to put the wrestler in the right slot and maximize the value of his competitive experience.
Based on the tournament results, how will my son be slotted on a team?
The Raiders field two distinct teams: Raiders Black and Raiders Silver. Each team has both a Varsity and a Junior Varsity team. Both teams are distinct entities and compete separately in the East Penn Youth Wrestling League. The winner of the wrestle off in a weight class will be the Black Varsity wrestler. The second place finisher will be the Silver Varsity wrestler. The third and fourth place finishers will be placed at the descretion of the coaches.
In the rare instance were we have more than four wrestlers in a weight class the coaching staff will work with the wrestler to find an appropriate open slot for the wrestler.
Example: John Doe finishes 5th at 48 lbs. but weighs exactly 48 lbs. on the day of the tournament and there is an open slot at Black J.V. 51 lbs. We may suggest that John wrestle 51 lbs. If this is not appropriate, than John will travel with one of the teams and we will find “exhibition matches” for him so that he has a complete wrestling experience.
If a wrestler does not qualify for a spot at his desired weight class initially, he can also challenge for a spot at a later date. See below.
What if my son has a conflict and cannot attend the tournament?
While we strongly urge that all of our wrestlers attend the tournament, we recognize that their will be situations where this is not possible.
We will allow those wrestlers to challenge for a spot on the team and make an effort to get those challenges completed prior to our first match (which will take place during the first weekend in December).
If for any reason this challenge cannot be completed prior to the first match, the wrestler will be slotted based upon the open positions available and the challenge will be completed prior to our second match.
Again, in the spirit of providing the best possible wrestling experience for our young athletes we hope to keep the need for these extra matches to a minimum. It should also be noted that wrestlers experienced conflicts with wrestle-off times due to various issues (illness, CCD) within our old format and we were able to handle these situations fairly. We intend to take the same care under the new approach.
In some cases, coaches will have to use their discretion when determining some positions. The decision will be made based on what's in the best interest of both the team and the wrestler.
What are the weight classes?
Junior Varsity weight classes are: 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 85, 92, 100, 115, 150
Varsity weight classes are: 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 85, 92, 100, 115, 150
Wrestlers are entitled to a one-pound growth allowance in January and an additional one-pound growth allowance in February provided that the wrestler has actually made the original weight at least one time in December.
Example: John Doe weighs in at 47.8 lbs for the 48 lb. weight class in December. He can now weigh up to 49 lbs. in January and up to 50 lbs. in February.
Will there be weigh-ins for wrestle-offs?
Yes, we will have weigh-ins on the day of the tournament. In order to wrestle off for a particular weight class spot you must be within one pound of that weight class on the day of the tournament. That means in order wrestle-off at 76 lbs. you must weigh 77 lbs. or below on the day of the tournament.
We do not encourage young wrestlers to loose weight to wrestle in a lower weight class.
If your son is regularly two pounds over the maximum weight allowed in a particular weight class than serious consideration should be given to wrestling at the higher weight.
What if my son is right in the middle of two weight classes? Can he wrestle off in both?
Yes, we will allow athletes to wrestle-off in two weight classes as long as he is within one pound of the upper limit of the lowest weight class entered.
What if my son qualifies at J.V. and he wants to wrestler Varsity Can he qualify for a spot later?
Yes, wrestlers can qualify for a desired spot through the challenge process. A wrestler must simply inform the coaching staff that he would like to challenge for a spot and a match will be conducted during a regularly scheduled practice.
In order for a challenger to win a spot however, he must beat the incumbent wrestler in the initial challenge match. The two wrestlers will than wrestle off again. If the challenger wins the second match, he wins the spot. If the champion wins the match than the two wrestlers will wrestle a third time and the winner of the match will be awarded the spot.
Example 1: John Doe, J.V. Silver 90 challenges Tom Smith V. Silver 90 for his spot. John loses, Tom retains the spot.
Example 2: Bill Jones, J.V. Silver 64 challenges Bob Williams V. Silver 64 for his spot. Bill Jones wins the first match. Bill and Bob wrestle off again and Bill wins once again. Bill Jones earns the varsity spot.
Example 3: Ted Gates, J.V. Silver 51 challenges Ron Phelps V. Silver 51 for his spot. Ted wins the first match. They wrestle a second time and Ron wins. They now wrestle a third time with the winner taking the Varsity 51 spot.
How long can my son continue to challenge for a spot?
We will allow challenges during the month of December. After that point the teams will be considered set.
If my son is on the Silver Varsity can he challenge for the Black Varsity Spot?
Yes, he can but only until the first match of the season. Once a wrestler competes for either team during the season, he is locked onto that team’s roster. This occurs because each team is a separate entity in the eyes of our governing body, the East Penn Wrestling League.
Both my sons are wrestling -- will they be placed on the same team?
The coaches will make every effort to place siblings on the same team, but we cannot guarantee they will both wrestle on the same squad.
Is the public invited to attend the wrestle-off tournament?
No, wrestle-offs are not open to the public. In the interest of fairness and to ensure a more orderly process, coaching or cheering is not permitted at any time.
Parents in attendance are asked to cooperate with the coaches by waiting in the far end of the gym during the matches.
ALL footwear must be removed PRIOR to entering the Delaware Valley College Wrestling Room and must remain off until you leave the room. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
contact:
Director of Travel Wrestling Jason Stout |
