Frequently Asked Questions
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I'm not all that familiar with the sport of wrestling. Where can I get more information?
For the parents of a new wrestler, have a look at The Parent's Guide to Youth Wrestling, endorsed by USA Wrestling. You
can get a copy direct from the author.
Practice has already started and I've just decided that I want to wrestle. Is it too late to sign
up?
It's never too late. Just talk to one of the coaches or drop by the athletic office to get the right forms filled out.
What do I have to do before the first day of practice?
Make sure that your paperwork is in order and has been turned in to the athletic office. Paperwork includes a release
form, a medical form, payment of the fee, and probably a few more I've forgotten about. Do not attempt to give these
forms to the coaches; they are not allowed to take them. Once all the required forms and fees have been taken care of,
the athletic office will issue you a "blue card" that will allow you to attend practice. Without that card, the coaches will not
allow you to practice. If you have questions about this procedure, please call the athletic office at 508-866-6136, or email
them.
What equipment do I need?
Practice attire: For practice, wear comfortable clothing. We suggest shorts or sweat pants and a short-sleeved T-shirt.
Due to the nature of the sport, sooner or later some article of clothing will sustain damage, so you should probably
choose practice clothing that you don't care too much about. Also recommended is a heavy sweatshirt to wear during
warmups and after practice (so you don't freeze when you go from a sweaty practice to sub-zero outdoor temperatures).
Note that, for reasons of your safety, all jewelry (including ear rings, studs, bracelets, etc.) as well as watches and belts
with buckles must be removed for practice and competition.
Uniform: The school will supply a wrestling singlet to wear to matches.
Shoes: You do not have to have wrestling shoes, but they are recommended. Sneakers or running shoes may also be
worn. However, street shoes or shoes with deep treads will damage the wrestling mats and may not be worn.
Wrestling shoes start at around $35 per pair and go up to astronomical prices. The school does not supply shoes.
Headgear: We require that each wrestler wear headgear during matches (both competition and practice). Headgear
protects the wrestler's ears from damage, comes in a variety of styles, and costs about $20 or so. Wrestlers are usually
pretty fussy about their headgear, so make sure you choose a style that suits you. We provide headgear for those
wrestlers who do not have their own, but can't guarantee a perfect fit or style.
Kneepads: Kneepads are completely optional. They can save your knees from scrapes and bruises, but they are a
matter of preference. Kneepads run from $15 to about $30 per pair. The school does not supply kneepads.
Where do I get shoes, headgear, knee pads, etc.?
First, check with one of the coaches to see if there are any donated items from wrestlers who have outgrown their
equipment. Otherwise, a good source for new equipment is wrestlinggear.com.
Will I have to wrestle opponents bigger than me?
No. During competitions you will be matched with opponents of approximately your weight and experience level. During
practice, however, you may work out with teammates who are somewhat heavier or lighter than yourself, and who may
have more or less experience than you do.
For the parents of a new wrestler, have a look at The Parent's Guide to Youth Wrestling, endorsed by USA Wrestling. You
can get a copy direct from the author.
Practice has already started and I've just decided that I want to wrestle. Is it too late to sign
up?
It's never too late. Just talk to one of the coaches or drop by the athletic office to get the right forms filled out.
What do I have to do before the first day of practice?
Make sure that your paperwork is in order and has been turned in to the athletic office. Paperwork includes a release
form, a medical form, payment of the fee, and probably a few more I've forgotten about. Do not attempt to give these
forms to the coaches; they are not allowed to take them. Once all the required forms and fees have been taken care of,
the athletic office will issue you a "blue card" that will allow you to attend practice. Without that card, the coaches will not
allow you to practice. If you have questions about this procedure, please call the athletic office at 508-866-6136, or email
them.
What equipment do I need?
Practice attire: For practice, wear comfortable clothing. We suggest shorts or sweat pants and a short-sleeved T-shirt.
Due to the nature of the sport, sooner or later some article of clothing will sustain damage, so you should probably
choose practice clothing that you don't care too much about. Also recommended is a heavy sweatshirt to wear during
warmups and after practice (so you don't freeze when you go from a sweaty practice to sub-zero outdoor temperatures).
Note that, for reasons of your safety, all jewelry (including ear rings, studs, bracelets, etc.) as well as watches and belts
with buckles must be removed for practice and competition.
Uniform: The school will supply a wrestling singlet to wear to matches.
Shoes: You do not have to have wrestling shoes, but they are recommended. Sneakers or running shoes may also be
worn. However, street shoes or shoes with deep treads will damage the wrestling mats and may not be worn.
Wrestling shoes start at around $35 per pair and go up to astronomical prices. The school does not supply shoes.
Headgear: We require that each wrestler wear headgear during matches (both competition and practice). Headgear
protects the wrestler's ears from damage, comes in a variety of styles, and costs about $20 or so. Wrestlers are usually
pretty fussy about their headgear, so make sure you choose a style that suits you. We provide headgear for those
wrestlers who do not have their own, but can't guarantee a perfect fit or style.
Kneepads: Kneepads are completely optional. They can save your knees from scrapes and bruises, but they are a
matter of preference. Kneepads run from $15 to about $30 per pair. The school does not supply kneepads.
Where do I get shoes, headgear, knee pads, etc.?
First, check with one of the coaches to see if there are any donated items from wrestlers who have outgrown their
equipment. Otherwise, a good source for new equipment is wrestlinggear.com.
Will I have to wrestle opponents bigger than me?
No. During competitions you will be matched with opponents of approximately your weight and experience level. During
practice, however, you may work out with teammates who are somewhat heavier or lighter than yourself, and who may
have more or less experience than you do.
