Danny Bell Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 I was at the Valporaiso youth event on Sunday, and I saw a number of parents/coaches, re-living their lives through their children. I can't stand to see this. Parents need to understand that you have a yelling voice, and a cheering voice. Don't let them both be the same. There were a few parents/coaches that needed to be talked to. I witnessed 5 parents on different mats, practically in the middle of the match screaming at their wrestler. This is un-acceptable people. Then I noticed a coach screaming at the high school referee about a call he made. First off, he is a kid, and kids make mistakes, but it didnt warrant the kid to be cussed out by the parent/coach. That sets a bad example for the kids. They imulate what they see, and if what they see is their coach/parent acting like an idiot, then most likely they will in turn act the same way somewhere down the line. I would like to state that one coach/parent was escorted out of the gym for threatening a high school student. Thats just horrible! Even if the wrestler won evry match this whole year and next year, it still won't be enough to get him/her into college. They have a long ways to go from age 9! Mt advice to the parents out there who read this is, 1.) Act how you want your child to act. Set the example 2.) Dont treat the match as if its the National title match in college! (This puts unneccesary pressure on the athlete) 3.) Remember that youth wrestling is for building fundamentals that will transition into the next level of wrestling. 4.) Don't show disappointment to your athlete. (let them know that you are proud of them no matter what happens. (This builds a greater bond between you and your wrestler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TripleB Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 Preach it!!! I coach and reff youth wrestling. It's embarrassing to see how adults conduct themselves on the "youth circuit" it's not always parents either. It's coaches as well. My best memories are when Joe Coach or Joe Dad attempt to explain a rule to me. Like I've never been around... I usually act surprised (like I've learned something),say "Thanks!" , laugh and walk away. Perhaps my best memory wasn't in Indiana, it was at Tournament of Champions. I would guess it was a 9-10 year old boy wrestling for the championship. Dad is coaching, Mom and sister are in the opposite corner. Completely decked out in heels, designer jeans, scarves, starbucks, etc. The boy spends the whole match crying, seriously, every thing the ref calls the boy burst into more tears and mom and sister are stomping on the mat (in heels mind you) and yelling at..... the dad in the corner! They thought the dad shouldn't let the ref makes those calls against their baby... Dad is a complete gentleman and you can tell totally embarrassed. Funny, sad, ridiculous all at once, kind of like Honey-Boo-Boo. Oh and the kid won the whole thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penn04 Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 There are obviously a ton of outliers as to why club wrestling is doing so poorly. But, and it's sad and pathetic, parents and the way they act is a huge part of it. I can't say I totally blame kids for quitting so easily when these parents are the way they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny Bell Posted February 15, 2013 Author Share Posted February 15, 2013 There are obviously a ton of outliers as to why club wrestling is doing so poorly. But, and it's sad and pathetic, parents and the way they act is a huge part of it. I can't say I totally blame kids for quitting so easily when these parents are the way they are. I have seen youth state champs quit, and never join again due to parents putting to much pressure on them. It's sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3sDad Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Wow, Great points cuz, I think you hit the nail on the head. Let the kids have fun. If a kid is tough enough to wreslte they should be praised and not belittled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3sDad Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 I also wanted to compliment you on the logo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny Bell Posted February 16, 2013 Author Share Posted February 16, 2013 I also wanted to compliment you on the logo. Thanks. I run River Rat Wrestling. I embraced the name we were given. Lmbo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3sDad Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 Couple of clues. I called you cuz. How do you say 3 in spanish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwilly Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 I have witnessed this is in our club in INdy as well. I find it funny & sad. 99% of the hardcore dads never wrestled or were lower tier wrestlers that certainly are motivated to make their kids standouts. What I find interesting is that Deondre Wilson 120lb state champ just started wrestling as a FR. He is only a junior. Mention this to them. Also Andrice Martin 120lb 7th place also started wrestling as a FR. Before the age of 12, it just doesn't matter. I have been to all state championships since 1989, and have yet to hear about someone's Bantam or Intermediate state chamionships when they list tournaments won under the lights. Let them have fun & learn parents & coaches. It will be more beneficial for them in the long run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlevito Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 If it is your club tournament, show that out of control parent the door and throw them out. No one disciplines the parents for their actions. I have had a few parents and coaches I have thrown out over the years as a head official. The parent needs to realize how to be a coach and not both while out on the mat. True, it may have a negative outcome for that kid for the day if they don't have another coach, or if the parent takes their kid out of the tournament. But the parent are going to realize that his or her actions have a huge effect on how the kid handles the sport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danny Bell Posted February 19, 2013 Author Share Posted February 19, 2013 Couple of clues. I called you cuz. How do you say 3 in spanish. Hey Trey I think lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charger.dad Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 these are the same parents/adults that get on here and bad mouth the kids wrestling......internet tough guys and immature adults at mat side......it'll never change........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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