Team,

We're getting really, really close to the start of the season and I know you're all interested in what practice group your wrestler(s) will be assigned to and when they will practice.  I understand that most families have way more than one sport or activity in the Winter and you're all down to the minute with getting kids to wherever and whenever they need to be, I get it.  I want to explain the process and why we do this.  

Each year we get between 120 and 180 (or more) athletes sign up.  We have one practice room that's available in the evenings only.  Those wrestlers range from 5 to 14 years old and anywhere from 45 to 200 pounds, let alone the varying experience levels.  We always try to take a long look at assigning the groups properly and as safe as we can while challenging each athlete.  Honesty, it's the hardest part of putting the season together because we always seem to upset a few families.  

Here is where we are at.  I've drafted some preliminary groups based on even age breakdown and considerations for experience and some historical placements.  On Friday, I've invited ALL Matcat coaches to review and discuss the lists.  My hope is that "the village" can help make the best possible practice groups with the least amount of upset parents.  After Friday evening, we will send out the final list of assignments.  

Some thoughts here:

• Can a parent request a change?  Answer:  There will be some parents that need to switch, want to switch or HAVE to switch.  We will not allow any changes for at least three weeks from the start of practice.  After that, ALL requests will be made verbally to me only.  I cannot promise I will make the change, but I will consider it and how it affects the rest of the group.

• We have other obligations on one of the days.  Could we jump into another day?  Answer, sorry no.  We tried this and it became the Wild West.  One family has a need and then everyone does.  Then we essentially don't have assigned practices anymore.  We have plenty of families that only come once a week because of other obligations.  If that's not acceptable to you, we will issue a full refund for the season up to the third week of the season. 

• We don't like our choice of practice partners.  "My kid should be in the next group."  Answer:  Don't be that parent.  My kids have been a part of the program for a long time, when I coached all three levels, every day.  My kids were assigned to their age groups and we never allowed on the mats when another group was practicing.  They were to sit and do homework when the older group was drilling.  If I can follow that rule...  If you do have a legitimate concern, I will listen to it.

• My wrestler is a state placer, state champion or just really good.  He/She should be in the next group.  Two Answers here.  First, see previous answer. and Second, we're really trying to have three ultra-competitive groups here. The idea is to have All-State Athletes in each.  I would argue that our Yellow group will be tougher than most of the other combined wrestling rooms in the state.  

What I'm trying to avoid is the stigma of one group being better.  Over the past few years we've had several parents use the Matcat color group as a sign of success.  That's not the intent.  Simple question, how many Panthers parents asked to be switched to a different color team? Would it be allowed? Please help me and make this fun and enjoyable for your children.  If there is a concern, I want it brought to me alone.  No board member or coach is to hear a complaint about the groups, they are instructed to tell you to bring it to me.  We have several board members and coaches with 7th and 8th graders that just want to enjoy the year.   If you don't ask me about it, it's on you.  If I hear about an individual complaining about it to a group, I will address it with you directly.  We don't need negative side conversations going on.

I hope this helps clear things up and sets some boundaries to help us all have some fun this year! 

Steve Richardson

810-333-5560