Wrestling can be relatively demanding, not only for the wrestler, but also for the parent and family. Wrestling clubs typically hold practice sessions two, and sometimes three times per week, in the evening.
Some tournaments are a good distance from home, and usually require an early start. There are other responsibilities as well, ranging from helping with tournaments to participating in other team activities. The parent's role, however, extends beyond such tasks. Matches and practice sessions offer new and unique learning opportunities for young athletes.
Involved parents spot these opportunities and make the most of them.
If you are new to wrestling, Bill Campbell of USA Wrestling has written a very good Youth Guide to Wrestling. This booklet addresses many questions and does a good job of explaining the benefits of wrestling.
Additional DO's and DONT's:
• Do not impose your ambitions or expectations on your child. Remember that wrestling is your child's activity. Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each individual. Don't judge your child's progress based on the performance of other athletes and don't push them based on what you think they should be doing.
• Do be supportive no matter what. There is only one question to ask your child, "Did you have fun?" If meets and practices are not fun you should not force them to participate.
• Do not coach your child. Your job is to support, love and hug your child no matter what. Conflicting advice and criticism work against the coach's efforts and only serve to confuse and de-motivate your child. If you feel you have the experience and ability to contribute to the team as a coach, volunteer your services through the proper channels.
• Do acknowledge your child's fears. Their opponents appear to be much more intimidating through their eyes than through the eyes of a grown-up. Consider their perspective and don't expect them to compete with the confidence and mental toughness of a seasoned expert.
• Do not criticize the officials. Unless you have been there, you have no idea how challenging officiating can be. Expect that in some matches your child could lose as a result of an error on the part of an official or scorekeeper. That's life. Help your child to understand that the official does their best to score the match fairly, and that it is important that we respect the ruling of the officials regardless of how we feel about the situation.