Beck Middle School

Wrestling Program

Coaching Philosophy

This year’s program will be open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. It is understood that many athletes have never wrestled before; therefore the instruction is designed to accommodate the beginner as well as the more experience. In a few short weeks all beginning wrestlers will have sufficient knowledge and ability to successfully participate and enjoy the experience.

Wrestling is a sport that attracts great athletes that may not possess a high degree of athletic skill. For instance, there are many students that do not possess the speed, size, agility, or strength to compete in the other sports. A wrestler competes within his own weight class and his success lies greatly in his knowledge and technique. Each wrestler progresses at his own pace and can enjoy success with each step. As coaches we will always strive to encourage your child to put forth his best effort and to do so in a positive and constructive manner.

An athlete’s weight will determine his weight class; however wrestlers will not be encouraged to lose weight in order to compete in a lower weight class.

Wrestlers will be permitted to wrestle a maximum of one weight class above his weight if the coaches feel the athlete can do so safely.

Attendance at practice is mandatory unless a student is home ill or has been sent home for health reasons. Practice will begin every day at 3:12p.m. and end at 5:00p.m. On occasion, practice may end at 4:20 p.m. to allow students time to take the late bus, however this will be announced at a prior practice.

Wrestlers may be excused from practice and interscholastic matches for non-illness related events at the coaches’ discretion. All such requests must be in writing, signed by the wrestler’s parent/guardian and given to the assistant or head coach prior to 3:12 p.m. on the day in question. If options are available, it will be expected that medical appointments, personal appointments, and religious instruction be scheduled during non-wrestling hours. Academics will always supersede wrestling; however, each team member will understand that he will not receive an “excused absence” from practice to complete a term paper or school project that he has neglected until the last minute. An athlete must learn to prioritize his time so that all schoolwork is completed on time. There are no excused absences awarded for other academic teams, clubs, or events that may conflict with a wrestling match or practice schedule. Failure to notify the head coach in writing of a legitimate reason for missing practice will result in the wrestler being excluded from participation in the next scheduled interscholastic match, but his attendance at the match is still required.

It has always been the opinion of this coach that athletics is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the concepts of fairness, integrity, responsibility, and accountability. The Beck wrestling program seeks opportunities everyday to help all participants understand and react with these concepts in mind. Of course, every competitive sports program likes to win and this program is no exception, however, it is more import to the coaching staff that the positive concepts mentioned above become a daily part of our total program. The age group of this team will range from eleven to fourteen years old, just three short grades but a major difference in maturity. One of the program goals is to assist the development of your child as he enters young adulthood. He will be expected to assume total responsibility for his choices and actions. Most respond with great pride when their choices and actions receive recognition. Team members will have to make decisions, good choices and actions to receive recognition and reward. Team members will also have to set goals, track progress, and be accountable. Following an intense three month season it is my personal hope they your child will emerge from the experience with a noticeable change in his personal growth.

Parents/Guardian Role

Support your child by being involved. Parents/Guardians are welcome to observe practice at any time we do ask that you do not interrupt practice, if you do need to speak to a coach please wait until the practice has concluded. We also encouraged Parents/ Guardians to attend all matches. Wrestling will consume a large portion of your child’s free time and will require tremendous discipline so please reward those efforts with your interest.

Please remember to write a note for your child whenever they will be unable to participate or attend a practice and/or an interscholastic match.

All athletes are expected to travel to and from away matches with the team on the bus. If you choose to drive your child home from some or all of the away matches the Parents/Guardians are responsible to indicate to the coach that they had taken responsibility for their child.

If you would like to give your child permission to go home from away matches with a Parent/Guardian of a teammate you must give the coach a written note indicating specifically who you give your child permission to ride home with. Parents/Guardians of a teammate are responsible to indicate to the coach that they had taken responsibility for your child. If the coach does not receive a written note the child will be required to go back to Beck Middle School on the bus.

* * *Please remember to pick up your child promptly from practices and interscholastic matches or to make arrangements for their transportation home.

* * *Any wrestler who is continuously being picked up late from practice will be required to take the late bus home (this would lead to that wrestler missing out on valuable practice time).

TEAM GUIDELINES FOR WRESTLERS

The following set of guidelines s based on the Cherry Hill Board of Education Athletic Philosophy. Emphasis is placed on building responsibility and loyalty to the school, the program, the team and coaches. To be a member of the Beck Wrestling Team the student must:

1) Conduct yourself in a responsible manner that will bring respect for your school by demonstrating positive actions and words to opponents, officials, teammates and coaches.

2) Show loyalty to the program by being present for the practices and games. A note is required for every absence except for being absent from school (which is an excused absence.)

3) Follow practice and match day procedures (outlined in this packet) and be willing to participate at 100% of his capacity.

4) Be able to accept the coaches decision as to starting position and to the weight class to be wrestled.

5) Report all injuries to the coach.

6) Wear no jewelry during practice or matches.

7) Wear the issued team uniform for matches only. Hair control devices must be of a soft material and cover the full head under the headgear.

8) Be responsible for the care and prompt return of the issued uniform or the prompt payment for any parts not returned.

9) Stay with the team in the designated area for pre match warm ups and the entire match, pay attention to the match and follow game day procedures (outlined in this packet.) Misuse of material/supplies will not be tolerated.

10) Accept the official’s decision as to rule violations without comment or gesture. Only the coach may ask an official for rule explanation.

11) Stay until the end of the entire match and help with equipment unless an unforeseen circumstance arises.

12) Be willing to assist at home matches and help with team equipment.

1 3) Conduct yourself appropriately on the team bus by: being seated while the bus is in motion; keeping all parts of the body inside the bus; making no remarks or gestures to people outside the bus; keeping voice volume low so the driver may concentrate; and wear seat belts if provided.

14) Sign along with her parent(s) a statement of understanding and willingness to follow the team guidelines and procedures presented in this packet. An infraction of any rule will cause a one match suspension. The athlete is expected to be at the match and help. A second infraction can be cause for dismissal from the team.

TEAM, GAME AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION

In the past a match has consisted of 17-1min., 2min, 2min, periods. These matches will be considered the competitive part of the competition and count on record. Exhibition matches may be wrestled and are designated as a developmental. During this time team members who have not wrestled in the match will be able to engage in interscholastic competition if the opposing team has a wrestler approximately the same weight. This will be determined by availability of wrestlers, time, and officials.

Attached is this year’s proposed schedule. Any changes will be given to the team verbally and changed on the wrestling web page.

http://www.chlive.org/jwade/wrestling.htm

Late busses are NOT provided after practice, or after matches. On the Wrestling Web-page are directions to the schools on our schedule. Parents may take their own child home directly from away matches only if the coach is notified. If you plan on forming a carpool, directions for notifying the coach are on the contract. The athlete should bring all belongings to the matches as the locker room will NOT be opened when the team bus returns to Beck.

PRACTICE INFORMATION

There is practice every school day (when no game is scheduled unless you are notified by the coaches, or through the school announcements (make sure you pay attention to both morning and afternoon announcements).

Procedures for practice are as follows:

1) After 3:00 dismissal bring ALL belongings that you will be taking home to the locker room. You will not be permitted to go back to your locker.

2) Change into your practice clothing. Wrestling shoes, running shoes, and headgear are required.

3) It is wise not to bring valuables to school during the season. Bring your book bag to practice with you and place it in the designated area in the cafeteria during practice.

4) Report to cafeteria by 3:12. Unroll the wrestling mats and wait for the coaches to begin practice.

5) If you know you will be leaving practice early, bring ALL your belongings with you. Indicate to the coach with a note you will be leaving early. Leave when it is time for you to go.

6) After the coaches dismiss you from practice, return equipment if asked, walkers are to go straight home. Riders are to wait outside the front of school for their rides, if someone did not come inside to pick them up. Pick-up is promptly at 5:00. All students must be picked up by 5:00.

7) No student is allowed back into the school without personal permission from the coach.

8) If you are unprepared to practice you may come to watch to show interest in the program and not be counted as absent.

9) If you will not be attending practice, give the coach a note or send him an e-mail. The note should be in by 2:00. The athlete may not write the note. It must be clearly written and contain Full Name, Date, Reason for missing practice, and Parents/Guardians signature.

10) A water bottle is highly recommended. Please clean up.

MATCH DAY INFORMATION

Home Games - Go to locker room, Change into your uniform, bring your book bag to the match with you and place it in the designated area in the cafeteria during the match. Report to the cafeteria by 3:15.

Captions – Designate wrestlers to unroll and tape the mats, and set up the chairs. Lead players in warm-up and stretching exercises. Organize and lead warm-up skills and drills as designated by the coach. Meet with the officials and represent the team during the match.

Wrestlers - Will be asked to be attentive and supportive of fellow wrestlers while they competing and keep their area clean.

End of Match – All wrestlers will meet to shake hands with other team on the mat for congratulations. Put all equipment away. Meet with the coach for any post match instructions. Go home.

Away Games - Locker Go to locker room, starters check their weight, bring your book bag with you, meet the coach in the locker room, then proceed to the front of the school by the 6^th grade entrance promptly at 3:l5. Remember, to bring all of your belongings on the bus.

Captions -Designate players to carry out the water and medical kit. When we arrive on site, lead the players to weigh-ins, get dressed, and then lead wrestler in a warm-up and stretching exercises. Organize and lead warm-up skills and drills as designated by the coach. Meet with the officials and represent the team during the match.

Players -Board the bus as directed by the coach and follow guideline #13. Conduct themselves appropriately on the team bus by: being seated while the bus is in motion; keeping all parts of the body inside the bus; making no remarks or gestures to people outside the bus; keeping voice volume low so the driver may concentrate; and wear seat belts if provided. Follow the coach’s directions on arrival at the opponent’s school.

End of Match - All players will meet to shake hands with other team on the mat for congratulations. Meet with the coach for any post match instructions. Take equipment to the bus if asked. Go directly to the bus. Those going home with parents the parents must check in with coach. On arrival at Beck take the equipment to the gymnasium if asked. Go home.

 *At home matches spectators will be directed to view the match from the chairs provided. Spectators will be permitted on the wrestler’s benches or on the stage behind the wrestlers.