Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some of the most common questions asked by our athletes and parents. If you don't see the answer you're looking for, please contact us and we'll be happy to help!
1) When can my child start competing in tournaments?
At Williamsburg Youth Wrestling, we do not push any child to compete in a tournament before they are ready. The decision to compete is made by both the athlete and their parent. Wrestlers can begin competing at the beginning, middle, or even the end of the season. Our main goal is to help each child develop at their own pace, build confidence, and most importantly, have fun while learning the sport of wrestling.
2) Are boys and girls welcome in the program, and do they have a choice regarding practice and tournament competition?
Yes. We try to pair female wrestlers with other females whenever possible. However, depending on attendance, size, age, and experience, that isn’t always possible. There may be times when a female wrestler needs to practice with a male partner. If she isn’t comfortable with that, we completely understand and will never force her to do so. We just want parents to be aware that choosing not to practice with male partners may sometimes limit the amount of live wrestling and partner work she is able to get during practice.
For tournaments, the CYW league is also co-ed, so female wrestlers may be matched against male wrestlers. If your daughter does not want to compete against boys, that is completely fine. She can still practice with the team and compete in the girls-only tournaments we attend throughout the season. Just keep in mind that those opportunities are more limited than our regular CYW tournament schedule.
Our goal is to make sure every wrestler feels comfortable while also being upfront with families about what to expect.
3) What does my child need for their practice?
Athletes should wear shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt to practice. Wrestlers should not wear jeans or clothing with zippers, buttons, or other metal parts, as these can damage the wrestling mats and create safety concerns.
We recommend that athletes wear wrestling shoes during practice. However, if your child is new to the sport and does not yet have wrestling shoes, they may wear clean socks for their first few practices. Wrestlers are not permitted to go barefoot on the mats, as this can increase the risk of skin infections.
Please also bring a water bottle to every practice so your athlete can stay hydrated during breaks. There is not a water fountain conveniently located near the wrestling room.
4) What does my child need for tournaments?
Tournaments are typically divided into a morning session and an afternoon session. Depending on the event, your athlete may compete in either session. Occasionally, tournaments run all age groups and divisions together, which may require athletes and families to be at the venue for most of the day.
Please make sure your athlete brings plenty of water to stay hydrated between matches. We also recommend packing healthy snacks so they can maintain their energy throughout the day.
The wrestling program will provide singlets for competition. Coaches will distribute singlets on the day of the tournament and collect them at the conclusion of the event. Please bring a change of clothes for your athlete, as the singlet must be returned before leaving the tournament whenever possible. If the singlet cannot be returned that day, we ask that it be returned at the next practice.
5) Are tournament fees included
Tournament fees are not included in the cost of registering for the team. We do this because we never want athletes or families to feel pressured to compete before they are ready. This approach allows each wrestler to progress at their own pace and decide when they feel comfortable participating in tournaments.
At the beginning of each week, the coaching staff will announce any upcoming tournaments and provide information about the event, including the registration fee. A deadline for payment will also be communicated so that coaches can register your athlete in time for the tournament.
Our goal is to give families flexibility while ensuring every wrestler has the opportunity to compete when they are ready and excited to do so.
6) What if my chid is smaller than the kids in this age
It is common for wrestlers to be different sizes, even within the same age group. In wrestling, athletes are grouped by weight classes to help ensure fair and safe competition. This means your child will typically compete against wrestlers who are a similar weight, regardless of their size compared to other children their age.
During practice, coaches work to pair athletes with training partners of similar size, weight, and skill level whenever possible. Our goal is to provide a safe, positive environment where every wrestler can learn, improve, and build confidence.
Remember, success in wrestling is not determined by size alone. Technique, effort, attitude, and consistent practice are often more important than being the biggest or strongest athlete on the mat. Our coaching staff is committed to helping every wrestler reach their full potential, regardless of their size.