- What is wrestling all about?
- How much will it cost?
- What are the rules and objectives?
- Is wrestling tough?
- What's up with weight?
- Hygiene
- Injuries

- What is wrestling all about?Wrestling is the worlds oldest sport dating back to the ancient Greeks and the Olyimpics. Wrestling is truly a sport of test, or challange against an equal opponant. Today's wrestling (not WWF) is part mental, part phsyical and part skill. Individual technique and skills are challanged in every match while growth in confidence is the final outcome.
- How much will it cost?
Wrestling is probably one of the most inexpensive sports to compete in. Most of the time you'll simply need support, desire and a will to push yourself beyond what you thought was capable. On average you'll need shoes ($25-$60, sports stores) and a bag if you so desire. Other than that costs invole club fees or registrations, typically not more than $75 depending on the organization, plus national membership fees.
- What are the rules and objectives?The rules are not as simple as you may think, it's not simply a matter of pinning your opponent. Although a pin is preferred most tough matches come down to points. The rules can be somewhat challenging until you get the hang of it. In short, a take down (bringing your opponant to the mat) is worth two points, turning an opponent's back to the mat for 3 seconds is worth another two points, escaping (getting away) is worth one point and so on. Please ask a coach for a little more detail. The objective is to win the match within the rules and with sportsmanship!
- Is wrestling tough ?In a word, Yes ! You will probably not find a more physical or mental sport then wrestling. With this said, wrestling is extemely gratifying, it builds character and confidence in all who tough it out. In the youth program emphasis is placed on fun and sportsmanship without the heavy workouts experienced by high school and college compeditors. So don't let the tough talk scare you, it's FUN!
-What's up with weight ?At the youth level weight only comes into play when finding practice and match partners. All efforts are made to match kids up with equal weight partners. Weight loss is not applied in youth programs. Youth tournaments will have scales with kids lining up with their weight class after weight-in. In high school, weight becomes more important as the level of compedition increases. It's not uncommon for high schoolers to lose water weight and eat lightly in order to compete at a lighter ranks to gain an advantage.
-HygeineAs with any sport it's important to shower, wash your work out clothes and be aware of hygeine. Wrestling requires that finger nails be trimmed and any open wounds be well bandaged prior to practice or matches. Thorobred takes hygeine very seriously and looks to parents to keep their athletes clean and well groomed. After every match or practice, wash your gear and your body! One suggestion is to use a dandruff shampoo after a good work out, these products usually have detergents which kill bacterica. Gilbert's mats are scrubbed constantly with a high powered cleaning agent which are safe to the human skin. We take many precautions, so much so we ask that you not wear normal shoes on the mats, this is where the bugs come from !
-InjuriesInjuries are rare in wrestling compared to other sports. Wrestling has few high impact, high speed moves such as football or soccer. Most injuries are strained muscles or an occasional bloody nose, both of which are easly treated. The best way not to get injuried is to pay attention to the coach and stay in shape.