Elementary Head Coach
Andrew MauerEmail - elementaryheadcoach@eastpennwrestling.com
Phone - (717) 802-6828
Junior High Head Coach
| Date | Name | Event | Place | Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The coaching staff and EPWA board members understand wrestling is a sport many parents are not familiar with, so we have assembled a list of frequently asked questions that may offer information for further clarification:
Before and during the wrestling season, these questions often arise.
Q: Is youth wrestling just for boys?
A: No, it's a co-ed sport!
Q: What equipment does my child need?
A: Headgear and wrestling shoes. The EPWA provides each wrestler a singlet that must be returned at the end of the season.
Q: Where can I purchase headgear and shoes?
A: Local sporting goods stores such as Dick’s usually carry wrestling equipment. For a larger variety of wrestling gear, DJ Sportswear (located in Newport, PA) specializes in wrestling equipment. You can place orders on their website at www.DJSportswear.com or call them with any questions at 800-845-8591. Orders from DJ’s are shipped immediately.
Q: How do I care for the East Penn Singlet?
A: The singlet should be hand washed and hung to dry. DO NOT put the singlet in a dryer. The singlet should be washed after each meet or tournament. Singlets are expensive. The one issued to each wrestler will cost over $60 to replace, so please take good care of it. At the end of the season, the singlet will need to be returned in good shape and clean. Failure to do so will result in you being charged for the singlet.
Q: What should my child wear to practices?
A: T-shirt, shorts and wrestling shoes. Headgear is optional during practice, but highly recommended. We recommend that every child wears headgear during practice to prevent ear injuries and to get use to wearing it for matches. Headgear is mandatory during wrestling matches. Wrestling shoes should be worn on the wrestling mats ONLY! We do not want outside dirt from shoes contaminating the mats or causing any unnecessary dirt to accumulate on the mats. Street shoes are NOT allowed on the wrestling mats for the same reasons. Please change into wrestling shoes upon arriving at practice and change out of wrestling shoes before leaving practice. Singlets are worn to meets and tournaments ONLY.
Q: Where are practices held?
A: Practices are held in the old gym at the East Penn High School. Half of the gym is made into a wrestling room throughout the winter sports season.
Q: When are practices held?
A: Children 8 years old and under will practice Monday and Wednesday from 6pm-7pm. Children 8 years old (with experience) and older, will practice Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm-7:30pm. Everyone will practice together on Fridays from 6pm-7:30pm. The first day of practice will be announced and is typically towards the end of November. The season runs through the middle to end of February. Practice sessions will be split up into two groups with beginner and experienced wrestlers. It will be the coach’s discretion to move any wrestler from one practice session to another or from one group to anothr throughout the practice season. Also, please be sure to look at the calendar on the elementary tab for the offical schedule.
Q: What are the difference between Dual Meets, Novice Tournaments and Open Tournaments?
A:
Dual meets are when our varsity team competes against another varsity team from another school. These meets are typically held on an evening during the week and generally last two hours. Team scoring is used at dual meets.
Novice tournaments are tournaments for beginning wrestlers with no more than 2 years experience.
Open tournaments are typically for kids with more than two years experience, but anyone is allowed to enter.
In Novice and Open tournaments, your child is put in a bracket according to his/her age and weight. Novice and Open tournaments are held on the weekends. Tournaments are an individual competition is which your child can place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd for his/her bracket. Trophies or medals are earned at every Open tournament for every place winner. Awards are typically given to all wrestlers at Novice tournaments.
Q: How do you determine the varsity lineup for dual meets?
A: The coaches have the final say in the varsity lineup. There is only one varsity wrestler per weight class. When it is very close as to which wrestler should be the varsity starter, wrestle offs will be held during a practice before the scheduled meet. That means the kids wrestle a match during practice and the winner gets the spot in the varsity lineup. There is ABSOLUTELY NO coaching or cheering allowed from coaches, parents, or other teammates during a wrestle off.
Q: Will my son have to wrestle bigger kids?
A: No, wrestlers are matched by weight in dual meets. In tournaments, they are matched by weight AND age.
Q: Will my child get to wrestle in real match during the dual meets if he is not in the varsity lineup?
A: After each Varsity dual meet, we will try and match up each non-varsity wrestler with another non-varsity wrestler from the opposing team for what is considered a JV match. It will not always be guaranteed that a non-varsity wrestler will have a match after a varsity dual meet if the opposing team does not have a kid with similar weight and wrestling experience. Even if your child is not on the varsity line-up and not guaranteed a match, we strongly encourage ALL wrestlers to attend our dual meets to support our team. A beginner wrestler can learn a lot by watching the more experienced wrestlers at the dual meets.
Q: Are the costs of Novice and Open tournaments covered?
A: No, parents are responsible for weekend tournament registration fees. Registration fees usually range anywhere from $12-$20 per tournament. Entering your child into these tournaments is completely OPTIONAL. However, we highly recommend you enter your child in as many as possible to gain experience. (There is no fee for our team dual meets).
Q: Are there a lot of injuries in wrestling?
A: No, wrestling is an intense physically demanding sport, but the high ratio of officials to competitors (1 for every 2) makes serious injuries extremely rare. The most common injuries are nothing more than bumps, bruises, and bloody noses.
Q: How does the EPWA protect its wrestlers from hygiene issues?
A: The mats in our practice room are mopped with a strong disinfectant every day. We strongly recommend that each child showers immediately after returning home from practices, meets, and tournaments to prevent skin infections (which are very rare). Laundered clothes should be worn to practices, meets, and tournaments. Fingernails should also be cut regularly throughout the season. Street shoes are not allowed on the wrestling mats, and wrestling shoes are not allowed to be worn off the wrestling mats. If a problem with hygiene is noticed by the coaches or board member, a wrestler could be asked to stay off the mats and not be able to wrstle until the issue is addressed.
Q: Does wrestling promote aggressive, violent behavior?
A: Absolutely not! Wrestling promotes sportsmanship, respect, work ethic, achievement and confidence. Most good wrestlers off the mat are quiet, respectful and humble.
Q: Will my child have to lose weight?
A: NO! However, physical and dietary health is important for all athletes. Only healthy habits will be supported and introduced in the EPWA. The decision to lose weight is that of the wrestler and their parents, NOT the coaches or the EPWA. A coach will NEVER ask a child to lose weight and NEVER encourage losing weight for the intentions of making a certain weight class.
Q: What is expected of a East Pennsboro wrestler?
A: Each wrestler is expected to be at every practice and match on time and work hard. Each wrestler is expected to pay attention and not be disruptive during practice or matches. If your child is continually disruptive they will be asked to leave practice or the match. We only have a few hours a week to practice and quality practice time is crucial. Wrestlers are also expected to show respect and sportsmanship at all events. The demonstration of good character, whether victory or defeat, is asked of all of our wrestlers.
Q: What are the expectations of parents?
A:
Be supportive and positive. Positive participation in the program is beneficial to EVERYONE.
During matches: Be respectful of all officials, parents, coaches and wrestlers. Do not argue with officials or opposing parents or coaches. Do not speak negatively about team mates or opposing wrestlers.
During practice: Space in the wrestling room is limited, so if you choose to watch practice, sit quietly and let your son/daughter do his/her best. We prefer that parents, who are not on the mats helping with practice, drop their child off at the start of practice and pick them up at the end of practice. Other children, who are not participating in the wrestling program, are NOT allowed in the wrestling room at all during practice. Please keep siblings at home or outside of the wrestling room.
Q: What can I do to help?
A: GLAD YOU ASKED! The EPWA will be looking for volunteers throughout the season to help with dual meets held at our home school and our home tournaments. The EPWA will host two tournaments every season in the main gym of the EP High School. Parents will be REQUIRED to volunteer a minimal amount of time during these two weekends. Several other team activities will also require parent support. The EPWA will also have fundraisers throughout the season. It is very important to participate in these fundraisers to support the costs of running our program.
Q: How does scoring in an individual wrestling match work?
A: There are five ways to score points in a wrestling match:
- Takedown - (2 points) You score two points for taking your opponent down to the mat and controlling him/her.
- Escape - (1 point) You score one point for getting away or getting to a neutral position when your opponent has you down on the mat.
- Reversal - (2 points) You score two points when your opponent has you down on the mat and you come from underneath and gain control of your opponent.
- Near Fall (Back Points) - (2 or 3 points) You get near fall points when you almost but not quite get your opponent pinned. A near fall (near pin) is when...
If a near fall lasts for two seconds, you get 2 points. If a near fall lasts for 5 seconds, you get 3 points.
- both shoulders are held for two seconds within four inches of the mat, or...
- one shoulder touches the mat and the other shoulder is at a 45 degree angle coming down to the mat, or...
- the wrestler is held in a high bridge or back on both elbows.
- Penalty Points - (1 or 2 points) Your opponent is awarded points if you commit the following infractions.
The first and second time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded one point. The third time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded two points. The fourth time you are penalized, you are disqualified. (Except for illegal starting position or false start - you are cautioned twice, then one point awarded for each infraction, but you will not be disqualified).
- Illegal Holds - There are several holds that the referee will penalize you for without warning. (There are other holds call "potentially dangerous holds" which the referee might make you let go of but will not penalize you for).
- Technical Violations
- Going off the mat to avoid wrestling ("fleeing the mat.")
- Grabbing clothing, the mat, or the headgear
- Incorrect starting position or false start (You get two cautions before points are awarded).
- Locked or overlapped hands: If you are down on the mat in control of your opponent, you cannot lock or overlap your hands, fingers or arms around your opponent's body or both legs unless you have your opponent in a near pin, or your opponent stands up and has all his/her weight on two feet.
- Unnecessary roughness
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
- Flagrant Misconduct (ejection, the match is over)
- Stalling (you get one warning before you are penalized and points are awarded).
Q: How many periods in a match?
A: Normally three. At the elementary level, each period is normally 1 minute in length. There will be additional periods if overtime is required.
Q: How does team scoring work?
A: For Dual Meets, scoring is as follows:
- Fall, Forfeit, Default, Disqualification - 6 team points
- Technical Fall (getting ahead of your opponent by 15 points ends the match) - 5 team points
- Major Decision (winning the match by 8 - 14 points) - 4 team points
- Decision (winning the match by fewer than 8 points) - 3 team points
Q: Please explain the wrestling rules and scoring criteria.
A:
THE TAKEDOWN:
The objective of wrestling is to pin your opponent, but it usually involves a takedown to accomplish this goal. As a matter of fact, it has been proven statistically that the wrestler who executes the first takedown in a match will win the match 85 to 90% of the time.
What is considered a takedown? Well, to set up a takedown, the wrestlers must be working from the neutral or standing position; a situation where neither wrestler has control. Then a takedown is scored when one of the wrestlers gains control over the other, causing his opponent's supporting points (the area or areas in which most of the body weight is placed) to be the knees, thighs, buttocks, or hands.
In reference to out-of-bounds situations, a wrestler can be awarded a takedown as long as he or his adversary is in-bounds. Remember, the line around the mat is out-of-bounds. And don't forget, a takedown can be awarded if the scoring wrestler's feet are in-bounds and touching the mat. In years past, the scoring wrestler's knees had to be in-bounds.
When the takedown is a achieved, the offensive man receives two match points. The double-leg drop, single-leg sweep, fireman's carry, arm drag, snapdown and pancake are just a few types of takedowns.
THE ESCAPE:
The wrestler in control or on top is referred to as the offensive wrestler, while the wrestler on the bottom is the defensive matman. Keep in mind, only the defensive man can score an escape or reversal. For the bottom man to secure an escape, he must place himself in the neutral position, causing his opponent to lose control. The defensive wrestler may also be awarded an escape going out-of-bounds if his adversary is in-bounds at the completion of the move. The official will indicate one point for the wrestler who earns an escape. The stand-up, forward or granby roll, sit-out turn-in, and sit-out turn-out are examples of escape maneuvers.
THE REVERSAL:
The defensive wrestler may procure a reversal by moving from the bottom position to the top position, gaining control of his opponent either on the mat or on their feet. Like the escape, a reversal can be obtained crossing the out-of-bounds line if one of the wrestlers is in-bounds. The referee will designate two points for a reversal. The switch, side roll and peterson roll are examples of reversals.
Remember, one match point is awarded for an escape and two match points are given for a reversal.
THE NEAR FALL:
Only the offensive (or top) wrestler can score a near fall. He may do so by causing the defensive wrestler...The top wrestler can score two points by holding (for two seconds) the bottom wrestler in any of the above noted positions. Furthermore, if the offensive wrestler can secure a near fall for a continuous five-second period, he would then be awarded three match points for the maneuver.
- to spring into a high bridge,
- to lean back on his elbows,
- to expose his shoulders four inches or less to the mat, and
- to have one shoulder on the mat and the other 45 degrees or less above the mat.
Note, the official usually indicates a near-fall situation with an angular sweep of the arm, each sweep designating a second, but he will not signal any points until the near-fall hold is terminated.
In reference to the out-of-bounds line, if both shoulders are partially in-bounds or one shoulder is completely in-bounds, a near fall can be scored.
The half-nelson, cradle, three-quarter nelson, and armbar series are near-fall maneuvers that can ultimately lead to a "fall."
THE FALL:
The fall (or pin) terminates the match and no individual match points are necessary. Of course, the winner's squad receives six team points. Now a fall occurs when both shoulders are forced to the mat for a period of two seconds in high school and only one second in college. The official mentally counts this time and indicates the fall by slapping the mat.
Normally, the offensive wrestler (the man in control) scores the fall. However, if the offensive grappler's shoulders are somehow placed on the mat for the required time, a fall is awarded to the defensive wrestler.
Finally, in reference to the out-of-bounds line, if the shoulders are partially in-bounds or one shoulder is completely in-bounds, a fall may be called.
ILLEGAL HOLDS:
The best definition for an illegal hold would be "any maneuver used that could cause bodily harm intentionally or not." Examples of illegal moves include full nelsons, overscissors, back bows, headlocks (without an arm encircled), forceful trips, pulling a thumb or less than four fingers, holds that restrict breathing or circulation, and any holds used for punishment alone.
Illegal maneuvers are penalized in the following manner: first and second offense - one match point for opponent; third offense - two match points for opponent; and fourth offense - disqualification from the match.
Note, a wrestler applying a legal hold shall not be penalized if his adversary turns it into an illegal hold. And whenever possible, an illegal move should be prevented by the official rather than penalized.
UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS:
Any intentional act that is hazardous to an opponent's physical well-being is considered unnecessary roughness.
Furthermore, if a hold is utilized for the sole purpose of punishment alone, the referee may see fit to declare unnecessary roughness. Such perpetrations as striking, kicking, butting with the head, elbowing, and forceful tripping are examples of this infraction.
Normally, the violator would be penalized as follows: first offense - one point; second offense - another point for his rival; third offense - two points for his adversary; and fourth offense - disqualification.
However, when the official believes the unnecessary roughness of the wrestler to be totally inexcusable, he can indicate a "flagrant misconduct" signal, which is an automatic disqualification and the deduction of ALL team points scored in the event. For example, a sucker punch to the jaw would fall under this category.
TECHNICAL VIOLATIONS:
There are six technical violations in wrestling and all but one are penalized in the following manner:"Leaving the Mat Proper" -- No wrestler may completely step off the wrestling mat without permission of the referee.
- First Offense - 1 penalty point (for opponent)
- Second Offense - 1 penalty point
- Third Offense - 2 penalty points
- Fourth Offense - Disqualification
"Intentionally Going Out-Of-Bounds" -- If either wrestler goes out-of-bounds to avoid wrestling his opponent for any reason (except when near-fall points are scored), this technical violation will be enforced.
"Grasping of Clothing" -- A contestant may grab nothing but his opponent while wrestling or this encroachment will be called. Furthermore, when a wrestler grasps his adversary's uniform to prevent him from scoring , the appropriate penalty point(s) will be given along with any points his opponent may have obtained.
"Interlocking or Overlapping Hands" -- The offensive (or top) wrestler may only lock or touch hands around his opponent's body or both legs when he is scoring near-fall points or his antagonist stands up. If his rival scores points while he commits this violation, his opponent would also receive the stipulated penalty point(s). Note, the official can only stop the match to award point(s) when the bottom man is unable to gain an escape or reversal due to interlocking or overlapping hands.
"Incorrect Starting Position" -- If a wrestler assumes an incorrect neutral or referee's position, a technical violation would be called. This also includes false starts in both situations. Note, unlike other technical violations, the first two offenses are "cautioned" (The official will form a "C" with his hand.), and then penalized if the infraction occurs again. Furthermore, this technical violation is not on the "progressive penalty chart." Thus, a wrestler can not be disqualified for an incorrect starting position or false start.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOR OF WRESTLERS:
The unsportsmanlike rule for contestants covers two situations in which the penalty is administered differently. They are as follows:
Situation One -- If the wrestler is unsportsmanlike during the bout, his opponent would be awarded match point(s) in the following manner:Situation Two -- If an unsportsmanlike act occurs prior to the first period or after the third period (or fall), the offending wrestler's squad would lose one team point. On the second offense, he would be asked to leave the premises and his squad would lose another team point.
- First Offense - 1 point
- Second Offense - 1 point
- Third Offense - 2 points
- Fourth Offense - Disqualification from the match.
(Note: Flagrant misconduct at any time would result in immediate disqualification from the dual meet or tournament and the deduction of ALL team points earned.)
THE LOWERING OF SHOULDER STRAPS:
The lowering of shoulder straps while on the mat is considered an act of unsportsmanlike conduct. The only time it would not be penalized is if the wrestler received permission from the official to do so. Should this infraction occur before wrestling has started or after the completion of wrestling, it would be a deduction of one team-point from the offender's squad. However, if the offense takes place during the match, the violator's opponent would receive a match point.
Q: What about the hand signals from the referee during the match?
A: Please see figure below.
EPWA Board
All Board Members Email - board@eastpennwrestling.com
President Bob Schnarrs
Email - president@eastpennwrestling.com
Phone - (717) 512-6521
Vice-President Amy Graybill
Email - vice-president@eastpennwrestling.com
Phone - (717) 756-0207
Treasurer Devanna Lugaro
Email - treasurer@eastpennwrestling.com
Phone - (717) 798-1696
Secretary Emily Stine & Heather Morris
Email - secretary@eastpennwrestling.com
Phone - (717) 856-5472
Phone - (717) 602-7158
Coaching Manager/High School Varsity Head Coach Todd Klucker
Email - headcoach@eastpennwrestling.com
Phone - (717) 512-1511
Other EPWA Positions
Fund Raiser Coordinator Nora Baumgardner & Lisa Beaver
Email - fundraisers@eastpennwrestling.com
Phone - (717) 798-6242
Concessions Coordinator Stephanie Sipe
Email - concessions@eastpennwrestling.com
Equipment Coordinator Jen Benoist
Email - equipment@eastpennwrestling.com
Website Coordinator Cliff Benoist
Email - admin@eastpennwrestling.com
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