USA Wrestling Questions
Why do I need a USA Wrestling Membership?
USA Wrestling, the organization that regulates all wrestling in the United States, requires that all wrestlers purchase a USA Wrestling Card Membership before participating in any USA Wrestling sanctioned events. This includes club practices, camps, clinics, etc. The membership is for the protection of everyone involved, providing secondary insurance to those with the membership.
Where do I purchase my USA Wrestling Membership Card?
To buy your USA Wrestling Membership Card, go to https://www.usawmembership.com/. The purchase price covers membership for one year; from September 1 through August 31. You may purchase your membership at any time during the year, however, the membership benefits do not apply retroactively and expire at the end of August each year. Your USA Wrestling Membership Card number will remain the same each year.
This is my first time, can you give me a little more detailed help?
The USAW website has some great tools and step by step instructions to help you start the process. Below are links to their 'Membership Help System'.
Registration Questions
We weren't able to register before the Season started, can we still join?
Of Course! Registration is ALWAYS OPEN. Join us at anytime! No practice commitments or expectations. Come. Learn. Wrestle. Repeat.
Do you allow practice attendance prior to payment?
Yes. Attend up to two practices prior to payment. A valid USAW card and the completion of our online registration forms are still required prior to attendance. After attending the two initial practices, payment will be required before any further practices may be attended.
Can you better describe the difference between RTC Club and RTC Elite?
COMPETITION. If your high school aged child is planning to compete in tournaments during the club season, then sign up for RTC Elite. The coaching staff will be spending more time with these athletes as they help prepare and travel with the athletes to competitions.
- If your child just wants to attend the weekly practices, then sign up for RTC Club.
We purchased a USAW Card, and we paid the Registration Fee. What other expenses should we expect?
Wrestling as a whole is not an expensive sport because the equipment cost is low. To practice, they only need comfortable workout clothes. We have a limited selection of gently used wrestling shoes and headgear to choose from if you are a beginner.
- Club wrestling shoes may be used temporarily.
General Questions
At what age should kids become involved in wrestling?
We have athletes of all ages, from Kindergarten to 12th grade, who started wrestling with our club. If Kindergarten sounds too young, please note that we encourage them to learn the sport first. At the younger ages, we do not expect them to start competing until they are having fun at practice, win or lose. When it is felt they are ready to try a competition, the coaching staff will be there every step of the way.
Are girls allowed to join?
Most definitely! Girls wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports at the youth level! Over the last ten years girls participation in wrestling has increased dramatically. With girls divisions being created in international competitions and exclusive tournaments, it’s not uncommon to find girls participating at youth, high school, and collegiate programs.
Is this wrestling like the kind of I see on TV with professional wrestlers?
Not at all. Amateur wrestling has little in common with the professional wrestling seen on TV. Professional wrestling is based on scripted theatrics, created for entertainment value and shock factor. Amateur wrestling is based on skill, determination, drive, and attitude.
My child is very small or large for their age. Will this be a problem?
No. We have wrestlers of all shapes and sizes in each age group. To be a successful wrestler, the size of the athlete does not matter. Wrestling is for everyone!
What is a youth wrestling practice like?
Practices start with some light jogging followed by gymnastics and tumbling to warm up their bodies. Wrestling is taught from an individual standpoint while they learn their stance, how to move, change levels, sprawl into the mat, and shoot, all before they even start working with a partner. Once they do start working together it will become about facing each other, circling the same direction, mirroring each others movements and some shooting fundamental drills. The wrestling progresses at a smooth pace as they learn while having fun!
Does a singlet need to be worn?
No. A singlet is still the standard uniform for wresting competitions, BUT the rules have changed and now two-piece uniforms are allowed for competition! During practice, the wrestlers will wear comfortable workout gear. During a competition, wrestlers may choose to wear a singlet or an approved two-piece uniform.
Are wrestlers required or expected to lose weight?
No. There will be no expected weight cutting in our youth wrestling club. Furthermore, state and national governing bodies, such as USA wrestling, now prohibit any form of rapid or unsafe weight loss.
What should we expect from our first season?
Your child may return home from practice tired, maybe even very tired. Wrestling is a physical sport, yet it is also extremely rewarding. Each practice the coaches teach various technique, conduct drills and provide some mental preparation. We understand that to be successful in life and on the mat, you must put in the time. While winning is a fun and rewarding sport, the only place you will find success before work, is the dictionary.
Many times our most successful wrestlers had a difficult time in the early stages of the sport. So being encouraging while helping the athletes find that inner drive to overcome challenges, will prepare them for an opportunity to learn in every situation.
Have some additional Questions?
Send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
