Just as “too much pressure” will burst a balloon, it can also rupture the ego of a child. We all know that Little League or pee-wee sports can be very beneficial for youngsters. However, when too much emphasis is placed on winning, these programs begin to lose their virtuous qualities.

Of course, my concern is how such malignant attitudes will effect the growth of wrestling in our state. And here are some signs to what I call the “small-fry pressure syndrome.”

Symptom A: A coach and/or parent promising the child an extravagant toy or other reward if he wins.

Symptom B: A coach and/or parent yelling as their boy is wrestling, “Kill ‘im” or “Rip his arm off!”

Symptom C: A coach and/or parent screaming at an official. (By the way, many pee-wee referees volunteer their time and services.)

Symptom D: A coach and/or parent callously reprimanding a tearful small-fry after losing.

If you are showing signs of similar symptoms, it is time for serious self-evaluation treatment regarding the effects these actions have on your child. Fortunately, there are numerous mat enthusiasts who have not lost sight of the letter and spirit of pee-wee athletics. To these individuals, I have nothing but praise and approbations.

In my 60 years of wrestling experience, I’ve witnessed too many little wrestlers burn themselves out (because of being pushed to the limit) before having even reached the seventh grade.

Is such undue pressure worth it?

Now ask yourself one final question–“How many great men or women have ever been remembered and venerated for their accomplishments at the age of 10, 11, or 12?

… on Small-fry Wrestling and the Proper Parental Perspective

Youth wrestling programs have grown by leaps and bounds throughout the United States. Of course, all of these pee-wee organizations have been initiated by people who are donating their time and efforts as coaches, meet and tournament workers, and drivers to the numerous mat events around the Mountain State. And, for this, they should be applauded.

I’m sure most of these individuals will agree that learning the fundamentals of wrestling should be the “No. 1” objective for youngsters of this age group. Unfortunately, one occasionally loses sight of the primary purposes of small-fry mat endeavors and allows “winning at all costs” to foreshadow his better judgment. To eliminate this negative aspect, the following “golden rules” for pee-wee wrestling should be considered.

1. Instill an atmosphere of “fun,” not pressure.

2. Create a positive and wholesome attitude toward competition by emphasizing good sportsmanship traits.

3. Stress the total participation of all your “little” matmen.

4. Encourage parental involvement so that they acquire an even better understanding of this fantastic sport.

If promoters of midget wrestling put the above principles into practice, their programs will reap many long-term benefits.

Now, readers, many small-fry functions are conducted immediately after the high school and college seasons. Keep an eye on the newspaper for upcoming youth wrestling tournaments; they’re unique experiences you’ll want to observe!

Finally, don’t forget the importance of seeing to it that your sons or daughters attend a wrestling clinic over the summer months.