Parent guide and FAQ
Everything parents need to know for a successful wrestling season. Find information about practices, tournaments, registration, volunteer requirements, equipment, safety, communication, and more below.
Everything you need to know
We want every family to feel confident, prepared, and supported throughout the wrestling season. Review our top questions below covering safety, gear, tournament expectations, and volunteer deposits.
What does my wrestler need for practice?
Wrestlers should wear appropriate athletic clothing to practice. Long sleeves and athletic pants are strongly encouraged to help protect the skin. Wrestling shoes are recommended but are not required for elementary wrestlers. Wrestlers must have a clean, dry pair of athletic shoes to wear on the mat. Each registered wrestler will receive a Westfield Razorbacks singlet and practice T-shirt. Singlets are worn for tournaments and meets, not regular practices.
Are families required to volunteer at tournaments?
Yes. Each wrestling family is required to provide 2 volunteers (7th grade or older) to work at 1 tournament hosted by the Westfield Razorbacks Youth Wrestling Club. Volunteer duties and sign-up information will be provided during the season.
Families who do not fulfill the required tournament volunteer commitment will forfeit their $100 deposit.
What happens if the singlet is not returned?
The Westfield Razorbacks singlet is provided by the club for use during the wrestling season and must be returned at the end of the season. If the singlet is not returned, the family will forfeit the $100 deposit.
Where and when are practices?
Blooming Prairie – Monday & Wednesday
Pre-K–2nd Grade: 5:30–6:15 PM
3rd–6th Grade: 6:15–7:30 PM
Hayfield – Tuesday & Thursday
Pre-K–2nd Grade: 6:00–6:30 PM
3rd–6th Grade: 6:30–7:30 PM
Wrestlers may attend practices at either or both locations
How does my child earn a spot for the team tournaments?
Parents will be notified through Wrestling IQ when team tournament opportunities are coming up. If there are multiple wrestlers at the same weight class, wrestle-offs will be held to determine who earns that spot on the team.
Once a wrestler has earned a weight-class spot, they will hold that spot. If another wrestler wants to challenge for that same weight class for a future team tournament, the challenging wrestler must beat the wrestler currently holding the spot two times in wrestle-offs to earn the position.
The team may also take alternate wrestlers to team tournaments. Being an alternate does not guarantee a match; however, coaches will do their best to work with other teams to arrange alternate matches when time allows. Alternates may also be used if an injury or another circumstance creates an opening in the lineup.
Coaches may choose to wrestle an alternate instead of the wrestler who currently holds the weight-class spot for a particular match. This may happen based on factors such as the opposing wrestler's age, size, experience, or skill level. Coaches will use their best judgment when making lineup decisions, with wrestler safety as the priority. A wrestler will not be knowingly placed in a matchup that coaches believe presents an unreasonable risk of injury.
How much does youth wrestling cost?
Registration is $100 per wrestler, with a maximum family registration fee of $200. Each family is also required to provide a $100 deposit, preferably by check. The deposit is returned as long as the family fulfills the required tournament volunteer commitment and the club singlet is returned at the end of the season.
Are tournaments required?
We strongly encourage wrestlers to participate in as many tournaments as possible. Tournaments provide valuable mat time and help wrestlers build their skills and confidence.
Elementary wrestlers are expected to participate in the Westfield Razorback Youth Tournament on Saturday, December 5, 2026. Other tournaments throughout the season are encouraged but are not required.
How will I know about schedule changes, tournaments, and club updates?
Wrestling IQ is our main source of communication throughout the season. Parents should regularly check the Wrestling IQ calendar for practices, optional tournaments, schedule changes, and other important dates. We will also use the Wrestling IQ messaging feature to send important announcements, reminders, and updates. Please make sure your contact information is current so you don’t miss important information.
Is wrestling safe for beginners?
Absolutely! Beginners are welcome, and no previous wrestling experience is needed. Our coaches teach skills step-by-step with an emphasis on proper technique, safety, confidence, and having fun.
Wrestling is a contact sport, so bumps and minor injuries can happen, but our goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where wrestlers can learn and grow at their own pace.
Our club also follows a concussion protocol. Parents must sign and date the concussion protocol before their wrestler may participate in practices or tournaments. If a concussion is suspected, the protocol must be followed before the wrestler can return to practice or competition.
Can parents stay in the wrestling room during practice?
To help reduce distractions and congestion in the wrestling room, parents are not permitted to remain in the room during practices. The doors will remain closed throughout practice. If special circumstances require you to be present, please notify a board member in advance and an exception may be considered.
What should we know about skin conditions and cleanliness?
Skin conditions can spread easily during wrestling season. Our mats are cleaned with disinfectant to help prevent the spread of skin infections. Wrestlers should shower after every practice and tournament, and uniforms and practice clothing should be washed after each use.
At tournaments, we highly recommend keeping Defense Wipes in your wrestler’s bag and wiping down exposed skin after each match.
If your wrestler has a questionable rash or skin condition, please keep them out of practices and tournaments until it has been verified as non-contagious by a physician.
Ready to Join the Razorbacks?
Have questions or ready to get started? We’re excited to welcome your wrestler to the Westfield Razorbacks! Register for the upcoming season through Wrestling IQ, or reach out to us with any questions about our program.