Fox Valley Wrestling Club FAQ’s

How do I find out about FVWC schedules/events?

By visiting our website www.foxvalleywrestlingclub.com under “Calendar” or in many cases via the Club sending out an e-mail message to advise you of Club news.    Additionally, you are encouraged to contact the Club Administrator – Cari Mohler at info@foxvalleywrestlingclub.com, or Head Coach – Mark Mohler at 630-561-2460, if you need additional assistance.

When does the Club practice?

Beginning November 1, 2011, and Ending March 8, 2012, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.  See the website calendar for details, such as “No Practice” dates, due to holidays, etc.

When does the Club participate in competitive events (tournaments)?

Generally, tournaments are held on every Sunday from the first week of December to the middle of March, with time off for the holidays.  There are occasional Saturday   tournaments, too.

What should my wrestler bring/wear to practice?

A wrestling singlet or compression shirt and shorts, wrestling shoes, headgear, and a water bottle.   Fox Valley Wrestling Club competition singlets are not allowed to be worn for practice.  Smiles and a great attitude are highly recommended, as well.

What should my wrestler bring/wear to competitive events (tournaments)?

Fox Valley Uniform Package (provided by the Club), consisting of; Competition Singlet, Warm-up Shorts, and Long Sleeve Shirt.  Wrestlers provide shoes, and headgear (required at all tournaments).  Most wrestlers use the same shoes and headgear they use for practice.  Some snacks, a hand held video game, books or small toys are often valuable for both wrestlers and their families during these somewhat lengthy events.

What can I expect at the tournaments?

Expect weigh-ins from 6:30 to 8:00 am, with wrestling to begin at 9:00 and end around 3:00 pm (for the older wrestlers).  In order to wrestle in the tournament the wrestler must be first be weighed-in.  This process involves the official registration of the wrestler for that tournament, and a grouping of similar aged wrestlers by weight.  Most tournaments attempt to group the wrestlers by experience level as well (in addition to age and weight).  Younger wrestlers will usually compete in 4-man groups, wrestling (2) matches per tournament, while older wrestlers may wrestle as many as (3) or (4) matches per tournament.  Your wrestler will be provided a sheet of “WEIGH-IN CARDS”, prior to the first tournament.  Please make a practice of presenting a WEIGH-IN CARD at each tournament’s weigh-in; this will make your experience much smoother on a given Sunday morning.  First Year Wrestlers, should clearly write their status on the weigh-in card, so they may be grouped with similarly experienced wrestlers.  Your wrestler will be called to mat at the appropriate time and coached mat side by one of the FVWC coaches during the match.  Matches are not allowed to commence until each wrestler has a coach in their corner (maximum of 2 coaches per wrestler).  Only holders of IKWF/USA Wrestling Cards are allowed to be mat side.  Upon completion of the wrestler’s final match of the day, the awards for each group will be processed and distributed to the recipients.  With any luck you will be on your way by 1:00 (for 8 and under), or 3:00 (for 9 and over).

Where do I sit at the tournament?

Look for the folks in the FVWC Spirit Wear up in the bleachers.

Does my wrestler have to diet or cut weight to make a certain weight class?

No.  Wrestlers do not have to “make” a certain weight class.  They simply weigh-in and are grouped with like sized and aged wrestlers at each tournament.  There are no specific weight classes in 90% of our tournaments.  The exception to this is the State Series Tournaments (Regionals, Sectionals, State), at year end for wrestlers ages 9-14 only.  Even with this exception – “cutting weight” will not be condoned by the Club.  A sensible balanced diet throughout the season is encouraged, mainly cutting out unnecessary sweets and soda.

What if I cannot transport my wrestler to practice or tournaments?

Ask any coach for assistance, we are happy to help.  Car pools make every event more fun and build team unity.

Does my wrestler have to participate in any type of fundraising activity for the Club?

Yes, your wrestler will participate in the Club’s only fundraising activity – The Neuqua Valley High School Invitational Tournament on December 5, 2010, BY WRESTLING IN THE TOURNAMENT.  In this one instance, the wrestler HAS IT EASY.  PARENTS ARE REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER TO WORK THE TOURNAMENT.  The tournament is our only fund raiser; it is the first tournament of the year providing significant funding for the club.  After our tournament; we can relax and enjoy everybody else’s tournament.

Why are practices CLOSED?

We have open-house practices for the first two weeks of the season.  This is to allow parents to be comfortable with the practice regimen.  After that, practices are closed to spectators.  There will be no exceptions; this applies to both siblings and adults.  We find this to be a safer and more productive learning environment for the wrestlers.  Any parent who wishes to assist in coaching practice is welcome to do so.  No special credentials are required, just a desire to help out the wrestlers.   All of our current coaches started with the Club in this capacity.

What precautionary steps does the Club take to prevent the spread of infectious disease?

Ringworm, MRSA, H1N1, Flu and Common Cold concern all of us as parents of the wrestlers.  In order to address these concerns the Club employs the following rules:

• Wrestling Gear Bags brought to practice are to be of the mesh variety, provided by the Club.  This allows moist gear to breathe, and dry-out while in the bag.
• Wrestling Shoes are not to be worn outdoors, and are to be put on the feet once the wrestler is in the practice room.
• Singlets should be washed and dried between practices.
• Sanitary wipes and gels are provided in the practice room.  Each wrestler should begin the practice with clean sanitary hands.
• Following practice all wrestlers should take a soapy shower or bath as soon as they arrive at home.  Special hygienic soaps such as: DEFENSE SOAP are recommended.
• The wrestling mats are cleaned and sanitized daily by the Neuqua Valley High School janitorial staff.
• Sick or infected wrestlers will not be allowed to participate in practices.  If you have any questions regarding the health of your wrestler…..take the night-off, there will be plenty more practices during the season.