Ways To Improve IKWF

[candid]

I would like to start a real discussion on ways to improve the IKWF. I ask that everyone throw out a single idea and discuss, and see where this goes. Since most of my idea's call for radical changes and this would turn into a rail on Candid thread, I will only respond and not start topics. But let's have real conversation on to make this sport better.

[Greenskin]

Originally Posted by candid

I would like to start a real discussion on ways to improve the IKWF. I ask that everyone throw out a single idea and discuss, and see where this goes. Since most of my idea's call for radical changes and this would turn into a rail on Candid thread, I will only respond and not start topics. But let's have real conversation on to make this sport better.

I would find a way to have same day weigh ins for the state series. I have a few other minor things, but I think it is an exceptional organization that caters to the needs of the many if not the few.

[No BS fan]

Same day weigh in would slow things down IMO. I know IHSA has a minimum time from end of weigh ins to the start of wrestling not sure if IKWF has the same. Maybe a matside verification with a 1 or 2 lb allowance would work.

Also, I think an IKWF sponcered Itermidiate State (and perhaps Bantam) would be an improvement.

IKWF does great with State and the Open and a big thanks to all the peaple that run it. I know you spend alot of hours and I for one do appreitiate it.

[eagle]

Need to find a way to shorten tournaments. 3 matches and you are there from 6:30 to 3 is too long.

Possibly running more meets and less tournaments. Also maybe having a split with the divisions. 10 and under start and then 11-14 start later.

Something needs to be done. New parents to the sport hate the long days. Spend 7-10 hours to see your child wrestle for maybe 9 minutes.

[doc]

Originally Posted by eagle

Need to find a way to shorten tournaments. 3 matches and you are there from 6:30 to 3 is too long.

Possibly running more meets and less tournaments. Also maybe having a split with the divisions. 10 and under start and then 11-14 start later.

Something needs to be done. New parents to the sport hate the long days. Spend 7-10 hours to see your child wrestle for maybe 9 minutes.

The only answer I can see are more tournaments...The good ones are done in 6 hours (but your point is still valid) but they cap their attendance to make that happen and there simply are not enough tournament sites to get everyone in so the bad ones that take HUGE walk ups still survive

Here is a different twist. Start Seniors and Novices at 8:30 and Bantams/Juniors at 11:00 Seniors are easier to bracket, they know the routine and can be in and out on full mats in an hour and a half.

The tournaments rely on all the pizza and candy an 8 year old can consume so having them in later keeps that in place, plus new parents can sleep in a bit! In local cases, maybe even make Sunday School!

[Truth is Out There]

Here's a simple approach... would you pay $20 for three hours of your life back?

If so then reduce the permitted tournament attendance by half and raise the price (can't believe I am suggesting this as an improvement) to $30-$40 to attend a tournament.

Clubs still make their money. Takes half the time. Only real evil is watered down brackets PLUS you would need more clubs to step up and host tournaments to deal with the displaced overflow.

[Greenskin]

I'm not sure any of these things fall under IKWF control. Aren't these things up to the individual tournament directors?

[Basketball Dad]

Intermediate state. If they can do regional & sectionals them let them have a state. Bantams maybe.

[Southernvoice]

I would like to see the midgets be put in with ikwf state. Same regionals same sectionals same state. Start it Thursday night if you have to. I would alo like to see state moved a little more toward the center of the state, Bloomington, Peoria, Champaign???

[Jaguar]

As a parent who has been involved from midget/bantam level to the Olympic level with my kids, I don't think a Midget/Bantam State tournament is a great idea. Emphasize development, fun and character with your kids over winning at a young age. If they love the sport, they will continue to develop and stick with it when they are older. I have seen too many 6 year old "studs" peter out and be passed up by kids whose parents have a bigger picture perspective on life. With that said, I did take my younger son to junior state (back then), but I emphasized only the fun aspect. I compeltely downplayed the "state" part of it (especially since it was not a true state tournament with single brackets for each weight). I have seen way too many parents put way too much pressure on their little kids at a young age, and I have seen nothing good come out of it.