Wrestling is a sport where anyone can participate. Athletes compete according to age and weight so they are never too big or too little for the sport unlike many other sports. You will find athletes of all body types involved with the sport. The sport is open to both male and female athletes. All the athlete needs to get started is a T-shirt and shorts. Wrestling is a sport that will develop strength, endurance, flexibility, and strategic thinking. It develops sportsmanship and camaraderie. While it is an individual sport athletes develop social skills by learning to be good training partners and being part of a team at practices and competitions.
STARTING A CLUB...
The two greatest challenges you will face will be finding a suitable training facility and acquiring a mat. Ideally a space large enough to hold a 36`X 36` wrestling mat. Check with local schools and community clubs. Some churches may also have large open spaces available for rent. For programs for young children you can use the standard Velcro together mat found in many schools and community clubs. For older athletes (junior high and older) you will need a proper wrestling mat is a major expense. Check on the internet for specials on demo mats or used mats. Sometimes mats can be found on ebay. Occasionally MAWA may have a mat to lend out to a new club but these are in short supply and high demand.
COACHING REQUIREMENTS
All coaches must meet certain standards. In the province of Manitoba the provincial government has mandated that all coaches take a Respect in Sport course. This course is offered on line by Sport Manitoba. It is found on their website at www.sportmanitoba.ca/coaching MAWA also requires all coaches to have training from the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). To find out more information on the NCCP go to www.coach.ca The particular course needed depends on the type of athlete you wish to coach. For teaching introductory classes or working with elementary wrestling there is a one day course called Community Coaching Kids Wrestling. For high school level competitive athletes you will need to take the Competition Introduction Course which is offered in two parts over the span of two weekends. All coaches must have successfully completed a child abuse registry check within the past three years.
REGISTERING YOUR CLUB
To participate in any events that are sanctioned by the Manitoba Amateur Wrestling Association you must register your club as a MAWA member Club. All coaches and athletes must also be registered members of MAWA. Club and individual membership forms are found on the MAWA website at www.mawawrestling.ca Registrations and payments can also be done online through the MAWA website. All members must sign a liability waiver which must be forwarded to the MAWA address listed on the membership forms. High School age and older athletes must submit proof of age and citizenship (passport, birth certificate, landed immigrant card are acceptable).