SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Safety is a primary concern when conducting a wrestling unit. There needs to be extra attention paid to safety when instructing beginners in a physical education atmosphere, as there will be a large varity of skill, strength, weight, and general interest. There are some key points regarding safety that the instructor should follow when coaching beginner wresting:
  • It is vital that no students wrestle someone more or less than five pounds their own body weight (common sense must also be used here, as an athletic, strong, and fit student could handle wrestling someone who is more than five pounds heavier)
  • Students should have their weights recorded prior to the commencement of the unit (in private if its an issue) to prevent the chance of a weight discrepancy (sometimes it is hard to tell and sometimes the students may lie about their weight).
  • Organization and placement of students is key, in order to minimize or prevent collisions of pairs or groups. Use of mat space is important, the more space the better it is.
  • Proper equipment must be used. An appropriate set of wrestling mats or something extremely equivalent should be used.
  • Cleanliness of equipment. Mats should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of skin infections.
  • Proper attire must be worn. NO jewellery and no SHOES. T-shirt and shorts or jogging pants are recommended. Socks should be worn in the absence of wrestling shoes.
  • At the beginner level ALL wrestling should remain GROUND wrestling until it is absolutely clear that the students have knowledge and ability to start from standing. Experience is needed to know how to fall or force someone else to fall without injury occurring.
  • Showers should be encouraged after each individual wrestling lesson for hygenic purposes
The previous mat arrangement is recommended for the following reasons:
  • Every effort should be made to provide multiple mat stations as shown above.
  • Ideally, each station would have four 5' by 5' mats with velcro on all sides, attached to give a 10' by 10' wrestling surface.
  • This arrangement has advantages over one large 25' by 25' mat surface in the centre of the gym, including:
  1. It gives greater scope to organize pre-period exercises, combatives and/or drills.
  2. It provides opportunity for more activity. More students will be physically and mentally involved.
  3. There is less chance of injury.
  4. It provides each student with more privacy. Student is not intimidated about wrestling 'centre stage' where all his/her peers.
  5. Provides for the use of alternative teaching styles.
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