Hunter and his teammate practicing on the warm up mats.
by Jen
You arrived, now what?
13. The tournament will usually have separate tables for pre-registered competitors and those needing to register that day. At these tables you will need to complete or finalize paperwork, the parent will need to sign a waiver, and all paid competitors and spectators will receive their wristband for entry.
14. Competitors will be directed to the weigh-in area for their official fighting weight. Some tournaments give you a 1 lb clothing allowance. This should be listed in the brochure if it applies. (Some tournaments allow you to weigh in the Friday night before the competition.)
15. Just a note of caution - even though the weigh in allowance is given, many of the adult and even teen competitors will drop to their underwear to help make their fighting weight. Kids and adults weigh in at the same area so your young ones may see a guy in their underwear. Logan and I now know to just look straight ahead, but it was a shocker the first time she competed.
16. Using your weight and age information, determine which mat your child will be fighting on. Most tournaments divide the rings by weights. For instance, all 60-69 pound children at all levels will be fighting at Ring 6 that day.
17. Set up your team’s “home base” in the bleachers. We like to settle towards the top of the middle section for a decent view of all the rings.
18. Pay attention to the rules meeting hosted at the beginning of the tournament. I have sat through so many, but still manage to learn something new each time.
19. Having the kids warm up together helps them to work off some of their anxiety. This also promotes good bonding for the team. The more experienced competitors can take the newer ones under the wings to help them feel more comfortable.
20. If you are like me you will be as anxious, or even more anxious, then your child. Keep yourself in check and reassure your child. Remind them that the most important thing is that they enjoy the experience. Remind them that you are proud that they have chosen to fight and that you love them no matter what happens.
Tomorrow, Part 3 - Fight time
Never thought about the weight in from the child's standpoint. Thanks for pointing that one out, I will need to keep it in mind when/if my little one competes.
ReplyDeleteDitto!
ReplyDeleteYou bet. I wouldn't have thought of it if we didn't experience it.
ReplyDelete