Frequently Asked Questions
Wrestling is a unique sport and comparing it to other sports such as soccer, football, baseball or lacrosse is impossible. Although wrestling is an outstanding team sport, when the wrestler walks out to compete on the mat they do so by themselves with only the moral support of their coaches, teammates, parents and spectators.
The individual nature of wrestling is what makes those kids who wrestle such great leaders. They become self starters who understand the importance of hard work, preparation and mastering fundamentals. No other sport fosters self-discipline, self-confidence, leadership, sportsmanship, accountability and excellence like wrestling. Wresting is a great way to develop athleticism, speed, strength, mental and emotional skills.
Below are just some of the questions new wrestling families may have. Please read them and feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
The individual nature of wrestling is what makes those kids who wrestle such great leaders. They become self starters who understand the importance of hard work, preparation and mastering fundamentals. No other sport fosters self-discipline, self-confidence, leadership, sportsmanship, accountability and excellence like wrestling. Wresting is a great way to develop athleticism, speed, strength, mental and emotional skills.
Below are just some of the questions new wrestling families may have. Please read them and feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.
General
Question: What are your COVID-19 guidelines?
Answer: We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone. We are following Fairfax County Public School COVIDI-19 Guidelines, TOP's Operation Safe Mat Return when we participate in competition and USA Wrestling Return to Mat Guidelines.
Question: How old does my child need to be to start wrestling?
Answer: We typically start our wrestlers in Kindergarten and 5 years old. We have made exceptions to allow 4 year olds to wrestle.
Question: Does my child need Wrestling experience to participate?
Answer: No experience is necessary.
Question: What can I do to help my child become a better wrestler?
Answer: The best thing you can do is give unconditional support. Bring them to practice and encourage them.
Question: What should my child wear and bring to wrestling practice?
Answer: Your child should wear shorts, a t-shirt, wrestling shoes, knee pads (optional), mouth guard (required for braces) to practice. Wrestlers should also bring their head gear as it is recommended during live wrestling. Please have your child bring a water bottle as it speeds up water breaks. Street shoes are not allowed on the wrestling mat.
Question: What should I expect from my child's first season?
Answer: This really depends on the age of your child. Herndon Reston Hawks wrestling (HRWA) tailors its training to the age, maturity and experience level of the wrestler. However, in general, your child should return home from practice tired. We work hard to mentor wrestlers at all levels and adjust the training to the needs and capabilities of the individual wrestler.
Question: How is team communication handled?
Answer: General information for the Hawks Wrestling team will communicated on our team website. Team specific information will be done via email and Team Snap. It is recommended that you download the Team Snap app on your phone - as this makes it easier to find messages, practice and tournament schedules, etc.
Answer: We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone. We are following Fairfax County Public School COVIDI-19 Guidelines, TOP's Operation Safe Mat Return when we participate in competition and USA Wrestling Return to Mat Guidelines.
Question: How old does my child need to be to start wrestling?
Answer: We typically start our wrestlers in Kindergarten and 5 years old. We have made exceptions to allow 4 year olds to wrestle.
Question: Does my child need Wrestling experience to participate?
Answer: No experience is necessary.
Question: What can I do to help my child become a better wrestler?
Answer: The best thing you can do is give unconditional support. Bring them to practice and encourage them.
Question: What should my child wear and bring to wrestling practice?
Answer: Your child should wear shorts, a t-shirt, wrestling shoes, knee pads (optional), mouth guard (required for braces) to practice. Wrestlers should also bring their head gear as it is recommended during live wrestling. Please have your child bring a water bottle as it speeds up water breaks. Street shoes are not allowed on the wrestling mat.
Question: What should I expect from my child's first season?
Answer: This really depends on the age of your child. Herndon Reston Hawks wrestling (HRWA) tailors its training to the age, maturity and experience level of the wrestler. However, in general, your child should return home from practice tired. We work hard to mentor wrestlers at all levels and adjust the training to the needs and capabilities of the individual wrestler.
Question: How is team communication handled?
Answer: General information for the Hawks Wrestling team will communicated on our team website. Team specific information will be done via email and Team Snap. It is recommended that you download the Team Snap app on your phone - as this makes it easier to find messages, practice and tournament schedules, etc.
Equipment
Question: What equipment does my child need for wrestling?
Answer: Headgear and wrestling shoes are a must. You will also need a singlet or competition shorts and compression shirt for tournaments/matches. Headgear is important to protect the ears and minimize the chances of injuries such as cauliflower ears. Wrestling shoes should only be worn inside and on the mat.
Question: What headgear should I get?
Answer: There are many types of headgear out there. The type you use will depend on what your wrestler is most comfortable with. There is no need to spend more than $30-$40 for headgear. Top of the Podium (TOP) has a great selection. If you have questions, please contact us. Also, please check out the Useful links page for recommended online wrestling stores.
Question: Is there a program to swap shoes?
Answer: Not a formal one, but we do have an informal one. Many of our wrestlers donate their shoes to us when they outgrow them. Over the years, we have accumulated a fair number of shoes. If you need a pair, just ask and we can find the right size for you. If you find one, you can take it, no charge. We just ask that you pay it forward and bring unneeded shoes back for future use.
Answer: Headgear and wrestling shoes are a must. You will also need a singlet or competition shorts and compression shirt for tournaments/matches. Headgear is important to protect the ears and minimize the chances of injuries such as cauliflower ears. Wrestling shoes should only be worn inside and on the mat.
Question: What headgear should I get?
Answer: There are many types of headgear out there. The type you use will depend on what your wrestler is most comfortable with. There is no need to spend more than $30-$40 for headgear. Top of the Podium (TOP) has a great selection. If you have questions, please contact us. Also, please check out the Useful links page for recommended online wrestling stores.
Question: Is there a program to swap shoes?
Answer: Not a formal one, but we do have an informal one. Many of our wrestlers donate their shoes to us when they outgrow them. Over the years, we have accumulated a fair number of shoes. If you need a pair, just ask and we can find the right size for you. If you find one, you can take it, no charge. We just ask that you pay it forward and bring unneeded shoes back for future use.
Tournaments/Matches
Question: What is the objective of the sport of wrestling?
Answer: The objective of wrestling is to “pin” your opponent by placing both of your opponents shoulder blades on the mat at the same time. However, most matches do not end by a pin and wrestlers obtain points for various moves which are described later in the FAQ’s.
Question: As a first year wrestler how will my child do in tournaments?
Answer: Novice is Novice. Because of this Herndon Reston Hawks wrestling (HRWA) tries to match wrestlers base on age, weight and experience level. The objective is simply to get a novice wrestler time on the mat with other novice wrestlers. Our focus is not on winning or losing, we focus on preparation. As a novice your child will win some matches and lose some matches. Winning and losing is a part of this sport and we use both as teaching moments.
Question: How does a wrestler score points?
Answer: Like any sport it takes a little time to get an understanding of the rules and scoring. Listed below is a simple overview of wrestling scoring:
THERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO SCORE POINTS IN A WRESTLING MATCH:
Answer: The objective of wrestling is to “pin” your opponent by placing both of your opponents shoulder blades on the mat at the same time. However, most matches do not end by a pin and wrestlers obtain points for various moves which are described later in the FAQ’s.
Question: As a first year wrestler how will my child do in tournaments?
Answer: Novice is Novice. Because of this Herndon Reston Hawks wrestling (HRWA) tries to match wrestlers base on age, weight and experience level. The objective is simply to get a novice wrestler time on the mat with other novice wrestlers. Our focus is not on winning or losing, we focus on preparation. As a novice your child will win some matches and lose some matches. Winning and losing is a part of this sport and we use both as teaching moments.
Question: How does a wrestler score points?
Answer: Like any sport it takes a little time to get an understanding of the rules and scoring. Listed below is a simple overview of wrestling scoring:
THERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO SCORE POINTS IN A WRESTLING MATCH:
- Takedown – 2 Points
- The wrestler scores two points for taking the opponent down to the mat and maintaining control of the opponent.
- Escape – 1 point
- The wrestler scores one point for escaping away from the opponent or gets to a neutral position.
- Reversal – 2 points
- The wrestler scores two points when they reverse from defense to offense and gain control of their opponent.
- Near Fall or Back Points – 2 or 3 points Depending on Time of Control
- A wrestler gets points when they expose their opponents back to the mat but not far enough to actually pin their opponent.
- A wrestler gets points when they near fall or near pin there opponent in ANY of the following ways:
- Both of the opponents shoulder blades are exposed, more than 90 degrees, to the mat for more than three seconds. If a near fall lasts for three seconds the wrestler is awarded 2 points.
- Both of the opponents shoulder blades are exposed, more than 90 degrees, to the mat for more than five seconds. If a near fall lasts for 5 seconds the wrestler is awarded 3 points.
- Penalty Points – 1 or 2 points
- Your opponent is awarded points if a wrestler commits an illegal hold.
