Wrestling (or grappling) consists of three main styles; Grecco-Roman, Freestyle, and Folkstyle. WPAL offers training in the Folkstyle (also known as Collegiate Wrestling)

Competitions are called tournaments with each challenge being called a match. Each match consists of three periods with each period being 1-3 minutes long, depending on the level of competition.

Winning a match is achieved through points or by a pin.

Points are earned by taking down your opponent, escaping from your opponent, or holding your opponent’s shoulder and back to the mat (often referred to as “back points”) for a period of time. If both shoulders are held to the mat for at least three seconds, the match has been won by pin.

Wrestling is typically considered to be a very safe sport and training at the youth level is specifically focused around safety.

Athletes are taught how to safely execute moves as well as how to defend themselves against their opponents.

Typical injuries included bruises, mat burn, and on occasion, a bloody nose.

Athletes are always under the direct supervision of coaches and officials during practice and in competition.

To participate with the WPAL Wrestling team (including practices and tournaments), Athletes must:

1) be at least age 5 and should not exceed age 12 (check prior with the Commissioner prior to registering)

2) be a resident of Warwick.

3) pay a registration fee and submit the required information (which includes a copy of a birth certificate)

4) be able to comprehend simple instructions and directions.

Parents/guardians with specific concerns should reach out to club officials for further discussion

All coaches are required to pass a criminal background check and complete a SafeSport course. Individuals who coach during tournaments will receive a coaching certification through USA Wrestling.

Most coaches will have prior wrestling experience.

The WPAL Wrestling team is governed by the Warwick Police Athletic League and comprises Athletes, Parents/Guardians, and Volunteers.

Volunteers are organized and managed under the Organizational Committee. The Organizational Committee consists of The Board and a body of Assistant Coaches.

All members of the Organizational Committee must satisfactorily pass a national criminal background check (BCI) and complete a SafeSport certification.

The WPAL Wrestling Club is sanctioned by the Rhode Island Wrestling Association governing body and is moderated by USA Wrestling.

To register, guardians/parents will be required to complete a registration form that asks basic identifying information about each participant. The registration process will ask for a copy of the athlete’s birth certificate.

The registration fee is $100.00 with a $15 discount offered for each additional sibling. The registration fee covers the cost of the annual USAW membership and all practices.

Registration is capped for the first 45 athletes. Additional athletes will be put on a waitlist and will be notified in the event a current participant withdraws their membership.

Although wrestling is super fun, we understand that like all sports, it may not be for everyone. In the event you wish to withdraw your membership, you must first speak to the club officials for further guidance.

Financial assistance for registration fees and uniform costs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Anyone requiring financial assistance should feel free to reach out to the team’s commissioner

All funding is received through fundraising, donations, sponsorships, and grants.

Anyone looking to donate can do so by clicking here.

Training typically begins towards the end of October and will continue through the beginning of March

This equipment requirement for wrestling is fairly minimal:

Shoes: Proper wrestling shoes are required to ensure the safety of all participants and to protect the wrestling mats from excessive damage.

Appx Cost:: $50-$80

Headgear: Wrestling headgear protects the athlete's ears from repeated injuries and irreversible damage (such as cauliflower ear).

Appx Cost:: $20 -$50

Uniform: During practices, athletes can wear standard athletic gear (shorts, t-shirt, etc.). Practice attire must not be too loose, contain snaps, buttons, or zippers, and (if possible) should not have pockets.

During competitions, athletes must wear either a standard wrestling singlet or, a compression shirt and fight shorts. Both options are available for purchase through the club organizers.

Appx Cost:: $75 - $125

Knee Pads: Knee pads are completely optional and typically depend on athlete preference. Knee pads can help protect the “shooting” knees from mat burn.

Appx Cost: $20-$50

Mouth Guards: Mouth guards are completely optional are are typically worn by individuals with braces or other oral care requirements.

Appx Cost: Beginning at $15

Most equipment can be purchased both online and through your local sports store. Prior participants often will donate gently used gear which is available to all team members at no cost.

Practices will consist of learning wrestling fundamentals as well as different combinations of offensive and defensive moves. Athletes will continually build upon these principles throughout the season and will prepare them for competition.

Practices also focus on physical fitness and conditioning, discipline, teamwork, and self-control

Current registrants are encouraged to connect with the Wrestling Team via BAND.

The BAND platform will be used throughout the season to communicate among the team, discuss fundraising and volunteer opportunities, and host the season practice and tournament schedule.

Click here to join

Most competitions are held on Sundays and are open for all weights, age groups, and experience levels. Tournaments are “hosted” by a sanctioned wrestling club in the location of the host’s choosing. The entry fee for each competition is typically $25.00 to $35.00. Online registration for tournaments typically closes the night before the competition.

During a tournament, an athlete can expect to compete in approximately 2-4 matches. Athletes are paired against athletes within the same weight class and age bracket.

Before a tournament begins, the athlete will weigh in at the head table, which is run by the tournament organizers. The athlete will wrestle in whichever weight class they weigh in at (this is called Madison Weight). Weight classes will typically have a 2-6 pound spread, depending on the age and weight class.

Athletes must come prepared and ready to wrestle. This includes the proper shoes, headgear, and uniform. Long hair must be tied back and nails must be trimmed.

Weigh-ins typically begin at 0730 with wrestling start times typically beginning at 0930. Families are encouraged to bring plenty of food and drink and maybe some headphones to keep the little ones distracted during wait times. Snacks and beverages are often sold at tournaments and there typically will be a small spectator fee at the door (usually $5.00).

Concessions and door entry fees are typically cash only with only a handful of events offering electronic payment services.

Although we strongly believe that your athlete will enjoy and benefit from competitions, they are completely optional.

We do however ask that all athletes plan to attend the WPAL home tournament (please see the calendar of events for the date). Your attendance will show support for WPAL, support for the team and support for the sport as

Current registrants are encouraged to connect with the Wrestling Team via BAND.

The BAND platform will be used throughout the season to communicate among the team, discuss fundraising and volunteer opportunities, and host the season practice and tournament schedule

Click here to join

Upon registration, WPAL cub officials will register your athlete with USA Wrestling after which, your athlete will receive a USAW identification number. This number is required to compete in most wrestling tournaments. Click here to access your child’s USA Wrestling profile.

NOTE: In order to view the most accurate information, when creating a USAW account, use the email address used during the WPAL registration process.

From coaching to fundraising to event organization, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities for everyone!

Whether you can give us a half hour of your time or, can dedicate yourself throughout the season, we encourage everyone to put in a little time as best as they are able.