Wrestling Code

Based on our philosophy, the following code will be followed by all of our wrestlers.

I. Appearance: Whether you agree or not, your appearance leaves an impression on those with whom you come into contact. It is especially important in wrestling (where you literally expose yourself) that you leave a good impression of yourself, your program, your coaches, your school, your family, your community, and of the sport itself. Sometimes this means that you will have to go against popular culture. We are holding ourselves to a higher standard than everyone else, because this sport is not for everyone. Thus, the following are unacceptable:

A. Tattoos (must discuss w/ Coach Gonzalez)
B. Dyed Hair (must discuss w/ Coach Gonzalez)
C. Long Hair (rules state that hair cannot be past collar length)
D. Facial hair (rules allow a mustache, sideburns no lower than the ear lobe)
E. Jewelry (cannot be worn at any team event)
F. Bandanas (cannot be worn at any team event)
G. Hats inside buildings (except for beanies worn during warm-ups)
H. Oversized pants (where the waist is at the knees, etc.)

II. Attendance: You must attend practice because practice is where champions are made. When you miss, you hurt not only yourself, but also your teammates. If you know you must miss a practice, communicate it to a coach before hand. If an emergency arises, communicate it as soon as possible. You must have a valid reason for missing practice. This you can discuss with Coach Gonzalez on a case by case basis. Any unexcused absence will result in you missing our next scheduled competition. Three unexcused absences will result in your dismissal from the program or, at the least, the loss of your spot for good depending on the circumstances. Any unexcused absence from a competition will result in your dismissal from the program or, at the least, the loss of your spot for good depending on the circumstances. This policy will remain in effect through the state tournament and also applies to skipping class. Skipping class will cause you to miss that day’s scheduled event and will be considered an unexcused absence.

III. Punctuality: You need to be early or at least on time for every scheduled team event. Regarding practice, if you are late you will miss important instructions and warm-up time. If you are late, you will owe extra conditioning equal to the time that you missed after that practice or event. This is not a punishment; it will catch you up and make you better. This same policy applies to class tardies as well.

IV. Academics: You are students first and foremost. Without school we would have no wrestling program. If you cannot wrestle because of your grades, you will hurt not only yourself, but also your teammates. Maintaining a high GPA will help you earn a varsity letter as well. If you are academically ineligible at the official grade check, you will not be allowed to travel with the team on school days. We will also have an unofficial bi-weekly grade check. If you are failing (or are borderline) a class, you are required to meet with Coach Gonzalez weekly until you are passing. If you become academically ineligible at the semester, you will become ineligible to earn a Varsity letter.

V. Sportsmanship: How you lose is as important as how you win. How you deal with losing is what makes you a winner and a champion. That said, if you win, be a gracious winner. Never taunt your opponent, the opposing team, or the fans. If you lose, be a gracious loser. Accept defeat (for the moment) and learn from it. Cheating, and arguing with the official, your opponent, or the fans is not honorable. Wrestling is an honorable sport. One of the great things about the sport is that matches start and end with a handshake.

VI. Locker Room Etiquette: Because wrestling is the ultimate contact sport, the possibility exists of contracting various minor skin diseases. To prevent these skin disorders, you must shower with soap and hot water after every event. Soap and towels will be given to you. As a team, we also will wash your practice gear on a daily basis. You must have at least two sets of practice gear to rotate from day to day. This will help us prevent an outbreak of skin disease in our program as well. Lastly, we are a family. Therefore hazing of any wrestler will result in dismissal from the program period.

VII. Profanity: The use of foul language is simply not tolerated. Cursing shows absolutely no class and has no place in our program. If you slip up, you will immediately owe 10 push-ups per letter regardless of the situation.

VIII. Chemical Substance Use: This program is absolutely drug free (legal as well as illegal). We are all natural. We will work ourselves to our natural limits, but we will not use any so-called “performance enhancers.” We will learn more about this issue throughout the season. If you are in doubt as to what is acceptable, talk with Coach Gonzalez. Otherwise, follow the guidelines in your athletic code. If you break the athletic code at any point in the season, you will become ineligible to earn a Varsity letter. Our chemical substance abuse policy will remain in effect throughout the year.

IX. Family: Wrestling is a unique sport because it takes a special breed to be a wrestler. This sport is not for the faint of heart. All wrestlers share a common brotherhood, regardless of their skill level. Our team especially is a family. As a family, we must always show pride and be willing to help each other. That said, on match days, all wrestlers must wear collared shirts, ties, and slacks. We want the whole school to know who we are. Also, all of our wrestlers will wear our team warm-ups before a competition. Be proud to represent your family. Lastly, we will travel to and from events together as a family. If for some reason, you NEED to leave with your parents (parents only), please present to Coach Gonzalez a signed note from one of them before we leave for the event.

X. Leadership: Because we hold ourselves to a higher standard, we must take on a leadership role in all that we do. We must always represent honor and integrity for others to emulate. This means we must always be courteous to all others. Examples are saying “please” and “thank you” at all times, leaving the bus, locker room, etc. spotless when we leave, and always being quick to lend a helping hand to those in need. That said, if you receive a suspension or ISS at school for any reason during the season, you will become ineligible to earn a Varsity letter.