Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you wanted to know about wrestling and are not afraid to ask.
What are the Pups?
The Pups division of the Saskatoon Wrestling Club provides a wrestling program for elementary school aged boys and girls from Kindergarten to Grade 8 (5 to 14 years of age.)
My son/daughter has never wrestled before, do you have a beginner program?
New wrestlers practice with the rest of the group. At the beginning of the year, we teach and review the basics for everyone. New wrestlers will pick up the basics very quickly. Early in the season, our practices are structured such that we focus on the skill currently being taught.
Do girls wrestle?
Yes, Absolutely! Female wrestling has been up and coming for about 15 to 20 years now. In 2004, Women’s Wrestling was included as an Olympic sport for the first time in Athens. Canada’s Women’s team had a strong finish with a silver medal and two 5th place finishes, including Viola Yanik of the Saskatoon Wrestling Club.
How old does my son or daughter have to be to start wrestling?
At the Pups, we start kids wrestling as young as 5 years old.
How big or small does my child have to be to wrestle?
Wrestling is an equal opportunity sport. Virtually anybody of any size and weight can wrestle. In competition, opponents are paired according to age and actual weight.
How long is the wrestling season?
The Pup’s wrestling season runs from mid October to mid March. To get the maximum benefit from the program, it is best to start the program at the beginning and continue to the end. We can accept new wrestlers in mid season.
What are the Weight Classes?
In Canada, there are no defined weight classes for elementary school aged wrestling competitions. Wresters are paired according to their actual weight. Once the athletes reach high school age there are weight classes usually seperated by at least 3 kg.
Do the wrestlers need to lose weight?
No, at the elementary school age, wrestlers are paired according to their actual weight to discourage wrestlers from losing weight to enter a weight class lower than their normal healthy body weight.
When are practices?
The pups practice in two groups. Kids from kindergarden to grade 4 (Freshie & Novice) make up Group 1, kids from grade 5 to grade 8 (PeeWee & Bantam) make up Group 2. Practices generally are as follows:
Tuesday:
- Group 1 [K – Gr 4] 6:15 P.M. – 7:15 P.M.
- Group 2 [Gr 5 – Gr 8] 7:30 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Saturday:
- Group 1 [K – Gr 4] 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
- Group 2 [Gr 5 – Gr 8] 10:45 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
What is the cost?
The yearly cost for Group 1 is $250.00, and for Group 2 is $275.00. The fees include all practice and competition costs, and membership in the Saskatchewan Amateur Wrestling Association (SAWA). Additional children from the same family receive a reduction of $25.00.
Do you do any fundraising?
The pups have typically have two fundraising activities per year. Recently, have sold Poinsettias in November/December, and a ‘wrestle-a-thon’ in January/February, or an event associated with hosting our home tournament, “the Pupsel.” As a non-profit club, we do these fundraisers to support the club and to keep the fees low. Therefore participation in the fundraisers is required.
What competitions do the pups attend?
The pups attend several tournaments during the season. This includes our own “Pupsel” tournament as well as tournaments are hosted by local clubs in various communities which change from year to year. Over the years, we have travelled to Swift Current, Weyburn, Regina, Elrose, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, etc. The competative season will likely be finalized sometime in October. Occasionally, we have also attended tournaments in Alberta, B.C., and Montana.
Are the wrestlers required to attend the competitions?
The wrestlers are strongly encouraged to attend the competitions. The competitions are fun and exciting, and give the wrestlers an opportunity to test their skills against wrestlers from other clubs in the province. Competitions provide significant personal and skill development. Remember, wrestlers are pooled with other individuals by gender, age group and weight.
Do the Pups host a Tournament?
Yes, the Pups host the longest running tournament for kids in the province. It is also one of the largest. To make the tournament a success, many volunteers from the Parents are required.
What equipment is required?
Beginners need nothing more than a pair of light running shoes, shorts and a t-shirt. Wrestling boots provide a definite advantage. For competitions, a wrestling ‘singlet’ is encouraged.
What are the rules?
The rules of wrestling are established by United World Wrestling. In Canada, Wrestling Canada provides the Canadian rulebook. https://wrestling.ca/officials/rules-regulations
Any More Questions
Call Chris Davies at: 306 – 260 – 3971 or email him.