TNUSAWrestling

For coaches who are planning Fargo training cycles, feel free to download the below template and guidelines, which have been used to train some of Tennessee's top performing wrestlers in national events: Tennessee USA Wrestling - Posts (facebook.com)

Welcome to another Freestyle and Greco-Roman season! We are looking forward to having a full competition schedule spanning from April through July, ranging from local, state, regional, and national events. Please see the below link to the current schedule (subject to updates and revisions). In the second image is a contact list for all Board members for TN USAW. Do not hesitate to contact your Region Director or any other Board member with any questions, comments or concerns. On another note: we are looking for anyone interested in becoming a Freestyle/Greco-Roman official. If interested or know of anybody that is interested, contact Justin Anglin (Officials Director). TN USAW is able to reimburse any of the fees to become an Official for the first ten people to apply. See everyone soon and happy training! Link to 2021 USAW/TNUSAW Wrestling Schedule

For release, May 27, 2020 – USMC Junior and 16U Nationals in Fargo, N.D. cancelled, with focus turned to local, state and regional events USA Wrestling has announced that the 2020 U.S. Marine Corps Junior and 16U National Championships at the Fargodome on the campus of North Dakota State in Fargo, N.D. has been cancelled. The competition, recognized as the largest wrestling tournament in the world, had been scheduled for July 17-24. With input from its state leadership as well as its COVID-19 Special Committees, USA Wrestling believes that this is the responsible thing to do in order to maintain the long term viability of the sport. As has been the case since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the health and safety of USA Wrestling members and the entire wrestling community remains the No. 1 priority for the organization. Based upon information currently available, it was not feasible or prudent to host a major national championship in July, where participants will come from all different areas in the nation, many of which have vastly different local situations concerning COVID-19. High-performance experts indicate that it takes up to eight weeks to prepare for high-level competition, a factor which also went into the decision. This year would have marked the 50th year that the Junior Nationals (high school) portion of the event had been held, with the first Junior Nationals hosted in Iowa City, Iowa in 1971. USA Wrestling has either postponed or cancelled 21 national or regional events since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. USA Wrestling has consistently stated that the expected progression of wrestling activity will likely begin locally, based upon health and government regulations, then move on to state, regional and national activity. With that in mind, USA Wrestling will focus on the working with its state association leadership to consider local, state and regional competitions in the upcoming months. Any such activity will only be possible when held under the guidelines set by local and state health authorities and in compliance with the safety measures being developed for the sport. On May 14, USA Wrestling published its “Return to the Mat Guidelines” document, which are guidelines and recommendations for the wrestling community as it makes decisions on a local level regarding when and how to safely resume wrestling activity. USA Wrestling is expecting to release its Return to Competition Guidelines document in the coming week.

Last updated 5/14: https://content.themat.com/covid-19/USAW-Return-to-the-Mat-Guidelines.pdf

UPDATED NOTIFICATION: To comply with the state of Tennessee's updated youth sports mandates and to maintain alignment with USA Wrestling's guidance, the TNUSAW Board is postponing ALL TNUSAW sanctioned events until June 1. We will continue to be fluid with the situation following state and federal guidelines as well as the TN-Dept of Health and CDC. We are looking into alternative events to salvage any semblance of a wrestling season. This could take shape after state mandated bans are lifted. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our members.

For immediate release, April 20, 2020 – USA Wrestling postpones National and Regional events through July 1 Due to the nature of what it would entail hosting a national or regional USA Wrestling competition, with the first priority being the health and safety of all participants involved, USA Wrestling has extended the postponement of its national and regional events through July 1. In addition to the 10 national and regional events that USA Wrestling previously postponed through May 10, there are 10 additional events which have now been postponed: · Western Regional Championships, Farmington, UT, May 14-16 · Northern Plains Regional Championships, Rochester, MN, May 15-17 · Central Regional Championships, Fort Wayne, IN, May 15-17 · Southeast Regional Championships, Wilmington, NC, May 22-24 · UWW U23 & Junior World Team Trials, Geneva, OH, May 29-31 · Southern Plains Regional Championships, Dodge City, KS, June 5-7 · 16U National Duals, Loves Park, IL, June 9-13 · 14U National Duals, Franklin, IN, June 10-14 · Junior National Duals, Tulsa, OK, June 16-20 · USA Wrestling Kids Nationals, Wisconsin Dells, WI, June 25-27 Working with its COVID-19 Advisory Committee and relying on current advice from health and government agencies, USA Wrestling is currently formulating the specific safety measures that must be put in place in order for the resumption of club practice and local or state competitions. Any such activity will only be possible when held under the guidelines set by local and state health authorities and in compliance with the safety measures being developed for the sport. As this situation regarding this pandemic remains fluid and ever-evolving, USA Wrestling will continue to monitor its policies regarding National and Regional events, sanctioned events and club practices, and additional changes to these policies are possible. ------------------------------ For immediate release, April 29, 2020 – TNUSA Wrestling postpones National and Regional events through May 10 TNUSAW, in conjunction with USAW, is extending our postponement of local and state events through May 10. Although local and state officials have begun the process of reopening the state, we as Tennesseans are not in the same situation statewide. This notification is to inform everyone that we should continue to take the necessary precautions regarding the spread of COVID-19. USAW IS NOT sanctioning ANYTHING through July 1. However, the message was conveyed that local and state events could have the potential to proceed ... with the consent of local and state officials in conjunction with the appropriate Health departments.

Parents, Wrestlers and Coaches, We are postponing ALL TNUSAW sanctioned events until May 1. This is in line with the state of TN mandate to return to schools. We will continue to be fluid with the situation following state and federal guidelines as well as the Dept of Health and CDC. Our hope is to salvage and reschedule the Ironman and State tournament. We will keep you updated as new information becomes available. We continue to keep your safety our top priority. TNUSAW Board of Directors

Wrestlers, Coaches and Parents, Based on the information and guidance we have received, TNUSAW will be following USA Wrestling's guidance and postponing all events THROUGH APRIL 20TH, 2020. We will continue to be fluid with the remainder of the season as we continue to monitor the CDC, TN Dept of Health, and local school systems. This is unchartered territory for everyone and we want to ensure due diligence. It is HIGHLY recommended that member clubs first follow state recommendations including local health departments and local school systems regarding practice. Our message must be unified and we want to communicate SAFETY first. The Team Tennessee USA Wrestling’s Executive Board has also followed USA Wrestling’s lead and began categorizing our events into "ESSENTIAL" and "NON-ESSENTIAL". Essential Events are events required to develop any TN National Teams as well as our State Level Events. Non-essential events are all other regional events. TNUSAW WRESTLING ESSENTIAL EVENTS: 1) TBD TN Ironman Championship 2) May 2 TN FR/GR State Championships Note: given the current circumstances we want to encourage an available regional event for extended mat time and seeding points at National level events: 1) May 14-16 Western Regional Championships 2) May 15-17 Central Regional Championships 3) May 15-17 Northern Plains Regional Championships 4) May 22-24 Southeast Regional Championships This is consistent with USA Wrestling’s procedure to seek guidance from the local health department, as well as its number one priority being the health and safety of its members. ADDITIONAL NON-STATE ANNOUNCEMENT POSTPONED – The USMC U.S. Open in Las Vegas will be postponed, with plans to reschedule USA Wrestling has postponed the 2020 U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Open, which was scheduled to take place at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 21-26. The U.S. Open includes a number of major national-level competitions, including: · UWW Junior Nationals (April 23-25) · UWW Cadet Nationals (April 21-23) · UWW U15 Nationals (April 21-23) · UWW Futures Nationals (April 23-25) · Masters Nationals (April 23-25) TNUSAW is working to reschedule as many events as we lose given these dire circumstances. We want to do what is best for the state as well as our memberships. We are also looking at a series of clinics to complement times lost. Again, SAFETY is of our utmost priority Please stay tuned for more information. TNUSAW Board

Wrestlers, Coaches and Parents, The TN USAW board is suspending ALL wrestling related activities competitions and practices until April 1. We will be fluid with the season as we continue to monitor the CDC, TN Dept of Health, and local school systems. If you have any questions please reach out to your Region Directors or Board Members. Thank you, TNUSAW Board of Directors

TNUSA Membership, Our Annual Meeting has come and gone and we are ready to move forward into the new wrestling year. Our new Bylaws that were sent out to the membership were approved and passed and have since been updated on our website http://tnusawrestling.com. Our Board positions on the have also been updated to reflect all current Officers. With the changing in roles of some of our Directors we will be looking to fill the positions of the West Director and Technology and Communications Director as Nelson Shirley is now our Vice Chair and Shawn Weller is now the Director of the South Region. We are also adding several Age Level Directors for Kids, 16U, and Junior age divisions as well as a TNUSAW/TNAAU Liaison to the Board. If you have any suggestions for these roles please reach out to our Board with your ideas. Our end of the year financials will be posted this week and the minutes from the meeting have been posted on our website and will be attached below. We look forward to the continued partnership with the Tennessee wrestling community this year. If you have any questions please reach out to either our Chair or Vice Chair or any of your regional Directors. Thank You, TNUSAW Board of Directors 3:00 pm central time James Torres, Chairman, opens the meeting with brief remarks and positions to be voted on. Financials will be finalized and sent out soon. Josh Sturgill, Treasurer, presented current financials to those present and on the call. Nelson Shirley, West region director, gave a brief description of the new enhanced bylaws for TNUSAW. These were developed with the aid of Wisconsin(primarily) and Georgia as well as USA wrestling bylaws. The whole point of overhauling the bylaws was to make a more solid base, easier to follow and better organization of bylaws. There were several new points that needed voted on and approved, the Bylaws have been sent out to each club director. The new changes were all voted on item by item and approved with no opposition except for bylaws article 6.3 Tournament Committee and article 6.4 Coaches Committee which will be looked at and amended and put up or review. Motion made for bylaws to accepted as published(with exception of the articles needing amended) and reviewed. Motion was 2nd and carried and the new bylaws will now be in effect moving forward. Board positions Vice Chairman Nelson Shirley was voted into this position Treasure Josh Sturgill unopposed and accepted position again Womens Director Doug Badon unopposed and accepted postion again North Director David Isbell unopposed and accepted position again Middle Director Pete Miller unopposed and accepted position again South Director Shawn Weller unopposed and accepted position With those votes and positions being filled, and per new bylaws the West director and Technology and communications director will be appointed by the board to finish out their one year terms. TNUSAW schedule will be finalized and posted soon Financials will be posted soon Doug Badon spoke on womens wrestling in TN and the need for locations and coaches to help out across the state. Josh Sturgill mentioned getting TNUSAW shirts for the Refs and coaches. James Torres is looking into some options for our national team gear. 4:35 motion to close meeting. Motion 2nd and meeting closed

September 28th

The annual meeting will be held in the Murphy room of the Holiday Day Inn Murfreesboro, Tn. 1453 Silohill Lane Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-751-5300 We will hold our closed meeting from 12:00 - 3:00 and will be open to the public 3:00 - 5:30.

Announcement to the TNUSA Wrestling membership. The Board of Director positions up for re-election this year are South Director, Middle Director, North Director, Women’s Director and Treasurer. If you have anything you would like to add to the agenda please email the following: James Torres Chairman Jamtorre00@gmail.com Shawn Weller Director of Communication and Technology Shawn.weller11@yahoo.com Mark Beckwith Secretary Coachb2112@gmail.com Thank you, TNUSA Wrestling Board of Directors

The TNUSA annual meeting will be held this year on Saturday, September 28th at 12:00 pm. The site will be announced next week so stay tuned and mark your calendars now! We look forward to seeing you all there. Thank you in advance, TNUSA Wrestling Board

Members of the wrestling community, With somber hearts, we the Board of TNUSA Wrestling issue the news that our Chairman of the Board, Ben Bowers, stepped down last night. This decision was not an easy one but came of his own free will and we all wish he and his family the best in their future with this great sport. Out of respect for he and his family we do ask that any comments regarding this change please be kept private. As we move forward towards the end of this year our Vice Chair, Doug Badon, has taken over the responsibilities of Chairman. We thank Ben Bowers for all of the time and effort he has poured into this sport he loves so much. He has made a positive impact for this sport and with TNUSA Wrestling. Under his watch the National Dual Teams have grown considerably and many more relationships have been formed. He will be missed. Please direct any questions you may have to Doug Badon. Thank you, TNUSA Wrestling Board

The previous post on this topic contained a typo. We are sorry for any confusion this may have caused. All Wrestlers must have attended TNUSA State and ANY Regional or received a waiver. Forms and Paperwork for Fargo must be mailed by June 20th and received no later than JUNE 24th, to be entered into the Tournament. Requirements for wrestling in Fargo: 1. Wrestlers App properly filled out and Signed by Wrestler and Parent --Google Document-- Wrestlers APP https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRfPozhnswuTw0WSq4ZmXZ68CrPoBwVUvUNDUu4jicWfqi2GWAB1xvDlsKUQgWGz8t6sNfVCaBgjad_/pub 2. Copy of USA Card and Birth Certificate 3. Tournament Waiver --Google Document-- Waiver https://drive.google.com/file/d/19LS_IRa3HwZfN_1E__GcGLQ0Z3RiPlzw/view?usp=sharing 4. Check Made out to "TWF" for Entry Entries are as follows: Wrestlers with their own arrangement for Hotel and Travel to Fargo $400 Wrestlers needing to Travel with the State $1000 Entry includes 2 State singlets to be worn while competing at Fargo, Bag, Fight Shorts, T Shirt, and 1/4 Zip to be worn on the Podium It is an honor and a privilege to represent TNUSA at CADET AND JUNIOR NATIONALS in Fargo, and all wrestlers will be held to this standard. While representing TNUSA at the Cadet and Junior Nationals all wrestlers will have a schedule to adhere to. All issues will be dealt with by the TWF Team Leader and communication with parents will happen right away. For wrestlers staying in the Dorms, payments must be received as a separate check made out to "TWF" with the ENTRY FEE. Parents, please call Nelson Shirley to get a quote on cost at 901-827-2445. 

All Wrestlers must have attended TNUSA State and Southeast Regional or received a waiver. Forms and Paperwork for Fargo must be mailed by June 20th and received no later than JUNE 24th, to be entered into the Tournament. Requirements for wrestling in Fargo: 1. Wrestlers App properly filled out and Signed by Wrestler and Parent --Google Document-- Wrestlers APP https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRfPozhnswuTw0WSq4ZmXZ68CrPoBwVUvUNDUu4jicWfqi2GWAB1xvDlsKUQgWGz8t6sNfVCaBgjad_/pub 2. Copy of USA Card and Birth Certificate 3. Tournament Waiver --Google Document-- Waiver https://drive.google.com/file/d/19LS_IRa3HwZfN_1E__GcGLQ0Z3RiPlzw/view?usp=sharing 4. Check Made out to "TWF" for Entry Entries are as follows: Wrestlers with their own arrangement for Hotel and Travel to Fargo $400 Wrestlers needing to Travel with the State $1000 Entry includes 2 State singlets to be worn while competing at Fargo, Bag, Fight Shorts, T Shirt, and 1/4 Zip to be worn on the Podium It is an honor and a privilege to represent TNUSA at CADET AND JUNIOR NATIONALS in Fargo, and all wrestlers will be held to this standard. While representing TNUSA at the Cadet and Junior Nationals all wrestlers will have a schedule to adhere to. All issues will be dealt with by the TWF Team Leader and communication with parents will happen right away. For wrestlers staying in the Dorms, payments must be received as a separate check made out to "TWF" with the ENTRY FEE. Parents, please call Nelson Shirley to get a quote on cost at 901-827-2445.

Coaches, This year Team Tennessee will be going to Cadet and Junior Nationals from July 12-20. All Coaches wanting to help with Team Tennessee and who are not part of the Board or National Teams must apply for Coaching credentials through the TWF Process. 1. Must have an up-to-date USA Coaches Card, with a Copy Submitted to the Board 2. Must be a Bronze level Coach, with a Copy Submitted to the Board 3. Must attend a Coaches meeting (From the below Schedule) and the Fargo Coaches Meeting 4. Fill out and Sign the Code of Conduct Form 5. Fill out and Sign the Coaches Application for National Team 6. Safe Sport must be done and recognized by system. 7. Finish all requirements and submit to the Board by July 1st for consideration and approval. For those who are in need of SafeSport training, below are the steps one can take to complete this. Set up/log into account at www.usawmembership.com (please note that if one has not been in USA Wrestling’s membership system since August 2017, they will need to set up an account) Claim profile (this can be done using user’s USAW ID or first name, last name, state, and date of birth) Access SafeSport training from profile or by clicking https://safesport.org/authentication/register?token=a62447d3-d54f-493f-8396-44d958b3d94e (please note that when asked for “membership number,” the user should enter his/her USAW ID) Once an individual has successfully completed the three modules in the SafeSport training, their profile will be automatically updated. If you have not yet attended one of the Fargo Coaches calls it is imperative that you please do so on one of the upcoming calls. Please remember that in order to attend the Fargo tournament as a coach you must join one of the calls. The schedule is as follows: Access Code: 717-921-717 TNUSA Fargo Coaches Meeting #4 Sun, Jun 9, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/616035277 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (669) 224-3412 Access Code: 616-035-277 TNUSA Fargo Coaches Meeting #5 Sun, Jun 30, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/775411293 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (646) 749-3112 Access Code: 775-411-293 Final Meeting everyone must be on this Call TNUSA Final Fargo Coaches Meeting Final Sun, Jul 7, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/419337421 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 Access Code: 419-337-421 Thank you all in advance, TNUSA Wrestling Board

All interested School Boy National Team participants reach out to me via email at their earliest convenience jtorres@baylorschool.org

Fargo Coaches Meetings Must attend 1 of the Below then the Final Call All times are Central Standard Time TNUSA Fargo Coaches Meeting #1 Sun, May 12, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/852364285 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (224) 501-3412 Access Code: 852-364-285 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/852364285 TNUSA Fargo Coaches Meeting #2 Sun, May 19, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/795490741 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 795-490-741 TNUSA Fargo Coaches Meeting #3 Sun, Jun 2, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/717921717 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 717-921-717 TNUSA Fargo Coaches Meeting #4 Sun, Jun 9, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/616035277 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (669) 224-3412 Access Code: 616-035-277 TNUSA Fargo Coaches Meeting #5 Sun, Jun 30, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/775411293 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (646) 749-3112 Access Code: 775-411-293 Final Meeting everyone must be on this Call TNUSA Final Fargo Coaches Meeting Final Sun, Jul 7, 2019 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM CDT Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/419337421 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (408) 650-3123 Access Code: 419-337-421 Coaches need to have their code of conduct and their application to go in by July 1st to be considered for the Fargo delegation. Coaches must be approved by the board in order to be apart of the state delegation. All wrestlers must have their code of conduct and application to go along with their payment in by June 24th.

The TNUSA Wrestling Board is working diligently to make the Fargo trip this year a great experience for all involved be it wrestler, coach or parent alike. Please see the attached survey so that we may have an estimated head count for the trip and make this year the best one yet. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WsTpiI1f_aCxCyzM-PaIvTEP1F-wW_KeMCq1OdAlK4o/viewform?ts=5cb9df86&edit_requested=true

With the USA Wrestling tournament season upon us we have new directors information to share. The Director of Officials is Justin Anglin. Please reach out to him for all officiating needs, questions or concerns. We are looking for both new and experienced officials. You can contact him via email at janglin@bradleyschools.org or by phone/text at 423-715-4697.