Northampton Wrestling · Junior High & High School

How to be a Konkrete Kids parent

Ten things that matter most.

1. 1
   Love them the same, win or lose. Before every match: “I’m proud of you no matter what.” After: “I love to watch you wrestle.”
2. 2
   Be a great spectator. Stay in the stands and let the coaches coach. Keep your words to encouragement.
3. 3
   Focus on growth, not results. Praise effort, improvement, and perseverance. Winning doesn’t always equal progress.
4. 4
   Make the car ride a safe place. After a tough match, let them talk first and mostly listen. Save the lessons for practice.
5. 5
   Let them speak for themselves. Wrestlers talk to their coaches first. If it’s still unresolved, contact Coach Provini privately.
6. 6
   Wait 24 hours. Give emotions a day to settle before raising a concern with a coach.
7. 7
   Support safe weight management. Follow the plan the coaches and athletic trainer set. Never pressure your wrestler about weight.
8. 8
   Honor the game. Respect officials, opponents, and coaches. Cheer for our team, not against theirs.
9. 9
   School and healthy habits first. Passing grades, good sleep, good food, and clean gear every day.
10. 10
    Be part of the team. Come to matches, support the booster club, and trust the process.

Wrestling belongs to the athletes. It’s their thing, not ours.

Built on guidance from USA Wrestling, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Aspen Institute Project Play, and the National Wrestling Coaches Association.