The mission of our youth wrestling program is to foster the personal and athletic development of young athletes through the sport of wrestling. We aim to instill core values, build character, and create a lifelong love of an active lifestyle.

Our program provides a nurturing environment where children can grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Wrestlers will learn the fundamentals of the sport while developing discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic on the mat. As importantly, they will build self-confidence, respect for others, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Undoubtedly, wrestling empowers youth and equips them with invaluable life skills. The lessons learned through training and competition – setting goals, making sacrifices, bouncing back from setbacks – will benefit our athletes long after their wrestling careers end.

Our coaches serve as mentors and positive role models. They are dedicated to bringing out the best in each young athlete through positive coaching. We celebrate effort over outcomes and take pride in individual and team accomplishments.

Hopewell Valley Wrestling is committed to growing the sport of wrestling at all levels. Our program will introduce wrestling to new families and communities. We also emphasize supporting girls’ wrestling to ensure equal opportunities for female athletes to learn, compete, and excel.

Through shared experiences and camaraderie, our wrestlers build bonds that last forever. Our program strives to create a diverse wrestling community that uplifts one another on and off the mat.

Priorities

• Put the emotional and physical well-being of all athletes ahead of any personal desire to win.

• Emphasize skill development, fair play, and having fun over winning at all costs.

• Promote a positive, inclusive environment free of discrimination.

Responsibilities to Athletes

• Treat each athlete with respect, dignity, and patience. No bullying, harassment or hazing.

• Provide fair coaching time and feedback to all athletes, regardless of ability.

• Be a positive role model by maintaining emotional control and composure.

• Advocate for safe practices and enforce safety rules and policies.

Responsibilities to the Sport

• Uphold the rules of wrestling and model good sportsmanship at all times.

• Respect the integrity of the officials and their decisions during competitions.

• Use appropriate language and behavior, and prohibit the use of illegal tactics.

• Address any grievances through proper channels in a respectful manner.

Professional Conduct

• Maintain boundaries and avoid inappropriate relationships with athletes.

• Protect athletes' confidentiality and privacy when handling personal information.

• Pursue continuous education and skills to improve as a coach.

• Refrain from the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco around athletes.

• Coaches' uniform – matching polos/quarter zips during competition

Accountability

• Accept responsibility for violations of this Code.

• Report any suspected violations by other coaches or staff to program leadership.

Athlete Code of Conduct

• 100% effort at practices/competitions

• Focus on improving rather than winning

• Respect coaches, teammates, opponents, officials

• Good sportsmanship

• Follow all safety rules

Parent Code of Conduct

• Encourage the development of all wrestlers

• Respect coaches, officials, opponents

• No sideline coaching

• Mandatory volunteer time to support operations

• Optional buyout

• Ensure prompt payment of fees

Key Policies

• Background checks for coaches/volunteers (USA Wrestling Card required)

• Copper certification recommended

• Team certification recommended

• Concussion protocol

• Financial assistance program

• Practice attendance requirements

• Anti-bullying and hazing prevention