USA Wrestling encourages youth wrestlers to form friendships and to share their experiences with their peers as they compete in USA Wrestling National and Regional Championships. For many years, as part of building friendships, wrestlers have traded singlets and uniforms. These uniforms and singlets have become more unique, colorful and representative of the various states that the athletes represent at USA Wrestling’s Regional and National Championships.
Unfortunately, over the years, an element has emerged that has caused some concern for the operators of the event sites and for USA Wrestling. Often, USA Wrestling receives reports of items being stolen or of property being damaged due to the high volume of trading that takes place. More recently, the act of simply trading has escalated to the buying and selling of items, at sometimes very inflated prices.
It is this buying and selling activity that USA Wrestling is vehemently opposed to and will not tolerate. In addition, USA Wrestling must now address concerns and complaints from athletes and coaches about wrestlers stealing money and articles of clothing. These incidents are infrequent but they greatly affect the individuals that fall victim to these crimes.
Due to these unfortunate incidents, USA Wrestling has been directed by many venue operators that they cannot allow these trading activities. They are not willing to be responsible for the possible liability that may occur. In particular, this is the case with the FargoDome at the Junior and Cadet National Championships.
The procedures established for the FargoDome do not affect the trading of singlets and uniforms at other sites away from the FargoDome. It has always been USA Wrestling policy that the buying and selling of singlets is not allowed, and USA Wrestling will continue to take measures to insure such actions do not occur.
USA Wrestling is aware that its merchandiser, All American Sports, LLC, has taken unnecessary criticism for the recent policy changes by USA Wrestling in regards to trading. It should be made very clear and communicated that All American Sports, LLC stands by the following statements:
* All American Wrestling is not against the trading of singlets and other wrestling equipment.
* USA Wrestling sets the policy concerning the trading of singlets and equipment, not All-American Wrestling.
* Certain venues require a seller’s permit for all vendors at the event. If an arena enforces its policy, All American Wrestling has no control over that.
* All American Wrestling is willing to do anything to better the wrestling community. We welcome any suggestions to better our service to our customers.
We hope this clarifies the recent mis-understandings that have surrounded the issue of singlet and uniform trading.
Should you have any further questions, please do not to hesitate to contact: Mark A. Scott, USA Wrestling Director of State Services at 719-598-8181.
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