March 14th & 15th 2025 • Emmaus, PA

Freestyle
Kick Off

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Location

Emmaus High School
500 Macungie Ave.
Emmaus, PA 18049

Competition Information

The AWC Freestyle Kick-off is a USA Wrestling Premier Sanctioned individual freestyle event. This is a great opportunity for wrestlers to gain unique competition experience! By using Madison-style weigh-ins and brackets, this event breaks away from the rigidity of traditional weight classes. This not only encourages athletes to focus on their skill development rather than stressing over "cutting" weight but also offers a dynamic competition structure where they face a broader range of opponents.

This format emphasizes:

Skill and adaptability: Facing opponents at varied weights challenges athletes to adjust their techniques and strategies.
Practice-like atmosphere: Competing against a mix of opponents, similar to practice, builds resilience and prepares athletes for unexpected situations.
Focus on improvement: Without the pressure of strict weight management, athletes can concentrate on sharpening their wrestling abilities.

It's an excellent mindset shift to focus on the journey of improvement and enjoy the sport.

FRIDAY MARCH 14
3pm - 4pm : Early Weigh-ins for All Divisions ($20 Early Weigh In Fee)
5pm - 7pm : Regular Weigh-ins for All Division
SATURDAY MARCH 15

6:30am : Doors Open
7:30am : Rules Clinic
8:00am : Competition Begins
12:00pm : Approx. Conclusion
NO SATTELITE WEIGH-INS.
FRIDAY MARCH 14
3pm - 4pm : Early Weigh-ins for ($20 Early Weigh In Fee)
5pm - 7pm : Regular Weigh-ins
The Madison system is a format used in wrestling tournaments to group competitors based on their actual weights, rather than having them compete in predefined weight classes. It is particularly common in youth wrestling, smaller tournaments, or events where there are fewer participants in each weight range. Here’s how it works:
How the Madison System Works
1. Weigh-Ins:
  - All wrestlers weigh in at the tournament site before competition begins.
  - Each wrestler’s exact weight is recorded.
2. Grouping:
  - After weigh-ins, wrestlers are sorted and grouped into brackets based on their actual weights.
  - The goal is to create brackets with wrestlers of similar weights and sometimes skill levels, minimizing mismatches.
  - Typically, brackets include 4-8 wrestlers, depending on the tournament rules and the number of participants.
3. Bracket Assignments:
  - Brackets are assigned after all weights are recorded, so participants won’t know their opponents or grouping until weigh-ins are complete.
  - Age and skill level may also factor into grouping, particularly for youth tournaments.
4. Competition:
  - Wrestlers compete only within their assigned bracket.
  - Depending on the event, brackets can follow a round-robin format (where everyone wrestles each opponent) or traditional single-/double-elimination formats.
AWC Freestyle Kick Off is a USAW Premier Sanctioned Event. All coaches and participants are required to have their USA Wrestling member information. Please see the below links for all forms and required documents:
Athlete Membership
Wrestling Leadership Member
Background Check (FOR COACHES)
Safe Sport Certification (FOR COACHES)
***Takes 6-8 weeks - Please Start ASAP***
USAW MODIFIED RULES. REFEREE'S DECISIONS ARE FINAL
BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND/OR PROOF OF STATE RESIDENCY MUST BE PROVIDED IF CHALLENGED
HEADGEAR OPTIONAL
ALL WRESTLERS MUST WEIGH-IN WEARING A SINGLET. RED AND BLUE SINGLETS ARE REQUIRED.
GIRLS MUST HAVE HAIR SECURED
UNSPORTSMAN LIKE CONDUCT BY ATHLETE, PARENT, OR COACH WILL RESULT IN EXPULSION FROM THE TOURNAMENT
PERIOD TIMES:
BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL 2:00 - 30 Sec Break- 2:00
NOVICE GIRLS & K-8 BOYS: 1:30- 30 Sec Break - 1:30
Click here for Video Link
Single Day Pass
Adult $25
Senior (65+) $15
Children (under 12) $10
Active Military (w/ID) FREE
Children (under 6) FREE