The Idaho High School Athletic Association has officially confirmed that updated safety protocols regarding illegal maneuvers are being implemented across the state. This outcome ensures that the well-being of our athletes remains the primary focus of the competition. Thank you for your commitment to fostering a safer environment for these …
May 19, 2016
Final supporters
Idaho High School Athletic Association,
We are writing this protest to ensure that something is done to build awareness regarding the danger and illegality of a backflip during any wrestling match. Currently, the act is being glorified on social media for both its athleticism and for winning a state championship. If you watch the video link below, you will see that both wrestlers land on their heads and the Mountain Home wrestler appears to be seriously stunned from the violent hit to his head. http://www.kmvt.com/content/sports/Five-local-wres...
We strongly believe that without strong leadership from the Idaho High School Athletic Association there is a high probability that young athletes will be seriously injured attempting to do backflips in either wrestling practice or competition.
We are pleading with you to do the following.
- Send a letter to the Minico coaches explaining the danger and illegality of this move and that they never should have allowed the wrestler to practice this move during practice. This letter should be signed off on and returned to ensure that this is taken seriously.
- A similar letter along with training be given to the officials reiterating the huge responsibility placed on them to keep our young athletes safe. Also, there should be a discussion regarding the unlikeliness of a leg sweep ever causing a wrestler to do a backflip. They should all know backflips are illegal (NFHS - Rule 7, Section 1, Article 5, Letter W).
- We ask that the process for appealing an official's decision be reviewed and trained so that there is an equitable and fair way in which to make a valid protest and have the protest be given consideration while still on the mat.
- Finally, we ask that the state title decision be reversed or at least shared between these two athletes. After the match on television and in social media the Minico athlete admitted and bragged about training for and performing this dangerous move in the hope that the refs might let it go. This is a slap in the face to all of us, the Athletes, Coaches, and Officials that work so hard to make this a great and honorable sport. http://www.kmvt.com/content/sports/Five-local-wres...
Updates
March 7, 2016
The petition has now reached two hundred and fifty signatures. This level of engagement confirms that our community prioritizes the safety of student athletes far above the celebration of reckless maneuvers. I am currently preparing to submit these initial findings to the Idaho High School Athletic Association.
Reached 250 supporters
March 6, 2016
March 6, 2016
The response from our community regarding the dangers of this maneuver has been substantial. I am currently reaching out to officials to ensure these concerns reach the proper administrators who oversee athlete safety. We must continue to emphasize that the health of these students outweighs any display of athletic spectacle.
Reached 100 supporters
March 6, 2016
March 4, 2016
The momentum toward our next milestone is encouraging. Please take a moment to forward this petition to your local contacts to ensure our message reaches the athletic association with the necessary weight.
122 Comments
Both Athletes could have been injured from that move. It needs to be addressed Not Awarded with a state title. Other wrestlers see that he got away with it and won they will try to do it also.
The risk of serious or permanent injury to one or both participants is disgraceful! To think that this was rewarded instead if penalized is unbelievable!!! The officials glorified the move and must have consequences before more wrestlers use the move and end up paralyzed or worse.
Please do not encourage illegal, dangerous moves that could cause irreparable injury to other participants. Your encouragement of this behavior is reprehensible and you should not be allowed to coach &/or teach if this is what is being taught and encouraged. A concerned nurse & mother, Stephanie Wright
My cousin fractured his neck in a wrestling accident!! He had to be rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery. Terribly scary!! Coaches and referees have an obligation to keep these athletes safe!!!
My son is 10 years old and wrestles. I have seen this move attempted by this age group and each time a child is stunned and head and neck are hurt. It needs to stop. It is to dangerous of a move. Concussions are not something to play around with.
Illegal move period
The move used against Pierce Mederios was known to be, and is known to be an illegal move and there is precedent to support that. It should not have been allowed and considering that the wrong decision was made, the winner should be Pierce and the other individual should be runner up. That is the only way to right this wrong.
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The Idaho High School Athletic Association has officially confirmed that updated safety protocols regarding illegal maneuvers are being implemented across the state. This outcome ensures that the well-being of our athletes remains the primary focus of the competition. Thank you for your commitment to fostering a safer environment for these …
May 19, 2016
Final supporters
Idaho High School Athletic Association,
We are writing this protest to ensure that something is done to build awareness regarding the danger and illegality of a backflip during any wrestling match. Currently, the act is being glorified on social media for both its athleticism and for winning a state championship. If you watch the video link below, you will see that both wrestlers land on their heads and the Mountain Home wrestler appears to be seriously stunned from the violent hit to his head. http://www.kmvt.com/content/sports/Five-local-wres...
We strongly believe that without strong leadership from the Idaho High School Athletic Association there is a high probability that young athletes will be seriously injured attempting to do backflips in either wrestling practice or competition.
We are pleading with you to do the following.
- Send a letter to the Minico coaches explaining the danger and illegality of this move and that they never should have allowed the wrestler to practice this move during practice. This letter should be signed off on and returned to ensure that this is taken seriously.
- A similar letter along with training be given to the officials reiterating the huge responsibility placed on them to keep our young athletes safe. Also, there should be a discussion regarding the unlikeliness of a leg sweep ever causing a wrestler to do a backflip. They should all know backflips are illegal (NFHS - Rule 7, Section 1, Article 5, Letter W).
- We ask that the process for appealing an official's decision be reviewed and trained so that there is an equitable and fair way in which to make a valid protest and have the protest be given consideration while still on the mat.
- Finally, we ask that the state title decision be reversed or at least shared between these two athletes. After the match on television and in social media the Minico athlete admitted and bragged about training for and performing this dangerous move in the hope that the refs might let it go. This is a slap in the face to all of us, the Athletes, Coaches, and Officials that work so hard to make this a great and honorable sport. http://www.kmvt.com/content/sports/Five-local-wres...
Updates
March 7, 2016
The petition has now reached two hundred and fifty signatures. This level of engagement confirms that our community prioritizes the safety of student athletes far above the celebration of reckless maneuvers. I am currently preparing to submit these initial findings to the Idaho High School Athletic Association.
Reached 250 supporters
March 6, 2016
March 6, 2016
The response from our community regarding the dangers of this maneuver has been substantial. I am currently reaching out to officials to ensure these concerns reach the proper administrators who oversee athlete safety. We must continue to emphasize that the health of these students outweighs any display of athletic spectacle.
Reached 100 supporters
March 6, 2016
March 4, 2016
The momentum toward our next milestone is encouraging. Please take a moment to forward this petition to your local contacts to ensure our message reaches the athletic association with the necessary weight.
122 Comments
The expected job of a referee is to protect the competitors and the integrity of this proud sport. On this day it served to protect one man's ego who appears to believe his calls are beyond reproach.
Both Athletes could have been injured from that move. It needs to be addressed Not Awarded with a state title. Other wrestlers see that he got away with it and won they will try to do it also.
The risk of serious or permanent injury to one or both participants is disgraceful! To think that this was rewarded instead if penalized is unbelievable!!! The officials glorified the move and must have consequences before more wrestlers use the move and end up paralyzed or worse.
Please do not encourage illegal, dangerous moves that could cause irreparable injury to other participants. Your encouragement of this behavior is reprehensible and you should not be allowed to coach &/or teach if this is what is being taught and encouraged. A concerned nurse & mother, Stephanie Wright
My cousin fractured his neck in a wrestling accident!! He had to be rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery. Terribly scary!! Coaches and referees have an obligation to keep these athletes safe!!!
My son is 10 years old and wrestles. I have seen this move attempted by this age group and each time a child is stunned and head and neck are hurt. It needs to stop. It is to dangerous of a move. Concussions are not something to play around with.
Illegal move period
The move used against Pierce Mederios was known to be, and is known to be an illegal move and there is precedent to support that. It should not have been allowed and considering that the wrong decision was made, the winner should be Pierce and the other individual should be runner up. That is the only way to right this wrong.
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The expected job of a referee is to protect the competitors and the integrity of this proud sport. On this day it served to protect one man's ego who appears to believe his calls are beyond reproach.