Wrestling is a very demanding sport. A wrestler needs to achieve and maintain a high level of physical fitness, including strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and quickness. The only way a wrestler can gain and maintain the necessary fitness level is through a continuous daily conditioning program. Wrestling moves are skills that require muscle memory and are very difficult to learn. Many repetitions of a single move must be correctly practiced, on several consecutive days to develop the automatic responses necessary for success. During a match a wrestler does not have time to think through a move. The automatic reaction needed during a match can only be learned by consistently being reinforced both mentally and physically on several consecutive practice days. Absences interrupt the sequence needed for learning and will delay a wrestler's level of conditioning and skill development.  

Sometimes at a match, a young inexperienced wrestler could be the only one eligible in their weight class. The head coach may decide to forfeit the weight class, and not select the wrestler to compete at the varsity level. For the wrestler's safety and development, it might be better for them to compete against someone closer to their ability. If a wrestler misses several practices before a tournament they may be ineligible to wrestle that tournament due to conditioning.  

 Unexcused absences or tardiness will not be tolerated. To make sure absence is excused do one of the following: a) if you are at school and have to go home notify head coach before you leave, b) if you stay home from school bring note to practice when you return. If you have an unexcused absence or tardy you will lose letter points. On the second occurrence you lose letter points and get extra conditioning. On the third occurrence we will meet and decide if you want to make a commitment or turn in gear.