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Post by Kenny Flynn on Dec 30, 2011 10:29:08 GMT -5
Seeking some input on allowing my 12 year old son Tucker to pull amateur and novice classes. Am I a little anxious  I feel strength wise he would be able to compete in some tournaments, just worried at this point in his life am I rushing things?? Looking forward to some comments!!!!! |
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Post by David Owens on Dec 30, 2011 10:53:39 GMT -5
Seeking some input on allowing my 12 year old son Tucker to pull amateur and novice classes. Am I a little anxious I feel strength wise he would be able to compete in some tournaments, just worried at this point in his life am I rushing things?? Looking forward to some comments!!!!! My opinion is if you let him pull make sure he knows what positions and what kinds of pressure CAN get your arm broke.......I wish I had done this with my wife and I would feel a little less guilty about here getting her arm broke......she knew about the arm break position but not the should pushing that even with squared shoulders can lead to a break simply because of the direction.........but lesson learned, I think as pro/vet pullers, or coaches we need to educate to the farthest extent possible to novice, women and kids.........from there what they do on the table is in their hands since the rules for pulling in unsafe positions on not enforced at the open level in most cases.........all we can do is educate |
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Post by Robin the manhandler Chandler on Dec 30, 2011 10:53:43 GMT -5
The pro class will not hurt him but alot of am classes still dont know what they r doing
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Post by Rob Vigeant Jr. on Dec 30, 2011 11:53:48 GMT -5
Try it, at some point it has to be his first time out
If he has an idea how to pull let him have at it.
My cousins son pulled ams at 12/13..and did pretty good
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Post by John Schnell on Dec 30, 2011 13:02:58 GMT -5
I would just be anxious regarding the growth plates and soft tissue that are still developing. Plus his bones aren't fully hardened yet. If he pulls a grown man, strength being equal, I think the softer tissue and softer bones would (maybe literally) be a breaking point. I think 15 is a bit better, but that is my opinion.
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Post by Hungry Hippo on Dec 30, 2011 13:18:10 GMT -5
My son started @ the age of 6. He came in 2nd place at Nationals in '07..I don't think injury was a huge factor at that age because of the competition. He's 11 now and 140 lbs and the competition is becoming greater thus higher risks to injury..but like Schnell said if your boy pulls a grown man it increases the risk due to the factors he mentioned. I would keep him away from the big tourneys and hit the small ones until he's ready. JMO....
He's gonna be a great AW Kenny.
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Post by James Worke on Dec 30, 2011 13:35:33 GMT -5
You have to know HOW to lose as well as HOW to win, to avoid injury. Train smart at home & they will be habit during tournaments. Dont let him train w bad form at home, thats where it starts imo
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Post by Chris Gangi on Dec 30, 2011 14:10:42 GMT -5
My daughter will be 13 soon and has asked to go to the nationals and to be honest it scares the hell out of me.... but I think she would do very well and might let her next year.
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Post by Patrick Wood on Dec 30, 2011 15:21:42 GMT -5
I don't know about pulling at 12--I would have to agree with the idea that kids/children should not be arm wrestling until age 15 or so. I don't think those types of stresses are meant to be put on growing bones--just like limiting pitch count and extended rest days for little league or banning curve balls for kids, because of the awkward stresses on the bones.
And yes, there are always exceptions (those kids that pull and don't do noticeable damage), but why risk it?
Is there a realistic estimate out there, or tourney organizers that can attest to how often they have seen injuries in kid pullers pulling other kids, or strong kids pulling adults and getting hurt?
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Post by Josh Handeland on Dec 30, 2011 16:09:56 GMT -5
As long as he knows how to pull safely, without getting in dangerous positions, and if he wants to pull, then I'd say let him. Like RVJ said, he'll have to start sometime.
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Post by Arturo Garcia on Dec 30, 2011 16:20:47 GMT -5
I don't know about pulling at 12--I would have to agree with the idea that kids/children should not be arm wrestling until age 15 or so. I don't think those types of stresses are meant to be put on growing bones--just like limiting pitch count and extended rest days for little league or banning curve balls for kids, because of the awkward stresses on the bones. Don't all elite gymnasts start out at a VERY young age? What about the stress on their bones from the unnatural possitions they hold? |
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Post by jonathanvazquez on Dec 30, 2011 16:28:15 GMT -5
I would just be anxious regarding the growth plates and soft tissue that are still developing. Plus his bones aren't fully hardened yet. If he pulls a grown man, strength being equal, I think the softer tissue and softer bones would (maybe literally) be a breaking point. I think 15 is a bit better, but that is my opinion. This is exactly correct. I know from personal experience. I was in your exact frame of mind Kenny and I know now it was a BAD idea. My son "broke" his arm pulling a grown man. The small bone on the inside of his elbow "detached". His tendon was stronger than the bone. I strongly advise against this, Have him keep pullin kids. |
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Post by Mike Gould on Dec 30, 2011 16:32:44 GMT -5
Kenny, I think its great. My sons been competing for 2 years and he is just now 14. Only a couples kids tournys a year but its great. Our main thing is position and form and if he is in a bad spot we lay down. Its not worth an injury at there young age. My son won the youth nationals this year and it was the best feeling.
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Post by Kenny Flynn on Dec 30, 2011 23:56:20 GMT -5
Really cool to see the different opinions on this, a part of me wants to let him pull everyone, his hand is slightly smaller than mine , he feels very strong , I honestly think he is better fundamentally than I am , love what Mike Gould said about stopping his son's matches.....
Bottom line ,we've all seen broken arms at tournaments , the LAST thing any of us want to see is our babies in pain over something we've exposed them to.... Jonathan I appreciate you sharing your experience with me about your son , definitely slowed my approach , THANK YOU !!!! Would LOVE to see kids classes at EVERY tournament , this is our future .........
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Post by Shane Vasquez on Dec 31, 2011 8:46:34 GMT -5
Kayla said stay in the kids class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I feel strength wise he would be able to compete in some tournaments, just worried at this point in his life am I rushing things?? Looking forward to some comments!!!!!
