There is a rule in place that prohibits a boy in a Catholic school wrestling program (school or club) from wrestling an opponent who is a female, forcing our boys to forfeit.  It is also important to note that this rule only applies during the regular season and they are allowed to wrestle girls during the post season.  This does not make sense.  

My son, a freshman in high school, has been forced to forfeit numerous matches this season so far including the third place medal round of the Berks County Individual Championship Tournament.  

We asking that the diocese eradicate the rule and leave the decision as to whether a child wrestles someone of a different gender to the parents. 

This rule disadvantages both the boys and the girls.

• The forced forfeits count as losses on our boys' high school record which has significant implications. Every wrestlers’ record plays a huge role in determining their seeding for post-season competitions. Those competitions (sectionals, districts, regionals, and states) are why these boys work so hard. 
• The boys are receiving fewer wins, resulting in their inability to reach milestones or beat records both of which are celebrated by high schools and get the attention of collegiate coaches.  
• It is embarrassing for our boys to forfeit as, often times, they are ridiculed by the opposing team and their spectators.  
• Since there are fewer girls in wrestling programs, the girls have fewer matches/competitors which stifles their growth in the sport. 
• Girls who have to accept forfeits may not feel as though they have earned their wins as forfeits are less meaningful.  
• This rule may inadvertently cause Catholic school children, who have aspirations related to this sport, to pursue alternative educational options where such rules would not be imposed.  This will cause families to have to choose between Catholic education and a public school that enables their sports aspirations.

It is important to note that girls wrestling has been gaining momentum and there are more and more sanctioned girls teams.  This is helping to resolve part of the issue.  The issue of boys not being allowed to wrestle girls who do not have a girls team to join still exists. 

My son has been negatively impacted by this rule.  I must advocate for him.  But, I am only one person.  Your help is needed to effectively influence change.  Please sign this petition and share it with your network.