FOSTERING THE COMPETITIVE SPIRIT

Introducing your child to competition is a powerful method of nurturing their competitive spirit. Additionally, training for competitions has shown to strengthen a student's connection to Jiu-Jitsu by bringing focus to every training session that can only be brought about by the challenge of a tournament.

The mental skills developed through Jiu-Jitsu competition, including self-control, staying calm under pressure, attentive listening, grit, and resilience, are beneficial beyond their martial arts journey and are proven to contribute greatly to the overall development of children.

A parent plays an important role in ensuring that their child has a positive competitive experience. The following is a basic overview of the information you need to know. As a result, you will be able to prepare for and enjoy the tournament day as well as the process leading up to it a lot more.

We highly recommend you take a moment to read the CompNet Parents Guide. This is an invaluable resource to help you prepare and align expectations for the event  https://compnet.link/parentsguide

TIPS FOR PARENTS

1. When registering your child for the tournament, have a conversation with their coach or professor. Ask them if they feel your child is ready and how you and they can work together to help them prepare for the tournament. Also, you and your child coach should decide which division you should register for.
2. Your registration is fully refundable through tournament credit two weeks before the event. If the reason for the refund request is a medical condition, the deadline for a refund is one week before the event. Tournament credits are transferable for other tournaments in your region and can be used to register for future events in your region.
3. When you register your child, you will receive one complimentary spectator ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased during the registration check-out process (at a 20% discount) or at the door.
4. A CompNet division is built by three elements: Age, Rank, and Weight. Make sure to register your child for the age group they will be in on the day of the event. 
5. CompNet Tournaments age groups follow a similar structure to the GBK Program used by Gracie Barra Schools. 
6. A typical age group for CompNet Tournaments goes as follows: Tiny Champs (3 and 4 years old), Little Champions 1 (5 and 6 years old), Little Champions 2 (7 and 8 years old), Juniors 1 (9 and 10 years old), Juniors 2 (11 and 12 years old), Teens (13 to 15 years old), Juvenile (16 and 17 years old).
7. When choosing the weight division, make sure to weigh in your child wearing the full Gracie Barra Uniform (Kimono, Rashguard, belt). The official weigh-in happens a few minutes before the athlete's first match. Monitor your child's weight during the weeks leading into the competition and make any changes in division one week before the event.  Click here to download the CN Kids Weight Chart
8. A child that does not meet the weight requirement for the division is subjected to immediate disqualification. 
9. When registering, you will be asked if you agree to move up in weight, age, or rank if your child is the only competitor in the division. If you answer yes, the tournament organizer will use its best judgment to create competitive matches for every athlete. If you do not wish your child to move up in age, weight, or rank, and your child is alone in the bracket, he or she will be declared the winner of the division and receive the medal at the podium. Division winners who do not have a fight will not score points for the ranking.
10. The deadline to change your child's division is 5-7 days before the event.
11. CompNet Tournaments have all youth divisions in the mornings and early afternoon. Plan to arrive at the venue 60 mins before the doors open (or 60 minutes before the estimated time for your child's division). We will release an approximate time for each division a few days before the tournament. 
12. Plan to attend the tournament from 7.30a until 2.00p. Once the estimated times of each division are released, you can adjust your schedule accordingly.

Through the experience of competing at a CompNet Tournament, parents have a very unique opportunity to create quality moments with their children and teach them valuable lessons about sports and life. If you have any questions about how to prepare for the tournament, reach out to your child's coach or professor.