Massachusetts USA Wrestling has been working diligently to create a strong financial base to support the development of amateur wrestling in the state of Massachusetts. Through the implementation of our IRONMAN Tournament Series, our Coaches Education Programs, our Spring and Summer Tournament schedule and several other wrestling based initiatives, we are able to financially support the implementation of a full wrestling program on an annual basis. The 2006-2007 USA Wrestling season will mark the second year of our Stance in Motion Program where at least one organization will receive over $10,000 in scholarship money/supplies to support the implementation or development of a major wrestling program.

The Massachusetts USA Wrestling Board of Directors has taken a strong stance on the importance of wrestling programs in the state of Massachusetts. In an effort to increase opportunities for Massachusetts wrestlers and coaches we are so proud to be offering the Stance in Motion program for the 2nd year in a row. Stance in Motion is being introduced through an application process where interested organizations may apply for a Stance in Motion starter package to help put their new programs in motion. The Stance in Motion package will include the following:

• A new wrestling mat
• $1000 toward the expense of hosting a USA Wrestling Tournament
• Three 1-night clinic by a member of the MA USA Wrestling Elite Training Staff

Stance in Motion recipients will be selected by the MA USA Wrestling Board of Directors through utilization of a thorough screening process. Recipients will be announced once a year on the date of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association State Team Tournament Finals. As a first step, interested applicants must submit the Intent to Apply form to State Director, Aaron Polansky by October 15th. Intent to apply forms can be secured by contacting Aaron Polansky at apolansky@charter.net. Once a program has declared intent to apply, a contact person will be notified of dates for all programs required to complete the Stance in Motion application checklist below. The MA USA Wrestling Coaches Education programs can all be completed during a 1-day commitment. Organizations interested in being considered for a full or partial Stance in Motion package must submit the following:

• Intent to Apply form to Aaron Polansky, MA USA Wrestling State Director by October 15th.
• Written proposal outlining the vision for your program and why your program should be selected to receive the Stance in Motion scholarship. The proposal should include the number of wrestlers the program will service, the age range the program will service, the costs for those participating in the program, the length of time the program will run, the number of days per week the program will run, the location where the program will run, the coaches responsible for organization and implementation of the program, a letter from the facility agreeing to serve as the host location for your program, the places you will publicize the introduction of your program, a sample flier for advertisement of the program.
• Agree to host a tournament sanctioned by MA USA Wrestling (proceeds to benefit MA USA Wrestling).
• An individual from your organization must earn certification as an USA Wrestling Official (1-day commitment).
• A program coach must complete the USA Wrestling Bronze Certification Course before being considered for the Stance in Motion package (1-day commitment).
• Three letters of endorsement from the community supporting your wrestling program.
• Letter from your high school Athletic Director supporting implementation of a youth wrestling program.
• Entire coaching staff must complete the MA USA Wrestling Freestyle and Greco-Roman rules certification training (1-day commitment).

Intent to Apply

Aaron L. Polansky, Director
Stance in Motion Scholarship Program
197 Flint Road
Charlton, MA 01507