Dear New Fairfield Wrestling Families, 

We hope this email finds your family and loved ones doing well and staying healthy. Back in March, we do not think any of us could have predicted how much the Covid-19 Pandemic would impact our daily lives. We have all seen our normal routines and ways of life change almost instantly. We have made so many sacrifices and have adapted to new standards of health and hygiene to try and prevent spreading the virus to our friends, family and within our community. Ensuring the health and safety of our wrestlers, their families and the New Fairfield community is of the utmost importance to our coaches and NFWC board members. 

The NFWC board members and coaches have extensively discussed if our wrestling club could implement all of the current health guidelines (wearing a mask and social distancing) as part of our season, inclusive of practices and competitions. In addition to these complicated issues, we were also informed by the New Fairfield School District that, as part of the Schools’ Reopening Document, that no outside organizations would be permitted to use facility space in the school district due to the current pandemic. 

Taking these factors into consideration, we have made the very difficult and disheartening decision to cancel the 2020-21 wrestling season for the NFWC. It was the very last thing any of us wanted to do but, as we have said, we have to make sure we protect our children, their families and the NF community. Wrestling is the highest risk sport of transmission due to the very close contact (“breathing in the far ear”-teaching cue) wrestlers have with their opponent/training partner. We are aware that our children are being affected by the pandemic, to varying degrees, and this decision could compound their different feelings. Although children are typically resilient and tough, especially our NFWC wrestlers, they also need to know they are not alone if feeling a sense of anxiety, disappointment or being overwhelmed, with all that is happening around them. We are all disappointed, and rather sad, that we will not have a season but please let us know if we can help support the wrestlers as they process this decision. 

The NFWC will be working to explore opportunities to keep the wrestlers working together in a safe and healthy manner. An example could be a strength and conditioning program, that adheres to all health guidelines, at a local facility to develop strength, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning in small groups. We will provide more information as soon as possible and as we assess family interest and commitment. 

We have always said that the New Fairfield Wrestling Club is one big family and we mean it now more than ever! Together we will all fight and claw our way through this pandemic and soon we will all be back in a smelly gym watching our warriors compete. Our club will continue to communicate with all families periodically so that we can provide any updates or opportunities we have for our wrestlers. If it is within your families comfort zone, private clubs like Empire Wrestling Club (Somers, NY 17 miles and 29 minutes from NF) and G.P.S. (Armonk, NY 31 miles and 39 minutes from NF) are operating with in-person practices currently.  We have had both youth, middle school and highschool  wrestlers from NF utilize both clubs and both come highly recommended from their clients.  If you should have any questions, or need any assistance, please reach out to us! Our email addresses and phone numbers are under the Connect Tab/ Our Board.