Page 36 - Safe Wrestling

Saša Jovanovi´ c and Matej Plevnik

highlights the necessity for discipline-specific frameworks rather than
generic preventive solutions. Although several principles apply broadly
across combat sports, their effective implementation must reflect the
unique technical structures, loading patterns, and competitive path-
ways associated with each discipline (Sterkowicz-Przybycie´n& Franchi-
ni, 2013; James et al., 2016). Wrestling – particularly in its freestyle and
Greco-Roman forms – provides a valuable model for integrating scientif-
ic evidence, pedagogical responsibility, and applied training practice.
In conclusion, the evidence synthesised in this chapter reinforces the
need for a holistic and scientifically grounded approach to youth com-
bat sports, with wrestling serving as a particularly important example.
By aligning training methodologies with developmental principles and
embedding injury-preventive behaviour within the broader educational
process, it becomes possible to create safer, more effective, and more sus-
tainable sport environments for young athletes (Meeuwisse et al., 2007;
Finch, 2006; O’Brien et al., 2019). These insights provide a critical con-
ceptual foundation for the subsequent chapters, which will further ex-
amine injury-prevention strategies, training design, and coach education
within the Safe Wrestling framework.

References
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