How to Watch Wrestling

The object of a wrestling match is to gain a fall by pinning an opponents shoulders to the mat for 2 continuous seconds, or to gain a decision by out-wrestling an opponent.

Length of Match: A Match is six minutes in length and divided into three periods of two minutes each. The first period starts from the standing or "Neutral" position. The second period allows a choice of position and is determined by a coin toss. The winner may choose top or bottom in "referee's" position or may now opt to start in the neutral position. The third period allows a choice of position and is given to the wrestler who lost the coin toss before the second period.

MATCH SCORING 

MOVE                        POINTS          DESCRIPTION

Takedown                   2 Points            From a neutral position (both standing with neither wrestler having control) a wrestler gains control over his opponent down on the mat while the supporting parts of either wrestler are in-bound.

Escape                        1 Point            When a defensive (bottom) wrestler gains a neutral position and his opponent has lost control while at least one wrestler is in-bound.

Reversal                     2 Points            When the defensive wrestler comes from the bottom position and gains control of his opponent, either on the mat or in a rear standing position, while the supporting points of either wrestler are in-bounds.

Near Fall                   2 or 3 Points    When near fall criteria is met for 2 seconds. Near fall criteria is:

v     When any part of both shoulders or scapula of the defensive wrestler are held for a least 2 seconds within four inches of the mat OR

v     When one shoulder or scapula is touching the mat with the other shoulder or scapula held at an angle of 45 degrees or less.

If near fall criteria is met for two continuous seconds, 2 points are awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the predicament. If near fall criteria is met for five continuous seconds a 3 point near fall is awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the near fall situation.

Penalty                       1 Point            Typically, a wrestler is awarded point(s) for technical violations or infractions of the rules committed by his opponent. These points are awarded according to the penalty chart.

PENALTY CHART

INFRACTION             WARNING    FIRST   SECOND    THIRD   FOURTH

Illegal Holds                None                1 point   1 point         2 points   Disqualification

Unnecessary

Roughness                  None                1 point   1 point         2 points   Disqualification

Unsportsmanlike

Conduct                       None                1 point   1 point         2 points   Disqualification

Stalling                         Yes                  1 point   1 point         2 points   Disqualification

Technical Violations   None                1 point   1 point         2 points   Disqualification

Technical violations include avoiding wrestling by leaving mat, grabbing clothing or headgear, incorrect starting position. locked hands. Technical violations for false start or incorrect starting position are 1 point penalty for each infraction following two cautions. This infraction does not count toward disqualification.