WRESTLING 101

The objective of the sport is to pin your opponent by forcing your opponent onto his back.  A pin, also called a fall, occurs when any part of both shoulders, or both shoulder blades of either wrestler are in contact with mat for two (2) continuous seconds.  A pin ends the match immediately. However, if neither wrestler is pinned, the winner is the wrestler with the most points at the end of the match.

There are five ways to score points in a folkstyle wrestling match: Takedown, Escape, Reversal, Near-Fall and Penalty.

MATCH SCORING

Move

Points

Description

Takedown

2 points

A takedown is earned when a wrestler brings his opponent to the mat, with restraining control, from the neutral (standing) position

Escape

1 point

An escape is earned when a wrestler, from the bottom position, breaks free from his opponents control gaining a neutral (standing) position.

Reversal

2 points

A reversal is gained when a wrestler, from the bottom position, gains control of his opponent, placing himself in the top position.

Near Fall

2 or 3 points

When near fall criteria is met for 2 seconds. Near fall criteria is:

• when any part of both shoulders of the defensive wrestler are held for a least 2 seconds within four inches of the mat; or

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

If a Near Fall criteria is met for two continuous seconds, 2 points are awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the predicament.

If a 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,
See Chart

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

No

1pt

1pt

2pt

Disqualify

Unnecessary Roughness

No

1pt

1pt

2pt

Disqualify

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

No

1pt

1pt

2pt

Disqualify

Stalling

Yes

1pt

1pt

2pt

Disqualify

Technical Violations

No

1pt

1pt

2pt

Disqualify

• Technical violations include avoiding wrestling by leaving the 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.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct – Warning. On 2nd penalty disqualify, and remove from premises. Includes coaches and non-participants.
• Flagrant Misconduct- No Warning. Disqualify and Remove from premises. Includes contestants, coaches, and non-participants.