Wrestling Rules, Scoring Criteria and More

by Bill Welker, Ed.D.

The following are many of the more specific rules (labeled as items) that are part of the sport of wrestling. There are also questions after each item to test one’s understanding. These items are:

• The Takedown
• Escapes And Reversals
• The Near Fall
• The Fall
• Illegal Holds
• Unnecessary Roughness
• Technical Violations
• Unsportsmanlike Behavior Of Wrestlers
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct Of Coaches And Spectators
• The Assistant Referee
• Official's Judgment Calls
• The Lowering Of Shoulder Straps

Sudden Death In Dual Meets And Tournaments

• Team Scoring In Dual Meets
• Team Scoring In Tournament Competition

The Takedown

The objective of wrestling is to pin your opponent, but it usually involves a takedown to accomplish this goal. As a matter of fact, it has been proven statistically that the wrestler who executes the first takedown in a match will win the match 85 to 90% of the time.

What is considered a takedown? Well, to set up a takedown, the wrestlers must be working from the neutral or standing position, a situation where neither wrestler has control. Then a takedown is scored when one of the wrestlers gains control over the other, causing his opponent's supporting points (the area or areas in which most of the body weight is placed) to be the knees, thighs, buttocks, or hands.

In reference to out-of-bounds situations, a wrestler can be awarded a takedown as long as he or his adversary is in-bounds. Remember, the line around the mat is out-of-bounds. And don't forget, a takedown can be awarded if the scoring wrestler's feet are in-bounds and touching the mat. In years past, the scoring wrestler's knees had to be in-bounds.

When the takedown is achieved, the offensive man receives two match points. The double-leg drop, single-leg sweep, fireman's carry, arm drag, snapdown and pancake are just a few types of takedowns.

Q: Wrestler A shoots a double leg takedown on Wrestler B. At the completion of the takedown, Wrestler B is completely out of out-of-bounds and Wrestler A's feet are in-bounds. Would a takedown be awarded?

A: Since the feet of Wrestler A were in-bounds, the takedown would be awarded.

Escapes And Reversals

The wrestler in control or on top is referred to as the offensive wrestler, while the wrestler on the bottom is the defensive matman. Keep in mind, only the defensive man can score an escape or reversal.

The Escape : For the bottom man to secure an escape, he must place himself in the neutral position, causing his opponent to lose control. The defensive wrestler may also be awarded an escape going out-of-bounds if his adversary is in-bounds at the completion of the move. The official will indicate one point for the wrestler who earns an escape. The stand-up, forward or granby roll, sit-out turn-in, and sit-out turn-out are examples of escape maneuvers.

The Reversal : The defensive wrestler may procure a reversal by moving from the bottom position to the top position, gaining control of his opponent either on the mat or on their feet. Like the escape, a reversal can be obtained crossing the out-of-bounds line if one of the wrestlers is in-bounds. The referee will designate two points for a reversal. The switch, side roll and Peterson roll are examples of reversals.

Remember, one match point is awarded for an escape and two match points are given for a reversal.

Q: The bottom man stands up and hits a standing switch, spinning behind and controlling his opponent while on their feet. Would a reversal be awarded?

A: The referee would award a two-point reversal because he gained control of his opponent on their feet. Note: If it were a takedown move, however, the wrestler must be brought down to the mat for points to be scored.

The Near Fall

Only the offensive (or top) wrestler can score a near fall. He may do so by causing the defensive wrestler...

• to spring into a high bridge,
• to lean back on his elbows,
• to expose his shoulders four inches or less to the mat, and
• to have one shoulder on the mat and the other 45 degrees or less above the mat.

The top wrestler can score two points by holding (for two seconds) the bottom wrestler in any of the above noted positions. Furthermore, if the offensive wrestler can secure a near fall for a continuous five-second period, he would then be awarded three match points for the maneuver.

Note, the official usually indicates a near-fall situation with an angular sweep of the arm, each sweep designating a second, but he will not signal any points until the near-fall hold is terminated.

In reference to the out-of-bounds line, if both shoulders are partially in-bounds or one shoulder is completely in-bounds, a near fall can be scored.

The half-nelson, cradle, three-quarter nelson, and arm bar series are near-fall maneuvers that can ultimately lead to a "fall."

Q: Wrestler A, using a half-nelson, forced Wrestler B to bridge high on his head for four seconds. Then Wrestler B turned to his stomach, only to be placed in another near-fall situation when Wrestler A cradled him. He was held there for another five seconds when the period ended. How many near-fall points did Wrestler A receive, altogether?

A: Wrestler A would receive a total of five match points: two points for the first near-fall situation and three points for the second.

The Fall

The fall (or pin) terminates the match and no individual match points are necessary. Of course, the winner's squad receives six team points. Now a fall occurs when both shoulders are forced to the mat for a period of two seconds in high school and only one second in college. The official mentally counts this time and indicates the fall by slapping the mat.

Normally, the offensive wrestler (the man in control) scores the fall. However, if the offensive grappler's shoulders are somehow placed on the mat for the required time, a fall is awarded to the defensive wrestler.

Finally, in reference to the out-of-bounds line, if the shoulders are partially in-bounds or one shoulder is completely in-bounds, a fall may be called.

Q: Wrestler A, the offensive wrestler, cradles Wrestler B and takes him to his back. However, when finishing this move, Wrestler A ends up completely out-of-bounds and only the top of Wrestler B's shoulders are in-bounds on the mat. What's the call?

A: If Wrestler B were held in the aforementioned position for the required amount of time, a fall would be called. Since the top of the shoulders is in bounds, wrestling would continue.

Illegal Holds

The best definition for an illegal hold would be "any maneuver used that could cause bodily harm intentionally or not." Examples of illegal moves include full nelsons, overscissors, back bows, headlocks (without an arm encircled), forceful trips, pulling a thumb or less than four fingers, holds that restrict breathing or circulation, and any holds used for punishment alone.

Illegal maneuvers are penalized in the following manner: first and second offense - one match point for opponent; third offense - two match points for opponent; and fourth offense - disqualification from the match.

Note, a wrestler applying a legal hold shall not be penalized if his adversary turns it into an illegal hold. And whenever possible, an illegal move should be prevented by the official rather than penalized.

Q: Wrestler A applies an illegal full nelson to Wrestler B just prior to the final buzzer of the last period. It was Wrestler A's fourth illegal hold of the match. The score prior to this offense was 12-5 in favor of Wrestler A. What is the penalty for this offense and the outcome of the match?

A: Wrestler A would be disqualified and Wrestler B is the winner.

Unnecessary Roughness

Any intentional act that is hazardous to an opponent's physical well being is considered unnecessary roughness.

Furthermore, if a hold is utilized for the sole purpose of punishment alone, the referee may see fit to declare unnecessary roughness. Such perpetrations as striking, kicking, butting with the head, elbowing, and forceful tripping are examples of this infraction.

Normally, the violator would be penalized as follows: first offense - one point; second offense - another point for his rival; third offense - two points for his adversary; and fourth offense - disqualification.

However, when the official believes the unnecessary roughness of the wrestler to be totally inexcusable, he can indicate a "flagrant misconduct" signal, which is an automatic disqualification and the deduction of ALL team points scored in the event. Certainly, a sucker punch to the jaw would fall under this category.

Q: Wrestler A shoots a hard double leg, causing Wrestler B to hit his head on the mat forcefully when taken down. The match had to be stopped to check if Wrestler B was injured. Would this be considered unnecessary roughness on the part of Wrestler A?

A: Wrestler A would not be penalized with unnecessary roughness. It was a legal move similar to a hard tackle in football.

Technical Violations

There are six technical violations in wrestling and all but one are penalized in the following manner: First Offense - 1 penalty point (for opponent); Second Offense - 1 penalty point; Third Offense - 2 penalty points; Fourth Offense - Disqualification.

Let's now consider wrestling's six technical violations:

"Leaving the Mat Proper" - No wrestler may completely step off the wrestling mat without permission of the referee.

"Intentionally Going Out-Of-Bounds" - If either wrestler goes out-of-bounds to avoid wrestling his opponent for any reason (except when near-fall points are scored), this technical violation will be enforced.

"Grasping of Clothing" - A contestant may grab nothing but his opponent while wrestling or this encroachment will be called. Furthermore, when a wrestler grasps his adversary's uniform to prevent him from scoring , the appropriate penalty point(s) will be given along with any points his opponent may have obtained.

"Interlocking or Overlapping Hands" - The offensive (or top) wrestler may only lock or touch hands around his opponent's body or both legs when he is scoring near-fall points or his antagonist stands up. If his rival scores points while he commits this violation, his opponent would also receive the stipulated penalty point(s). Note, the official can only stop the match to award point(s) when the bottom man is unable to gain an escape or reversal due to interlocking or overlapping hands.

"Incorrect Starting Position" - If a wrestler assumes an incorrect neutral or referee's position (Remember, this year wrestlers would be "corrected" two times.), a technical violation would be called. This also includes false starts in both situations. Note, unlike other technical violations, the first two offenses are "cautioned" (The official will form a "C" with his hand.), and then penalized if the infraction occurs again. Furthermore, this technical violation is not on the "progressive penalty chart." Thus, a wrestler cannot be disqualified for an incorrect starting position or false start.

"The Figure-4 Head Scissors" - The figure-4 head scissors is a technical violation in the neutral position.

Q: Wrestler A places Wrestler B on his back in a high bridge for three seconds. Wrestler B scoots on his feet and head out-of-bounds on purpose. Is this a technical violation?

A: Wrestler B has not committed a technical violation because Wrestler A would have been awarded two match points for a near fall.

Unsportsmanlike Behavior Of Wrestlers

The unsportsmanlike rule for contestants covers two situations in which the penalty is administered differently. They are as follows:

Situation One - If the wrestler were unsportsmanlike during the bout, his opponent would be awarded match point(s) in the following manner:

First Offense - 1 point; Second Offense - 1 point; Third Offense - 2 points; Fourth Offense - Disqualification from the match.

Situation Two - If an unsportsmanlike act occurs prior to the first period or after the third period (or fall), the offending wrestler's squad would lose one team point. On the second offense, he would be asked to leave the premises and his squad would lose another team point.

(Note: Flagrant misconduct at any time would result in immediate disqualification from the dual meet or tournament and the deduction of ALL team points earned.)

Q: During the second period, Wrestler A showed overt displeasure over the referee's call. Is this unsportsmanlike behavior? If so, what is the penalty?

A: I would be unsportsmanlike behavior and the official would award Wrestler B one match point since it occurred during the bout.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct Of Coaches And Spectators

The Coaches - No coach can be disrespectful during competition. If such were the case, the official would deduct one point from the violator's team. On the second offense, the perpetrator would be removed from the premises for the duration of the dual meet or tournament session.

Take note. When a coach's initial action is "flagrant" in nature, he would be expelled immediately (with the loss of two team points) for the duration of the dual meet or the tournament.

The Spectators - No fan may react in an unsportsmanlike manner toward the referee or the opposing coach or wrestlers. This unbecoming response can result in removal from the gym, field house or arena on the official's comment. Important point, neither team would be penalized for misconduct of an over-zealous spectator, and it is up to the home management to remove the offender.

Q: During the progress of a dual meet, a heckler in the front row of the home-school’s bleachers was constantly harassing the referee. Unable to put up with this behavior any longer, the official stopped the match and had the athletic director escort the perpetrator from the gym. The visiting coach immediately demanded that one team point be deducted from the home squad. Was he right or wrong?

A: The visiting coach was wrong. Whenever a spectator is removed from the premises for unsportsmanship behavior, no point is deducted from his or her favorite team's score.

The Assistant Referee

An assistant referee may be utilized during competition, usually during tournament action. He is allowed the same mobility around the mat as the referee. Furthermore, the assistant referee can talk to the main official as the match is in progress and help in making calls. He can also signal locked hands and the grasping of clothes technical violations. However, all other calls must be made by the main official.

If there is a disagreement between the two, the main official has the final say in the matter. Note, coaches are not permitted to address the assistant referee while the match is being contested.

Q: In the second period of the bout, the assistant referee warned Wrestler A for stalling. Immediately, Wrestler A's coach approached the scorer's table and argued that the assistant referee had no authority to make the call. Was he right or out-of-order?

A: The coach was correct. Only the main official of the match is allowed to designate stalling

Official's Judgment Calls

If a referee misapplies a rule, say giving three points for a takedown instead of two, the coach may certainly confront him regarding the matter. However, the coach cannot question any judgment calls made by the official. When he does, the referee will first warn him for misconduct, the second offense will cost the coach a team point, and with the third offense, the coach will be asked to leave premises for the duration of the dual meet or tournament session and another team point would be deducted.

Q: The referee indicated a takedown at the edge of the mat and then blew the whistle for out-of-bounds. The coach, whose wrestler was taken down, approached the score table to argue with the official over the call. The referee indicated misconduct on the coach's part. Was he right or wrong?

A: The referee was right. A coach cannot question the judgment of an official.

The Lowering Of Shoulder Straps

The lowering of shoulder straps while on the mat is considered an act of unsportsmanlike conduct. The only time it would not be penalized is if the wrestler received permission from the official to do so. Should this infraction occur before wrestling has started or after the completion of wrestling, it would be a deduction of one team-point from the offender's squad. However, if the offense takes place during the match, the violator's opponent would receive a match point.

Note, there is a variation of the rule in West Virginia . The unauthorized lowering of shoulder straps anywhere in the gym during competition is considered unsportsmanlike.

Q: Wrestler A lowers his shoulder straps between the second and third periods of a match. How would he or his team be penalized?

A: Wrestler A's opponent would receive one match point. There would be no team-point deduction since wrestling has not concluded yet.

Sudden Death In Dual Meets And Tournaments

No longer will there be ties or draws for individual matches. Instead, the "Sudden Death" or tie-breaker will be utilized to determine the winner. The new procedure is as follows.

During tournament and dual meet action, when the wrestlers are tied at the end of the three regular periods, they will then wrestle an overtime period which will be one minute in length with no rest between the regular match and the overtime. The overtime period will begin with both matmen in the neutral position. The wrestler who scores the first point(s) will be declared the winner.

If no winner is determined by the end of the one-minute overtime period, a 30-second tie-breaker in the referee's position will be wrestled. The wrestler who scored the first points in the match will have the choice of top or bottom positions, or he may elect to defer the choice to his opponent.

The wrestler who scores the first point(s) in this 30-second tie-breaker will be declared the winner. However, if no scoring occurs during this time, the top wrestler will be declared the winner.

Note, the sudden death match (overtime and tie-breaker periods) is regarded as an extension of the regular match. All points, penalties, cautions, warnings, and injury time will accumulate throughout the regular match and the sudden death.

Finally, there are two other important points. If both wrestlers are penalized the same number of points simultaneously in the overtime period, they immediately proceed to the 30-second tie-breaker. Also, if the points earned in the sudden death involve a takedown or reversal straight to the back, the match shall continue until the near-fall situation has concluded, a fall occurs, or time runs out.

I, personally, I think it's great. This further helps to put the outcome of the match in the hands of the wrestlers, not the referee.

Q: The regulation match ends in a tie and goes to "sudden death." Thirty seconds into the overtime period both wrestlers are warned for stalling at the same time. What should the referee now do?

A: The referee would do nothing. Wrestling would continue in the overtime period until one wrestler scores. Keep in mind, only when both wrestlers are penalized the same number of point(s) would the participants move immediately to the 30-second tie-breaker.

Team Scoring In Dual Meets

The chart for team scoring during dual meets is as follows:

Dual Meet Team - Scoring Chart

• Regular Decision - 3 team points
• Major Decision - 4 team points (8-14 point spread)
• Technical Fall - 5 team points (15-point spread)
• Fall, Forfeit, Default, & Disqualification - 6 team points

Remember, this is team scoring during dual meets, not tournaments, which will be next week's topic of discussion.

Q: Wrestler A won his match 17-7. How many team points would he score for his squad and what type of win would this be?

A: Wrestler A would score 4 team points for his squad with a "Major Decision."

Team Scoring In Tournament Competition

Tournament Team - Scoring Chart:

• Tournament Team Scoring Chart
• Advancement Points: Championship Bracket - 2 points
• (Regular Decision)
• Consolation Bracket - 1 point
• (Regular Decision)
• Major Decision: 1 point
• Technical Fall: 1 1/2 points
• Fall, Default, Forfeit, & Disqualification: 2 points
• Bye followed by a win: Championship Bracket - 2 points
• Consolation Bracket - 1 point

Tournaments with Four Places: First Place - 14 points; Second Place - 10 points; Third Place - 7 points; Fourth Place - 4 points.

Tournaments with Six Places: First Place - 16 points; Second Place - 12 points; Third Place - 9 points; Fourth Place - 7 points; Fifth Place - 5 points; Sixth Place - 3 points.

Tournaments with Eight Places: The first six places are the same with 2 points for Seventh Place and 1 point for Eighth place.

There are no ties in tournament (or dual meet) competition and the wrestlers must go into overtime to decide the winner, by the overtime "sudden death" procedure. And that fans is team scoring in tournaments. As you can plainly see, the official scorer at wrestling tournaments has his hands full.

Q: Wrestler A wins by a score of 22-7 in the consolation bracket. How many points does he score for his team?

A: Wrestler A would score 2 1/2 points for his team - 1 point for advancement and 1 1/2 points for a technical fall.