Stopping the Match

Technical Violation

Neutral Position

Out-of-Bounds

Indicating No Control

Reversal

Interlocking Hands
or Grasping Clothing

Awarding Points

Near-Fall

Indicating Wrestler
in Control

Warning

Stalemate

Caution for
False Start

Unlike Boxing where no one, not even the boxers, know the score, the scoring in wrestling is precise and the progress of a match can be followed by both spectactor and wrestler alike.

The point system used in wrestling is an evaluation of the activity on the mat. It is the referee’s duty, among other things, to analyze the situation and signal the points to the scorer.

First... Both wrestlers come forward,
shake hands, and step back to their designated area on the 10 foot circle.

Next... The referee blows his whistle and wrestling begins.

Now... Each wrestler is trying to get control of the other by taking him to the mat with a “Takedown”.

Points... The first points are likely to be given for a TAKEDOWN. When one wrestler gets a takedown, the referee signals two points.

Then... The defensive wrestler (or bottom or “down”) is trying to ESCAPE or REVERSE and get a hold which he can keep his opponent’s shoulders on teh mat for two seconds-a FALL.

1st Period: Starts from standing or neutral position.

2nd Period: Choice of position is decided by the toss of a coin-the-winner of the toss may choose either up, down, neutral or defer choice.

3rd Period: Other contestant has choice.

Point System (Definition of Terms)
   The following is the point system used:
       Takedown...................................2
       Near Fall..............................2 or 3
       Escape........................................1
       Reversal......................................2

   The following is the definition of terms used:

Takedown: From a neutral position, a wrestler gains a control over his opponent down on the mat.

Escape: When a defensive wrestler gains a neutral position and his opponent has lost control.

Reversal: When the defensive wrestler comes from underneath and gains control of his opponent.

Near Fall: When the offensive wrestler has control of his opponent in a pinning situation and both shoulders or scapulae of the defensive wrestler are held momentarily stopped (restrained) within 4 inches of the mat or less, or when one shoulder or scapula of the defensive wrestler is touching the mat and the other shoulder or scapula held at an angle of 45 degrees or less with the mat for 2 seconds or more.

Fall: When any part of the shoulders or scapulae are held in contact with the mat for 2 seconds.

Decision: Earned by the wrestler who has scored the greater number of points.

Draw: Shall be declared if there were a tie in the number of points scored at the end of the match.

Default: Awarded when one of the competitors is unable to continue wrestling for any reason.

Forfeit: Received by a wrestler when his opponent, for any reason, fails to appear for the match.

Technical Fall: Wrestler gains 15 point lead over his opponent.

Miscellaneous terms used:

Neutral Position: Position in which neither wrestler has control.

Control: Situation in which a contestant exercises and maintains restraining power over his opponent.

Postion of Advantage: Position in which contestant is in control of his opponent.