Why Wrestle?

There are numerous compelling reasons why wrestling can greatly benefit your child. By participating in this sport, they will gain a understanding that long-term success is primarily determined by the level of effort invested, rather than relying solely on innate talents. The skills and values developed through wrestling will empower them to excel in all aspects of their lives, be it their career, relationships, education, and beyond.  Putting in the effort every day, focusing on getting bette, and having fun can yield remarkable results over time.

We collected some great resources for people new to wrestling

• Parent guide to youth wrestling (A great read!)

• Why your child should consider wrestling 

• What to expect at a youth tournament 

Rules and Scoring

If you prefer video...

Video - Rules of Wrestling 

If you prefer written...

Overview of Wrestling Rules (folkstyle):

The following rules apply to the type of wrestling done in the United States in College, High School, Junior High, Middle School, and most youth wrestling. This type of wrestling is often referred to as "folkstyle" wrestling. The rules for "freestyle" and "greco-roman" wrestling, as is done in the Olympics and internationally, are a little different.

Basic Positioning Terminology

•  Neutral 

  • Both wrestlers stand facing each other about 3 feet apart and ready to wrestle. 

• Referee’s Position 

  • Start position where one wrestlers is perched down on his hands and knees (all fours), while the other wrestler is positioned on top, alongside the bottom wrestler, kneeling on his nearside knee. The top wrestler also places his far-side arm around his opponent’s waist with the hand of the other arm on the nearside elbow of his opponent. The far-side leg of the top man is placed behind the bottom wrestler. 

• Top Position

  • The person on top in the referee’s position 

• Bottom Position

  •  The person on bottom in the referee’s position. 

Match Structure

Matches are 3 periods.  In youth, periods are usually 1 minute long, sometimes 1 minute and 30 seconds.  In high school, periods are 2 minutes.  

• First Period

  • Wrestlers will start the match by shaking hands

  • First period always starts with both wrestlers on their feet

  • The wrestlers will continue wrestling until the official blows the whistle

• Second Period

  • The official will usually flip a coin to decide which wrestler chooses first

  • The wrestler (A) that wins can choose Neutral, Bottom, Top, and Defer (wrestler A will choose starting position in the 3rd period)

  • Once the position is choosen, the wrestlers will start and again wrestle until the official blows the whistle

• Third Period

  • Now, it is the other wrestler's choice

  • Again, both wrestlers will continue wrestling until the whistle blows

• First Overtime

  • If the match is tied after the 3rd period, there will be a 1 minute sudden death starting nuetral (both wrestlers on their feet), first points win

  • 1 minute period in youth, 2 minute period in high school

• Next Overtime

  • Only if the match is still tied

  • Two 30 second periods (wrestlers swap referee’s positions)

  • Most points after the two 30 second periods wins

• Last Overtime

  • Only if the match is still tied

  • 30 second period starting in referees position (wrestler who scored first has the choice, top or bottom)

  • If wrestler escapes from bottom position, he wins. If he is ridden-out for the 30 seconds, he loses

• Match is Over

  • Both wrestlers go to the starting circle and shake hands

  • Wrestlers will go shake the opposing coach's hand

Matches can end in either one wrestler scoring more points when time expires OR one wrestler pins the other.

A pin (or fall) is when you put your opponent on his/her back with any part of both shoulders or both shoulder blades of your opponent in contact with the mat for two seconds. When you pin your opponent, the match is instantly over and you are the winner.  It does not matter what the score was.  Even if wrestler A was up by 10 points and then wrestler B pinned wrestler A, wrestler B wins the match.  As long as there is time left on the clock, a wrestler always has the chance to win.

There are five ways to score points in a wrestling match:

1) Takedown - (2 points) You score two points for taking your opponent down to the mat and controlling him/her.

2) Escape - (1 point) You score one point for getting away or getting to a neutral position when your opponent has you down on the mat.

3) Reversal - (2 points) You score two points when your opponent has you down on the mat and you come from underneath and gain control of your opponent.

4) Near Fall- (Back Points) - (2 or 3 points) You get near fall points when you almost but not quite get your opponent pinned. A near fall (near pin) is when...

• both shoulders are held for two seconds within four inches of the mat, or...

• one shoulder touches the mat and the other shoulder is at a 45 degree angle coming down to the mat, or...

• the wrestler is held in a high bridge or back on both elbows.

• If a near fall lasts for two seconds, you get 2 points. If a near fall lasts for 5 seconds, you get 3 points.

5) Penalty Points - (1 or 2 points) Your opponent is awarded points if you commit the following infractions.

• Illegal Holds - There are several holds that the referee will penalize you for without warning. (There are other holds called "potentially dangerous holds" which the referee might make you let go of but will not penalize you for).

•  Technical Violations

  • Going off the mat or forcing your opponent off the mat to avoid wrestling ("fleeing the mat.")

  • Grabbing clothing, the mat, or the headgear

  • Locked or overlapped hands: If you are down on the mat in control of your opponent, you cannot lock or overlap your hands, fingers or arms around your opponent's body or both legs unless you have met criteria for a near pin of your opponent, or your opponent stands up and has all his/her weight on two feet, or you have lifted the opponent off the mat.

  • Leaving the mat during the match without the referee's permission

  • Reporting to the mat not properly equipped or not ready to wrestle, or equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started

• Stalling (you get one warning before you are penalized and points are awarded).

• Incorrect starting position or false start (You get two cautions before points are awarded).

The first and second time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded one point. The third time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded two points. The fourth time you are penalized, you are disqualified. (Except for illegal starting position or false start - you are cautioned twice, then one point awarded for each infraction, but you will not be disqualified. In the event of Flagrant Misconduct, you are ejected from the match on the first offense, you lose the match, and 3 team points are deducted).

Duals

Dual meets are competitions between two teams. Each team enters one wrestler per weight class, and he/she wrestles an opponent in that weight class from the other team. Depending on the result of the match, a wrestler can earn points for their team.  Points are tallied from all the matches and when done a team winner is declared.

Dual Scoring System 

A team gets..

• 6 Pts. IF a wrestler wins by pin or forfeit, injury default, disqualification of the opponent. 

• 5 Pts. IF a wrestler wins by technical fall (lead of 15 Pts. during the match) 

• 4 Pts. IF a wrestler wins by major decision (point spread of between 8 and 14 pts.). 

• 3 Pts. IF a wrestler wins by regular decision (7 points or less) 

Teams can also be penalized team points for unsportsmanlike conduct and other violations of the individual wrestlers or the coaching staff.