About Wrestling

Wrestling Match & Team Scoring

A Dual Meet is when two teams wrestle each other.

Wrestling teams consist of 14 weight classes. The athletes in each weight class wrestle a match with 3, two minute periods (one minute periods in F/S & JV). When a match concludes, the team of the winning wrestler earns points based on the type of win (see below). The team with the most points after 14 matches wins the Dual Meet.

 

The First Period

The First Period always starts off with both wrestlers in the Neutral (standing) position. Both wrestlers come forward from their corners of the mat, get directions and shake hands. Next, the referee blows the whistle and signals "wrestle". Now, each wrestler tries to gain control by setting behind of or on top of the other opponent (the first points that are generally awarded are usually for a Takedown . When one wrestler gets a Takedown , the referee signals "two points". The offensive wrestler (usually on top) is trying to apply a hold which will keep his opponent's shoulders on the mat for two seconds for a Fall (Pin) and the defensive wrestler (usually on bottom) tries to Escape or Reverse positions to gain control.

 

The Second Period

At the Beginning of the Second Period, the referee will determine which wrestler will gets the choice of deciding how he would like to begin this period. He may choose Top, Bottom, Neutral or he may Defer the decision to the other wrestler; which makes his opponent chose and gives him the choice in the third period.

 

The Third Period

The wrestler who did not choose in the second period now has the choice of Top, Bottom, Neutral .

 

Overtime

Overtime occurs when the score at the end of the third period is tie. The wrestlers will start this 1-minute period in the Neutral position and will attempt to score. The first points earned by any of the wrestlers will determine the winner. A Takedown in overtime usually determines the winner of the match. If the wrestlers go from the Neutral position to a Nearfall situation , the wrestler on top can attempt to Pin his opponent to end the match from this position.

 

Double Overtime

Double Overtime occurs if a winner has not been determined in Overtime , the referee will determine which wrestler has the choice of choosing Top, Bottom , or Defer to start this 30 second period. The Bottom wrestler must Escape or Reverse his position to win the match. The Top wrestler must maintain control of the Bottom wrestler, score back points or pin him to win the match.

At The End Of The Match the wrestlers will shake hands and the referee will raise the hand of the winner.

 

Individual Match Scoring - Individual points earned during an individual match

Takedown

2 points - when a wrestler gets behind or on top of his opponent and establishes control from the Neutral position.

 

Escape

1 point - when the bottom wrestler gets out from underneath his opponent to a Neutral (standing) position and then facing him.

 

Reversal

2 points - when the bottom wrestler gets out from underneath his opponent and behind or on Top of his opponent.

 

Nearfall

2 or 3 points - when the offensive wrestler hold his opponents shoulders to or near the mat (breaking 45 degree angle), but not long enough for a pin. 4 points may be awarded if the referee stops the match due to the bottom wrestler choking or a similar situation.

 

Stalling

1 point to opponent - when the offensive wrestler does not attempt to pin his opponent and/or the defensive wrestler does not attempt to escape or work for a reversal.

 

Illegal Holds, Roughness, Technical Violation

1 or 2 points or Disqualification - awarded to the offended wrestler.

 

Team Points - Team points earned for each individual match win in a dual meet

 

Fall (Pin)

6 team points - when the offensive wrestler holds his opponent's shoulder's to the mat for two seconds; this ends the match.

 

Technical Fall

5 team points - when a wrestler out scores his opponent by 15 points; this ends the match unless the wrestlers are in a Nearfall L position at which time the offensive wrestler can attempt to pin his opponent.

 

Major Decision

4 team points - at the conclusion of the match , when a wrestler out scores by 8 to 14 points.

 

Decision

3 team points - at the conclusion of the match when a wrestler out scores his opponent by 1 to 7 points.

 

Default, Forfeit, Disqualification

6 team points - A wrestler is unable to continue wrestling, does not show or penalized.

 

For further explanation of the rules of wrestling, consult USA Wrestling's Official Rule Book here

Wrestling Hygiene

In addition to the injuries possible in any physical activity, there are a few health issues unique to wrestling, including:

 

Outer Ear Injuries

The cartilage of the outer ear can be injured due to long term, intense impacts and rubbing on the bodies of opponents.  Protective headgear may be worn during practice and must be worn in competition.  Please note that these injuries occur infrequently in high school wrestlers even though most only wear headgear in competitions.  You can buy headgear from us for $40 or at major sporting good stores. (Please buy black, red, or white)

Skin Infections

Certain infections that can be transmitted through skin contact.  The most common among wrestlers is ringworm, a fungus related to athlete's foot and jock itch.  Ringworm is not a worm at all, but gets its name from the red, often itchy ring that appears.  Ringworm is treated in the same manner as athlete's foot.  Over the counter anti-fungal creams (Lamasil, Lotrimin, Tinactin, etc.) work well when applied a few times a day.  The ring should disappear within a few days but continue using the cream for 2 weeks to keep it from coming back. Stubborn infections may need a prescription. Careful hygiene can prevent most infections.  This means showering well right after practice, always wearing clean clothes to practice, and mopping the mats with antimicrobial cleaner.  For more information visit the following links or speak with your doctor.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/ringworm-of-the-skin-topic-overviewa
or
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ringworm/DS00489

and from the State CIF Office: Preventing Skin Infections A Webinar from the National Wrestling Coaches Association

We take the possibility of infection or injury seriously and implement all procedures and practices to decrease these risks.  As a result, we have had very few cases of ringworm or ear injuries in the past and expect that pattern of safety to continue.