New to Wrestling

There's a lot of useful information here for families and wrestlers who are new to the sport. The coaching staff is always willing to answer any questions you have as well!

Things to know about a Wrestling Match

CONDUCT OF MATCHES

1. Matches consist of 3 periods (1min, 1 ½ min, 1 ½ min)
2. The first period begins with both wrestlers on their feet facing one another (Neutral Position)
3. The second period begins with a coin toss deciding which wrestler has the choice of top, bottom, neutral, or deferring the choice to the other wrestler.
4. The third period begins with the other wrestler having the choice of top, bottom or neutral.
5. A PIN terminates the match in any period
6. The wrestling area consist of a 24’ circle on the mat. Referree’s discretion when the wrestlers are “out of bounds”.

STARTING POSITIONS

1. Neutral: Both wrestlers begin on their feet facing one another with one foot on the short line in the center starting box.
2. Bottom Position: One wrestler begins on their hands and knees in the center of the mat with the heels of both hands in front of the center starting box and both knees behind the box.
3. Top Position: One person is in the bottom position and the other is kneeling beside them. Head will be along the midline of the opponents back. Arm around opponents waist with palm on opponents naval. Other hand on opponents elbow. Knee is outside opponents near leg.

TERMINOLOGY AND SCORING

1. Takedown: (2 points), Taking your opponent down to the mat from the neutral position and gaining control.
2. Escape :( 1 point), When the bottom wrestler separates from the top wrestler causing the top wrestler to lose control.
3. Reversal: ( 2 points), going from the bottom position to the top position by gaining control of the other wrestler.
4. Nearfall: ( 2 points), holding opponent’s shoulders exposed to the mat at a 45 degree angle for two seconds or more.
5. Nearfall :( 3 points), holding opponent’s should exposed to the mat at a 45 degree angle for five seconds or more.
6. Penalties :( 1 or 2 points), and move or conduct that is determined to be against the rules of wrestling.
7. Fall/PIN: Holding any part of the opponents shoulders to the mat for two seconds.
8. Technical Fall: Beating an opponent by 15 points.
9. Major Decision: Beating an opponent by 8 or 9 or up to 14 points.
10. Decision,: Beating an opponent by 7 points or less.

WEIGHT CLASSES, 6-8 grade wrestling, must be at or below the weight to be in that weight class. 65,70,75,80,85,90,95,100,105,112,119,126,135,145,155,167,185,215,275