MATCH POINTS
There are seven basic ways to score match points against your opponent.
TAKEDOWN - 3 POINTS (*used to be 2 points)
A takedown occurs when the neutral wrestler takes his opponent down on the mat and gets on top or behind becoming the offensive wrestler.
ESCAPE – 1 POINT
An escape occurs when the defensive wrestler gets out from underneath his opponent and into the neutral position.
REVERSAL – 2 POINTS
A reversal occurs when the defensive wrestler gets out from underneath his opponent and gets on top or behind him in any maneuver and becomes the offensive wrestler.
NEAR FALL – 2 POINTS
A two point near fall occurs when the offensive wrestler turns his opponent over onto his back and holds him at a 45 degree angle or less for 2 seconds. Only one set of near fall points can be awarded for each pinning hold and the points cannot be awarded until after the pinning situation has ended.
NEARFALL – 3 POINTS
A three point near fall occurs when the offensive wrestler holds the defensive wrestler within the three points near fall criteria for three consecutive seconds. A three point near fall will be awarded instead of the two points near fall.
NEARFALL – 4 POINTS
A four point near fall occurs when the offensive wrestler holds the defensive wrestler within the four points near fall criteria for four consecutive seconds. A four point near fall will be awarded instead of the three points near fall.
NEARFALL - 5 POINTS
A five point near fall occurs when the offensive wrestler has earned a four point near fall (five count), and then the defensive wrestler is injured and the referee stops the match. The offensive wrestler will be awarded a fifth point near fall instead of the four points near fall.
PENALTY – WARNING/1 - 2 POINTS/DISQUALIFICATION
The referee will award these points to the opponent of a wrestler who breaks the rules of wrestling. These rules include no stalling and no use of illegal holds, which could harm an opponent (such as kicking, scratching, biting, slamming an opponent to the mat or bending anybody joint beyond its normal range of motion). The first offense is a one point penalty. The second offense is also a one point penalty. The third offense is a two point penalty, and the fourth offense is disqualification. There is a warning given before penalizing for stalling, but no warning is given before penalizing for other infractions. Two cautions are given for improper starts before one point caution penalties are assessed.