I remember the first year my son started wrestling. I would go to the wrestling matches totally lost as to what was going on, why they were winning or losing and how the scores were earned. After six years in the sport and three years as a score keeper I think I have a grasp of the sport and I wanted to share what I have learned by watching hours of matches and asking hundreds of questions.
The Basics:
There are 13 weight classes starting at 103 and going to 235 (heavy weights)
Each match consists of three periods of two minutes each. The winner is decided by either the final score at the end of six minutes or by pin.
Team points are earned by the final score:
Win by fall: also called a pin = 6 team points
Win by technical fall 15 points over an opponent = 5 team points
Win by major decision: win by 8 points over an opponent, but under 15 points = 4 teams points
Win by decision: win by 1 point over an opponents, but under 8 points = 3 team points
Win by default: If for any reason, a wrestler is unable to continue competing during the match (e.g. because of injury, illness, etc) = 6 team points
Win by disqualification: If a wrestler is banned from participating further in a match by virtue of
acquiring penalties or for flagrant misconduct = 6 team points
Match points are earned by the following moves:
Takedown (2 points): A wrestler is awarded two points for a takedown when, from the neutral position, he gains control by taking the other wrestler down to the mat in bounds and beyond reaction time, and the supporting point(s) of either wrestler are in bounds. This is most often accomplished by attacking the legs of the opponent, although various throws can also be used to bring a wrestler down to the mat.]
Escape (1 point): A defensive wrestler who is being controlled on the bottom is awarded one point for an escape when the defensive wrestler gains a neutral position and the offensive wrestler loses control of the opponent while the supporting point(s) of either wrestler remain in bounds.
Reversal (2 points): A defensive wrestler who is being controlled on the bottom is awarded two points for a reversal when he comes from the bottom/defensive position and gains control of the opponent either on the mat or in a rear standing position. Reversal points are awarded on the edge of the wrestling area if either wrestler's supporting point(s) or the feet of the scoring wrestler remain in bounds.
Near Fall: (2 points) - Two points are given when near fall criteria is met for two to four seconds. Two points can also be granted in cases where a pinning combination is executed legally and a near fall is imminent, but the defensive wrestler is injured, signals an injury, or bleeds excessively before the near fall criterion is met.
(3 points) - Three points are given when near fall criteria is met for five seconds or more. After five seconds, the referee awards three points and stops counting. When a near fall criterion is met that is between two and four seconds, and the defensive wrestler is injured, indicates an injury, or bleeds excessively, three points are also awarded.
(4 points) - Four points are given when a criterion for a near fall is met for five seconds, and the defensive wrestler later is injured, indicates an injury, bleeds excessively.
Now as far as tips for the all day at the gym watching your wrestler:
- 1) Bring snacks and drinks. Your wrestler will get hungry. You are allowed to bring in a cooler with drinks etc. Remember you will be there all day.
- 2) Bring something comfortable to sit on. Nothings worse than standing up after sitting on a wooden bleacher for eight hours. We call this bleacher butt. Not fun.
- 3) If you are bringing small children bring something for them to do. Toys, books, whatever you need to keep them happy so you can enjoy your day.
- 4) Bring something for you to do also. There may be hours between each of your wrestlers matches.
- 5) We all stay until the last wrestler is finished. We go as a team and our wrestlers all cheer for each other. If you are unable to stay for the whole match please make sure your wrestler stays to support his teammates.
I hope this information helps you get fired up for this year’s season. If you have any questions as the season goes please ask. You can either send a note on the website or you can email Coach Jeff.
