General

A match consists of two wrestlers of the same weight class who compete in three two-minute periods on a large square mat with the wrestling area defined by two circles. The outer circle (roughly 5 feet from the edges of the mat) represents the boundary of the wrestling area and is 28 feet in diameter. The inner circle is 10 feet in diameter and is located in the center of the mat. The inner circle serves as the starting area. Within the inner circle, you may find a small rectangle with the short ends in two contrasting colors (usually red and green). The wrestlers begin the match with one foot on these lines.

A wrestler may win a match by a fall or “pin” (holding the opponents shoulder blades to the mat for a simulated 2 second count), technical fall (get ahead of your opponent by 15 or more points), major decision (at the end of three periods, be ahead of your opponent by 8 to 14 points), decision (at the end of three periods be ahead of your opponent by 7 or fewer points) or forfeit/disqualification.

At the end of the first round, a coin or disk with contrasting colors (usually red and green) is flipped to determine who chooses the positioning of the second round. The winner of the toss may choose to either begin the round in the Neutral position (both wrestler on their feet, facing each other), the down or “referee’s “ position--In referee's position, one wrestler places himself on hands and knees, with his palms being on or over one of the long sides of the inner rectangle and his knees being behind the other side of the rectangle--or the top position--next to the bottom wrestler, with the closer hand on the first wrestler's elbow and the further hand wrapped around the back of the first wrestler and placed upon the stomach, the knee closest to the opponent's elbow on the ground and the further knee up so that the bottom of the foot rests on the mat—or finally may decide to allow the other wrestler to choose. An alternate starting position, referred to as an "optional start", occurs when the top wrestler indicates he wishes to do so to the referee by showing the referee both of the wrestler's hands placed in a diamond formation. In the alternate position, the first wrestler is again on his hands and knees but the second wrestler remains standing, placing his hands on his opponents back. After the second round, whichever wrestler did not choice the period’s starting position, will do so for the third period. If the score is tied after three rounds, the match goes into overtime with up to three overtime periods, one 1 minute and two 30 second periods being wrestled. In the first round, the wrestlers begin from the neutral position and whichever wrestler scores the first point wins the match. If the score is still tied after the first overtime round, a second overtime is wrestled same as the first but for 30 seconds. If still no winner is determeind, another coin toss is conducted and the winner chooses the top or bottom position. If the bottom man is able to score he/she wins, if they are unable to score, the wrestler in the top position wins.

Wrestling teams often compete against each other in competitions commonly called "dual meets". In a dual meet, each team sends their best wrestler at each weight class to wrestle the best wrestler at that weight from the other team. Aside from each individual match being won or lost, teams also receive points based on how well each of their wrestlers fare in their matches: In a typical American high school dual meet, 3 team points are awarded for a "minor" victory, 4 points are awarded for a "major" decision, 5 points are awarded for a "technical fall" - an extremely large discrepancy in points (15 or more) which ends the match if reached at any time- and 6 points for a Pin. If a team cannot field a wrestler to compete against the opponent from the other team, the forfeiting team forfeits six points to the other team. Points may also be awarded by the referee at any time if any wrestler or coach displays bad sportsmanship. Whichever team accumulates the most points by the end of all matches wins the dual meet.

Weight Classes

The typical weight classes are below. In order to wrestle at 125 for example, you must “weigh in” the day of the competition at 125.0 or less. Wrestlers are allowed to wrestle at a weight class even if they qualify for one below; such as wrestling at 125 even though they weigh 118 (qualifying them for the 119 weight class). Wrestlers may shift weight classes throughout the season, however in order to compete in the end of year championship tournaments at a certain weight class, the wrestle must have the majority of their “weigh ins” at that weight class. For example, if a wrestler has wrestled 15 matches and wishes to wrestle at 125 in the championship tournament, a they must have weighed in at the 125 weight class a minimum of 8 times. This is called “certifying”.

103lbs  -  112lbs  -  119lbs  -  125lbs  -  130lbs  -  135lbs  -  140lbs 

145lbs  -  152lbs  -  160lbs  -  171lbs  -  189lbs  -  215lbs  -  285lbs

Gear

Singlet: A one piece, skin tight, spandex-like uniform cut just above the knees and the torso portion resembling a tank top. Sometimes, a wrestler may be allowed to wear a skin tight shirt under the singlet if a valid reason is given to the referee.

Headgear: A head piece made of non-abrasive material which covers the ears and is held in place with a chin strap.

Wrestling shoes: light and very very flexible with a non marking “gripping” sole designed for use on a wrestling mat.

Wrestlers may wear full length tights, knee pad and or braces or other protective gear if the referee deems it necessary and safe.

Scoring

Takedown: 2 points—Taking your opponent from the neutral position to the mat while maintaining control of him/her.
Reversal: 2 points—When a wrestler in the bottom position is cable to move into the top position.
Escape: 1 point—Wrestler in the bottom position is able to move to his/her feet break the top wrestler's control and turn and face their opponent.
Nearfall: 2 points—exposing your opponent’s shoulders to the mat for 2-4 seconds at a 45 degree angle or less.
Nearfall: 3 points—exposing your opponent’s shoulders to the mat for 5 or more seconds at a 45 degree angle or less.

There are also penalty points that may be awarded for certain situations and rule violations.

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