High School Wrestling Rules

Before Entering the Ring, Know the Rules

When planning on becoming a wrestler, it’s important to become familiar with high school wrestling rules. The main objective in a wrestling match is to hold down both of the other wrestler’s shoulders to the mat for two seconds, which is known as a pin. If one wrestler is pinned, the other wrestler is deemed victorious.

However, there are many wrestling matches where neither wrestler is able to pin their opponent. There are high school wrestling rules for dealing with these types of matches, which operate on a scoring system. There are five different ways of scoring points in a wrestling match, and they are as follows:

Scoring System

A takedown, which occurs when one wrestler takes their opponent down to the mat under their control, earns the attacker 2 points. If a wrestler is down on the mat and is able to get away from their attacker and retain a neutral position, they earn 1 point for what’s known as an escape. However, if a wrestler is down on the mat and is able to come out of their opponent’s grasp and gain control of the opponent, this is called a reversal and they earn 2 points for this move.

Another way of earning points in a wrestling match is by a near fall, which is when a wrestler nearly pins their opponent. There are three different types of near fall: when a wrestler holds their opponent’s shoulders within 4 inches of the mat for 2 seconds, when a wrestler holds one of their opponent’s shoulders on the mat while the other is at a 45-degree angle coming down towards the mat, or if a wrestler holds their opponent in a high bridge or back on both elbows.

Penalties and Rule Infractions

Finally, high school wrestling rules deem certain actions in the ring illegal, and if these actions are performed, the wrestler’s opponent earns points. For example, if a wrestler attempts any dangerous holds on their opponent, the opponent earns points. Also, if a wrestler assumes an incorrect starting position or performs a false start, their opponent earns points after two cautions have been given.

Other actions that are penalized in high school wrestling are leaving the mat without permission from the referee or forcing the opponent off the mat to avoid wrestling, grabbing of the clothing, mat, or headgear, locking or overlapping the hands when a wrestler has their opponent down on the mat unless a near pin has been achieved, a figure 4 head scissors hold from the neutral position, or reporting to mat without being properly equipped.

Like many other sports where penalties are given, actions such as unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, or stalling also result in penalization in wrestling. The point designation for penalties in wrestling is the first and second time a wrestler is penalized their opponent is given one point. The third time a wrestler performs an illegal action their opponent is awarded two points. If a wrestler is penalized for a fourth time, they are disqualified from the match.

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