Wrestling Rules

The two important forms of wrestling which find their place in the Olympics include the Greco-Roman and Freestyle. Major difference between these two styles of wrestling is that players are not allowed to attack opponent's legs in Greco Roman. The leg should also not be used as a leverage in the execution of different moves. Action of pinning the opponent down to the mat is the most important aspect of this game. According to the wrestling rules, when an opponent pins down his opponent, the match is deemed over.

Rules and Regulations of Wrestling

A game of wrestling, as mentioned earlier, ends with one of the players being pinned down. However, if it doesn't happen, the match is played in 3 periods with a time-limit of 2 minutes each. A one-minute tiebreaker (sudden death format) is used if there is no outcome of result in 3 periods of the match. Let us understand the rules and scoring system of wrestling through information presented below.

Scoring Rules for Wrestling
Scoring system used for dual meets is explained in the later paragraphs. These wrestling rules for dummies will show you how to become a wrestler by helping you start of with this sport.

Near Fall: It is a state in which the wrestler has almost pinned down his opponent. The name itself indicates that the wrestler is just short of pinning down his opponent. A state in a wrestling match can be considered as near fall, if any of the following conditions are satisfied.

• Shoulders of the opponent are held down within 4 inch. distance from the mat.
• Opponent is held in a state with both elbows touching the mat.
• One of the opponent's shoulder should touch the surface and other need to be at an angle of 45 degree to the mat.

Depending on the time for which near fall lasts, 2-3 points are awarded. Two points are awarded if the near fall lasts for 2 seconds. Three points are awarded if this state lasts for 5 seconds.

Takedown: The takedown move awards players with 2 points. As the name suggests, the wrestler has to take down his opponent to the mat. The wrestler should be in a position of control over the opponent.

Reversal: The wrestler is awarded with 2 points with the move of reversal. This move is made from a position where opponent has gained control over the wrestler. When the wrestler gains back control from this position, it is called a reversal.

Escape: The escape move is awarded with 1 point. A move is termed as escape when the wrestler attains neutral position from a position where his/her opponent is in control.

Penalties: The penalty points could be 1-2. Reasons behind getting penalized are as follows: Illegal holds, technical violations, stalling, unsportsmanlike conduct, unnecessary roughness and incorrect starting position.

Technical Violations
Here are few points which need to be considered. It is necessary to avoid the actions mentioned below.

• Pushing opponents off the mat is a technical violation which needs to be avoided. If the player himself flees off the mat, it is considered a technical violation.
• Permission of referee is required before leaving the mat. Not abiding by this rule also is one of the technical violations.
• Wrestlers cannot grab hold of mat or clothes of opponents.

Team Scoring
Wrestling is played between two teams just like between two individual players. The sum total of points scored by members help in winning the dual meets. Point system used for dual meets is explained below.

• Fall: A fall is awarded with 6 points. In this move, the wrestler pins down shoulders of his opponent for 2 seconds.
• Default: The defaults points (6) are awarded to the wrestler if his/her opponent is unable to continue with the match. Injury is the reason behind the wrestler getting default points in most cases.
• Forfeit: These points (6) are awarded if the opponent doesn't arrive to play the match.
• Disqualification: A wrestler can be disqualified for misconduct or infractions. Opponent of the disqualified wrestler is awarded with 6 points.

There is long tradition of wrestling in countries like India, Japan, Greece and Italy. Today's form of wrestling has improved in terms of techniques being used. Along with the modern form, it also necessary to keep the traditional game alive.