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Starting the Match
Wrestlers begin each match on their feet, facing each other in the “neutral
position”. The wrestler wearing a GREEN leg band is the HOME wrestler
and the visiting wrestler is wearing RED. The wrestlers
shake hands and the referee blows the whistle to begin wrestling.
Wrestling Positions
While the first period begins with the wrestlers in the neutral position,
a coin toss determines which wrestler gets his choice of starting positions
of the second and third periods. If the home wrestler gets to choose
his position for the second period (top, bottom, or neutral), the visiting
wrestler gets his choice the third period. The wrestler that wins the
coin toss, after the first period has been completed, has the opportunity
to chose position or defer his choice to the third period.
Points are Scored
Throughout the Match
Wrestlers are awarded points for the following moves: takedown, reversal,
escape, and near fall. The referee can also award points for illegal
holds or stalling.
Takedown (2 points) - A takedown occurs
when either wrestler, starting from the neutral position, gains control
of his opponent on the mat.
Escape (1 point) - The defensive wrestler
(on bottom) is awarded one point for an escape when he moves to a neutral
position.
Reversal (2 points) - The defensive wrestler
(on bottom) is awarded 2 points for a reversal when he gains control
of his opponent and becomes the offensive wrestler (on top). This may
take place while the defensive wrestler is either on his feet or on
the mat.
Near Fall (2 or 3 Points) - Points for
a near fall are awarded when the non-offensive wrestler has control
of his opponent in a near pinning position. This occurs when the defensive
wrestler’s shoulders are restrained four or fewer inches from the
mat, one shoulder is touching the mat and the other is held at a forty-five
degree angle to the mat, or when the wrestler is in a high bridge or
supported on both elbows. If the near fall criteria are met for a period
of two consecutive seconds, a two-point near fall is awarded; if the
near fall criteria is met for five consecutive seconds, a three-point
near fall is earned. End of match A match ends when one of the following
occurs: a pin (fall), a technical fall, or time expires.
Pin (Fall) - A pin is awarded when a wrestler
holds any part of both of his opponent’s shoulders to the mat for
three continuous seconds.
Technical Fall - When a wrestler has earned
a 15 point advantage over his opponent, the referee will end the match.
Time Expired - If there has not been a fall
or a technical fall by the end of the third period, the winner of the
match is determined by the number of individual points scored. The wrestler
with the most points wins the match by decision.
Overtime - A two minute overtime period
begins immediately after the regulation match. Both wrestlers are in
neutral position. The first wrestler to score is the winner.
INFRACTIONS, PENALTIES
AND INJURY, TIME-OUTS, ILLEGAL HOLDS
- Illegal holds are dangerous and can cause injury. Whenever a referee
witnesses one of these holds being used, he awards one point to the
offender’s opponent. Illegal holds include, but are not limited to:
Slam– lifting and returning an
opponent to the mat with excessive force
Hammerlock– pulling the opponent’s
arms too high on the back or pulling the arm away from the back.
Headlock– arms or hands are locked
around the opponents head without encircling an arm.
Full Nelson– arms are under both arms
of the opponent and behind the head. Potentially Dangerous holds occur
when a body part is forced to the limit of the normal range of movement.
The referee will caution a wrestler against forcing a hold into an illegal
position, however, he will not stop wrestling action unless it is necessary
to prevent an injury. Technical Violations may cause the offending wrestler
to be penalized one point. The referee may give cautions or warnings
about some violations but not all. Technical Violations include assuming
an incorrect starting position, false start, grasping clothing or headgear,
interlocking hands, and leaving the wrestling area without permission
from the referee.
CONDUCT INFRACTIONS
Unnecessary Roughness–
Physical acts that exceed normal aggressiveness.
Un-sportsmanlike
Conduct– physical
and non-physical acts that can occur before, during, or after a match.
Examples: shoving, swearing, failing to follow referee instructions,
baiting and taunting.
Flagrant Misconduct- any physical or non-physical
act occurring before, during or after a match that the referee considers
to be serious enough to disqualify a contestant from a match or tournament.
Examples: biting, hitting, head-butting, elbowing etc.
Stalling– Each wrestler is required
to make an honest attempt to stay within the 10 foot circle and wrestle
aggressively at all times. When a referee recognizes stalling, he will
warn the offender. Further violations will be penalized. Penalties and
warnings are cumulative throughout the match and overtime. Penalty points
are awarded to the offender’s opponent. He is awarded one point for
the first and second offenses, and two points for the third offense.
On the fourth offense, the offending wrestler is disqualified.
1. Make sure your son knows you love him! Win or lose, scared or heroic,
let him know you appreciate his efforts and will never be disappointed
with him. This will allow him to do his best without fear of failure.
Be the person is his life he can look to for constant positive reinforcement.
2. Try to be honest about your child's athletic capability, his competitive
attitude and his actual skill level.
3. Be interested and supportive but don't coach your son. It's tough
not to, but it's a lot tougher for the child to be inundated with advice,
pep talks, and frequent critical instruction.
4. Teach him to enjoy the thrill of competition. Let him know that improving
skills and attitudes are important. Help him to develop the feel for
competing, working hard and having fun.
5. Try nor to re-live your athletic life through your child. This creates
added pressure that your son does not need. Remember, we have all fumbled,
lost games, been frightened.
6. Don't compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your child with
others members of the team within his presence.
7. Remember young men tend to exaggerate when being praised and criticized.
Temper your reaction until you investigate.
8. Don't compete with the coach. Keep in mind that they are balancing
the development of your child with the growth and development of an
entire athletic program and team. Often coaches have many considerations
that are not obvious to parents.
9. Get to know the coach. Understanding his philosophy, attitudes, ethics
and knowledge in such a way that you are happy to have your child under
his leadership.
10. Make a point of understanding courage, and the fact that it is relative.
Some people can climb mountains but afraid to fight. Others will fight
but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened of certain
things. Explain to your son, that courage is not the absence of fear,
but means, finishing or doing something in spite of fear or discomfort.
Preparing your
child for a wrestling tournament
1. Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before a tournament.
2. Most people take a warm up suit or sweatpants and sweatshirts for
their children to wear over their singlets. (At times, the gyms can
get very warm and you can slip these off easily and have their singlet
underneath.)
3. Pack everything a child needs the night before for a wrestling tournament,
(headgear, wrestling shoes, etc.) and place in a gym bag.
4. Everyone is responsible for his or her own items. If you happen to
take a "hand game," you should put your name on the back of
it.
Tournaments
1. Most families need to leave their homes around 6:30 AM. Plan to spend
most of the day at the tournament -- most are over by 3:00 PM, but they
can last longer.
2. Tournaments usually start with registration and weigh-ins from 7
AM to 9 AM Each tournament will have a wrestler entry fee of $4 to $10
for each wrestler, and $2 to $4 for spectators.
3. The wrestling usually starts around 10:30 AM.
4. Wrestlers are divided first into groups by grade and/or age, then
by weight, and often by wrestling experience into groups of 4 wrestlers.
This group of four wrestlers will wrestle a round robin, so unless there
is a bye, each wrestle 3 times.
Food for the wrestling
tournaments
1. Every tournament usually has a concession stand that furnishes food.
At times, the food purchased at these tournaments can be expensive.
2. It never hurts to bring Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, etc. for a child if
they have an upset stomach, headache, etc.
3. Several people pack their own food in coolers. Kids get really hot
after wrestling and they do need drinks (preferably water).
4. Most tournaments have a cafeteria with several tables that you may
use to set your coolers on, but some wrestling tournaments do not allow
food in the gym. The gyms get rather warm, so make sure the food in
your cooler stays cool.
Transportation
to the wrestling tournaments
1. Some clubs set up a team meeting place/time such as a "Park
& Ride" and caravan as a team.
2. At practices preceding the tournaments we hand out tournament details
and directions on a map- make sure you know how to get to the tournament
location.
3. If your child would like to wrestle but you can not make it, set
up a ride with another parent or meet us at the designated location.
Other items
1. You are not required to go to any of the tournaments. Sometimes the
kids get tired and they need a break away from the tournaments. It is
a decision entirely between you and your child.
2. Because wrestling is a contact sport, cleanliness is a must. Please
bandage any cuts or scrapes well, as they will not be allowed to wrestle
with them exposed.
Finally . . .
. . . Speaking
as a Mom, you should relax, breathe and be there to support your child.
Let the coaches' coach and let's enjoy another great wrestling season!