Main Objective

The objective of wrestling is to pin your opponent's shoulders to the mat for 2 seconds. A pin (a.k.a. fall) ends the match immediately. However, if neither wrestlers is pinned, the winner is the wrestler with the most points at the end of the match.

    There are five ways to score points in a folkstyle wrestling match:

• Takedown

•  Escape

•  Reversal

•  Near-Fall

•  Penalty

MATCH SCORING

Score

Abbreviation

Points

Description

Takedown

T

2

From a neutral (standing) position, a wrestler gains control over opponent down on the mat, while the supporting parts of either wrestler are inbounds.
Common takedowns include single legs, double legs, shrugs, duck unders, fireman's carries, high crotches, arm drags, headlocks, and body locks.

Escape

E

1

When a defensive / controlled (bottom) wrestler gains a neutral position and opponent has lost control, while at least one wrestler is inbounds.
Common escapes include stand ups and sit outs.

Reversal

R

2

When the defensive / controlled (bottom) wrestler gains control of opponent, either on the mat or in a rear standing position, while the supporting points of either wrestler are inbounds.
Common reversals include switches, rolls, and hip heists.

Near Fall
(a.k.a. back points)

A near fall criteria exists when the offensive wrestler:

• holds any part of both shoulders of the defensive wrestler within four inches of the mat;

• holds one shoulder of the defensive wrestler to the mat with the other shoulder held at an angle of 45 degrees or less; or

• holds the defensive wrestler in a high bridge or on both elbows exposing his back to the mat.

NF2

2

If a near fall criteria is met for two continuous seconds, 2 points are awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the predicament.

NF3

3

If a near fall criteria is met for five continuous seconds, a 3 point near fall is awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the near fall situation.

NF4

4

Match is stopped to ensure safety of bottom wrestler. It usually occurs when bottom wrestler appears to be hurt or in pain.

Fall (a.k.a. Pin)

F

n/a

When the offensive wrestler holds opponent's shoulders in contact with the mat for a full two-second count.
Common pinning combinations include half nelsons, three quarter nelsons, arm bars, cradles, and legs (e.g., double leg grapevine & guillotine).

Penalty

P

1 or 2
(see Penalty Chart)

A wrestler is awarded point(s) for technical violations or infractions of the rules committed by his opponent. These points are awarded according to the penalty chart.

TEAM SCORING

Won by

Meet

Tournament

Fall (a.k.a. Pin)

6 Points

2 Points

Forfeit, Default,
or Disqualification

6 Points

2 Points

Technical Fall
won by 15 or more

5 Points

1.5 Points

Major Decision
won by 8-14 points

4 Points

1 Points

Decision
won by less than 8 points

3 Points

0 Points

Draw

2 Points

n/a

In tournament competition, each time a wrestler advances in the Championship bracket he scores an additional 2 team points, each time a wrestler advances in the consolation bracket he scores an additional team point. Also, a wrestler scores team points for placing in the tournament as follows:
1st -14 pts, 2nd - 10 pts, 3rd - 7 pts, and 4th - 4 pts.
1st -16 pts, 2nd - 12 pts, 3rd - 9 pts, 4th - 7 pts, 5th - 5 pts, 6th - 3 pts, 7th - 2 pts, and 8th - 1 pt.

PENALTY CHART

Infraction

Warning

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Illegal Holds

No

1 point

1 point

2 points

Disqualification

Unnecessary Roughness

No

1 point

1 point

2 points

Disqualification

Unsportsmanlike conduct

No

1 point

1 point

2 points

Disqualification

Stalling

Yes

1 point

1 point

2 points

Disqualification

Technical Violations

No

1 point

1 point

2 points

Disqualification

Technical violations include

           1.)  Avoiding wrestling by leaving the mat

           2.)  Grabbing clothing or headgear

           3.)  False start or incorrect starting position

                 (False start or incorrect starting position are 1 point penalty for each infraction following two cautions.

                  This infraction does not count toward disqualification.)

          4.)  Locked hands.
                 (A wrestler can lock hands around his opponent's body or legs only in pinning combinations, 

                   takedown situations, or when opponent is standing on both feet.)

Unsportsmanlike conduct - No warning, deduct 1 team point for first offense. On 2nd penalty deduct 1 team point, disqualify, and remove from premises. Includes coaches and non-participants.

Flagrant Misconduct - No Warning. Disqualify and deduct 2 team points. Remove from premises. Includes contestants, coaches, and non-participants.