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Penn Trafford Junior Wrestling



Guide to Understanding a Wrestling Match

At the start of a match, wrestlers will be given colored ankle bands. Generally, one wrestler will wear a green band while the other wrestler will wear red. The significance of the colors is that they correspond to the colors worn by the referee. The referee will have a green band on one wrist and a red on the other. As the match proceeds, the referee will signal the award of points to a wrestler by holding up that wrestlers color.

As you look at the wrestling mat you will notice a large circle going around the perimeter of the mat, this is the out-of-bounds indicator. Each wrestler must stay within the circumference of this larger circle to score points. In most cases you will also notice a smaller circle within the larger one, this is referred to as the center of the mat. Contained within the center of the mat are 2 parallel lines or a box, this is the starting point for each period.

THE FIRST PERIOD always starts off with both wrestlers in the NEUTRAL (standing) position. Both wrestlers come forward from their corners of the mat, get directions and shake hands. Next, the referee blows the whistle and signals "wrestle". Now, each wrestler tries to gain control by setting behind of or on top of the other opponent (the first points that are generally awarded are usually for a TAKEDOWN. When one wrestler gets a TAKEDOWN, the referee signals "two points". The offensive wrestler (usually on top) is trying to apply a hold which will keep his opponent's shoulders on the mat for two seconds for a FALL (PIN) and the defensive wrestler (usually on bottom) tries to ESCAPE or REVERSE positions to gain control.

THE SECOND PERIOD the referee will determine which wrestler will gets the choice of deciding how he would like to begin this period. He may choose TOP, BOTTOM, NEUTRAL or he may DEFER the decision to the other wrestler; which makes his opponent chose and gives him the choice in the third period.

IN THE THIRD PERIOD the wrestler who did not choose in the second period now has the choice of TOP, BOTTOM, NEUTRAL.

OVERTIME occurs when the score at the end of the third period is tie. The wrestlers will start this 1 minute period in the NEUTRAL position and will attempt to score. The first points earned by any of the wrestlers will determine the winner. A TAKEDOWN in overtime usually determines the winner of the match. If the wrestlers go from the NEUTRAL position to a NEARFALL situation , the wrestler on top can attempt to PIN his opponent to end the match from this position.

DOUBLE OVERTIME occurs if a winner has not been determined in OVERTIME, the referee will determine which wrestler has the choice of choosing TOP, BOTTOM, or DEFER to start this 30 second period. The BOTTOM wrestler must ESCAPE or REVERSE his position to win the match. The TOP wrestler must maintain control of the BOTTOM wrestler, score back points or pin him to win the match.

AT THE END OF THE MATCH the wrestlers will shake hands and the referee will raise the hand of the winner.

Scoring

Individual Match Scoring - Individual points earned during an individual match

TAKEDOWN = 2 points - when a wrestler gets behind or on top of his opponent and establishes control from the NEUTRAL position. Common takedowns include single legs, double legs, high crotches, headlocks, bodylocks, shrugs, fireman's carries, and many more.

ESCAPE = 1 point - when the bottom wrestler gets out from underneath his opponent to a NEUTRAL (standing) position and then facing him. Common escapes include the standup and the sitout.

REVERSAL = 2 points - when the bottom wrestler gets out from underneath his opponent and behind or on TOP of his opponent. Common reversals include switches, rolls, and hip heists.

NEARFALL = 2 or 3 points - when the offensive wrestler hold his opponents shoulders to or near the mat (breaking 45 degree angle), but not long enough for a pin. 4 points may be awarded if the referee stops the match due to the bottom wrestler choking or a similar situation.

STALLING = 1 point to opponent - when the offensive wrestler does not attempt to pin his opponent and/or the defensive wrestler does not attempt to escape or work for a reversal.

ILLEGAL HOLDS, ROUGHNESS, TECHNICAL VIOLATION = 1 or 2 points or DISQUALIFICATION - awarded to the offended wrestler.

Common Penalties Include:
Fleeing the mat

Slams
Note:When a wrestler lifts another off the mat, it is the lifting wrestler's responsibility to ensure the other's safe return to the mat.

Locking hands strictly around an opponent's waist while on the mat.

Illegal Moves: Choking, Full Nelson, Body Figure Four, Head Scissors

Unsportsmanlike conduct Swearing, Striking, Unnecessary Roughness, Grabbing of the singlet, throwing of headgear

THE WINNER of a match is the wrestler who scores the most points or who wins by a fall (pin).
There are three basic victory conditions in a wrestling match:
* Pinning your opponent (Win By Fall)
* Scoring more points than your opponent in the time alotted (Win By Decision)
* Scoring 15 points more than your opponent at any point during the match (Win By Technical Fall)