QUESTIONS MOST ASKED ABOUT WRESTLING

How long is a wrestling match?

A wrestling match is made up of three (3) two-minute periods. If the score is tied at the end of the match, an overtime period is wrestled with the first person to score winning the match.

Why do the team members wear red and green straps on their ankles when they wrestle, and why do the referees wear red and green bands on their wrists?

The green band denotes the home team and the red is the visiting team. The referee raises the arm with the green arm band when awarding points, issuing cautions or assessing penalties to the home team. The same procedure is used for the visiting team.

Why do the members of the team wrestle as varsity one match and junior varsity the next? What is a wrestle-off?

To ensure that the best wrestlers are on the varsity and junior varsity team, each wrestler must win his position, therefore, wrestle-offs are held which may move a wrestler from varsity to junior varsity or vice versa. Each wrestler has the chance to challenge the young man who is above him in his weight class. To win a spot on the varsity team, the wrestler must successfully win two (2) of three (3) matches with his opponent. As for junior varsity, the wrestler must successfully win his challenge match. These wrestle-offs are held at the discretion of the coach, who will make the final decision on the team members.

Why are there two (2) sets of scores on the score board? What are the other numbers on the score board?

The team score, individual score, period clock, weight class and the number of periods can all be found on the score board.

How are individual scores determined?

Individual scores are determined by the types of moves that are executed during the match.

Reversal: Two (2) points.

Near Fall: Two (2) or three (3) points, depending on the time the wrestler is on his back.

Penalty: Two (2) or three (3) points, depending on the number of penalties issued up to
 the point.

Takedown: Two (2) points.

Pin: Six (6) points.

Escape: One (1) point.

How are team scores determined?

Team scores are determined by the type of victory each individual on the team has made.

Tie: Two (2) points

Decision (1-7 pt. spread): Three (3) points

Major decision (8-11 pt. spread): Four (4) points

12-14 point difference in individual score: Five (5) points

Technical Fall (15 pt. spread): Five (5) points

Pin: Six (6) points

Why do referees get tagged with a flexible tube?

When several mats are in the same gymnasium, the buzzers cannot be used to let the referee know when the match periods are over. To allow the referee to watch the match instead of the timekeeper, the referee is tagged when time has run out.

Why do referees stop the match when the wrestlers seem to be actively wrestling?

The referee can stop the match when the hold that is being used could hurt one of the wrestlers (dangerous hold) or if neither wrestler is making any progress with the hold they are using (stalemate) or it is the end of the period.

After a referee has stopped the match, why do the boys sometimes start in a neutral position (facing each other) and other times in an up-down position (one boy is given the advantage of the top position while the other is kneeling)?

The first period always starts with the wrestlers in the neutral position. The second and third period position is determined by the choice of one of the wrestlers. Their choices are: top, bottom or neutral.

What are the weight classes for wrestling?

The 14 weight classes are as follows: 103, 112, 119, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 152, 160, 171, 189, 215, and 275 pounds.

Who are the people sitting at the tables in the gymnasium?

An official scorekeeper and a timekeeper will always be at the table. You may also find an announcer and team scorekeeper.