Wrestling is a combat sport that first appeared in cave drawings. It has been practiced in civilizations all over the world, and is a major sport in many high schools and colleges and in the Olympics. Scoring for wrestling varies according to the reason for scoring, such as near-falls and takedowns.
Scoring
There are five ways in which to score points in a wrestling match. Two or three points are scored for a near-fall, two points are scored for a reversal, one point is scored for an escape and two points are scored for a takedown. A technical fall is awarded if one wrestler gains 15 points (or more) than his opponent. One or two points may also be awarded for a rule infraction. These are also known as penalty points.
Near-Falls
Near-fall points are awarded when: one shoulder of the opponent touches the mat while the other is held at a 45-degree angle or less for two to four seconds; both shoulders of the opponent wrestler have simultaneously touched the mat for less than two seconds; or when the opponent wrestler is held on both elbows or in a high bridge for two to four seconds. Judges assume that the scorer has control of his opponent and awards two or three points.
Penalty Points
Penalty points are awarded if the opponent commits a penalty for stalling or a false start/illegal start position. If one or both wrestlers fail to initiate action, or if one wrestler is defensive and backs away from the opponent, the opponent wrestler will get one point if the behavior continues after a warning. Additional incidents will award the opposing wrestler one point for the first offense, two points for the second offense, two points for the third offense and, finally, the offending wrestler will be disqualified for the fourth offense within one match. If one or both wrestlers start before the whistle blows, or if either wrestler is not aligned properly, the opposing wrestler will get one point for each incident if the behavior is not corrected after two warnings.
Keeping Track
Print out a scorecard at home or get one from an attendant when you go to a match. If you buy a program for the match, it should contain the rules for scoring and a glossary of terms. The referee will wear a red wristband on his left wrist to indicate the away team and a green wristband on his right wrist to indicate the home team. When points are scored, the referee will hold up the corresponding arm to signify which wrestler gets the points, and the fingers he holds up will indicate the number of points scored.
References
- "Better Wrestling for Boys"; George Sullivan; 1989
- "Wrestling: Rules, Tips, Strategy, and Safety"; David Chiu; 2005
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