How To Use Scoring Sheets For A Wrestling Match

Wrestling matches need scorekeepers to record the often fast action on the mat. In a team-on-team match, this role is often filled by a team manager or other adjunct. Tournaments are often so full and busy that they are scrambling for people to work the score cards. Although most of the people asked to do so will be fully briefed before beginning, it's a good idea to know the basics moving in. Each wrestling conference has its own format for a scorecard, but most follow the same basic conventions.

Step 1

Review the card carefully. Most include a brief description of the point values for different conditions and the hand signals used to indicate the points awarded.

Step 2

Record which wrestler is indicated "red" or "green," the official designations for the participants in a match. Note that because color designation is sometimes tied to team of origin, a wreslter in a red uniform might be designated "green," or vice versa. It's common practice for wrestlers to wear an ankle band that indicates their color.

Step 3

Watch the match carefully. Whenever the referee indicates points scored, record the action and the point value on the scorecard.

Step 4

Check the scoreboard periodically and at the end of each round. If the score recorded there doesn't match the score on your sheet, consult with the scorekeeper to see which of you missed something.

Step 5

Record the final score -- or the time of a pin -- at the end of the match. Present the score book to the referee for a verifying signature. In some tournaments, you will get the signature from the winning wrestler, rather than the referee.

Tips and Warnings

Standard point values of common events in wrestling are two points for a takedown, reversal or short near fall; one point for an escape; and three points for a long near fall. Penalties usually result in zero points for the first infraction, one for the second and two or a disqualification for a third.