Scholastic, also called "collegiate," wrestling is the style practiced in high school and college athletics programs. The rules, governed by the NCAA at college levels and based on those rules in high school competition, are in place to keep athletes safe despite the somewhat violent nature of the sport.
Weight Class
Scholastic wrestling competition is split into different weight classes to ensure safe and fair competition. You can't wrestle unless you weigh at or beneath the weight class for the bout in which you're scheduled to fight. In exhibition matches, an overweight wrestler may be permitted to participate, but his opponent will show a "win by forfeit" on his record regardless of the outcome.
Throws and Takedowns
Whether you take your opponent to the ground with a throw or a takedown, you must go to the ground with him. Tripping, sweeping and body slams are not permitted in scholastic wrestling.
Holds and Grips
When on the ground in scholastic wrestling, specialized rules govern how you can grip an opponent. If you clasp your hands, the hold must include the head and one other limb, such as the head and an arm or the head and a leg. The hold may include more than one limb, but cannot capture just the head or just the torso. However, this rule does not apply when wrestlers are standing up.
Striking
You may not punch, kick, elbow, knee or head-butt your opponent during a scholastic wrestling match. This is the most visible difference between wrestling and mixed martial arts competition.
Stalling
A scholastic wrestler is responsible to aggressively try to score points or establish position throughout the length of a wrestling match. If one wrestler fails to do so, for example, by maintaining a static hold or running away from his opponent, he is called for "stalling." A wrestler may not stall in scholastic competition.
Warnings
Penalties in scholastic wrestling follow an escalating level of severity. The first penalty is a warning, followed by a penalty point awarded to the opponent. A third violation results either in a two-point penalty or disqualification.
Flagrant Fouls
A flagrant violation of the rules, such as a clear and intentional punch in the face, immediately escalates to a higher level of penalty. Two penalty points, disqualification and adjustments to overall team score are all possibilities in this situation.
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