Amateur wrestling competition is divided into dual meets and tournament play. In tournaments, individuals wrestle on their own schedule and vie for the top spot in a weight category involving many athletes. Their performance may or may not be credited to a team score for the tournament. In a dual meet, two wrestling teams face off, with the performance of each wrestler contributing to a final team score.
Structure
In a dual meet, the two participating schools field one wrestler in each weight class. They wrestle a standard match against each other, one after the other. The outcome of each match awards points to one or both teams, with the final total of those points determining a winning team.
Weight Classes
There are 14 weight classes in standard amateur high school wrestling, defined by weight in pounds: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and 285. NCAA weight classes for wrestling are at 125, 133, 141, 149, 157, 165, 174, 184, 197 and 285 pounds. To qualify to wrestle in a given weight class, the athlete must weigh in and prove that he weighs at or below the maximum weight for the class. If an athlete fails to make weight, he is disqualified from competition. The opposing team receives points as if that wrestler had been pinned.
Scoring
Individual matches in a dual meet are scored according to the standard rules of wrestling. If the match results in a tie, both teams receive 2 points. If one wrestler wins by seven or fewer points, his team receives 3 team points. A victory by eight to 14 points earns 4 team points. A technical fall ends the match if one wrestler gains a margin of 15 or more points, and earns 5 points for the winner's team. If a wrestler is pinned, the winning wrestler's team receives 6 points. Teams may also be awarded or penalized for infractions, most frequently for poor sportsmanship on the part of a coach or spectator.
Repercussions
The outcome of a dual meet goes on the team's record for the season. Teams with better records receive favorable treatment when assigning athletes a position for district, state and regional tournaments. Teams with a history of successful dual meet records also attract more college scouts, which can mean better scholarship opportunities for team members.
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