The rules and regulations for mat wrestling are designed for safety and to clearly designate the wrestling area for competitors and referees. Because the goal of wrestling is to take the opponent down and pin him, it's critical that the mats provide proper padding, are secured and are in good condition.
Size
Mats need to have a diameter for wrestling between 32 and 42 feet. A 5-foot "apron," or mat area, needs to extend around the wrestling area. It needs to be marked either with a 2 inch wide line or be a different color than the wrestling area, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association rulebook.
Thickness
The wrestling area and the mat need to have the same thickness. It cannot be more than 4 inches thick and it cannot provide less shock-absorbing quality than a mat that is 2 inches thick and made of hair felt. Mats that are laid in sections must be secured together.
Starting Lines
Two 1 inch starting lines must be marked in the middle of the wrestling area. These lines are 10 inches apart and are 3 feet long. One line is green. It is placed closest to the home team. The other line is red and is closest to the visiting team. When a wrestler is down in a defensive position at a line, he needs to be facing away from the scoring table.
Maintenance
Mats are required to be disinfected and cleaned before matches and the NCAA also recommends having shoe disinfecting and cleaning stations near the mats. Padding under mats is necessary when the mats are on concrete floors. The home team is responsible to ensure that the mats comply with all rules and regulations.
Classifications
Mat wrestling meets are between wrestlers in 10 weight classifications, and wrestlers compete against opponents in their same weight class. The matches last seven minutes and are divided into three periods. The first is three minutes and the other two are two minutes. Weight classes are 125, 133, 141, 149, 157, 165, 174, 184, 194, 197 and heavyweight, or 183 to 285 pounds, according to the NCAA. Some leagues, such as USA Wrestling, outlaw use of dehydration techniques to "cut weight."
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