Freestyle Wrestling
The objective of the sport of wrestling to force your opponent onto his back, to pin your opponent. A pin, also called a fall, occurs when any part of both shoulders or both shoulder blades (scapula) of either wrestler are in contact with mat for one second. A pin ends the match immediately. However, if neither wrestler is pinned, the winner is the wrestler with the most points at the end of the match (providing at least three or more technical points have been scored in regulation time.)
If neither wrestler has scored three points during regulation time, there will be an overtime period and the first wrestler to achieve three points will be declared the winner. If neither achieves three points, the winner will be the wrestler ahead in points or at the decision of the officials if there is a tie.
If a wrestler scores 10 points more than his opponent at any time, the bout is stopped and the competitor with the 10 point lead is asked if they want to continue and try for a fall or end the bout with technical superiority, or also known as a technical fall.
There are six ways to score points in a freestyle wrestling match: Takedown, Escape, Reversal, Exposure, Passivity and Penalty
| MATCH SCORING |
| Move |
Points |
Description |
| Takedown |
1, 3 or 5 Points |
Occurs when a man takes his opponent to the mat from a standing position. This is worth one point, but can be worth three if the opponent is brought down onto his back in a position of exposure (danger), and five if a high amplitude throw is involved. |
| Escape |
1 Point |
When an athlete works to come out from the bottom position (after being under dominant control) and gets to his feet, facing his rival, he has scored an escape, worth one point. This can only be awarded if there is an active attempt by the top wrestler to hold the bottom wrestler down, and if there is hand attack as the wrestler escapes. |
| Reversal |
1 Point |
When the man underneath completely reverses his position and comes to the top position in control, he has scored a reversal, worth one point. |
| Exposure |
1 or more Points |
Turning an opponent's shoulders to the mat. Once the line of the back area breaks a 90-degree angle, points are scored. This can occur both from the feet and on the mat. A wrestler who holds his opponent in a danger position for five seconds will receive one extra point.
Note that some moves such as a gut wrench and an ankle lace can only be used once before another scoring move must take place. However, a 1 point hold down is considered another scoring move. This happens in the case of move which starts as a gut wrench but stops for a 5 count with the back exposed and then returns in the same direction. Moves without a body lock, such as the front headlock from the knees, the crotch lift and the "sazuski" can be repeated over and over in succession. |
| Passivity |
1 Point |
There are no longer disqualifications for passivity in international wrestling. The officiating team can call an unlimited number of passivity calls. Wrestlers will be permitted to place the passive opponent in the down "par terre" position or continue the bout in a standing position after each passivity call. |
| Penalty |
1 or 2 Points* |
A wrestler is awarded point(s) for the technical violations or infractions of the rules committed by his opponent. These points are awarded according to the penalty chart. |
| PENALTY CHART |
| Infraction |
Penalty |
| Illegal Hold without consequence |
1 point |
| Illegal Hold with consequence |
2 points plus caution |
| Fleeing the mat |
1 or 2 points plus caution |
| Fleeing the hold |
1 point plus caution |
Freestyle Scoring Rules and Terms
- Fall or Pin: Both shoulders held on mat, match ends
- Technical Fall: 10-point margin, match ends or continues depending on superior wrestlers decision
- Injury default: Athlete can not continue to compete, match ends.
- Decision: The athlete who scores the most points in a bout and wins.
- 1 point: Takedown, Reversal, Hand-to-hand Exposure, Escape
- 1 extra point: High amplitude throw from mat or holding man on back for five seconds. Note: Another scoring move must take place before another hold-down can take place. Also, the count must be visibly indicated by the referee during the hold-down.
- 2 points: Exposure such as a roll-through or a takedown then exposure
- 3 points: Takedown to immediate exposure from feet; high amplitude throw without danger
- 5 points: High amplitude throw to danger. Normally the wrestler throws his/her opponent above the waist.
- Regardless of the number of possible combinations of points, only the highest point move can score on any one move sequence.