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Objective
The primary objective in folk-style wrestling is to gain control of your opponent and to ultimately pin your opponent by holding your opponent with their back (both shoulder blades simultaneously) on the mat for a period of at least two seconds.
Match Basics
Wrestling matches consist of three periods. Periods can vary in length from one minute in duration for younger age groups, to as long as three minutes for college wrestling. Either wrestler can win the match at any time if they are able to pin their opponent or develop a lead of more than 14 points (10 points for kids). Otherwise, the wrestler that can accumulate the most points by the end of the third period (or after overtime in the case of a tie) wins the match.
There are only two positions from which referees start, or continue to a match. The first is neutral position, with both wrestlers standing and facing each other. The other is the referee's position, where one wrestler starts on his hands and knees down on the mat, and the other starts on top, behind and in control. The first period always begins in the neutral position. Each wrestler has their choice in one of the remaining periods, to choose to start from top or bottom referee's position, or in the neutral position. If the action must be stopped before the end of a period, the referee restarts the wrestlers in the starting position that best reflects the position the wrestlers were in when the action was stopped.
Scoring
The scoring system is rather simple. Takedowns (when from a neutral position one wrestler is able to bring the other to the mat and gain control) are worth 2 points. Escapes (when the bottom wrestler is able to break free from the top wrestler and revert back to a neutral position) are worth 1 point. Reversals, (when a wrestler on the bottom is able to reverse the control so that the opponent is on the bottom) are worth 2 points. Back points (also called near fall) are awarded when one wrestler comes close to pinning the other (i.e. exposing the other wrestler's back) and are worth 2 or 3 points, depending on the length of time that the opponent's back is exposed. In addition, penalty points can be awarded when the opposing wrestler performs illegal moves or is penalized for excessive stalling.
Sportsmanship
Competition is conducted in a manner as to promote and require good sportsmanship. Competitors are expected to show respect to opponents, officials and coaches regardless of the outcome of their match. Both wrestlers are required to shake hands before and after the match. It is also common practice for each wrestler to shake the hand of their opponent's coach after the match.
Officials
Officiating is more objective than subjective in that it does not require judging, as with sports such as gymnastics or figure skating. However, situations can and do occur that are subject to interpretation. Those situations most often involve out of bounds calls, determination of when/if control is sufficient to award points, and determination of when/if stalling or penalties apply.
Equipment
Basic wrestling equipment includes wrestling shoes and a singlet. Wrestling shoes offer more ankle support than the traditional shoe and are designed to be lightweight and tight to the foot to promote freedom of movement.
Although not required by our league, other equipment includes headgear and knee pads. Headgear can prevent outer ear injuries and bruises during practice and competition. The standard wrestling uniform, known as a singlet, is designed to fit snug to the body so that it does not restrict the movement of either wrestler. Kneepads are sometimes worn by choice.
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