High School Wrestling Rules

Though they don't differ too much, high school wrestling rules are significantly different from their collegiate and professional counterparts. While pro-wrestling is a combination of theatrics and athleticism, high school wrestling is a lot more complex than that. Because it faces a lot more restrictions, high school wrestling isn't as fun to watch as WWE, but it is incredibly useful, skillful, and enjoyable. Read on to discover the different high school wrestling rules below.

1. Takedowns score 2 points. Taking down your opponent to the mat, according to high school wrestling rules, will qualify you for 2 points. This, of course, must be done while controlling him/her while touching the mat.
2. Escaping gets you a point. Managing to free yourself from a position in which your opponent has the clear upper hand will earn you a single point. You may then assume a position that is neutral or in which you dominate.
3. Reversing garners 2 points. This is like an escape, but with other premises. For example, you must be on the mat and your opponent must have the upper hand. Then, at that point, you should come up from underneath him/her and take control. This isn't easy, and that's why it's worth two big ones in high school wrestling.
4. An illegal hold demands a penalty. You will be penalized for performing an illegal hold on your opponent. Obviously, most of these holds are dangerous/unfair and deserve a penalty. If the referee is generous he/she may just tell you to let your opponent go.
5. Unsportsmanlike conduct costs you a penalty. Yes, every respectable competition requires sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct will cost you big time, so be sure to shake hands and give your opponent some respect.
6. Technical violations also are penalized. Avoid technical violations in high school wrestling, such as overlapped hands, grabbing clothing, and going off the mat. These violations cost a single penalty per infraction.
7. Forfeits cost your team. In team (or tournament) competitions, teams can collect points and earn penalties. Forfeits, defaults, and disqualifications cost 6 team points. So show up to your high school wrestling matches when you're scheduled!
8. Forfeits are goof for your opponents. In tournament scoring, teams will earn a bonus two points (in addition to your losing 6) when an opposing team forfeits, defaults, or is disqualified.
9. An assistant referee is allowed. Many matches (mostly important) demand more officials. For this, an assistant referee is allowed to make all the calls of a normal official.
10. Officials have discretion. As a highly important variable in the equation of high school wrestling rules, officials have discretion on what qualifies and what doesn't. It is up to them to interpret the regulations and guidelines.

There are quite a number of high school wrestling rules out there, but they are very simplistic in nature. Don't hurt opponents, and always listen to the referees in high school wrestling. Be safe and have fun with one of the best Greco-Roman traditions to survive to this day!