How to Score a Wrestling Match

Basic Vocabulary

Match: A match consists of three periods. Each period is two minutes in length.

Fall: Also called a pin occurs when any part of both shoulders of either wrestler is held in contact with the mat for a period of at least two seconds. A fall is declared by the referee. Whenever a fall occurs, the bout is ended. The fall in wrestling is similar to the knockout in boxing.

Near Fall: When a contestant has control of his opponent and a fall is imminent. The following conditions must take place:

* Both shoulders or both scapulae (shoulder blades) of the defensive wrestler have touched the mat for less than two   
   seconds,

* When the defensive wrestler is held in a high bridge or on both elbows

* One shoulder is touching the mat and the other is held at a 45 degree angle or less.

 If any of these positions is held for 2-4 seconds, two points are awarded. Three points are awarded if held for 5 seconds or more.

Takedown: Each contestant is awarded two points for each takedown he secures. A takedown occurs when a wrestler takes the other down to the mat with control. This maneuver is done from the standing or neutral position.

Escape: One point is awarded to the wrestler who comes out from a down position (disadvantage) and gains a neutral position. 

Reversal: Coming out from underneath the opponent and controlling him in one continuous move.

Technical Fall: When a wrestler gains an advantage of 15 or more points than his opponent, the match is stopped and he is awarded a technical fall.

Individual Match Scoring

Takedown
2 points
Reversal 
2 points
Escape
1 point
Near Fall 
2 or 3 points
Rule Infraction
1 or 2 points

Tournament Scoring 

Team Point Scoring

The following points are awarded each school after winning an individual match.
Place Scoring

The following points are awarded in each weight class in addition to the team points already earned when all place winners have been determined.
Fall
2
  
Default
2
First Place
16 points
Forfeit
2
Second Place
12 points
Disqualification
2
Third Place
9 points
Advancement to the Next Round  
Fourth Place
7 points
- Championship 
2
Fifth Place
5 points
- Consolation
1
Sixth Place
3 points
Technical Fall
1.5
Seventh Place
2 points
Major Decision
1
Bye Followed by a Win  
                     - Championship
1

Tournament Participation

Each participating school will be entitled to one entry in each of the fourteen weight classifications:

103, 112, 119, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 152, 160, 171, 189, 215, and HWT (275 lb. limit)

URL:http://www.msjhs.org/sports/wrestling/score.html
Page last updated: JANUARY 15, 2004
email: MSJHS