Wrestling is a physical combat sport. It is one of the most exhausting sports, both mentally and physically and probably this is the reason why that moment gives immense pleasure when you win a bout in this match. This game demands not only sound physical fitness but also an unbreakable confidence and character that define true sportsman spirit.

The ancient drawings on the caves trace back the game to 3000 BC. Wrestling was introduced into the Olympic Games in 708 BC. During early nineties, freestyle format was introduced into wrestling where an individual is allowed to hold his opponent above or below his waist by using his arms and legs. The game got immense popularity in United States and Great Britain.

Just like freestyle, Greco-Roman was another style of wrestling that was equally popularized but unlike freestyle, the wrestlers could use their arms and upper bodies and could hold only those parts of their opponents. Earlier ten categories were used to present in Greco-Roman style. Later in 2004 Olympics, modification was made that confined 8 categories.

Object of Wrestling

The objective of each wrestler is to pin the opponent and establish own superiority without violence. While doing so, the wrestlers perform various techniques such as taking down, joint locks, pins, and grappling holds.

The judges award points for each successful move to pin down your opponent. The team having maximum points at the end of the match is declared as winner.

Players & Equipment

Wrestling is the low key game as far as the number of special equipment are concerned. The wrestlers compete in the area which can take the shocks of their actions. The wrestlers enter the game area hands-free.

• Wrestling Mat
• Wrestling Singlet
• Wrestling Headgear
• Wrestling Shoes
• Wrestling Kneepads
• Mouth Guards
• Wrestling Bands

Scoring

1) Takedown – (2 points) You score two points for taking your opponent down to the mat and controlling him/her.
2) Escape – (1 point) You score one point for getting away or getting to a neutral position when your opponent has you down on the mat.
3) Reversal – (2 points) You score two points when your opponent has you down on the mat and you come from underneath and gain control of your opponent.
4) Near Fall (Back Points) – (2 or 3 points) You get near fall points when you almost but not quite get your opponent pinned. A near fall (near pin) is when…

• both shoulders are held for two seconds within four inches of the mat, or…
• one shoulder touches the mat and the other shoulder is at a 45 degree angle coming down to the mat, or…
• the wrestler is held in a high bridge or back on both elbows.

If a near fall lasts for two seconds, you get 2 points. If a near fall lasts for 5 seconds, you get 3 points.

5) Penalty Points – (1 or 2 points) your opponent is awarded points if you commit the following infractions.

• Illegal Holds
• Technical Violations
• Unnecessary roughness
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Flagrant Misconduct (ejection, the match is over)
• Stalling (you get one warning before you are penalized and points are awarded).
• Incorrect starting position or false start (You get two cautions before points are awarded).

The first and second time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded one point. The third time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded two points. The fourth time you are penalized, you are disqualified. (Except for illegal starting position or false start – you are cautioned twice, then one point awarded for each infraction, but you will not be disqualified. In the event of Flagrant Misconduct, you are ejected from the match on the first offense, you lose the match, and 3 team points are deducted).

Winning the Game

Rules of Boxing

Wrestling Rules Regarding Illegal Holds

The referee can penalize you for −

• Grabbing the singlet, the mat, or the headgear.
• Locked or overlapped hands: If you are down on the mat in control of your opponent, you cannot lock or overlap your hands, fingers or arms around your opponent’s body or both legs unless −
• You have fulfilled the criteria for a near pin of your opponent.
• Your opponent stands up and has all his/her weight on two feet.
• You have lifted the opponent off the mat.

Wrestling Rules Regarding Technical Violations

The referee can penalize on the violation of the following rules −

• Going off the mat or forcing your opponent off the mat to avoid wrestling.
• Leaving the mat during the match without the referee’s permission.
• Reporting to the mat not properly equipped or not ready to wrestle, or with the illegal equipment at the time of starting the match.
• Bringing roughness in the game unnecessarily.
• Conducting oneself indecently or unsportsmanlike.
• Incorrect starting position or false start

The first and second time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded one point. The third time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded two points. The fourth time you are penalized, you are disqualified.

The rules for various wrestling styles in the Olympics and international championships are different.