STARTING, STOPPING & OUT OF BOUNDS Wrestling Rules Interpretation Meeting October 1, 2003

STARTING THE MATCH The first period shall start with the wrestlers in the neutral position. The first period shall start with the wrestlers in the neutral position. The wrestlers will shake hands and when the referee sounds his whistle, they shall begin wrestling. The wrestlers will shake hands and when the referee sounds his whistle, they shall begin wrestling. If no fall occurs during the first period, the referee shall begin the second period with the wrestler who has the choice selecting up, down, neutral or deferring the choice until the third period. If no fall occurs during the first period, the referee shall begin the second period with the wrestler who has the choice selecting up, down, neutral or deferring the choice until the third period. The wrestler who doesn’t have first choice, shall select the top, bottom or neutral position. The wrestler who doesn’t have first choice, shall select the top, bottom or neutral position.

NEUTRAL STARTING POSITION The neutral starting position requires both contestants be stationary and opposite each other with one foot on the green or red area of the starting lines and the other foot on the line extended, or behind the foot on the line with no part of the body touching the mat in front of the lead foot. The neutral starting position requires both contestants be stationary and opposite each other with one foot on the green or red area of the starting lines and the other foot on the line extended, or behind the foot on the line with no part of the body touching the mat in front of the lead foot.

NEUTRAL STARTING POSITION

In matches involving sight handicapped wrestlers, the finger- touch method shall be used in the neutral position and initial contact shall be made from the front. In matches involving sight handicapped wrestlers, the finger- touch method shall be used in the neutral position and initial contact shall be made from the front. Contact is to be maintained throughout the match. Contact is to be maintained throughout the match.

NEUTRAL STARTING POSITION

When the referee starts the match from the neutral position, the wrestlers will be between the referee and the scorer’s table. When the referee starts the match from the neutral position, the wrestlers will be between the referee and the scorer’s table. The referee will indicate to the wrestlers to shake hands, look to the scorer’s table, give a hand signal as the whistle sounds, and then direct full attention to the match. The referee will indicate to the wrestlers to shake hands, look to the scorer’s table, give a hand signal as the whistle sounds, and then direct full attention to the match. The handshake prior to wrestling needs to be a good handshake and not a hand slap. The handshake prior to wrestling needs to be a good handshake and not a hand slap.

STOPPING & RESTARTING THE MATCH When a supporting part of both wrestlers is out of bounds, wrestling shall be stopped and wrestlers returned to the center of the mat and started according to the position of each at the time they went out of bounds. When a supporting part of both wrestlers is out of bounds, wrestling shall be stopped and wrestlers returned to the center of the mat and started according to the position of each at the time they went out of bounds. If the wrestlers go out of bounds in the neutral position, the match shall be resumed with each wrestler on his designated green or red area. If the wrestlers go out of bounds in the neutral position, the match shall be resumed with each wrestler on his designated green or red area.

STOPPING & RESTARTING THE MATCH

It is a stalemate when: It is a stalemate when: The contestants are interlocked in a position, other than a pinning situation, in which neither wrestler can improve the position. The contestants are interlocked in a position, other than a pinning situation, in which neither wrestler can improve the position. Either competitor has hands locked around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring. Either competitor has hands locked around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring. The referee shall, as soon as possible, stop the match and wrestling shall be resumed as for out of bounds. The referee shall, as soon as possible, stop the match and wrestling shall be resumed as for out of bounds.

STOPPING & RESTARTING THE MATCH

If a wrestler is injured due to legal or illegal action, the referee shall stop the match. If a wrestler is injured due to legal or illegal action, the referee shall stop the match.

STOPPING & RESTARTING THE MATCH If the required protective ear guard is misplaced, the referee is authorized to stop the match as follows: If the required protective ear guard is misplaced, the referee is authorized to stop the match as follows: In the neutral position, when no takedown is in progress, the match may be stopped as soon as the ear guard is displaced. In the neutral position, when no takedown is in progress, the match may be stopped as soon as the ear guard is displaced. If the wrestler is being placed at a disadvantage because the misplaced ear guard is covering the eyes, nose, mouth or is causing choking, the match shall be stopped so that proper adjustment may be made. If the wrestler is being placed at a disadvantage because the misplaced ear guard is covering the eyes, nose, mouth or is causing choking, the match shall be stopped so that proper adjustment may be made. In all other situations, the referee shall stop the match only when there is no significant action taking place. In all other situations, the referee shall stop the match only when there is no significant action taking place. It shall be started as following an out of bounds. It shall be started as following an out of bounds.

STOPPING & RESTARTING THE MATCH When penalizing either contestant, the match will be stopped and restarted. When penalizing either contestant, the match will be stopped and restarted.

DEFENSIVE STARTING POSITION The defensive wrestler’s starting position requires the wrestler to be at the center of the circle stationary on his hands and knees so both knees are on the mat behind and parallel to the rear starting line. The defensive wrestler’s starting position requires the wrestler to be at the center of the circle stationary on his hands and knees so both knees are on the mat behind and parallel to the rear starting line. The heels of both hands shall be on the mat in front of the forward starting line. The heels of both hands shall be on the mat in front of the forward starting line. The elbows shall not touch the mat. The elbows shall not touch the mat. This position must also allow the offensive wrestler to be able to assume a legal starting position on either side. This position must also allow the offensive wrestler to be able to assume a legal starting position on either side.

DEFENSIVE STARTING POSITION

OFFENSIVE STARTING POSITION The offensive wrestler’s starting position is one in which the wrestler is at the right or left side of the opponent with at least one knee on the mat on the near side of the opponent. The offensive wrestler’s starting position is one in which the wrestler is at the right or left side of the opponent with at least one knee on the mat on the near side of the opponent. The near side is the one on which the offensive wrestler places the palm of the hand on or over the back of the elbow. The near side is the one on which the offensive wrestler places the palm of the hand on or over the back of the elbow. The offensive wrestler’s head shall be on or above the spinal column of the opponent’s back. The offensive wrestler’s head shall be on or above the spinal column of the opponent’s back. The other arm (right or left) is placed loosely around the defensive wrestler’s body, perpendicular to the long axis of the body, with the palm of hand placed loosely over the defensive wrestler’s navel. The other arm (right or left) is placed loosely around the defensive wrestler’s body, perpendicular to the long axis of the body, with the palm of hand placed loosely over the defensive wrestler’s navel. A knee or foot shall be placed behind the defensive wrestler’s feet. A knee or foot shall be placed behind the defensive wrestler’s feet. The offensive wrestler’s legs or feet shall not be in contact with the defensive wrestler. The offensive wrestler’s legs or feet shall not be in contact with the defensive wrestler.

OFFENSIVE STARTING POSITION

OFFENSIVE STARTING POSITION - illegal

OPTIONAL OFFENSIVE STARTING POSITION The offensive wrestler may use an optional start, whereby he positions himself on either side or to the rear of his opponent supporting all of his weight on both feet, one knee, or both knees. The offensive wrestler may use an optional start, whereby he positions himself on either side or to the rear of his opponent supporting all of his weight on both feet, one knee, or both knees. He is to place his hands on his opponent’s back (area between neck and waist), thumbs touching, and only his hands are to be in contact with the defensive wrestler. He is to place his hands on his opponent’s back (area between neck and waist), thumbs touching, and only his hands are to be in contact with the defensive wrestler. The offensive wrestler is not to place a foot, or feet, or knee(s) between the opponent’s feet or legs, in front of the forward starting line or the line extended, nor straddle the opponent. The offensive wrestler is not to place a foot, or feet, or knee(s) between the opponent’s feet or legs, in front of the forward starting line or the line extended, nor straddle the opponent.

OPTIONAL OFFENSIVE STARTING POSITION

If the offensive wrestler selects the optional starting position the wrestler must indicate this intent to the referee. If the offensive wrestler selects the optional starting position the wrestler must indicate this intent to the referee. The referee shall then inform the defensive wrestler of the offensive wrestler’s intentions. The referee shall then inform the defensive wrestler of the offensive wrestler’s intentions. If the defensive wrestler is set prior to being informed readjustment can be made. If the defensive wrestler is set prior to being informed readjustment can be made.

OFFENSIVE STARTING POSITION The referee shall direct the offensive man to assume his starting position once the defensive man is stationary in his starting position. The referee shall direct the offensive man to assume his starting position once the defensive man is stationary in his starting position. When starting the contestants from the down position, the referee may be in front of or behind the contestants. When starting the contestants from the down position, the referee may be in front of or behind the contestants. The referee should establish eye contact with the scorer’s table and then give a hand signal as the whistle sounds and then direct full attention to the wrestlers. The referee should establish eye contact with the scorer’s table and then give a hand signal as the whistle sounds and then direct full attention to the wrestlers. The referee is to make certain that no one gets in a hurry and gains an advantage over the opponent. The referee is to make certain that no one gets in a hurry and gains an advantage over the opponent. The referee needs to encourage contestants to wait for the whistle. The referee needs to encourage contestants to wait for the whistle. It is extremely important that the contestants reach a stationary position prior to the referee starting the match. It is extremely important that the contestants reach a stationary position prior to the referee starting the match.

OFFENSIVE STARTING POSITION The defensive wrestler must first obtain a legal position and then the offensive wrestler is to assume a legal position. The defensive wrestler must first obtain a legal position and then the offensive wrestler is to assume a legal position. The slow hand over the navel by the offensive wrestler should be eliminated, as well as the offensive wrestler trying to outguess the referee as to when the match should be started. The slow hand over the navel by the offensive wrestler should be eliminated, as well as the offensive wrestler trying to outguess the referee as to when the match should be started. Both wrestlers should assume their position and, after they are stationary, the referee should start the match. Both wrestlers should assume their position and, after they are stationary, the referee should start the match.

OUT OF BOUNDS Contestants are considered to be inbounds if the supporting parts of either wrestler are inside the boundary lines. Contestants are considered to be inbounds if the supporting parts of either wrestler are inside the boundary lines. A wrestler’s supporting points are the parts of the body touching, or within, the wrestling area which bear the wrestler’s weight, other than those parts with which the wrestler is holding the opponent. A wrestler’s supporting points are the parts of the body touching, or within, the wrestling area which bear the wrestler’s weight, other than those parts with which the wrestler is holding the opponent. When down on the mat, the usual points of support are the knees, the side of the thigh and the buttocks. When down on the mat, the usual points of support are the knees, the side of the thigh and the buttocks.

OUT OF BOUNDS Wrestling shall continue as long as the supporting parts of either wrestler remain inbounds. Wrestling shall continue as long as the supporting parts of either wrestler remain inbounds. Out of bounds decisions are determined by the position of the wrestler and the type of action in progress at a particular time. Out of bounds decisions are determined by the position of the wrestler and the type of action in progress at a particular time.

OUT OF BOUNDS When the defensive wrestler is on his back while the supporting parts of either wrestler are inbounds, wrestling shall continue as long as there is a possibility of the offensive wrestler bringing his opponent back into the inbounds area. When the defensive wrestler is on his back while the supporting parts of either wrestler are inbounds, wrestling shall continue as long as there is a possibility of the offensive wrestler bringing his opponent back into the inbounds area. In this situation any part of the defensive wrestler’s shoulders or scapulae are his supporting parts. In this situation any part of the defensive wrestler’s shoulders or scapulae are his supporting parts. Near-fall points or a fall shall be earned only while any part of both defensive man’s shoulders or both scapulae are inbounds. Near-fall points or a fall shall be earned only while any part of both defensive man’s shoulders or both scapulae are inbounds.

OUT OF BOUNDS Officials must work diligently to maintain the best position as wrestler’s approach the mat’s edge in order to determine when there is an out of bounds. Officials must work diligently to maintain the best position as wrestler’s approach the mat’s edge in order to determine when there is an out of bounds. A position to the out of bounds side of the wrestlers with vision between them is most desirable. A position to the out of bounds side of the wrestlers with vision between them is most desirable. Officials must be alert to the location of the boundary line and know exactly where they are on the mat, thereby being prepared to administer the out of bounds rule consistently and correctly. Officials must be alert to the location of the boundary line and know exactly where they are on the mat, thereby being prepared to administer the out of bounds rule consistently and correctly. Wrestling is to continue as long as the supporting parts of either wrestler remain inbounds. Wrestling is to continue as long as the supporting parts of either wrestler remain inbounds.

OUT OF BOUNDS When a takedown is in progress and the wrestlers are in a neutral position, wrestling will continue as long as the supporting parts of either wrestler remain with the boundary line. When a takedown is in progress and the wrestlers are in a neutral position, wrestling will continue as long as the supporting parts of either wrestler remain with the boundary line. In awarding a takedown at the edge of the mat, points shall be scored when control is established while the supporting points of either wrestler are inbounds or while at least the feet of the scoring contestant finish down on the mat inbounds. In awarding a takedown at the edge of the mat, points shall be scored when control is established while the supporting points of either wrestler are inbounds or while at least the feet of the scoring contestant finish down on the mat inbounds.

OUT OF BOUNDS

If the defensive wrestler initiates a move near a boundary but is unable to complete it because both contestants go out of bounds, it is possible that an escape may have been earned. If the defensive wrestler initiates a move near a boundary but is unable to complete it because both contestants go out of bounds, it is possible that an escape may have been earned. In a situation where the offensive wrestler lost control while the opponent was still inbounds but the defensive wrestler was unable to gain control before going out of bounds, an escape must be awarded. In a situation where the offensive wrestler lost control while the opponent was still inbounds but the defensive wrestler was unable to gain control before going out of bounds, an escape must be awarded. This cannot be a reversal because both wrestlers were out of bounds before the defensive wrestler could gain control. This cannot be a reversal because both wrestlers were out of bounds before the defensive wrestler could gain control. If neither wrestler has control while the supporting parts of one remain inbounds, a neutral position has been gained. If neither wrestler has control while the supporting parts of one remain inbounds, a neutral position has been gained.

OUT OF BOUNDS The referee should maintain visual contact with the wrestlers at all times throughout the course of the match. The referee should maintain visual contact with the wrestlers at all times throughout the course of the match. When contestants go out of bounds, it is very important that the referee maintain eye contact during this period of time, as this will help to eliminate situations that might develop. When contestants go out of bounds, it is very important that the referee maintain eye contact during this period of time, as this will help to eliminate situations that might develop. A little prevention on the part of the referee will be beneficial in upholding good sportsmanship throughout the match. A little prevention on the part of the referee will be beneficial in upholding good sportsmanship throughout the match.

For further information contact: Dale Pleimann Assistant Executive Director Missouri State High School Activities Association