1 Dennis (DJ) ROBINSON AUSTIN WRESTLING ASSOCIATION

“YOU MAKE THE CALL” IN OR OUT? 2 Special Thanks to JIM KARP for sharing his photo.

The appearance of a referee while referring on the mat, has a very definite effect upon the conduct off the mat. 3

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BOUNDARY LINE On or near the boundary line, the referee should be in a position to observe the location of the supporting points of each wrestler. Straddling the line is one position, and getting perpendicular to the wrestlers also affords the referee a greater opportunity to catch on the O-B line. Keep your distance from the wrestlers. Call out of bounds by the letter of the rule and be consistent from call to call. (see rule 5-15, 5-18) 6

BOUNDARY LINE Always keep safety in mind Be ready to reposition yourself to protect wrestlers heading out of bounds May have to sound a pre-mature whistle when safety is a concern On feet-in takedowns award the earned points before sounding your whistle 7

BOUNDARY LINE Be patient, do not overly anticipate an out of bounds situation occurring. Bite your whistle until you are sure a situation finishes out of bounds. Hip toss Throws, especially to the back w/ shoulder (s)/scapulae are in near fall criteria and are the only body part in bound 8

BOUNDARY LINE The referee may verbally request that both wrestlers “work center” (discuss in pre-meet duties) make sure the command is loud and forceful. no action is occurring at the boundary line, the official may restart the wrestlers in neutral position Where/when possible, points should be awarded prior to the whistle 9

BOUNDARY LINE while returning to the center, the referee should walk between the wrestlers, never in front of the pair) the referee may anticipate a stalling, or fleeing call. 10

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ON THE OUT OF BOUND LINE The referee will still be at the head/shoulder side of the wrestlers, but focus will shift to supporting points (shoulders, buttocks, knees, and feet, to determine in or out of bounds) Vary your closeness to the wrestlers based on the situation o Referee should always take best position to see most important action while protecting the out of bounds o The referee should visually scan the wrestlers and the boundary line 12