1. OLYMPIC WRESTLING

2. WRESTLING STYLES There are 3 formal styles of wrestling that are a part of the Olympic and World Games:  1) Freestyle Wrestling: -This is a modern style of combatives that allows the use of the “total body” in the execution of technique.  2) Greco Roman Wrestling: -This is a modern style of combatives dating back to the Greek and Roman periods of history. Unlike freestyle, it restricts its technique to “above the waist only”, thus disallowing leg trips or actions on the lower body  3) Women’s Wrestling: -This is like freestyle, allowing the use of the “total body” in the execution of technique, but for women.

3. What is Wrestling About? Wrestling is the oldest of all the Olympic sports, with its history dating back to 5000 B.C. It has evolved into a highly intense and technical, international sport today. Whether you choose Freestyle, Greco Roman or Women’s wrestling, each of these forms of wrestling are combative in nature, and require technical skill, quick thinking, and good conditioning. Wrestlers compete against one another by age categories and weight class. This presentation will focus on freestyle and women’s wrestling, which are the two main styles that are wrestled in Canada, and the most common styles of wrestling participated in our schools. It will describe the basic rules and what equipment is used in a wrestling match.

4. Points or Pin The purpose of a wrestling match is to score the most points on your opponent, or to pin your opponent before your match is over. Pinning one’s opponent involves placing him onto his back on the mat surface so that the shoulder blades touch the mat. This will result in an instant win for the wrestler in control.

5. EQUIPMENT  The mat is the fundamental equipment item of the sport of amateur wrestling. The surfaces of mats are marked with inner and outer circles describing the ‘boundaries’ and ‘zone’ in which the wrestling activity must take place.  A weigh scale is used to weigh in each wrestler prior to a match.

6. The Mat

7. Optional Training Equipment Throwing dummies and medicine balls are leather covered heavy objects used for practicing throw techniques and for a variety of warm-ups. Ropes are a fundamental training aid used for both climbing to the ceiling or conditioning and agility training through skipping.

8. Proper Attire The singlet is a one-piece stretchy comfortable suit, one designed for males and one for females. They are reversible in blue and red. Wrestling boots are high-cut, lace-up, soft soled boots. Optional: protective padding which comes in two fundamental items: the head gear, and the knee pad. Head gear is used to protect the ear from excessive abrasion which could result in some inflammation of the ears (cauliflower ear). The knee pad is made to prevent bruising during practice and matches.

10. This is the alternate uniform for the 2009 season. This can be worn in all tournaments in BC.

11. Grooming Athletes shall come to the mat properly groomed including:  i. Male athletes shall be clean shaven or have a beard of appropriate growth  ii. Nails must be trimmed  iii. Hair must be short or tied back with an elastic or ribbon, with no metal attachments Athletes are forbidden to:  i. Wear rings, bracelets, earrings, body piercing of any kind, etc.  ii. Chew gum  iii. Wear bandages on wrists, arms or ankles, unless approved by the doctor and/or head official  iv. Arrive at the mat sweaty or greasy

12. General Rules -A wrestling match can be as many as 3 periods, each period being 2 minutes in length, with 30 seconds between periods -Wrestlers present at the centre of the mat, shakes hands, and start in a standing position at the official’s blow of a whistle -The match will end with the expiration of time, a pin, or winning 2 out of 3 periods