Newtowrestling

Texas High School Wrestling Weight Classes
In order to ensure a wrestler does not have an advantage based on body mass, the governing body
has determined 15 weight classes. Just prior to the meet or tournament, the wrestler "weighs in"
and must be at or below the specified weight limit.

The weight classes for Texas High School wrestling are: 103, 112, 119, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145,
152, 160, 171, 180, 189, 215, and heavyweight (up to 285 pounds).

To ensure the continued health of our student- athletes, all wrestlers must have their minimum
weight established by hydration assessment and skin fold measuring prior to any competition with
a student from another school. For varsity wrestlers, the minimum weight class for competition is
determined by predicted body weight at 7% body fat for males.

Match Scoring
Takedown (2 pts)-Wrestlers start in neutral (standing with no one in control) position, and a wrestler
gains control over his opponent down on the mat.

Escape (1 pt)-Defensive (bottom) wrestler gains a neutral position and his opponent has lost control.

Reversal (2 pts)-Defensive wrestler emerges from the bottom position and gains control of his
opponent.

Near Fall (2 or 3 pts)-When any part of both shoulders of the defensive wrestler is held within four
inches of the mat OR when one shoulder is touching the mat with the other shoulder held at a 45
degrees or less angle.
2 pts - If near fall criteria are met for two continuous seconds.
3 pts - If near fall criteria are met for five continuous seconds.

Team Scoring
If match is won by 1-7 pts it is called a Decision and the winning team gets 3 pts
If match is won by 8-14 pts it is called a Major Decision and the winning team gets 4 pts
If match is won by 15 or more pts it is called a Technical Fall and the winning team gets 5 pts
If match is won by Pin it is called a Fall and the winning team gets 6 pts
If match is won by Forefeit, Default or Disqualification it is called a Forefeit, Default or
Disqualification and the winning team gets 6 pts

Here's How It Works
The match (one wrestler against another) is split into three
two-minute periods. The first period begins with both
wrestlers in "neutral" position in which they are standing,
facing one another. After referee instructions and shaking
hands, the referee blows the whistle and signals for the
two to begin. Next, each wrestlers tries to gain control by
getting behind or on top of the opponent. If successful, the
wrestler is awarded a "takedown". The referee will signal
"two points" and action will continue. The offensive wrestler
tries to apply a hold which will turn his opponent on his
back and keep his opponent's shoulders on the mat for
two seconds for a fall (pin). The defensive wrestler tries to
"escape" to neutral position (one point) or "reverse"
positions (two points) to gain control.

At the outset of the second period, the referee will
determine which wrestler gets the choice of deciding how
he would like to begin this period. The wrestler may
choose top (offensive), bottom (defensive), neutral (both
standing) or defer the choice until the third period. In the
case of a deferral, the other wrestler chooses in the
second period.The wrestlers spend the second period
attempting to score points and/or pin their opponent.

In the third period, the wrestler who did not choose in the
second period now has the choice of top, bottom, or
neutral. The wrestlers spend the third period attempting to
score points and/or pin their opponent. If neither wrestler is
pinned, the wrestler that has the highest total of points
from all three periods is victorious. When the score is tied
at the end of the third period, the wrestlers enter an
overtime or "sudden victory" period. The wrestlers will start
this one-minute period in the neutral position and will
attempt to score. The first points earned by either wrestler
will determines the winner. If no points are scored at the
end of this period, two 30-second periods will ensue, with
each wrestler attempting to score the greatest total of
points.

At the end of the match, the wrestlers will shake hands
and the referee will raise the hand of the
winner.