Two men in the U.S. military, one from the Navy and one from the Marine Corps, compete in freestyle wrestling. The United States Armed Forces are the overall unified military forces of the United States

Freestyle Wrestling
Focus	Grappling
Country of origin	United Kingdom United States
Parenthood	Catch wrestling
Famous practitioners	Kurt Angle, Gholamreza Takhti, Bruce Baumgartner, John Smith, Rasoul Khadem, Gary Bohay, Daniel Igali
Olympic Sport	Yes

Freestyle wrestling is a style of amateur wrestling that is practiced throughout the world. Grappling refers to the gripping handling and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking, typically through the application of various Grappling holds The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Catch wrestling is a style of Wrestling. Catch wrestling is arguably the ancestor of modern Grappling, Professional wrestling, Mixed martial arts Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9 1968 is an American professional wrestler and Olympic gold medalist Gholamreza Takhti ( August 27, 1930 &ndash January 7, 1968) is the most famous wrestler in Iranian history Bruce Robert Baumgartner (born November 2 1960, in Haledon New Jersey) is a retired American amateur wrestler and current Director John William Smith (born August 9, 1965) was a successful college wrestler, Olympic Games competitor and is currently the head coach Rasul Khadem Azghadi ( born February 17, 1972 in Mashhad) is an Iranian wrestler who has won a Bronze medal in 1992 olympic Gary Bohay (born December 26, 1960 in Burnaby) is a former Canadian Olympic Wrestler. Baraladei Daniel Igali (born February 3, 1974 in Eniwari, Bayelsa State, Nigeria) is a Canadian freestyle wrestler Amateur wrestling is the most widespread form of sport Wrestling. Along with Greco-Roman, it is one of the two styles of wrestling contested in the Olympic games. Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of Amateur wrestling that is practiced throughout the world The Olympic Games is an international Multi-sport event established for both summer and winter games It is, along with track and field, one of the oldest sports in history. American high school and college wrestling is conducted under different rules and termed collegiate wrestling. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the High school is the name used in some parts of the world (in particular Scotland, North America and Australia) to describe an institution College ( Latin collegium) is a term most often used today to denote an Educational Institution. Collegiate wrestling is the commonly-used name of the style of Amateur wrestling practiced at the College and University level in the United States

Freestyle wrestling, like its American counterpart, collegiate (also known as scholastic or folkstyle) wrestling, has its origins in catch-as-catch-can wrestling and the prime victory condition in both styles involves the wrestler winning by pinning his opponent on the mat. Catch wrestling is a style of Wrestling. Catch wrestling is arguably the ancestor of modern Grappling, Professional wrestling, Mixed martial arts Freestyle and collegiate wrestling, unlike Greco-Roman, also both allow the use of the wrestler's or his opponent's legs in offense and defense.

According to the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA), freestyle wrestling is one of the four main forms of amateur competitive wrestling that are practiced internationally today. The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, also known in French as Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées (FILA, is an international Wrestling is the act of physical engagement between two people in which each wrestler strives to get an advantage over or control of the opponent The other three forms of wrestling are Greco-Roman, Grappling (also called submission wrestling), and sambo. Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of Amateur wrestling that is practiced throughout the world Grappling refers to the gripping handling and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking, typically through the application of various Grappling holds Submission wrestling (also called Grappling or submission fighting and technically referred to as submission grappling is a Wrestling style and a general term Sambo (самбо—also called Sombo or Cambo and sometimes written in all-caps is a modern Martial art, combat sport and Self-defense

History

Freestyle wrestling has been in the Olympic Games since the 1904 Olympics in Saint Louis, Missouri. The Olympic Games is an international Multi-sport event established for both summer and winter games Year 1904 ( MCMIV) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting on Missouri ( or) is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee

Freestyle wrestling, according to FILA, is said to have originated in Great Britain and the United States by the name of "catch-as-catch-can" wrestling. The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, also known in French as Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées (FILA, is an international See also Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain (Breatainn Mhòr Prydain Fawr Breten Veur Graet Breetain is the larger of the two main islands The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Catch wrestling is a style of Wrestling. Catch wrestling is arguably the ancestor of modern Grappling, Professional wrestling, Mixed martial arts ^[1] "Catch-as-catch-can" wrestling had a particular following in Great Britain and the variant developed in Lancashire had a particular effect on freestyle wrestling. See also Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain (Breatainn Mhòr Prydain Fawr Breten Veur Graet Breetain is the larger of the two main islands Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England, bounded to the west by the Irish Sea ^[2] "Catch-as-catch-can" wrestling gained great popularity in fairs and festivals during the 19th century. In catch-as-catch-can wrestling, both contestants started out standing and then a wrestler sought to hold his opponent's shoulder to the ground (known as a fall). If no fall was scored, both wrestlers continued grappling on the ground, and almost all holds and techniques were allowable. A Scottish variant of Lancashire wrestling also became popular, that began with both wrestlers standing chest to chest, grasping each other with locked arms around the body, and if no fall was made, with a match continuing on the ground. Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. ^[3] Also, there was the Irish collar-and-elbow style, where wrestlers started out on their feet with both wrestlers grasping each other by the collar with one hand and by the elbow with the other. The Irish people ( Irish: Muintir na hÉireann, na hÉireannaigh, na Gaeil) are a Western European Ethnic group who originate If neither wrestler then achieved a fall, the contestants would continue both standing and on the ground until a fall was made. Irish immigrants later brought this style of wrestling to the United States, where it soon became widespread, especially because of the success of the wrestling champion of the Army of the Potomac, George William Flagg from Vermont. Immigration refers to the movement of people among countries While the movement of people has existed throughout human history at various levels modern immigration implies long-term The Army of the Potomac was the major Union Army in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. Vermont ( is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. ^[4] Catch-as-catch can was the style performed by at least a half dozen U.S. presidents, including George Washington, Zachary Taylor, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Theodore Roosevelt. The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by George Washington (February 22 1732 December 14 1799 served as the first President of the United States of America (1789&ndash1797 and led the Zachary Taylor (November 24 1784 &ndash July 9 1850 was an American military leader and the twelfth President of the United States. Abraham Lincoln (February 12 1809 &ndash April 15 1865 the sixteenth President of the United States, successfully led his country through its greatest internal Andrew Johnson (December 29 1808 – July 31 1875 was the seventeenth President of the United States (1865-69 succeeding to the Presidency upon the assassination Ulysses S Grant, born Hiram Ulysses Grant (April 27 1822 &ndash July 23 1885 was an American general and the eighteenth President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt (ˈroʊzəvɛlt October 27 1858 January 6 1919 also known as T ^[5]

Because of the widespread interest in and esteem of professional Greco-Roman wrestling and its popularity in many international meets in nineteenth century Europe, freestyle wrestling (and wrestling as an amateur sport in general) had a tough time gaining ground on the continent. The 1896 Olympic Games had only one wrestling bout, a heavyweight Greco-Roman match. Year 1896 ( MDCCCXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year ^[6] Freestyle wrestling first emerged as an Olympic sport in the Saint Louis Olympics of 1904. Year 1904 ( MCMIV) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting on All 40 wrestlers who participated in the 1904 Olympics were American. The 1904 Olympics sanctioned the rules commonly used for catch-as-catch can, but imposed some restrictions on dangerous holds. Wrestling by seven weight classes (47. 6 kg, 52. 2 kg, 56. 7 kg, 61. 2 kg, 65. 3 kg, 71. 7 kg, and greater than 71. 7 kg) was an important innovation in the Summer Olympics. The Summer Olympic Games or the Games of the Olympiad are an International Multi-sport event, usually quadrennial organised by the International ^[7]

Since 1921, the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA), which has its headquarters near Lausanne, Switzerland, has set the "Rules of the Game", with regulations for scoring and procedures that govern tournaments such as the World Games and the competition at the Summer Olympics. Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, also known in French as Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées (FILA, is an international Lausanne ( pronounced, Losanna is a city in Romandy, the French -speaking part of Switzerland, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation These were later adopted by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) for its freestyle matches. Official NameAmateur Athletic Union of the United States Incorporated (AAU Freestyle wrestling gained great popularity in the United States after the Civil War. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South By the 1880s, tournaments drew hundreds of wrestlers. Events and Trends Technology Development and commercial production of Electric lighting Development and commercial production of gasoline-powered The rise of cities, increased industrialization, and the closing of the frontier provided the affable environment for amateur wrestling, along with boxing, to increase in esteem and popularity. Boxing (sometimes also known as English boxing or pugilism) is a Combat sport in which two participants generally of similar weight, Amateur wrestling teams soon emerged, such as the wrestling team of the New York Athletic Club, which had its first tournament in 1878. Year 1878 ( MDCCCLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Professional wrestling also developed (which was not like today's "sports-entertainment" seen today), and by the 1870s, professional championship matches offered allowances of up to $1,000. Events and Trends Technology The invention of the prototype telephone by Alexander G ^[8]

Nineteenth century wrestling matches were particularly long, and especially Greco-Roman bouts (where holds below the waist and the use of the legs are not allowed) could last as many as eight to nine hours, and even then, it was only decided by a draw. Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of Amateur wrestling that is practiced throughout the world ^[9] In the 20th century, time limits were set for matches. The twentieth century of the Common Era began on ^[10] For more than forty years into the twentieth century, freestyle and its American counterpart, collegiate wrestling, did not have a scoring system that decided matches in the absence of a fall. Collegiate wrestling is the commonly-used name of the style of Amateur wrestling practiced at the College and University level in the United States The introduction of a point system by Oklahoma State University wrestling coach Art Griffith that gained acceptance in 1941 influenced the international styles as well. Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. By the 1960s international wrestling matches in Greco-Roman and freestyle were scored by a panel of three judges in secret, who made the final decision by raising colored paddles at the match's end. The 1960s decade refers to the years from the beginning of 1960 to the end of 1969 Dr. Albert de Ferrari from San Francisco who became vice president of FILA, lobbied for a visible scoring system and a rule for "controlled fall", which would recognize a fall only when the offensive wrestler had done something to cause it. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city These were soon adopted internationally in Greco-Roman and freestyle. ^[11] By 1996, before a major overhaul of FILA rules, an international freestyle match consisted of two three-minute periods, with a one minute rest between periods. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) ^[12] Today, wrestlers from the countries of the former Soviet Union, Japan, Turkey, Iran, Sweden, Finland, and the United States have had the strongest showings. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iran topics. "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Alexander Medved of Russia won 10 world championships and three Olympic gold medals, in the period of 1964-1972. Alexander Vasiliyevich Medved (Алякса́ндр Васíлевiч Мядзве́дзь Алекса́ндр Васи́льевич Медве́дь (born September 16 Russia (Россия Rossiya) or the Russian Federation ( Rossiyskaya Federatsiya) is a transcontinental Country extending Year 1964 ( MCMLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the 1964 Gregorian calendar. Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Gold medalists from the United States include: Doug Blubaugh, Ben Peterson, John Peterson, Dan Gable, Kurt Angle, and John Smith, who in 1988 won first place in the Summer Olympics as well as winning six world championships in the period of 1987-1992. Benjamin Lee Peterson was the winner of the Gold medal in Freestyle 90 kg wrestling at the 1972 Summer Olympics as well as earning a Silver John Peterson is the name of John Peterson (author (1924-2002 American author of children's books John B Dan Gable (born October 25, 1948 in Waterloo Iowa) is a well-known American amateur wrestler. Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9 1968 is an American professional wrestler and Olympic gold medalist John William Smith (born August 9, 1965) was a successful college wrestler, Olympic Games competitor and is currently the head coach Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) The Summer Olympic Games or the Games of the Olympiad are an International Multi-sport event, usually quadrennial organised by the International Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Many collegiate wrestlers have moved on to freestyle competition, particularly internationally with great success. Collegiate wrestling is the commonly-used name of the style of Amateur wrestling practiced at the College and University level in the United States ^[13]

Weight Classes

Further information: Wrestling weight classes

This freestyle wrestler locks the limbs of his opponent in order to take him down to the mat. In many styles of Wrestling, opponents are matched based on Weight ( Mass)

Currently, international men's freestyle wrestling is divided into four main age categories: schoolboys, cadets, juniors, and seniors. ^[14] Schoolboys (young men ages 14-15; or age 13 with a medical certificate and parental authorization) wrestle in 10 weight classes ranging from 29 to 85 kg. ^[15] Cadets (young men ages 16-17; or age 15 with a medical certificate and parental authorization) wrestle in 10 weight classes ranging from 39 to 100 kg. ^[16] Juniors (young men ages 18 to 20; or age 17 with a medical certificate and parental authorization) wrestle in eight weight classes ranging from 46 to 120 kg. ^[17] Seniors (men ages 20 and up) wrestle in seven weight classes ranging from 50 to 120 kg. ^[18] For men, there is also a special category for some freestyle competitions, "Veterans", for men ages 35 and older, presumably featuring the same weight classes as seniors. ^[19] Also, all of the men's age categories and weight classes can be applied to Greco-Roman wrestling. Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of Amateur wrestling that is practiced throughout the world ^[20]

Women currently compete in freestyle wrestling in one of four age categories on an international level: schoolgirls, cadets, juniors, and seniors. ^[21] Schoolgirls (young women ages 14-15; or age 13 with a medical certificate and parental authorization) wrestle in 10 weight classes ranging from 28 to 62 kg. ^[22] Cadets (young women ages 16-17; or age 15 with a medical certificate and parental authorization) wrestle in 10 weight classes ranging from 36 to 70 kg. ^[23] Juniors (young women ages 18 to 20; or age 17 with a medical certificate and parental authorization) wrestle in eight weight classes ranging from 40 to 72 kg. ^[24] Seniors (women ages 20 and up) wrestle in seven weight classes ranging from 44 to 72 kg. ^[25] Wrestlers after weigh-in may only wrestle in their own weight class. Wrestlers in the senior age category may wrestle up a weight class except for the heavyweight division (which starts at a weight more than 96 kg for the men and more than 67 kg for the women). ^[26] Different nations may have different weight classes and different age categories for their levels of freestyle competition.

Structure of the Tournament

A typical international wrestling tournament takes place by direct elimination with an ideal number of wrestlers (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, etc. ) in each weight class and age category competing for placement. The competition in each weight class takes place in one day. ^[27] The day before the wrestling in a scheduled weight class and age category takes place, all the applicable wrestlers are examined by a physician and weighed-in. Each wrestler after being weighed on the scale then draws a token randomly that gives a certain number. ^[28]

If an ideal number is not reached to begin elimination rounds, a qualification round will take place to eliminate the excess number of wrestlers. For example, 22 wrestlers may weigh-in over the ideal number of 16 wrestlers. The six wrestlers who drew the highest numbers after 16 and the six wrestlers who drew the six numbers immediately before 17 would then wrestle in six matches in the qualification round. The winners of those matches would then go on to the elimination round. ^[29]

In the elimination round, the ideal number of wrestlers then pair off and compete in matches until two victors emerge who will compete in the finals for first and second place. All of the wrestlers who lost to the two finals then have the chance to wrestle in a repechage round. Repechage (repêchage lit re-fishing meaning "to rescue" or "to save" is a practice amongst ladder competitions that allows participants that failed to meet qualifying The repechage round begins with the wrestlers who lost to the two finalists at the lowest level of competition in the elimination round. The matches are paired off by the wrestlers who lost to one finalist and the wrestlers who lost to the other. The two wrestlers who win after every level of competition are the victors of the repechage round. ^[30]

In the finals, the two victors of the elimination round compete for first and second place. ^[31]

In all rounds of the tournament, the wrestlers compete in matches paired off in the order of the numbers they drew after the weigh-in. ^[32]

After the finals match, the awards ceremony will take place. The first place and second place wrestlers will receive a gold and silver medal, respectively. (At the FILA World Championships, the first place wrestler will receive the World Championship Belt. ) The two repechage round winners will each be awarded third place with a bronze medal. The two wrestlers who lost in the finals for the third place are awarded fifth place. From seventh place down, the wrestlers are ranked according to the classification points earned for their victories or losses. If there is a tie among wrestlers for classification points, the ranking is determined in this order from the highest to the lowest:

• Most victories earned by fall
• Most matches won by technical superiority
• Most periods won by technical superiority
• Most points scored in the tournament
• Least points scored in the tournament

Wrestlers who remained tied after that will be awarded placements "ex aequo. " Wrestlers classified from the fifth to the 10th place will receive a special diploma. The wrestling tournaments in the Olympic Games and the Senior and Junior World Championships are designed to take place over three days on three mats. The Olympic Games is an international Multi-sport event established for both summer and winter games ^[33]

Layout of the Mat

The match takes place on a thick rubber mat that is shock-absorbing to ensure safety. For the Olympic Games, all World Championships, and World Cups, the mat has to be new. The main wrestling area has a nine meter diameter and is surrounded by a 1. 5 meter border of the same thickness known as the protection area. Inside the nine meter in diameter circle is a red band of one meter in width that is on the outer edge of the circle and is known as the red zone. The red zone is used to help indicate passivity on the part of a wrestler; thus, it is also known as the passivity zone. Inside the red zone is the central surface of wrestling which is seven meters in diameter. In the middle of the central surface of wrestling is the central circle, which is one meter in diameter. The central circle is surrounded by a band 10 centimeters wide and is divided in half by a red line eight centimeters in width. The diagonally opposite corners of the mat are marked with the wrestlers' colors, red and blue. ^[34]

For competition in the Olympic Games, the World Championships, and the Continental Championships, the mat is installed on a platform no greater than 1. 1 meters in height. If the mat lays on a podium and the protection margin (covering and free space around the mat) does not reach two meters, the sides of the podium are covered with 45º (degree) inclined panels. In all cases, the color of the protection area is different from the color of the mat. ^[35]

Equipment

• A singlet is a one-piece wrestling garment made of spandex that should provide a tight and comfortable fit for the wrestler. A wrestling singlet (or simply singlet) is a one-piece tight-fitting colored uniform usually made of Spandex, Lycra, or Nylon, used in Spandex or elastane is a Synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. It is made from nylon or lycra and prevents an opponent from using anything on the wrestler as leverage. Overview Nylon is a Thermoplastic silky material first used commercially in a nylon- Bristled Toothbrush (1938 followed more famously by Spandex or elastane is a Synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. One wrestler usually competes in a red singlet and the other in a blue singlet. ^[36]
• A special pair of shoes is worn by the wrestler to increase his mobility and flexibility. Wrestling shoes are active wear used in competition and practice for the sport of wrestling. Wrestling shoes are light and flexible in order to provide maximum comfort and movement. Usually made with rubber soles, they help give the wrestler's feet a better grip on the mat. ^[37]
• A handkerchief, also called a bloodrag is carried in the singlet. In the event of bleeding, the wrestler will remove the cloth from his singlet and attempt to stop the bleeding or clean up any bodily fluids that may have gotten onto the mat. ^[38]
• Headgear, equipment worn around the ears to protect the wrestler, is optional in freestyle. Wrestling headgear is protection that a person wears over the ears and chin during wrestling matches Headgear is omitted at the participant's own risk, as there is the potential to develop cauliflower ear. Cauliflower ear (also hematoma auris or perichondrial hematoma) is a condition most common among amateur wrestlers, rugby players, mixed ^[39]

The Match

A match is a competition between two individual wrestlers of the same weight class. In freestyle wrestling, a jury (or team) of three officials (referees) is used. A referee is a person who has authority to make decisions about play in many Sports Officials in various sports are known by a variety of titles including referee The referee controls the action in the center, blowing the whistle to start and stop the action, and supervises the scoring of holds and infractions. The judge sits at the side of the mat, keeps score, and occasionally gives his approval when needed by the referee for various decisions. The mat chairman sits at the scoring table, keeps time, is responsible for declaring technical superiority, and supervises the work of the referee and judge. To call a pin, two of the three officials must agree (usually, the referee and either the judge or the mat chairman). ^[40]

Period Format

The freestyle wrestler in the blue singlet scores points over the wrestler in the red singlet to win by decision. A wrestling singlet (or simply singlet) is a one-piece tight-fitting colored uniform usually made of Spandex, Lycra, or Nylon, used in

In Greco-Roman and freestyle, the format is now three two-minute periods. Before each match, each wrestler's name is called, and the wrestler takes his place at the corner of the mat assigned to his color. The referee then calls both of them to his side at the center of the mat, shakes hands with them, inspects their apparel, and checks for any perspiration, oily or greasy substances, and any other infractions. The two wrestlers then greet each other, shake hands, and the referee blows his whistle to start the period. ^[41]

A wrestler wins the match when he has won two out of three periods. For example, if one competitor were to win the first period 1-0 and the second period 1-0, the match would be over. However, if the other competitor were to win the second period, then a third and deciding period would result. Only a fall, injury default, or disqualification terminates the match; all other modes of victory result only in period termination. One side effect of this format is that it is possible for the losing wrestler to outscore the winner. For example, periods may be scored 3-2, 0-4, 1-0, leading to a total score of 4-6 but a win for the wrestler scoring fewer points. ^[42]

In freestyle, if the score is tied at 0-0 at the end of a two-minute period, the two contestants then wrestle in an overtime period known as The Clinch, that lasts for a maximum of 30 seconds. The referee determines by a coin toss which wrestler will have the advantage in the clinch position. The wrestler who lost the coin toss then places one leg in the middle of the central circle and the other leg outside of the central circle. The wrestler who won the coin toss then signals to the referee which leg he will place in the middle of the central circle. After doing so, the wrestler who won then wraps both of his arms around the leg of his opponent that is in the central circle and then places his head on the outside of his opponent's thigh. The loser of the coin toss then places both of his hands on his opponent's shoulders. When the referee verifies that the clinch position is correct, the two contestants then wrestle. The first wrestler to score a point wins the period. If after 30 seconds, the wrestler who had the advantage in the clinch fails to score a point, his opponent would then receive a point and be declared the winner of the period. ^[43]

When the period (or match) has concluded, the referee stands at the center of the mat facing the officials' table. Both wrestlers then come, shake hands, and stand on either side of the referee to await the decision. The referee then proclaims the winner by raising the winning wrestler's hand in the air usually. Each wrestler then shakes hands with the referee and returns to shake hands with his opponent's coach. ^[44]

Scoring

In freestile wrestling, points can be scored in the following ways:

• Takedown (1 to 5 points): A wrestler is awarded points for a takedown when the wrestler gains control over his opponent on the mat from a neutral position (when the wrestler is on his feet). At least three points of contact have to be controlled on the mat (e. g. two arms and one knee; two knees and one arm or the head; or two arms and the head). ^[45]

(5 points) - For a takedown brought about by a throw of grand amplitude (a throw in which a wrestler brings his opponent off of the mat and controls him so that his feet go directly above his head) either from the standing or par terre position into a direct and immediate danger position. ^[46]

(3 points) - Generally, for a takedown brought about by a grand amplitude throw that does not bring his opponent in a direct and immediate danger position or for a takedown in which a wrestler's opponent is taken from his feet or his stomach to his back or side (a throw of short amplitude) so that he is in the danger position. ^[47]

(1 point) - For a takedown brought about by a wrestler taking his opponent from his feet to his stomach or side such that his back or shoulders are not exposed to the mat. ^[48]

• Reversal (1 point): A wrestler is awarded points for a wrestler when the wrestler gains control over his opponent from a defensive position (when the wrestler is being controlled by his opponent). ^[49]

Two United States military servicemen grapple in a freestyle wrestling championship match. The United States Armed Forces are the overall unified military forces of the United States

• Exposure also called the Danger Position (2 or 3 points): A wrestler is awarded points for exposure when the wrestler exposes his opponent's back to the mat for several seconds. Points for exposure are also awarded if one's back is to the mat but the wrestler is not pinned. Criteria for exposure or the danger position is met when 1) a wrestler's opponent is in a bridge position to avoid being pinned, 2) a wrestler's opponent is on one or both elbows with his back to the mat and avoids getting pinned, 3) a wrestler holds one of his opponent's shoulders to the mat and the other shoulder at an acute angle (less than 90 degrees), 4) a wrestler's opponent is in an "instantaneous fall" position (where both of his shoulders are on the mat for less than one second), or 5) the wrestler's opponent rolls on his shoulders. ^[50] A wrestler in the danger position allows his opponent to score two points. An additional hold-down point may be earned by maintaining the exposure continuously for five seconds. ^[51]
• Penalty (1 or 2 points): Under the 2004-2005 changes to the international styles, a wrestler whose opponent takes an injury time-out receives one point unless the injurëd wrestler is bleeding. Other infractions (e. g. fleeing a hold or the mat, striking the opponent, acting with brutality or intent to injure, using illegal holds, etc. ) are penalized by an award of either one or two points, a Caution, and a choice of position to the opponent. ^[52]
• Out-of-Bounds (1 point): Whenever a wrestler places his foot in the protection area, the match is stopped, and a point is awarded to his opponent. ^[53]

Classification points are also awarded in an international wrestling tournament, which give most points to the winner and in some cases, one point to the loser depending on the outcome of the match and how the victory was attained. For example, a victory by fall would give the winner five classification points and the loser no points, while a match won by technical superiority with the loser scoring technical points would award three points to the winner and one point to loser. ^[54]

The full determinations for scoring are found on pages 34 to 40 of the FILA International Wrestling Rules.

Scores no longer rewarded in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling

In 2004, FILA radically changed the format and scoring of the international styles. Part of this involved eliminating two ways of scoring which are possible from the par terre, or 'on the mat,' position.

• Escape: A wrestler was awarded points for successfully escaping his opponent's control and returning to a neutral position.
• Lifting: A wrestler was awarded points for successfully lifting an opponent in the defensive position and exposing his back.

Victory Conditions in Freestyle Wrestling

Compared to collegiate (scholastic or folkstyle) wrestling, the main style done in U.S. high schools, colleges, and universities, freestyle wrestling involves a greater emphasis on explosive action by both wrestlers, as opposed to one wrestler's dominance and control of the other. Collegiate wrestling is the commonly-used name of the style of Amateur wrestling practiced at the College and University level in the United States The United States of America —commonly referred to as the High school is the name used in some parts of the world (in particular Scotland, North America and Australia) to describe an institution College ( Latin collegium) is a term most often used today to denote an Educational Institution. A university is an institution of Higher education and Research, which grants Academic degrees in a variety of subjects

A match can be won in the following ways:

• Win by Fall: A fall, also known as a pin, occurs when one wrestler holds both his opponents' shoulders on the mat simultaneously. In Greco-Roman and freestyle, a pin must be held long enough for the referee to "observe the total control of the fall" (usually about one or two full seconds). Then either the judge or the mat chairman concurs with the referee that a fall is made. (If the referee does not indicate a fall, and the fall is valid, the judge and the mat chairman can concur together and announce the pin. ) A fall ends the match entirely regardless of when it occurs. ^[55] In the United States, for the Kids freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling division (wrestlers ages 8 to 14) in competitions sponsored by USA Wrestling^[56], it is specified that a pin must be held for two full seconds. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the USA Wrestling (formerly known as the United States Wrestling Federation and as the United States Wrestling Association) is the organization that currently governs
• Win by Technical Superiority (Also called Technical Fall): If one wrestler gains a six-point lead over his opponent at any time in the period, scores a five point throw (a throw where the person's feet go directly above his head, also called a throw of grand amplitude), or scores two three point takedowns (taking an opponent from his feet to their back or sides so that there is shoulder exposure), the current period is declared over and he is declared the winner of that period. In Amateur wrestling, a technical fall, or technical superiority ("tech" for short slang "I teched him" is a victory condition satisfied by ^[57]
• Win by Decision: If neither wrestler achieves either a fall or technical superiority, the wrestler who scored more points during the period is declared the winner of that period. If the score is tied by points at the end of a period, first, the number of cautions; next, the value of points gained; and finally, the last scored technical point are taken into account to determine the winner of the period. Generally, the wrestler who scored the last technical point would be awarded the period. If the score is tied at zero at the end of a period, the wrestlers go through a 30-second overtime procedure known as The Clinch in which the wrestlers are required to enter the clinch position and wrestle until a point is scored, or until one of the wrestlers breaks the clinch. ^[58]

The wrestler on top obtains the fall in this freestyle wrestling match.

• Win by Default: If one wrestler is unable to continue participating for any reason or fails to show up on the mat after his name was called three times before the match begins^[59], his opponent is declared the winner of the match by default, forfeit, or withdrawal.
• Win by Injury: If one wrestler is injured and unable to continue, the other wrestler is declared the winner. This is also referred to as a medical forfeit or injury default. The term also encompasses situations where wrestlers become ill, take too many injury time-outs, or bleed uncontrollably. If a wrestler is injured by his opponent's illegal maneuver and cannot continue, the wrestler at fault is disqualified. ^[60]
• Win by Disqualification: Normally, if a wrestler is assessed three Cautions for breaking the rules, he is disqualified. Under other circumstances, such as flagrant brutality, the match may be ended immediately and the wrestler disqualified and removed from the tournament. ^[61]

Team Scoring

In an international wrestling tournament, teams enter one wrestler at each weight class and score points based on the individual performances. For example, if a wrestler at the 52. 0 kg weight class finishes in first place, then his team will receive ten points. If he were to finish in tenth place, then the team would only receive one. At the end of the tournament, each team's score is tallied, and the team with the most points wins the team competition. ^[62]

Team Competition

A team competition or dual meet is a meeting between (typically two) teams in which individual wrestlers at a given weight class compete against each other. A team receives one point for each victory in a weight class regardless of the outcome. The team that scores the most points at the end of the matches wins the team competition. If there are two sets of competitions with one team winning the home competition and one winning the away competition, a third competition may take place to determine the winner for ranking purposes, or the ranking may take place by assessing in order: 1) the most victories by adding the points of the two matches; 2) the most points by fall, default, forfeit, or disqualificaiton; 3) the most matches won by technical superiority; 4) the most periods won by technical superiority; 5) the most technical points won in all the competition; 6) the least technical points won in all the competition. This works similarly when more than two teams are involved in this predicament. ^[63]

Women's wrestling

Two women wrestlers competing in a freestyle match.

Freestyle is the only style used for international competition in women's wrestling, possibly because of there being more strength usage in Greco-Roman. The rules for women's freestyle wrestling, with some modifications, are largely the same as that for the men. The period lengths are the same, with a 30 second break between two periods. ^[64] Women wear a special singlet, so that they will not simply have to wear a male's singlet with a T-shirt underneath. A T-shirt (or tee shirt) is a Shirt which is pulled on over the head to cover most of a person's Torso. Some small United States college wrestling clubs have women wrestle freestyle against Canadian universities mostly because of the limited number of wrestling programs in the United States. Most of the U. S. athletic organizations such as the NCAA do not sponsor women's wrestling, while the Canadian Interuniversity Sport association does. The National Collegiate Athletic Association ( NCAA, often pronounced "N-C-Double-A" is a voluntary association of about 1200 institutions conferences organizations Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS is the national Governing body of University sport in Canada, comprised of the majority of degree granting universities (The National Collegiate Wrestling Association is sponsoring a women's division beginning with the 2007-2008 season, based largely on collegiate wrestling rules. The National Collegiate Wrestling Association ( NCWA) is a post secondary athletic association built to help the promotion of Collegiate wrestling. Collegiate wrestling is the commonly-used name of the style of Amateur wrestling practiced at the College and University level in the United States ^[65]) Women's wrestling made its Olympic debut at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The Olympic Games is an international Multi-sport event established for both summer and winter games Athens (ˈæθənz Αθήνα Athina,) the Capital and largest city of Greece, dominates the Attica periphery as one of the world's Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία

See also

• Amateur wrestling
• Folk wrestling
• Greco-Roman wrestling
• Collegiate wrestling

Notes

References

• International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles. The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, also known in French as Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées (FILA, is an international Freestyle Wrestling. FILA. The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, also known in French as Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées (FILA, is an international Retrieved on 2007-08-02. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 338 BC - A Macedonian army led by Philip II defeated the combined forces of Athens and Thebes in the
• International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (2006-12-01). The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, also known in French as Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées (FILA, is an international Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 800 - Charlemagne judges the accusations against Pope Leo III in the Vatican International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling. FILA. The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, also known in French as Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées (FILA, is an international Retrieved on 2007-08-09. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 48 BC - Caesar's civil war: Battle of Pharsalus - Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus
• National Collegiate Wrestling Association (2007-08-01). The National Collegiate Wrestling Association ( NCWA) is a post secondary athletic association built to help the promotion of Collegiate wrestling. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 30 BC - Octavian (later known as Augustus enters Alexandria, Egypt, bringing it under the control of the Roman 2007-08 NCWA Wrestling Plan. NCWA. The National Collegiate Wrestling Association ( NCWA) is a post secondary athletic association built to help the promotion of Collegiate wrestling. Retrieved on 2007-09-24. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 622 - Prophet Muhammad completes his hegira from Mecca to Medina.
• USA Wrestling (2008-01-01). USA Wrestling (formerly known as the United States Wrestling Federation and as the United States Wrestling Association) is the organization that currently governs 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC International Wrestling Rules: Greco-Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Women's Wrestling, modified for USA Wrestling. USAW. USA Wrestling (formerly known as the United States Wrestling Federation and as the United States Wrestling Association) is the organization that currently governs Retrieved on 2008-05-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England.
• Dellinger, Bob. The Oldest Sport. National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma on the campus of Oklahoma State University. Retrieved on 2007-08-12. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Battle of Ascalon - Crusaders under the command of Godfrey of Bouillon defeat Fatimid
• Poliakoff, Michael (1996), “Wrestling, Freestyle”, in Christensen, Karen, Encyclopedia of World Sport: From Ancient Times to the Present, vol. 3, Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc. , pp. 1189-1193, ISBN0874368197 
• Poliakoff, Michael (1996), “Wrestling, Greco-Roman”, in Christensen, Karen, Encyclopedia of World Sport: From Ancient Times to the Present, vol. 3, Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc. , pp. 1194-1196, ISBN0874368197 

External links

• Website of the film 'Catch - the hold not taken', a documentary on the history of freestyle Wrestling
• International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, Hall of Fame
• TheMat.com (The Official Website of USA Wrestling) - News about Wrestling: Greco-Roman, Freestyle, International News
• Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Wrestling
• Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling
• Freestyle wrestling videos
• InterMat