GNWC Titan Youth Wrestling
Scoring Matches and Bouts Frequently Ask Questions
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports known to man and is one of the original Olympic events. Although it is not widely known, southeastern Pennsylvania is one of the premier areas for wrestling in the entire United States. The Titans are part of the thirty two team Inter County Wrestling League (ICWL) with each team ranging in size from 60 to 120 kids. Our organization coach’s kids from 4 to 14 years old in basic and advanced wrestling technique. The sport is very technical and I have had the good fortune of see our kids grow through the sport to become more mature, self confident and the very nature of the sport promotes a can do attitude.
It is not a sport where every one “wins”, each time on the mat there is a winner and a loser and kids learn valuable lessons from both. Our kids learn sportsmanship and how to win graciously and lose with dignity and honor. Our club has been in existence for over thirty years and we have always been dedicated to supporting all kids. Our organization is run buy a volunteer network dedicated to promoting the sport. Several of our coaches are involved for the pure love of the sport without even having a child in our program.
Our season includes bi-weekly practices starting the November preparing the kids for the dual meet season which starts in early January runs for 7 consecutive Saturdays. Dual meets provide the opportunity to wrestle kids from other teams and use the moves and skills they have learned. Dual meets are set up with great care to try to match kids to provide an even match based on the kids style, personality and even their personal needs. We set up dual meets where coaches for two or three clubs meet for four to six hours to “match” wrestlers with similar age, weight, experience and skill.
Our practice venues are conveniently located at the Plymouth Whitemarsh schools with some practices at neighboring schools like Wissahickon and Norristown and our roster is comprised of kids from Colonial School District, Kennedy Kenrick, Springfield and North Penn.
For kids new to the sport there are a number of tournaments that are limited to first year wrestlers to give kids new to the sport the opportunity to compete on a level playing field and measure their growth as the season progresses. For the experienced kids there are novice tournaments for kids with experience but are still evolving their skills and finally there are open tournaments for the advanced wrestlers reaching the expert levels in their respective age and weight groups. The season concludes with the ICWL Championship followed by the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Association District Tournament. The District Tournament is a qualifier for the MAWA Regionals where the top four qualifiers are eligible to compete in the Eastern National Championship.
We also run one of the premier wrestling tournaments on the east coast. We routinely get wrestlers from as far north as New England and as far south as Florida. Each year we get approximately 60 Eastern National qualifiers who come to experience the high level of competition they will meet at the national level. Our tournament is a full double elimination format where each wrestler must lose twice in order to be eliminated.
We have a number of dedicated volunteers and we are always open to input and support from parents wishing to get more involved. If you have an energetic child who enjoys rough housing this may be the ideal opportunity to channel that spirit into a sport that can change their life. If you are interested in learning more feel free to visit our web site or email me if you would like to discuss our program personally.
Sincerely
Terrence Fennell
President GNWC Titan Wrestling, Tfennell1@msn.com
Scoring
Matches and Bouts Frequently Ask Questions Top
TAKEDOWN-2 points
When starting from a neutral position, one wrestler gains control over his opponent down on the mat while the supporting points of either wrestler are inside the wrestling area.
ESCAPE-1 point
When the defensive (down) wrestler gains a neutral position and his opponent has lost control, while the supporting points of either wrestler are inside the wrestling area.
REVERSAL-2 points
When the defensive (down) wrestler comes from underneath and gains control of his opponent, either on the mat, or in a rear-standing position, while the supporting points of either wrestler are inside the wrestling area and control has been established.
NEAR FALL CRITERIA
Criteria for a near fall are when any part or both shoulders or both scapulae or the defensive (down) wrestler are held within 4 inches of the mat or less, or when one shoulder/scapula is touching the mat, and the other shoulder/scapula is held at an angle of 45 degrees or less with the mat, or when the defensive wrestler is held in a high bridge or on both elbows. If the referee counts near fall points, the referee will not award the points until the defensive wrestler breaks the pinning combination. (I.e. – If the offensive wrestler holds the defensive wrestler in criteria and the defensive wrestler subsequently gets off his back the referee will not award the points until the defensive wrestler breaks the pinning combination.)
NEAR FALL-2 Points
The offensive wrestler is awarded 2 points when the Near Fall Criteria is met for a continuous 2-second period.
NEAR FALL-3 Points
The offensive wrestler is awarded 3 points when the Near Fall Criteria is met for a continuous 5-second period. If the defensive wrestler breaks the criteria before the referee makes a 5 count, the time count is restarted.
FALL/PIN
When any part of both shoulders/scapulae of either wrestler are in contact inbounds with the mat for a momentary pause, a fall is earned.
TECHNICAL FALL
When a wrestler has earned a 15-point advantage over his opponent, a Technical Fall has occurred. The match is terminated when a technical fall occurs unless the defensive wrestler is in a near fall criteria. The offensive wrestler will be allowed to attempt to pin his opponent if the Technical Fall occurs while the defensive wrestler is in criteria.
TECHNICAL VIOLATIONS
Penalties and warnings are cumulative throughout the match with 1 point for the first and second penalty, 2 points for the third penalty and disqualification for the fourth penalty.
STALLING
One warning is given for stalling, and then penalties begin for subsequent calls. The bottom wrestler is considered stalling if he is not actively trying to escape or reverse his opponent. If a wrestler lies on the mat with his arms held tight to prevent his opponent from working the bottom wrestler can be penalized for stalling. The offensive wrestler is considered stalling if he is not actively working for a pin or near fall. An offensive wrestler who stays parallel to his opponent is considered to be passive and can be penalized for stalling. The offensive wrestler can also be found to be stalling if the defensive wrestler gets to his feet and does not take him to the mat.
LOCKING HANDS
The offensive wrestler is not permitted to lock hands around the defensive wrestler unless it is a recognized pinning combination such as a cradle.
ILLEGAL HEADLOCK
A head lock is deemed illegal unless the offensive wrestler has one arm held above the elbow inside the lock.
UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS – (Hitting, Head Butt.....)
Referees discretion
UN-SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT – (Throwing Headgear, taunting an opponent.....)
Referees discretion
FLAGRANT MISCONDUCT - Disqualification
Results in disqualification of the individual and immediate removal from the premises. Any individual so disqualified in a tournament is not entitled to any points that he has earned previously in the tournament.
Matches and Bouts
Scoring Frequently Ask Questions Top
Each wrestler reports to the scoring table to verify that the wrestlers are the same as those listed on the bout card. It is critical to verify that the wrestlers match the names on the bout sheet to prevent the wrong opponents from wrestling. A coach or parent should accompany young wresters as the child may be intimidated and not clearly state his name to the scorer. The scorer will then assign the wresters with either a red or green ankle band based on the colors of their uniforms. The ankle bands are placed on the wrestlers ankles and they report to the center circle to compete.
Period 1 (1 minute)
The first period is always started from the neutral position (standing) and when the referee is ready the wrestlers are instructed to shake hands. As soon as both wrestlers are ready with their foot on the colored stripe the bout is started. The wrestlers try to take down and control their opponent until time expires or a fall occurs. Each time the wrestlers go outside the wrestling circle the clock is stopped and they are returned to the center circle where the offensive wrestler is placed in the top referees position.
Period 2 (1 minute)
At the conclusion of the first period the referee flips a colored disk to determine which wrestler has choice in the second period. If the disk lands with the green side up the wrestler with the green ankle band will have the choice of TOP, BOTTOM, NEUTRAL or DEFER. There are complicated strategies for the choice so the wrestler should always look to the coaches for guidance before making a selection. If the wrestler defers the choice is passed to the wrestler in the red ankle band who must choose between TOP, BOTTOM or NEUTRAL. Once a choice has been made the wrestlers are placed in the appropriate position and the second period is started. The period progresses until the time expires or a fall occurs.
Period 3 (1 minute)
At the beginning of the third period the referee will ask the wrester who did not have choice in the second period whether they will take the TOP, BOTTOM or NEUTRAL position. Once a choice has been made the wrestlers are placed in the appropriate position and the third period is started. The period progresses until the time expires or a fall occurs.
First Overtime (1 minute)
If the score is tied at the end of the third period the wresters are taken to the center for the first overtime period. The first overtime period is always started from the standing position and the period is over when one of the wrestlers is awarded a takedown. If a wrester takes his opponent down and to his back the wrestling will continue until the defensive wrestler breaks the criteria or is pinned.
Second Overtime (30 Seconds)
If the score is still tied at the end of the first overtime the bout continues with a second overtime period. The second overtime is a 30 second ride out where one wrestler is given the choice of top or bottom and each wreslter tries to score points. It is not sudden death so the wrestlers will continue wrestling and trying to score points until the time runs out.
Third Overtime (30 Seconds)
The third overtime is a 30 second ride out where the wrestler who did not have choice in the second period is given the choice of top or bottom and each wreslter tries to score points. It is not sudden death so the wrestlers will continue wrestling and trying to score points until the time runs out. If one wrester has the lead at the end of this period the match is over.
Ultimate Rideout (30 Seconds)
If the score is still tied at the end of the third overtime the bout continues with an ultimate rideout period. The ultimate rideout is sudden death so any point scored will end the match. During the ultimate rideout if the bottom man escapes he is declared the winner and if the top man prevents him from escaping then the top man is declared the winner. (Note - many youth tournaments do not have a second and third period rideout and will skip right to the ultimate rideout after the first overtime match.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Scoring Matches and Bouts Top
The first meet is soon, how do I find out when and where?
From the eteamz.com/GNWC home page press the "Schedule Information" Link to go to the Schedule page and press the event on the calandar to access the event details. If you press the "event Link" the address where the dual meet is and a hyper link to the map of the area.
How long does a typical dual meet take?
The length of the meet depends on the size of the clubs, the number of mat used and how many bouts we schedule for each child. We generally try to get 2-3 matches for each wrestler and the meets usually take approximately three to four hours. We can wrestle approximately 15 bouts/hour/mat (~130 to 175 bouts)using 3-4 mats. Kids also learn a lot watching their teammates so we ask all wrestlers to stay and cheer on their friends and teammates.
What time will it be over?
The report time is listed on the schedule page and we hope to start wrestling 30 after the roll call. We should be done 3 to 4 hours after wresting begins.
Why wouldn’t we start on time?
Each match is carefully planned; in order to start wrestling we need to verify that all kids are present to be sure the bouts are accurate. If a child is not present we will need to delete him from the roster and reschedule the bouts in order to be sure all kids have a bout. With each change we need to make sure the kids will have adequate rest time between each bout. After all corrections are made we print the bout sheets on the clubs high speed printer and the coaches will call out the names of the kids to get ready to start. No shows and late arrivals delay the start. Please take attendance seriously and call the club hot line if you will not be at the meet on time.
When will my child wrestle?
Our goal is to try to schedule 2-3 matches per child to give them as much experience as possible. The program will automatically space out the child’s bouts to be sure he has adequate time to rest between his bouts. It also monitors his opponents to space his opponents bouts out. In a perfect world your son will get 3 matches with approximately 45-60 minutes between each bout. If the other team does not have enough kids to match up well some kids will only get one match. If that occurs I try to schedule their match in the first half of the meet so they are fresh for their bout but I still expect them to stay.
My son only had one match and it was near the end, why did he have to wait till the end?
Where possible we try to schedule the kids with one bout early but when changes are made right before the match sometimes the bouts are moved around and kids are inadvertently moved. The moments before the match are chaotic and despite our best efforts the match ups and schedule will not be perfect. Please consider the enormity of the task and let cool heads prevail.
This is our first match, what should we bring?
Your son will get his/her Singlet and team sweatshirt at registration. To complete his uniform he will need a pair of plain black fleece sweat pants. The sweats are available at Walmart for $5.95. They generally have a snack bar at the meets or you can bring snacks/drinks.
Why do you weigh the kids?
Wrestling is a one on one competition between kids. The metrics used to establish opponents are age, weight, experience and skill level. It is critical that we have accurate weights because when we match kids we try to keep kids within 10% of each other. If a child weighs 50 lbs. We could match him with an opponent who is 45 to 55 lbs. If the weights of the kids are not accurate we could put together kids that are too far apart. (IE if the one child actually weighs 53 lbs and his opponent has a listed weight of 45 lbs but his actual weight is 42 lbs. then the kids weight differential will be over 20% instead of the 10% we try for. Please let the coaches know if you believe you son has gained or lost weight so we can reweigh him.
