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 Freestyle Wrestling |
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FREESTYLE WRESTLING
Freestyle wrestling - often referred to as international style wrestling
The following is a brief description of freestyle wrestling. Those interested in this style of wrestling are encouraged to check out the Club West Wrestling Club, which starts up the first week of March at Eagle Point High School. Club West is comprised of the better wrestlers and coaches from Jackson, Josephine and Klamath Counties. Be sure to check out the last item on our "links" page to access a great site entitled, "Olympic Wrestling Rules for the beginning referee & new parent".
What is Freestyle Wrestling? Whereas folkstyle is officiated by one referee, freestyle matches require three officials, two of whom must agree on any ruling. This international style is much faster and more spectacular than folkstyle.
Weight Classes Freestyle wrestling has 10 weight classes for adult competition. The lightest weight category is up to 105.5 pounds, whereas the upper limit on the heaviest class is 286 pounds. As in folkstyle, youth competition offers more weight classes to choose from, and the limits are scaled to allow very small wrestlers to compete against others their size.
Match Structure A match is one continuous period of 5 (adult and high school), 4 (ages 11 to 14), or 3 (10 and under) minutes. Wrestlers start the competition on their feet.
This international style requires wrestlers to be aggressive and be willing to take risks in order to score. Officials are quick to penalize wrestlers for stalling, intentionally going out of bounds, or otherwise limiting the action.
Scoring The scoring system used in freestyle is not quite as clear-cut as that used in folkstyle. Points are awarded for the spectacular nature of some maneuvers and not just for the maneuver itself. The greater the risk and the more advanced the technique, the more points it earns. Points tend to be scored much more quickly in freestyle than in folkstyle.
Here is a breakdown of the scoring used in this wrestling style:
Takedown 1 to 5 points
Taking the opponent to the mat under control is 1 point. Taking from his feet and then to his back scores 2 points. Taking him from his feet directly to his back scores 3 points. But if a wrestler takes the opponent from his feet to his back with a spectacular, high-arching throw, he receives 5 points.
Escape 0 points
Technically, there is no such thing as an escape in freestyle wrestling. If the wrestlers are down on the mat with no particular action in progress, the officials stand them up and start them again in a neutral position.
Reversal 1 point
A reversal in freestyle is the same as in folkstyle. It is an exchange of control, when the wrestler underneath gains the top position.
Exposure 2 points
Exposure is freestyle's equivalent of the near fall and is defined as turning the opponent's back past a 90-degree vertical line with the mat, his head, shoulder, or elbow touching the mat. The exposure can be instantaneous, and there is no counting of time. If the exposure is the result of a lift and throw, it can be awarded 3 or 5 points. A fall is called in about half a second.
Special Modification of Freestyle Rules for Kids
Kids' wrestling has its own modifications of the international rules. Certain maneuvers with a high risk of injury, such as the most spectacular lifts and throws, are prohibited in youth competition. A fall must be controlled and held for two seconds, so that an inexperienced youngster is less likely to "pin himself" by mistakenly rolling across his own shoulders.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON FREESTYLE WRESTLING (posted 02-25-01)
Freestyle is the international style of wrestling practiced in most countries of the world. Freestyle concentrates on attacking the entire body of the opponent. Wrestlers start on their feet, and points are accumulated by taking the opponent to the mat and exposing his back. Matches are one five minute period in the open and high school divisions, and two periods with a short break in between for younger age groups.
Since the emphasis is on attack and exposure, just controlling the opponent from on top with no continuous back exposure is considered a stalemate, and both wrestlers are brought to their feet after a short time in order for the bout to continue. Also, since back exposure is emphasized, a wrestler can easily score points or pin himself by exposing his own back unless he is very careful how he performs his movements. However, there is no penalty for failed moves if attempted correctly. If a wrestler attempts a takedown and slips such that he ends up being taken down by his opponent, his opponent does not score points.
Folkstyle Officiating Differences
If you've been to a traditional Folkstyle tournament, you have seen the way one official might control a match. The official is solely responsible for making judgements based on his or her opinion of what is taking place in the match. Mistakes are sometimes made, and there is usually no recourse for the contestant This occasionally leads to serious arguments and often results in bad feelings between officials and competitors. On the other hand, freestyle matches have more than one official on the mat to make the calls.
Another difference with Folkstyle is the large draw at tournaments and the length of matches causes the events to last a long time and sometimes the event itself becomes very disorganized. In addition, neither Folkstyle officials or their kids can enter a tournament where they officiate.
Who wants to go through the hassle of the conditions at a such an event sheerly for the fun of wrestling? Certainly not a parent who has kids entered, or a high school or college wrestler who wants to enter or who might have friends in the competition. Officials at Freestyle tournaments are there for fun. They nearly always are entered or have their kids enter the event.
OFFICIAL FREESTYLE WRESTLING RULE BOOK
For more information on freestyle wrestling, click on the link on the links page for International Rule Book & Guide to Wrestling.
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