NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes

2010-11 NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes
This PowerPoint presentation from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) covers the following: NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes NFHS Wrestling Editorial Changes NFHS Wrestling Points of Emphasis NFHS Wrestling Rules Reminders NFHS Wrestling Information

NFHS Wrestling Rules Each state high school association adopting these NFHS wrestling rules is the sole and exclusive source of binding rules interpretations for contests involving its member schools. Any person having questions about the interpretation of NFHS wrestling rules should contact the wrestling rules interpreter designated by his or her state high school association. The NFHS is the sole and exclusive source of model interpretations of NFHS wrestling rules. State rules interpreters may contact the NFHS for model wrestling rules interpretations. No other model wrestling rules interpretations should be considered. Comment on Slide: This statement appears at the bottom of page three in the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

Rules Change: ART. 7…All contestants (male and female) shall weigh in wearing a suitable undergarment that completely covers the buttocks and the groin area. Female contestants must also wear a suitable undergarment that covers their breasts. Any contestant who has been authorized to wear an artificial limb, shall weigh in with the artificial limb. Rationale for Change: The committee addressed some privacy issues for all involved with weigh-ins. Previously, both male and female contestants had to weigh in wearing “no more than a suitable undergarment.” Beginning this season, specific language has been added regarding what constitutes a “suitable undergarment.” Male and female contestants will be required to wear a suitable undergarment that completely covers the buttocks and the groin area during weigh-ins. In addition, for female contestants the suitable undergarment must also cover the breasts. Comment on Slide: (PlayPic A) – The male contestant is weighing in wearing shorts, which is a suitable undergarment and is legal. (PlayPic B) – The female contestant is weighing in wearing shorts and a sports bra, which are both suitable undergarments and is legal. All contestants (male and female) shall weigh in wearing a suitable undergarment that completely covers the buttocks and the groin area. Examples of these types of suitable undergarments include briefs, boxers and shorts. Female contestants must also wear a suitable undergarment that covers their breasts. Examples of these types of suitable undergarments include a t-shirt or sports bra. Case Book: See SITUATION

Rules Change: ART. 9…The referee shall direct the offensive wrestler to assume a legal starting position once the defensive wrestler is stationary in a legal starting position. Once the offensive wrestler has assumed a legal starting position and is stationary, the referee shall verbally say “set” and then pause momentarily before starting wrestling. The committee deleted NOTE for Rationale for Change: This rule change will eliminate either wrestler gaining an advantage by using a rolling start. It also eliminates the need for the offensive wrestler using a specific sequence when assuming a legal starting position, including the optional offensive starting position. Once the offensive wrestler has assumed a legal starting position and is stationary, the referee shall verbally say “set” and then pause momentarily before starting wrestling. Establishing the referees’ mechanic as part of the rule, and eliminating the sequence, simplifies establishing a legal offensive starting position and still assures a fair start for both wrestlers. Comment on Slide: See description on slide. Case Book: See D and SITUATIONS

Rules Change: ART. 9…The referee shall direct the offensive wrestler to assume a legal starting position once the defensive wrestler is stationary in a legal starting position. Once the offensive wrestler has assumed a legal starting position and is stationary, the referee shall verbally say “set” and then pause momentarily before starting wrestling. The committee deleted NOTE for Rationale for Change: This rule change will eliminate either wrestler gaining an advantage by using a rolling start. It also eliminates the need for the offensive wrestler using a specific sequence when assuming a legal starting position, including the optional offensive starting position. Once the offensive wrestler has assumed a legal starting position and is stationary, the referee shall verbally say “set” and then pause momentarily before starting wrestling. Establishing the referees’ mechanic as part of the rule, and eliminating the sequence, simplifies establishing a legal offensive starting position and still assures a fair start for both wrestlers. Comment on Slide: See description on slide. Rules , 8: ART Optional Offensive Starting Position. The offensive wrestler may use an optional start, by being positioned on either side or to the rear of the opponent supporting all of their weight on both feet, one knee, or both knees. The offensive wrestler is to place the hands on the opponent’s back (area between the neck and waist), thumbs touching, and only the hands are to be in contact with the defensive wrestler. The offensive wrestler is not to place a foot, feet, or a knee(s) between the opponent’s feet or legs, in front of the forward starting line or the line extended, nor straddle the opponent. (Photos 33-34) ART If the offensive wrestler selects the optional starting position, the wrestler must indicate this intent to the referee. The referee shall then inform the defensive wrestler of the offensive wrestler’s intentions. If the defensive wrestler is set prior to being informed, readjustment can be made. (Photo 33) Case Book: See D and SITUATIONS

Rules Change: ART Other illegal holds/maneuvers include, but are not limited to: x. rear-standing, double-knee kickback. (Photo 86) Rationale for Change: The committee added the rear-standing, double-knee kickback to the list of illegal holds/maneuvers. This maneuver is increasingly being used at the high school level. This move would clearly put the opposing wrestler in a dangerous situation and at a high risk for injury. Comment on Slide: When the wrestler from the rear standing position jumps and kicks with the bottom of his/her feet in the area behind both knees of the opponent in an attempt to take the wrestler back to the mat, it is an illegal rear-standing double-knee kickback. Case Book: See 7.1.5L SITUATION

Rules Change: ART Any contestant who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the match and shall not return to competition until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. (See NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion, in Appendix B on page 80.) Rationale for Change: The committee continues to maintain a focus on primary efforts toward maintaining the highest level of wrestler safety. This rule change, as a clarification and directive from the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, stipulates that any contestant who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the match. The contestant shall not return to competition until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. See “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion, in Appendix B on Page 80 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. The previous rule directed referees to remove a wrestler from competition if “unconscious or apparently unconscious” which was perceived in some circles as requiring a medical diagnosis. The previous rule also allowed for return to competition based solely on written authorization by a medical doctor or osteopath. Though the enforcement of all wrestling rules is the responsibility of the wrestling referee, the recognition of the possibly concussed contestant and the removal of the contestant from competition is a shared responsibility. All coaches must be aware of the signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion and must remove a wrestler from any competition or practice if he or she exhibits those signs, symptoms or behaviors. Comment on Slide: See description on slide. The sole role of the referee is to stop wrestling and immediately remove the contestant that displays the signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (See NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion, in Appendix B on page 80 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book) and the referee is not involved with the return to competition decisions. No specific written authorization needs to be presented to the referee in order for a contestant to return to competition. Each state association must determine who qualifies as an appropriate health-care professional and may formalize a procedure, including requirements for written certification, for making return to competition decisions. **See Concussion Recognition and Management Point of Emphasis on pages of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book for more information. Case Book: See 8.2.4A and B SITUATIONS

NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion
See Appendix B on page 80 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book Comment on Slide: See “Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion” in Appendix B on page 80 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. Given that most concussed athletes do not lose consciousness, yet they often show other common signs, symptoms and behaviors of concussion, the NFHS SMAC strongly believes that referees must be empowered to remove these contestants from competition, thus protecting them from potential further injury. Continued participation in any sport following a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, as well as increased risk for further injury to the brain, and even death. Neither referees, nor coaches, are expected to “diagnose” a concussion, as that is the job of a medical professional. The previous rule called upon referees to determine “apparently unconscious” which appeared to expect some level of medical judgment. Referees are now being asked to use their best judgment again in observing the signs, symptoms and behaviors as listed above, but are no longer being asked to make what could be perceived to be a medical opinion. The well-being of the athlete is of paramount concern during any athletic contest. Referees, coaches and administrators are being asked to make all efforts to ensure that concussed athletes do not continue to participate. The referee is not responsible for the on-the-mat evaluation or management of the contestant after he or she is removed from the match. The responsibility of further evaluating and managing the athlete with a possible concussion falls upon the head coach, appropriate health-care professional or other individual designated by school administrators. If the mat-side appropriate health-care professional (if present) determines that the contestant HAS NOT suffered a concussion, the contestant may return to competition, if injury or recovery time has not expired. If there is no appropriate health-care professional available to evaluate the contestant, the contestant SHOULD NOT be allowed by the head coach to return to competition. Please see the “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports” at for further information. The referee does not need written permission for an athlete to return to competition nor does the referee need to verify the credentials of the appropriate health-care professional. Ensuring compliance with the Suggested Management Guidelines is a health and safety issue and should be the responsibility of the head coach and school administration, NOT the wrestling referee.

2010-11 Wrestling Editorial Changes

Editorial Change: ART Any contestant failing to make weight during the weigh-in period shall be ineligible for that weight class. That contestant may wrestle in the weight class for which his/her actual weight qualifies the contestant, or in the next higher weight class as long as either of these weight classes are permitted by the contestant’s individual weight loss plan on that given date. An additional weigh-in is neither required nor allowed. Rationale for Change: This editorial change from the Committee was for clarification and eliminates the previous contradiction between Rules and

Editorial Change: ART. 2…Grasping of clothing, mat or ear guards by a contestant is prohibited. Any advantage gained thereby shall be nullified. Grasping of clothing, mat or ear guards to gain or prevent an escape, reversal, takedown, near fall or fall is a technical violation and the penalty points shall be awarded in addition to points earned. Rationale for Change: This editorial change from the Committee was for clarification.

2010-11 NFHS Wrestling Editorial Changes
1-3-1, 2 Changed the words “physician” and medical professional” to “appropriate health-care professional.” 1-3-2; 4-2-4 Changed ‘physician’s release” to “medical release.” 3-1-10; 3-2-2a; 4-3-1; 5-11-2i; 5-21; 5-29-3; 7-1-5g, u, v; 7-1-6; 7-2-1, 2, 4; Added the word “maneuvers” to “potentially dangerous holds” and “illegal holds” and “holds” for clarification and consistency. Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description to the wrestling editorial changes that were made to the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

8-1-3; 8-2-2; Penalty Chart – Note 1; Scoring Symbols (P) Added the word “maneuvers” to “potentially dangerous holds” and “illegal holds” and “holds” for clarification and consistency. 4-2-3, 4, 5 Changed the word “physician” to “appropriate health-care professional.” 5-1-3; 5-29-2, 4; 8-2-7 Changed the word “bleeding” to “blood” time. 5-20-5 Added language to better clarify the offensive starting position. Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description to the wrestling editorial changes that were made to the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

6-4-4 Added “..prior to the conclusion of wrestling” for clarification of a default. 6-6-5b1 Deleted the words “the conclusion of the tournament or.” 6-7-1c6 Added the words “(first three periods of the match)” to clarify what a regulation match is with regard to overtime. 7-5-1 Added the word “athletic” before trainer for consistency. 8-2-5 Changed the words “physician/medical staff” to “a designated, on-site, appropriate health-care professional.” 8-2-6 Changed the words “physician/medical staff” to “appropriate health-care professionals.” Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description to the wrestling editorial changes that were made to the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

Added the word “personnel” for clarification. 9-2-2m. n, o Added the words “shall be declared the winner” for consistency. Scoring Symbols Changed the language from “Scoring Abbreviations” to “Scoring Symbols” for consistency. Photo 6 Added the word “scapulae” to the text. Photo 26 Extended the lines on the pictures for better illustration. Photos 29, 30 The text description of the photos was re-written for clarification. Photo 35 Changed the word “official” to “referee” in the text. Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description to the wrestling editorial changes that were made to the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

Photo 86 (New) Added a new photo of the illegal rear-standing, double-knee kickback. Photos Changed the word “official” to “referee” in the text. Photo 105 (New) Added a new photo of a technical violation of interlocking of hands by the offensive wrestler. Photos 19, 38-40, 44, 54, 57, 62-63, 66, 70, 90-91 Added the word “maneuvers” to “potentially dangerous holds” and “illegal holds” and “holds” in the text for clarification and consistency. Slide Comment: This slide lists the rules references and a brief description to the wrestling editorial changes that were made to the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

2010-11 Wrestling Points of Emphasis

2010-11 NFHS Wrestling Points of Emphasis
Concussion Recognition and Management- Communicable Diseases- Fleeing the Mat- Slide Comment: The following three wrestling points of emphasis were selected by the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee for the high school wrestling season. Each of these wrestling points of emphasis need to be stressed to all coaches, referees, wrestlers, parents, school administrators, appropriate health-care professionals and all others who have an interest in high school wrestling.

Concussion Recognition and Management
A concussion is a brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function- A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body- Neither referees, nor coaches, are expected to “diagnose” a concussion, as that is the job of an appropriate health-care professional- Referees, coaches and administrators are being asked to make all efforts to ensure that concussed athletes do not continue to participate- Concussion Recognition and Management (Point of Emphasis): Adolescent athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussion. Once considered little more than a minor “ding” on the head, it is now understood that a concussion has the potential to result in death, or short- and long-term changes in brain function. A concussion is a brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. The NFHS has been at the forefront of national sports organizations in emphasizing the importance of concussion education, recognition and proper management for the past several years. In 2008, the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) advocated that a concussed athlete be removed from play and not allowed to return to play on that same day. In 2009, this position was adopted by the leading group of sports medicine experts and the National Football League (NFL). To highlight the continuing importance of this issue, the NFHS SMAC and each sport’s rules committee have taken the unprecedented step of including Concussion Recognition and Management as a point of emphasis in each NFHS sport rules book for the year. The purpose of this point of emphasis is to explain the change in verbiage in the NFHS rules books regarding the referee’s recognition of a possibly concussed athlete and to emphasize the importance of proper concussion management. Concussions at all levels of sports have received a great deal of attention in the past few years. Attention has increased even more so over the past year, culminating with the NFL, NCAA and NFHS testifying before the United States Congress about what each organization is doing to protect athletes from concussion. Change in verbiage Previous rules books for most sports included language directing officials to remove an athlete from play if “unconscious or apparently unconscious.” The wrestling rules language has been changed to the following: Any contestant who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the match and shall not return to competition until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. The common signs, symptoms and behaviors of concussed athletes may be found in Appendix B on page 80 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book. Given that most concussed athletes do not lose consciousness, yet they often show other common signs, symptoms and behaviors of concussion, the NFHS SMAC strongly believes that referees must be empowered to remove these contestants from competition, thus protecting them from potential further injury. Continued participation in any sport following a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, as well as increased risk for further injury to the brain, and even death. Neither referees, nor coaches, are expected to “diagnose” a concussion, as that is the job of a medical professional. The previous rule called upon referees to determine “apparently unconscious” which appeared to expect some level of medical judgment. Referees are now being asked to use their best judgment again in observing the signs, symptoms and behaviors as listed above, but are no longer being asked to make what could be perceived to be a medical opinion. The well-being of the athlete is of paramount concern during any athletic contest. Referees, coaches and administrators are being asked to make all efforts to ensure that concussed athletes do not continue to participate.

The referee is not responsible for the evaluation or management of the athlete after he or she is removed from competition- If an appropriate health-care professional on the mat determines that the athlete HAS NOT suffered a concussion, the athlete may return to competition- If there is no appropriate health-care professional available to evaluate the athlete, the athlete SHOULD NOT be allowed by the coach to return to competition- Athletes with continued concussion symptoms are at significant risk for recurrent, cumulative and even catastrophic consequences of a second concussive injury- Concussion Recognition and Management (Point of Emphasis): Continued The referee is not responsible for the on-the-mat evaluation or management of the contestant after he or she is removed from the match. The responsibility of further evaluating and managing the athlete with a possible concussion falls upon the head coach, appropriate health-care professional or other individual designated by school administrators. If the mat-side appropriate health-care professional (if present) determines that the contestant HAS NOT suffered a concussion, the contestant may return to competition, if injury or recovery time has not expired. If there is no appropriate health-care professional available to evaluate the contestant, the contestant SHOULD NOT be allowed by the head coach to return to competition. Please see the “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports” at for further information. The referee does not need written permission for an athlete to return to competition nor does the referee need to verify the credentials of the appropriate health-care professional. Ensuring compliance with the Suggested Management Guidelines is a health and safety issue and should be the responsibility of the head coach and school administration, NOT the wrestling referee. Suggested Concussion Management 1. No athlete should return to play (RTP) or practice on the same day of a concussion. 2. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional that day. 3. Any athlete with a concussion should be medically cleared by an appropriate healthcare professional prior to resuming participation in any practice or competition. 4. After medical clearance, RTP should follow a step-wise protocol with provisions for delayed RTP based upon return of any signs or symptoms. The suggested guidelines for concussion management fall outside the realm of meet management, but are clearly a health and safety issue for coaches and administrators. These guidelines should also be applied to practices. The position of the NFHS SMAC is that no athlete should return to play or practice on that same day after suffering a concussion. Studies have shown medical professionals that the school-aged brain does not recover quickly enough for a high school athlete to return to activity in such a short time. An “appropriate health-care professional” must be determined by each member state association and/or school district with respect to state laws and local preferences. Such individuals should be knowledgeable in the evaluation and management of sports-related concussions and may, depending on controlling law, include MDs, DOs, nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants and certified athletic trainers. Athletes with continued concussion symptoms are at significant risk for recurrent, cumulative and even catastrophic consequences of a second concussive injury. Such risks are minimized if the athlete is allowed time to recover from the concussion and return to play decisions are carefully made. No athlete should return-to-sport or other at-risk participation when symptoms of concussion are present and recovery is ongoing. For further details, please see the “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports” at

Concussion Recognition and Management (Point of Emphasis): See “Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion” in Appendix B on page 80 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

Communicable Diseases (Point of Emphasis):
Communicable skin conditions are a major concern in wrestling and with the emergence of MRSA infections, the concern is greater than ever. If a participant has a suspect skin condition, NFHS rules require current, written documentation from an appropriate health-care professional stating the athlete’s participation would not be harmful to an opponent. The NFHS has developed a form that can be used for that documentation and several state associations have adopted that form for use in their state. Regardless of the form used, it is imperative that ALL coaches perform routine skin checks of their wrestlers and require any wrestlers with a suspect condition to seek medical attention and treatment. It is also imperative that ALL referees perform skin checks as part of their pre-meet duties prior to EVERY meet. If there is a suspect condition, the wrestler, or coach, must present the proper clearance form at the weigh-in for the dual meet or tournament, if the wrestler is to be allowed to compete. One of the keys in preventing the spread of communicable skin conditions are coaches and referees fulfilling their responsibilities professionally. It is, however, only one of the keys. The other, equally important key is proper prevention. While prevention can be complicated, it requires that a few basic steps must be taken by ALL teams. • Educate coaches, athletes and parents about communicable skin conditions and how they are spread. • Clean wrestling mats daily with a solution of 1:100 bleach and water or an appropriate commercial cleaner. • Maintain proper ventilation in the wrestling room to prevent the build-up of heat and humidity. • Clean all workout gear (including towels, clothing, headgear, shoes, knee pads, etc.) after each practice. • Require each wrestler to shower after each practice with an antibacterial soap. Do not share bars of soap. Use individual soap dispensers. • Perform daily skin checks to ensure early recognition of potential communicable skin conditions. • Refrain from sharing razors or other personal hygiene supplies.

Communicable Diseases (Point of Emphasis):
Rules 4-2-3, 4, 5: ART If a participant is suspected by the referee or coach of having a communicable skin disease or any other condition that makes participation appear inadvisable, the coach shall provide current written documentation as defined by the NFHS or the state associations, from an appropriate health-care professional stating that the suspected disease or condition is not communicable and that the athlete’s participation would not be harmful to any opponent. This document shall be furnished at the weigh-in for the dual meet or tournament. The only exception would be if a designated, on-site meet physician is present and is able to examine the wrestler either immediately prior to or immediately after the weigh-in. Covering a communicable condition shall not be considered acceptable and does not make the wrestler eligible to participate. ART If a designated, on-site meet physician is present, he/she may overrule the diagnosis of the appropriate health-care professional signing the medical release form for a wrestler to participate or not participate with a particular skin condition. ART A contestant may have documentation from an appropriate health-care professional only indicating a specific condition such as a birthmark or other non-communicable skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and that documentation is valid for the duration of the season. It is valid with the understanding that a chronic condition could become secondarily infected and may require re-evaluation.

Fleeing the Mat (Point of Emphasis):
Intentionally going out of the wrestling area to prevent being scored upon or forcing an opponent out of the wrestling area to avoid wrestling is a technical violation. When a wrestler is fleeing the mat or forcing an opponent off the mat (from any position) the call should be made immediately, there is no warning. There can be no technical violation for fleeing the mat if near-fall points have been earned (two-second near-fall count or more). These situations must be recognized and penalized differently than a stalling violation. Both wrestlers are charged with making every effort to remain inbounds and are not allowed to avoid wrestling. Too often wrestlers are using the edge of the mat to avoid being scored upon – takedowns, reversals, or when near-fall is imminent but no near-fall points have been earned (back is exposed but less than two-second near-fall count). The goal of the match is to have continuous action and conduct the match with minimal stoppages. Wrestlers are obligated to make every effort to remain inbounds, but the boundary line should not serve to handicap a wrestler or place them in a position of disadvantage.

Fleeing the Mat (Point of Emphasis): Continued
Fleeing the mat and forcing an opponent off the mat shall be recognized as a technical violation, not stalling; therefore, penalized without hesitation. When a Technical violation occurs due to fleeing the mat or forcing an opponent off the mat, penalty points are awarded in addition to any match points scored (Example: Points should be awarded for a reversal, escape or takedown if earned, in addition to penalty point(s) for a technical violation of fleeing the mat or forcing an opponent off the mat.)

2010-11 Wrestling Rules Reminders

Rules Reminder: Coaches Restricted Zone (2-2-2): This rule change clarified the existence of a boundary for the coaches’ restricted zone on the corner of the wrestling mat. Previously, coaches sometimes tended to get too close to the circle, which could increase risk of injury to the wrestlers or the coach. Rule 2-2-2: ART During tournament competition, a maximum of two team personnel (coaches and/or non-participating contestants) will be permitted on chairs at the edge of the mat. It is permissible to allow coaches on the corner of the mat in a restricted zone. In tournaments where coaches are permitted on the corner of the mat, the restricted zone shall be defined by either a contrasting line marked on the mat with paint or tape or a contrasting colored surface under the chairs. The restricted zone shall be no closer than 5 feet to the edge of the circle. Coaches shall be seated at least 10 feet from the scorer’s table, where facilities permit. Case Book: See SITUATIONS A, B, C

Rules Reminder: Weighing In (4-5-3): This rule change added the option for meet administration to weigh-in contestants by weight class or team(s). Rule 4-5-3: ART For any event, all contestants shall be present in and remain in the designated weigh-in area at the time established by the meet administration. Contestants shall not leave the designated weigh-in area unless permission is granted by the meet administration. Dual meet weigh-in shall proceed through the weight classes beginning with the lowest weight class and end immediately upon the completion of the highest weight class. When all wrestlers for a weight class have had an opportunity to weigh in and the next class is called, that weight class is closed. Tournament weigh-in may proceed by team(s) with the lowest weight class to the highest and end immediately upon the completion of the highest weight class. A contestant shall weigh in for only one weight class during the weigh-in period. If only one scale is available, a contestant may step on and off that scale two times to allow for mechanical inconsistencies in the scale. If multiple scales are available, a contestant may step on and off the first scale two times to allow for mechanical inconsistencies in that scale. If the contestant fails to make weight on the first scale, the contestant shall immediately step on each available scale one time in an attempt to make weight. During time off the scale(s), activities that promote dehydration are prohibited. Comments on Slide: In PlayPic A, Team A (Green Shorts) is weighing in as a team from the lowest weight class to the highest weight class. In PlayPic B, Team B (Red Shorts) is weighing in as a team from the lowest weight class to the highest weight class. The wrestler from Team A (Green Shorts) cannot weigh in with Team B (Red Shorts) as they have to weigh in when their team weighs in. Case Book: See SITUATIONS B, C, D

Rules Reminder: Choice in Ultimate Tiebreaker Revised (6-7-1c6): This rule change provides the wrestler whose opponent has been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct at anytime during the match the choice of position for the ultimate tiebreaker. The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will supersede the first points scored in the regulation match. Rule 6-7-1c6: ART. 1c if the score is tied at the end of the two 30-second tiebreakers; the choice of position for the ultimate tiebreaker will be granted to the wrestler who scored the first point(s) in the regulation match (first three periods of the match); the wrestler whose opponent has received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty at anytime during the match will have the choice of position. The unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will supersede the first points scored in the regulation match; if no points are scored in the regulation match, a flip of the disk shall determine the wrestler who has the choice (points for double-stalling or simultaneous penalties shall be considered as no points for the purpose of the tiebreaker choice). Case Book: See SITUATION

Competition Rule 1 Rule 1-2-2:
No wrestler shall represent the school in more than one weight class in any meet or compete in more than five matches (championship or consolation), including forfeits in any one day. Rule 1-2-3: No contestant shall wrestle in two consecutive matches with less than a 45-minute rest between them. The conclusion time of each match shall be recorded. Rule 1-2-4: A contestant shall not accept a forfeit in one weight class and compete in another class. Rules Reminder: Rule 1 - Competition: The NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee wants to remind all coaches, referees, meet administrators and wrestlers that these three competition rules need to be followed during all competitions. No changes to these three rules. Case Book: See SITUATION

Team Benches Rule 2 *NFHS Rule 2-2-1: For dual meets, all team personnel, including coaches, other than actual participating contestants shall be restricted to an area which is at least 10 feet from the edge of the mat and the scorer’s table, where facilities permit. *NFHS Rule 2-2-2: During tournament competition, a maximum of two team personnel (coaches and/or non-participating contestants) will be permitted on chairs at the edge of the mat. It is permissible to allow coaches on the corner of the mat in a restricted zone. In tournaments where coaches are permitted on the corner of the mat, the restricted zone shall be defined by either a contrasting line marked on the mat with paint or tape or a contrasting colored surface under the chairs. The restricted zone shall be no closer than 5 feet to the edge of the circle. Coaches shall be seated at least 10 feet from the scorer’s table, where facilities permit. Rules Reminder: Rule 2 – Equipment (Team Benches): Need to emphasize to coaches and team personnel that they must comply with both of these rules. Referees need to enforce these two rules at all times. Case Book: See SITUATIONS A-B; SITUATIONS A-C

Conduct of Coaches, Team Personnel and Others
*NFHS Rule 7-5-2: Coaches and other team personnel are restricted to the bench/chairs while the clock is running and during normal out of bounds and resumption of wrestling. The coach may move towards the mat only during a charged time-out or at the end of the match. (See Rule 2-2) *NFHS Rule 7-5-3: Unsportsmanlike conduct – is called on coaches or other team personnel who violate the bench decorum rule (7-5-2). Rules Reminder: Rule 7 – Infractions (Conduct of Coaches, Team Personnel and Others): Need to again emphasize to coaches and team personnel that they need to comply with Rule Referees need to enforce both of these rules at all times. Case Book: See SITUATION

2010/2011 NFHS Wrestling Skin Lesion Form
NFHS REMINDER – 2010/2011 NFHS Wrestling Skin Lesion Form: The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has revised and updated the NFHS Wrestling Skin Lesion Form for the wrestling season. This form can be found under Wrestling on the NFHS Web site ( The gray highlighted areas indicated what has been revised and updated.

2011 NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Form
Due: March 1, 2011 Must be submitted to your state association office for approval. ► NFHS REMINDER – 2011 NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Form: ALL NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Forms must first go through the state association office and be approved by that respective state association office before it can be sent to the NFHS. Only member state associations, members of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee and the NFHS can submit wrestling rule change proposal forms. The 2011 NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Form is due in the NFHS office by March 1, 2011.

Additional NFHS Information
NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Form Due March 1, 2011 2011 NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee Meeting April 4-6, 2011 Indianapolis, IN 2011 NFHS Wrestling Rules Online State Interpreters Meeting September 21, 2011 – 2:00 pm. (Eastern Standard Time) addresses: Bob Colgate - Kim Adams - NFHS REMINDER – Additional Information: NFHS information with regards to wrestling.

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NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes

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NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes

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Presentation on theme: "NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes"— Presentation transcript:

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