1. 2009-2010 NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes

2. Wrestling Interpretations
The rule changes and interpretations to be discussed today are not subject to change or modification. Any statement or question indicating displeasure with a rule or its interpretation or any attempt to promote a change in the rule or interpretation is not in order at this time. Your primary responsibility is playing by the rules set forth. 2

3. 2009-2010 NFHS Wrestling Rules Changes

4. 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.

5. Rules Change:
ART A school may be represented by only one wrestler in each weight class during dual-meet competition, and no substitution is permitted for any wrestler in dual meets once the wrestler has properly reported to the scorer’s table. In individually bracketed tournaments, the contestant representing a school shall be named by weight class prior to the conclusion of the weigh-in and no substitution is allowed after the conclusion of the weigh-in.
Comments on Rule Change:
The rule as previously written was contradicted by Rules and All are now in concurrence.  
Comments on Slide:
In PlayPic A – Example, the female wrestler (Team A), was the contestant that weighed-in and qualified for the 112 pound weight class and was named to that weight class prior to the conclusion of the weigh-in by Team A.
In PlayPic B – Example, the male wrestler (Team A), the head coach wants to now make a change and insert him into the 112 pound weight class after weigh-ins have concluded. This is not allowed as no substitution is allowed after the conclusion of the weigh-in.
Case Book: See SITUATION

6. Rules Change:
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 a physician 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.
Comments on Rule Change:
The committee clarified that if a designated, on-site meet physician is present, they may examine a wrestler for a communicable skin disease or any other condition, either immediately prior to or immediately after the weigh-in.
Comments on Slide:
In PlayPic A, the wrestler is being examined by the designated, on-site meet physician immediately prior to the weigh-in.
In PlayPic B, the wrestler is being examined by the designated, on-site meet physician immediately after the weigh-in.
Case Book: See SITUATIONS C, E

7. Rules Change:
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 Rule Change:
This rule change added the option for meet administration to weigh-in contestants by weight class or team(s). The change allows weigh-in by team(s) at tournaments to help with the running and organization of weigh-ins. With the addition of this new language it clarifies the proper weigh-in procedures for orderly dual meet and tournament administration.
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

8. Rules Change:
ART Offensive Starting Position. The offensive starting position is one in which the wrestler is at the right or left side of an opponent with at least one knee on the mat on the near side of the opponent. The near side is the one on which the offensive wrestler places the palm of the hand on or over the back of the elbow. The offensive wrestler’s head shall be on or above the spinal column of the opponent’s back. The other arm (right or left) is placed loosely around the defensive wrestler’s body, perpendicular to the long axis of the body, with the palm of the hand placed loosely over the defensive wrestler’s navel. A knee or foot may be placed behind the defensive wrestler’s feet. The offensive wrestler’s legs or feet may not be in contact with the defensive wrestler. (Photos 27-30)
NOTE: The sequence to be followed in assuming the offensive starting position is to: (Photos 31-33)
1. set the knee(s) and feet;
2. place the palm of one hand on the opponent’s navel;
3. place the head on or above the mid-line of the opponent’s back;
4. place the palm of the other hand on or over the back of the opponent’s near elbow;
5. both wrestlers shall become stationary; and
6. the referee shall pause momentarily before starting wrestling.
Comments on Rule Change:
The committee clarified the offensive starting position and that the offensive wrestler’s head must be on or above the mid-line of the opponent’s back and that both wrestlers must become stationary. Starting this wrestling season, once the top wrestler has become set, the referee will give a verbal command “set” notifying both wrestlers that we have proper starting position of the top wrestler before blowing the whistle. This will help create a situation where neither wrestler will get a rolling start when starting on the mat.
Case Book: See SITUATION D

9. Comments on Slide:
Rule :
ART Defensive Starting Position. The defensive wrestler’s starting position requires the wrestler to be at the center of the circle stationary on hands and knees so both knees are on the mat behind and parallel to the rear starting line. The heels of both hands shall be on the mat in front of the forward starting line. The elbows shall not touch the mat. This position must also allow the offensive wrestler to be able to assume a legal starting position on either side.
In PlayPic A, the defensive wrestler has assumed a legal starting position.
In PlayPic B, the referee is indicating that the defensive wrestler is “set” and the offensive wrestler can now assume their legal starting position.
Refer to the NFHS Wrestling Case Book and Manual – pages 73-74, 76 for Referee Mechanics information.

10. Comments on Slide:
Rule :
ART Offensive Starting Position. The offensive starting position is one in which the wrestler is at the right or left side of an opponent with at least one knee on the mat on the near side of the opponent. The near side is the one on which the offensive wrestler places the palm of the hand on or over the back of the elbow. The offensive wrestler’s head shall be on or above the spinal column of the opponent’s back. The other arm (right or left) is placed loosely around the defensive wrestler’s body, perpendicular to the long axis of the body, with the palm of the hand placed loosely over the defensive wrestler’s navel. A knee or foot may be placed behind the defensive wrestler’s feet. The offensive wrestler’s legs or feet may not be in contact with the defensive wrestler. (Photos 27-30)
NOTE: The sequence to be followed in assuming the offensive starting position is to: (Photos 31-33)
1. set the knee(s) and feet;
2. place the palm of one hand on the opponent’s navel;
3. place the head on or above the mid-line of the opponent’s back;
4. place the palm of the other hand on or over the back of the opponent’s near elbow;
5. both wrestlers shall become stationary; and
6. the referee shall pause momentarily before starting wrestling.
In PlayPic C, the defensive wrestler has assumed a legal starting position and is set, and the offensive wrestler can now assume a legal starting position. The offensive wrestler must first set the knee(s) and feet.
In PlayPic D, the offensive wrestler has placed the palm of one hand on the opponent’s navel and has placed their head on or above the mid-line of the opponent’s back.
In PlayPic E, the offensive wrestler now places the palm of the other hand on or over the back of the opponent’s near elbow. The offensive wrestler has now assumed a legal starting position.
In PlayPic F, the referee will now give a verbal command “set” and a visual signal notifying both wrestlers that we now have proper starting position of the top wrestler. The referee shall pause momentarily before starting wrestling.
Refer to the NFHS Wrestling Case Book and Manual – pages 73-74, 76 for Referee Mechanics information.

11. Rules Change:
ART In dual-meet competition, if teams have identical scores, the following team tie-breaking system shall be used to determine the winner.
b. The team whose opposing wrestlers or team personnel has been penalized the greater number of team point deductions shall be declared the winner.
c. The team whose opposing wrestlers were penalized the greater number of match points for unsportsmanlike conduct during a match shall be declared the winner.
Comments on Rule Change:
This rule change eliminates the possibility of a team that has been penalized the greater number of points for coaches misconduct or any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct winning a dual meet in the event of a tie.  
Comments on Slide:
In PlayPic A, the referee is signaling “Flagrant Misconduct” on Green, which is an automatic 3 team point deduction along with immediate removal of the offender for the duration of the event.
In PlayPic B, the referee is signaling “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” on Green, during a match, in which one match point (first or second penalty) or two match points (third penalty) is awarded to their opponent.

12. 2009-10 Wrestling Editorial Changes

13. Editorial Change:
ART When possible the referee should award points on the edge of the mat calls before blowing the whistle, and giving the hand signal for stopping the match and out-of-bounds.
Rationale for Change:
Since the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee is emphasizing the use of the hand signal to stop the match, it was added to the rule for clarification.
Case Book: See SITUATION

14. Editorial Change:
ART If a designated, on-site meet physician is present, he/she may overrule the diagnosis of the physician signing the physician’s release form for a wrestler to participate or not participate with a particular skin condition.
Rationale for Change:
It has been interpreted that the designated, on-site meet physician can overrule in either direction on the physician’s release form. The Committee wanted to make sure it was clearly stated that way in the rule for clarification. The designated, on-site meet physician can determine the current status of a particular skin condition that may not be indicated on the submitted physician’s release form.
Case Book: See SITUATIONS A, C, D

15. 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 at a higher weight class depending on where his/her actual weight qualifies the contestant. An additional weigh-in is neither required nor allowed.
Rationale for Change:
This editorial change from the Committee eliminates the previous contradiction between Rules and

16. Editorial Change:
b. Team Score
1. Errors involving the recording or computation of team scores must be
corrected within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the tournament or
official posting of team scores.
Rationale for Change:
This editorial change from the Committee was for clarification.
Case Book: See SITUATION E

17. Editorial Change:
g. If the second injury time-out occurs at the conclusion of the second 30-second tiebreaker period unless an opponent has received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty at anytime during the match, the opponent shall have the choice of top or bottom position at the start of the ultimate tiebreaker period.
Rationale for Change:
This editorial change from the Committee was for clarification.

18. 2009-10 NFHS Wrestling Editorial Changes
Deleted: “Visit each team dressing room to” at the start of the rule for clarification.
3-2-2a
Added the word “maneuvers” to illegal holds.
4-5-2
Added the words “or by team(s)” so it now relates to the new rule change in for
5-1-3
5-14-1, 2
Added the word “maneuvers” to holds.
5-31-1
Deleted: “The head coach shall not be penalized when a wrestler reports to the scorer’s table with shoelaces that are not properly secured”.
8-2-7
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.

19. 2009-10 NFHS Wrestling Editorial Changes
Photo #10
Added the word “maneuver” to hold under the photo description.
Photos #32-33
Revised the description under each photo with regard to the change to Rule Note.
Photo #59
Added the word “straight” before scissors in the photo description for clarification.
Photo #77
New photo and description showing the overscissors as an illegal hold/maneuver.
Photos
#78, 85-86, 88
Added the word “maneuver” to illegal hold under the photo description.
Referees’ Signals 4-7
Clarified the description under each signal.
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.

20. 2009-10 Wrestling Points of Emphasis

21. Communicable Disease – Coaches and Referees Responsibilities (POE)
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 a physician 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 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.  

22. Awarding Near-fall Points (POE)
Wrestlers are very good at creating quick near-fall situations. Before awarding points to the offensive wrestler, the referee must make certain that the defensive wrestler has been released to the extent that permits the possibility of self defense. A good example is the cradle (A). Using this concept, would mean that when the defensive wrestler comes out of criteria in a near-fall situation, the referee would make sure that the hands have been broken and the defensive wrestler has the possibility of self defense before awarding any near-fall points.  
Another example is tips or tilts (B). When the defensive wrestler comes out of criteria in a near-fall situation, the referee would make sure that the arm that has been trapped is released and the defensive wrestler has the possibility of self defense before awarding any near-fall points.  

23. Legalities of the Scissors, Draping Scissors and Figure 4 (POE)
The straight body scissors is a legal hold. If excessive pressure is applied, it can become dangerous and cause injury. The straight body scissors is a legal hold when it is used to simply control the opponent, but when it is used with excessive force it becomes a submission hold and is illegal at that point. Because of the possible dangers, referees need to watch this hold closely and stop it prior to the situation becoming illegal and possibly causing injury. The straight head scissors (even though an arm is included ) is illegal (A). A draping head scissors is legal (B). It can be defined as one that includes the head but also extends below the shoulder or under the armpit. It is considered legal because it does not apply pressure on the head or neck.  
The figure 4 is illegal if applied around the body or both legs. It is a technical violation if applied on the head from the neutral position with or without the arm included (C). It is legal on the head from both the offensive and defensive positions. The figure 4 is also legal on one leg. The referee must be aware of the overscissors in this situation and not allow pressure against the joint which would make the hold illegal. A draping figure 4 on the body is illegal.  

24. Excessive Celebrations (POE)
Postmatch celebrations are becoming more demonstrative and staged. Not only does the excessive celebration reflect badly on the sport, it increases the likelihood of retaliatory actions by the losing wrestler. Referees should move quickly after a match to get in proximity to the wrestlers, especially the winner, to discourage excessive celebrations. Referees should also be well versed in the rules pertaining to unsportsmanlike conduct in such situations. Coaches should emphasize to their athletes that good sportsmanship is expected from all and that excessive celebrations will not be tolerated.  

25. 2009-10 Wrestling Rules Reminders

26. 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: SITUATIONS A, B, C

27. RULES REMINDER:
Correction of Errors in Positioning and Overtime (5-1-4; 6-6-1):
Previously, the wrong wrestler being given choice in the first 30-second tiebreaker would have been considered bad time. Rules and
6-6-1 now have the same rules language. This rule change now states what exactly takes place in the third period.  
Rule 5-1-4:
ART Errors requiring bad time to be rewrestled must be corrected prior to the start of any subsequent period. If the wrong wrestler is given the choice of position at the start of the second period or at the start of the first 30-second tiebreaker in overtime, no rewrestling is necessary. The opponent may be given the choice at the start of the third period or at the start of the second 30-second tiebreaker in overtime.
Rule 6-6-1:
ART Errors requiring bad time to be rewrestled must be corrected prior to the start of any subsequent period. If the wrong wrestler is given the choice of position at the start of the second period or at the start of the first 30-second tiebreaker in overtime, no rewrestling is necessary. The opponent may be given the choice at the start of the third period or at the start of the second 30-second tiebreaker in overtime.
Case Book: SITUATION C

28. 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; 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: SITUATION

29. Rule
Offensive Starting Position (Rule ) ( NFHS Wrestling Rules Change):
Prior to this rule change, the optional start was the only choice to be used on a restart.
This rule change now allows the offensive wrestler another choice from the offensive starting position after the period has started on a restart.
Prior to assuming an offensive starting position, the offensive wrestler may signal to the referee the neutral position. The referee will then signal neutral position.
The defensive wrestler is awarded an escape, and wrestling begins from the neutral position.
SLIDE DESCRIPTION:
A – Both wrestlers go out of bounds during a period, with Wrestler A1 (Red) on top and in the offensive position.
B – As the wrestlers return to the center of the mat, Wrestler A1 (Red) may signal to the referee with both arms above his shoulders, that he wants to restart in the neutral position.
C – The referee will then signal neutral position to the scorer’s table and let Wrestler B1 (Green) know that they are going to restart the match on their feet in the neutral position.
D – The referee will then signal and award one-point escape for Wrestler B1 (Green) to the scorer’s table.
E – The referee will now restart the match in the neutral position.
Rule :
ART Prior to assuming an offensive starting position, the offensive wrestler may signal to the referee the neutral position. The defensive wrestler is awarded an escape, and wrestling begins from the neutral position.
Case Book: SITUATION

30. Rule 4-2-6
Tooth and Mouth Protector (Rule 4-2-6) ( NFHS Wrestling Rules Change):
No prior rule in place that required a tooth and mouth protector in wrestling. If a wrestler wanted to wear a tooth and mouth protector, it was legal.
This rule change now requires each contestant who has braces or has a special orthodontic device on his or her teeth, to wear a tooth and mouth protector.
The tooth and mouth protector must cover the teeth and all areas of the braces or special orthodontic device with adequate thickness. This would include upper and lower teeth if devices are present on both.
The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee both feel that it is in the best interest from a safety perspective that if a wrestler does have braces, or wears a special orthodontic device on their teeth, that they shall be covered to protect wrestlers from injury when coming in contact with the mouth and teeth.
Coaches have expressed concern about frequent stoppage of matches because of blood time-outs secondary to brace-inflicted wounds.
Tooth and Mouth Protector penalty is treated the same way as the ear guard penalty.
Rule 4-2-6:
ART. 6… Each contestant who has braces or has a special orthodontic device on his or her teeth, shall be required to wear a tooth and mouth protector. A tooth and mouth protector (intraoral) shall include an occlusal (protecting and separating the biting surfaces) and a labial (protecting the teeth and supporting structures) portion and cover the teeth and all areas of the braces or special orthodontic device with adequate thickness. This would include upper and lower teeth if devices are present on both. It is recommended the protector be properly fitted and:
a. Constructed from a model made from an impression of the individual’s teeth and braces or special orthodontic device.
b. Constructed and fitted to the individual by impressing the teeth and braces or special orthodontic device into the tooth and mouth protector itself.
Case Book: SITUATION

31. WRESTLER A1 MUST GO DIRECTLY TO THE MAT
Reporting to the Scorer’s Table Ready to Wrestle ( NFHS Point of Emphasis):
The rules changes redefined the length of the match in both dual meets and tournaments to extend from when the proper wrestler reports to the table to the end of wrestling. This has not created any difficulty in dual meets since by tradition the wrestler goes to the scorer’s table and then directly to the center of the mat to begin wrestling. If the wrestler reports not properly equipped and ready to wrestle, he/she is sent back to the coach and penalized accordingly. In tournaments, traditionally the wrestlers would go to the table usually still in warm-ups, pick up their ankle bands and go to their corner with their coach and get ready to wrestle. This is no longer acceptable since the match in tournaments starts when the proper wrestler reports to the table.  
The wrestler is now required to report to the table ready to wrestle, and then immediately report to the mat and not go back to his/her corner. If the wrestler is not properly equipped he/she will be sent back to the coach and penalized as per Rule 7-3-6, which is a Technical Violation and a match point is awarded to their opponent and they are also charged an injury time-out in order to become properly equipped. If the wrestler comes to the scorer’s table and is properly equipped and goes back to the coach, he/she is guilty of delaying the match and shall be penalized as per Rule 7-6-6b, which is stalling, and a warning will be issued the first time. If the wrestler has reported properly and then reports to the wrestling area on the mat and then returns to his/her coach in the corner he/she is guilty of leaving the wrestling area without the referee’s permission and shall be penalized as per Rule 7-3-4, which is a Technical Violation and a match point is awarded to their opponent.
In some tournaments one wrestler such as the one in the top of the bracket is asked to pick up the bout sheet and deliver it to the scoring table. This delivery would not be considered reporting to the table for purposes of determining ready to wrestle.  
WRESTLER A1 MUST GO DIRECTLY TO THE MAT
AFTER REPORTING TO THE SCORER’S TABLE

32. Going Out of the Wrestling Area (2008-09 NFHS Point of Emphasis):  
Going out of the wrestling area or forcing an opponent out of the wrestling area, by either wrestler at any time as a means of avoiding wrestling, is a technical violation (Rule 7-3-1). The rule clearly states that both wrestlers should make every effort to remain inbounds. The referee according to the rule should penalize the offending wrestler if he/she has failed to make every effort to stay inbounds.
Action should be maintained throughout the match in the offensive, defensive or neutral positions. There are too many occasions where wrestlers use the edge of the mat in order to get out of a situation when, in fact, they should be penalized for going out of the wrestling area. The goal of wrestling is to have continuous action with as few stoppages as possible. Playing the edge or hanging out on the edge has to be recognized by the referee and the appropriate rule enforced.
A new rule to support wrestling action in the center of the mat is the addition of a sentence to Rule that allows the referee to “stop the match and return the wrestlers to the center, if there is no action at the edge of the mat and one wrestler is out of bounds.” This rule allows the referee to do this without penalizing either wrestler.  

33. Revised Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalty for Head Coach (5-31-1):
This rule change deletes the language that was approved in 2007 for penalizing the head coach for unsportsmanlike conduct. This is a very severe penalty to the coach in wrestling and puts the coach and the referee on edge once the head coach has received one of these unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. It is difficult to say to a head coach that he/she has to leave a facility because one of his/her wrestlers have reported not ready to wrestle, causing the second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to be assessed to the head coach. The penalty has not changed for the wrestler, as he or she will be penalized one match point for a technical violation and must take an injury time-out and will have 1½ minutes to correct the situation to be legal to compete.  
Rule :
ART Coaches and Team Personnel. Unsportsmanlike conduct of coaches and other team personnel is any act which becomes abusive or interferes with the orderly progress of the match. These acts may occur prior to, during or after a match. This includes violations of the bench decorum rule (7-5-2), taunting, acts of disrespect, or those actions which incite negative reaction by others. The offender shall be penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct in accordance with the Penalty Chart. The head coach shall not be penalized when a wrestler reports to the scorer’s table with shoelaces that are not properly secured.
Case Book: SITUATION

34. Stalling Furthered Defined (New 5-25-6c; New 7-6-6c):
This addition to the definition of stalling calls attention to an often used stalling technique. Referees now have rules support for a stalling call against a wrestler who repeatedly creates a stalemate situation to simply prevent his/her opponent from scoring and not from his/her own attempt to score. Wrestlers are discouraged from repeatedly creating stalemate situations in an effort to burn time or avoid being scored upon much like they are discouraged from playing the edge of the mat, avoiding contact with an opponent or repeatedly grasping or interlocking around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring.
Rule :
ART It is stalling when either wrestler:
a. repeatedly grasps or interlocks around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring; or
delays the match. This includes straggling back from out of bounds, unnecessarily changing or adjusting equipment or delay in assuming the starting position on the mat; or
repeatedly creates a stalemate situation to prevent an opponent from scoring.
Rule 7-6-6:
Case Book: SITUATION

35. Weight Allowance (4-5-5):
This rule change added a one-pound weight allowance in the event of a school closing due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, where wrestling practice(s) cannot take place due to school policies. The minimum 48 hours advance notice is not required under these circumstances. The head coach, principal or athletic director of the opponent(s) should be the acceptable person(s) to be notified.
Rule 4-5-5:
ART When there are consecutive days of team competition, there shall be a 1-pound additional allowance granted each day for all wrestlers up to a maximum of two pounds. In order to be granted this 1-pound additional allowance, a minimum of 48 hours advance notice is required for the opponent(s). The acceptable person(s) to receive that notice shall be the head coach, principal or athletic director. Competitions that are postponed for one calendar day or more, for reasons beyond the control of the participating school(s), or practices that cannot be held in these situations due to school policy shall be treated the same as competitions when there are consecutive days of competition in terms of the 1-pound allowance, with the exception of the required 48-hour notice.
Case Book: SITUATION F

36. Weight Allowance Notification (4-5-5):
This rule change makes it clear as to who should be notified when weight allowance is justified. The acceptable person(s) to receive that notice shall be the head coach, principal or athletic director.  
Rule 4-5-5:
ART When there are consecutive days of team competition, there shall be a 1-pound additional allowance granted each day for all wrestlers up to a maximum of two pounds. In order to be granted this 1-pound additional allowance, a minimum of 48 hours advance notice is required for the opponent(s). The acceptable person(s) to receive that notice shall be the head coach, principal or athletic director. Competitions that are postponed for one calendar day or more, for reasons beyond the control of the participating school(s), or practices that cannot be held in these situations due to school policy shall be treated the same as competitions when there are consecutive days of competition in terms of the 1-pound allowance, with the exception of the required 48-hour notice.
Case Book: SITUATION G

37. Non-Communicable Skin Conditions (NEW 4-2-5):
This new rule states that a contestant may have documentation from a physician 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. The committee was concerned about the burden of expense to the individual wrestler for periodic visits to a physician could prohibit that individual from competing. Each state defines the period whereby a physician’s release form is valid.  
Rule 4-2-5:
ART A contestant may have documentation from a physician 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.
Case Book: SITUATION

38. 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 - 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: SITUATION

39. Team Benches
*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 – 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: SITUATIONS A-B; SITUATIONS A-C

40. 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 – 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: SITUATION

41. 2009/2010 NFHS Wrestling Skin Lesion Form
NFHS REMINDER – 2009/2010 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.
The gray highlighted areas indicated what has been revised and updated.

42. 2010 NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Form
Due:
March 1, 2010
Must be submitted to your
state association office for
approval. ►
NFHS REMINDER – 2010 NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Form:
ALL NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Forms must first go through the state association office before it can be sent to the NFHS. Coaches and referees can submit rules proposals, but they must first be submitted to their respective state association office.
Only member state associations, members of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee and the NFHS can submit wrestling rule change proposal forms to the NFHS.

43. Additional NFHS Information
NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Form Due
March 1, 2010
2010 NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee Meeting
April 5-7, 2010
Indianapolis, IN
2010 NFHS Wrestling Rules Interpreters Meeting
September 22, 2010
addresses:
Bob Colgate -
Kim Adams -
NFHS REMINDER – Additional Information:
NFHS information with regards to wrestling.

44. The following sports are available in an NFHS PowerPoint Presentation:
Baseball
Basketball
Football
Girls Gymnastics
Volleyball
Soccer
Softball
Swimming & Diving
Wrestling
Boys Lacrosse
To order copies please contact: Carol Ratliff at the NFHS
Phone: or Fax your Request to

45. Thank You!