1. 2006 NFHS WRESTLING RULES INTERPRETATION MEETING
September 27, 2006
Indianapolis, IN

2. Rule goes into effect for the 2006-07 season.
Referee’s responsibilities:
None
Referee is responsible for;
Recording actual scale weight.
Determining competitor can compete in one of two weight classes. (1-2-5)
states may have a more strict rule.

3. Prior to change:
Any coach could meet with the referee, and this could take place in the team dressing room before a dual meet began.
Reason for change:
Clarifies that each team’s head coach shall now meet with the referees and team captains on the mat before the start of a dual meet.
Referees are to make certain that head coaches and captains explain to everyone that they must exhibit good sportsmanship throughout the contest.
This new wording makes wrestling consistent with other NFHS sports.

4. Added technical violations and potentially dangerous holds to the list of items that the assistant referee needs to communicate to the referee during a match.
Other items to be communicated between the referee and the assistant referee throughout the match are as follows: stalling, line calls, illegal holds and time remaining in the period.
Case Book Situation: SITUATION

5. Prior to change:
The referee and assistant referee were to meet briefly on the edge of the mat and near the scorer’s table.
Reason for change:
When it becomes necessary for the referee and assistant referee to confer, the conference shall be held away from the scoring table.
This will allow discussion without interference.
The wrestlers are to stay in the 10-foot circle during this conference unless the referee directs them otherwise.

6. Prior to change:
The original purpose of the rule was to limit clothing items that were loose fitting.
Reason for change:
With the advent of new products, limiting clothing items that were loose fitting is no longer the case.
The text of Rule 4-1-1c was amended and states that any other undergarment that extends beyond the inseam of a one-piece uniform shall be tight-fitting, single solid color, unadorned and shall not extend below the knee.
Case Book Situation: SITUATION 1

7. Prior to change:
The weight class was 275 pounds.
Reason for change:
Student athletes are bigger than they were when the limit of 275 pounds was set in 1987.
The committee made the change to encourage additional high school athletes to compete in wrestling.

8. Prior to change:
The rule has apparently not been clearly communicated.
Reason for change:
This change should eliminate any misunderstanding of the intent of the stoppage rule.
The decision on when to award additional near-fall points for acts by the defensive wrestler has been clarified; in fact, the entire Section (Rule f through i) was re-written.
Rule f-i:
f. If the defensive wrestler is injured or bleeding occurs in an imminent near-fall situation or before the two-point near-fall criteria of a two count have been met, the match will be stopped and a two-point near-fall awarded;
g. If the defensive wrestler is injured or bleeding occurs after the two-point near-fall criteria of a two count have been met and before the three-point near-fall criteria of a five count have been earned, the match will be stopped and a three-point near fall shall be awarded;
h. If the defensive wrestler is injured or indicates an injury or bleeding occurs after a three-point near fall is earned, the match will be stopped and a four-point near fall shall be awarded;
i. In f-h, when an imminent or near-fall situation is stopped due to a defensive wrestler committing a technical violation, applying an illegal hold, committing unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike act, which cannot be corrected and requires the referee to stop the match, the match will be stopped and a penalty point(s) shall be awarded.
Case Book Situations: SITUATIONS I, J, K

9. Prior to change:
The previous definition indicated a match started with the action of the first period.
Reason for change:
This change was necessary to support the current interpretation of penalizing a wrestler who reports to compete and is improperly equipped.
Rule :
A match begins when the proper wrestler reports to the scorer’s table in dual matches and tournaments until the conclusion of wrestling. The conclusion of wrestling occurs when the time expires at the end of the third period, when overtime ends, or when a fall, technical fall, disqualification or a default or forfeit occurs. (NOTE: This is the correct definition for a match. Rule on page 25 of the rules book is not the correct definition.)
Case Book Situation: SITUATION 2

10. Prior to change:
The weight class was not forfeited.
Reason for change
This change was necessary to clearly state that the weight class is forfeited and the wrestler withdrawn is disqualified from further competition in that dual match.
Case Book Situations: SITUATION A, B, C

11. Prior to change:
Errors must be corrected prior to the start of the subsequent match in a dual meet. A tournament scoring error had to be corrected prior to the offended wrestler leaving the mat area , if additional wrestling is necessary.
Reason for change:
The committee felt it was unfair to attempt a reconstruction of what transpired in a previous period, if it is questioned in a subsequent period.
ART 4…Dual meet scoring errors by the referee or scorer:
a. Match Score
1. Any error, other than Bad Time (Art. 1) or Positioning (Art. 2) shall be corrected prior to the start of the next period, regulation or overtime. For the correction to be made during the last period of the match, it must be corrected prior to the wrestler/coach leaving the mat area.
ART 5… Tournament scoring errors by the referee or scorer:
Case Book Situations: SITUATION 3; SITUATIONS A-D

12. Prior to change:
Only one 30-second tiebreaker was conducted after the one-minute sudden victory period.
Reason for change:
Previous overtime procedure was perceived to be unfair.
During the season, several states experimented with the rule and the results were positive.
The new rule provides for one additional 30-second tiebreaker and another 30-second ultimate tiebreaker period if the score remains tied after the tiebreakers.
Beginning with the season, if no score occurs in the one-minute sudden victory period, two 30-second tiebreakers will take place. Scoring in these two tiebreakers will be conducted as in a regular match.
If the score remains tied at the conclusion of the two tiebreakers, one additional 30-second ultimate tiebreaker period will be conducted with the first wrestler scoring declared the winner. If no points are scored, the offensive wrestler wins the match.
Case Book Situations: SITUATION 4; SITUATION C

13. Prior to change:
Pulling back the thumb or 1, 2 or 3 fingers of an opponent’s hand.
Reason for change:
The pulling back of fingers has been clarified to indicate the act of grasping is not an automatic violation.

14. Two new illegal holds.
There has been an increase of action around the head and face.
This new illegal hold is intended to reduce the possibility of injuries, especially to the eyes.
Wrestlers must stay away from their opponent’s eye sockets.

15. The term “fleeing” has been used to describe a wrestler intentionally leaving the wrestling mat.
This addition will assist a new referee/coach with a more definitive definition.
Case Book Situations: SITUATIONS A, B, C, D
(NOTE: In the Case Book, page 43, the situations are incorrectly listed as 7.3.2)

16. Prior to change:
Last year, the rule was changed to apply to a similar situation when a warning was issued.
Reason for change:
This change indicates the match will not be stopped to award a point(s) for stalling.
This makes the situation consistent when warning or penalizing.
Case Book Situation: SITUATION 5

17. Points of Emphasis

18. Point of Emphasis for 2006-07 Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions
(Information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Action Plan
If you suspect that a player has a concussion, you should take the following steps:
1. Remove athlete from play.
2. Ensure athlete is evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. Do not try to judge the seriousness of the injury yourself.
3. Inform athlete’s parents or guardians about the known or possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion.
4. Allow the athlete to return to play only with permission from an appropriate health care professional.
Point-of-Emphasis for in all NFHS sports.
The Action Plan is for the wrestler’s own safety.
Each school should have an emergency plan in place.
Plan is fully supported by NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

19. Point of Emphasis for 2006-07 Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions
Signs and Symptoms
These signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion has occurred.
Signs Observed by Coaching Staff
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment
Forgets plays
Is unsure of game, score or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness
Shows behavior or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit
Can’t recall events after hit
All wrestling coaches need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a possible concussion.
Err on the side of safety!

20. Point of Emphasis for 2006-07 Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions
Signs and Symptoms
These signs and symptoms may indicate that a concussion has occurred.
Symptoms Reported by Athlete
Headache
Nausea
Balance problems or dizziness
Double vision or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling sluggish
Feeling foggy or groggy
Concentration or memory problems
Confusion
Don’t make a decision on a wrestler’s condition based on the score of the match.
Rule 8-2-4: A wrestler who was apparently unconscious shall not be allowed to wrestle again without written approval from a physician (M.D./D.O).
Rule 8-2-5: If a physician/medical staff determines an injured wrestler should not continue, even though consciousness is not involved, they shall not be overruled.

21. Point-of-Emphasis for 2006-07, Unnecessary Roughness and Slams
Point-of-Emphasis for , Unnecessary Roughness and Slams. No rule change.
Unnecessary Roughness involves physical acts that occur during wrestling:
It includes any acts, which exceeds normal aggressiveness.
Referees must focus on the degree of force applied and penalize the applier when the action goes beyond normal aggressiveness.
A Slam is lifting and returning an opponent to the mat with unnecessary force.
A slam is an illegal hold that shall be called without hesitation by the referee.
A slam can occur from any wrestling position.
Case Book Situations: SITUATIONS A and B

22. Point-of-Emphasis for 2006-07. No rule change.
Wrestling is the only sport that matches opponents by weight.
A competitor has a minimum and maximum weight that must be adhered to in order to compete at a particular weight class.
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.
The referee, or other authorized person of the same gender, shall supervise the weigh-ins.
The 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.
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.
At weigh-ins, the grooming standards as noted in Rule must be checked with regards to hair length requirements and abrasive standards.
Also at weigh-ins, all wrestlers must be checked to make sure they comply with Rule and are free of a communicable skin disease or any other condition that makes participation inadvisable.
Case Book Situations: SITUATION A; SITUATION C; SITUATION

23. Point-of-Emphasis for 2006-07. No rule change.
NFHS Rule 4 defines the parameters required to meet the definition of a legal uniform.
It is imperative that referees, during the pre-meet conference or prior to the wrestler reporting, inspect all equipment worn to assure that each piece meets the parameters outlined in Rule 4.
While the cut of the singlet may vary among manufacturers, it must meet the defined parameters.
A singlet can be cut no lower in the back or front than the level of the armpits and under the arms no lower than one-half the distance between the armpit and the belt line.
Case Book Situation: , SITUATION B

24. Rule 4-1-1 This is an example of a LEGAL UNIFORM. This view shows the
4-inch inseam
requirement without
tights.
The maximum length
is above the knee.
Photo 1. on page 61 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

25. LEGAL
UNIFORM
Photo 4. on page 61 of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

26. Prior to change:
The rule indicated the referee can approve an undershirt be worn under the sleeveless top.
Reason for change:
Needed more clearly defined description of an undershirt.
Must be short sleeved.
Must be tight fitting.
In , a solid color and unadorned shirt was required.
Case Book Situations: SITUATIONS A, C, D

27. Point-of-Emphasis for 2006-07. No rule change.
The legality of all equipment, including mats, markings, uniforms and special equipment, pads and taping shall be decided by the referee.
A referee’s time-out shall be declared for the purpose of correcting legal equipment, which becomes illegal or inoperative through use.
Special equipment is defined as any equipment worn that is not required by rule.
Special equipment includes, but is not limited to, hair coverings, face masks, braces, supports and eye protection.
Socks are not mentioned as a requirement in NFHS Rule 4, and therefore; are to be considered as special equipment.
Socks, if taken to an extreme, can be considered a disadvantage to an opponent. Height, thickness or tightness of the socks can result in creating a disadvantage to an opponent and could be ruled as illegal equipment, if not corrected before the wrestler reports to the scorer’s table.
Case Book Situation: SITUATION E

28. WRESTLING RULES
REMINDERS

29. RULE 4-5-5
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).
This rule was revised in 2005 to better promote proper weight management.
Case Book Situations: SITUATIONS A-E

30. RULES & 2-2-2
*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.
*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.
Need to emphasize to coaches and team personnel that they must comply with both of the rules.
Referees need to enforce these two rules at all times.
Case Book Situations: SITUATIONS A-B; SITUATIONS A-B

31. RULES & 7-5-3
*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).
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 Situations: SITUATION; SITUATION

32. Revised NFHS Physician Release Form For Skin Lesion For 2006-2007
The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee revised the “Physician Release for Wrestlers to Participate With Skin Lesions” form this past spring 2006.
State associations who are using this NFHS form, need to make sure they are using the new form for the season.
This release form is in a PDF format (Skin Conditions Form), on the NFHS web site under Wrestling.

33. 2007 NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Form
Due: March 1st
Must be submitted to your state association office for approval.
ALL NFHS Wrestling Rule Change Proposal Forms must first go through your state association office before it can be sent to the NFHS.
Only state associations and the NFHS can submit proposal forms.

34. Interpretation Meeting Date Rules Committee Mtg. Date
September 26, 2007
Rules Committee Mtg. Date
March 25-26, 2007
Rules Proposal Form Due
March 1, 2007
addresses:

35. Thank You