Wrestling matches can be exciting, dynamic contests between two athletes. When two competitors are in such close quarters it can be somewhat confusing as to how a match is conducted and how matches are scored. This should provide some basic information as to what to look for, and what you are seeing. Wrestling has a point system to reward athletes for varying levels of control over their opponent. The higher the points, the higher level of control one wrestling has over their opponent. These points all reflect working towards the ultimate goal of wrestling, pinning your opponent.

Wrestling generally occurs in best-of-3, 2-minute periods. The only way to win a match in only one period is to pin your opponent or your opponent is disqualified.

1: The Pin

A pin occurs when the defensive wrestler's shoulders (anywhere between the bottom of the scapula to the top of the collarbone) touch simultaneously for 1 second or more. This is the ultimate display of control and will result in an automatic win for the offensive wrestler. A pin will be signified by the official raising his hand in the air and then striking the mat.

Here is a video with an excellent example of a pin performed by Justine Bouchard at the 2009 World Cup in China:

2: The Single Point

A Single point can be added to the score in several situations. A single point is awarded by the official by extending the thumb of the hand with the appropriate wrist band straight up.

In wrestling the most common are:

A: Stepping Out of Bounds: Any time a wrestling who is deemed to be in a standing position goes out of bounds or is pushed out of bounds a point will be awarded to the in-bounds wrester

B: Takedown to par-terre: Par Terre exists when a wrestler is controlled from behind and 3 points of contact other than feet have been made with the mat. One of these, currently, must be a knee.

C: Extended Fall: Whenever a wrestler's back is exposed to the mat for a period of 5 or more seconds a single point will be awarded. This is only awarded once per pinning sequence.

D: Hand-to-hand exposure: This occurs when a wrestler's back is exposed to the mat but no elbow or shoulder make contact with the mat. This is most common in Gut Wrench and Cross-Ankle techniques.

Here is a good example of a single leg takedown that results in 1 point:

3: Two Points

A two point score is awarded by the referee by extending a thumb and index finger on the appropriate coloured hand straight up.

This is an example of a Gut Wrench resulting in a 2 point score:

4: Three Points

Three Points is a specific situation where an offensive wrestler takes a defensive wrestler from their feet to back in a single motion. This can occur from a take down or throw and may even orignate from Par Terre. These are generally more dynamic and exciting techniques. As a reward for high intensity, executing 2 three-point throws during any period will automatically win that period regardless of your opponents score. A referee will indicate 3 points by extending a thumb, index and middle finger in the air with the corresponding wristband.

This is a good example of a 3-point take-down.

5: Five Points

A five point throw is a high-risk high amplitude technique. For safety purposes, many or all of these techniques have been removed from several age groups. Most ofthese techniques are not permitted until the juvenile level, and are not permitted in any High School or

younger tournaments. These techniques result when a wrestler is thrown in a broad, sweeping curve and land immediately in a danger (back-exposure) position. These are the most exciting and dynamic techniques in wrestling. Any execution of a 5-point technique will result in winning a period, regardless of the opponents score. A referee will indicate a 5 point throw by showing the thumb and all fingers in the air on the arm with the correct wristband colour.

The following is a montage of 5-point throws.

6: Cautions

Cautions are given for an act of brutality, fleeing or performing an illegal technique. Cautions can be given at any time by the referee and will be indicating by showing the hand of the offending wrestler and the awarding of points to the other. Cautions will be 1 or 2 points depending on the situation.

For more clarity on the rules we recommend that you consult the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association rulebook at: http://www.wrestling.ca/pdf/CAWArulebk_2007-08_en.pdf