Understanding
High School Wrestling
Individual Scoring
Takedown - 2 points
A takedown is earned when a wrestler brings his opponent to the mat, with
restraining control, from the neutral position.
Escape - 1 point
An escape is earned when a wrestler, from the bottom position, breaks free from
his opponent's control.
Reversal - 2 points
A reversal is earned when a wrestler, from the bottom position, gains
control of his opponent, placing him in the top position.
Near Fall - 2 or 3 points
A near fall is earned by forcing your opponent's shoulders within four inches or
45° of the mat. If the shoulders are held in this position for at least 2
seconds, 2 points are earned. If held for5 or more seconds, 3 points are earned.
Penalty or Technical Violation
- 1 or 2 points
A penalty point is earned when a wrestler applies an illegal hold, is called for
stalling after being warned, or does an unsportsmanlike-like act. A
technical violation is earned when the top wrestler locks his hands around his
opponent's body and is not in near fall criteria. The 1st and 2nd offense are 1
point penalties The 3rd offense is a 2 point penalty. The fourth
offense ends the match by disqualification.
Team Scoring
Pin - 6 points
A pin is earned by holding your opponent's shoulders or shoulder blades in
contact with the mat for 2 consecutive seconds.
Technical Fall - 5 points
A technical is earned when the difference in score between the wrestlers is 15
or more points.
Major Decision - 4 points
A major decision is earned when the difference in the match score at the end or
the match is between 7 and 14 points.
Decision - 3 points
A decision is earned when the difference in the match score at the end or the
match is 7 or fewer points.