Wrestling procedures: Scoring, Timing, and Periods
First
Both wrestlers come forward from the corners of the mat, get
instructions, shake hands.
Next
The referee blows his whistle and signals "wrestle".
Now
Each wrestler is trying to get control of the other by getting
behind him or on top of him ‑ a "take down"
Points
The first points are likely to be given for a take down. When one
wrestler gets a take down, the referee signals two points with his
right hand.
Then
The defensive (down) wrestler is trying to "Escape" or "Reverse" his
position ‑ to get on top or behind.
The offensive (up) wrestler is trying to stay on top and get a hold
with which he can keep his opponent's shoulders on the mat for two
seconds - a "fall" or "pin".
Periods
Every match has three periods, each one two minutes in length. First
period: Starts from standing or neutral position.
Second period: Starts from either the neutral position, Olympic
position or "referee's position" which means the down man on his
hands and knees, and the top man besides him with one hand on an
elbow and the other around his opponent's waist.
Third Period: Starts with the position chosen by the other wrestler.
Scoring Procedures
Individual Match Scoring
"Take Down" - 2 points - when a wrestler gets control or on top of
his opponent from the neutral or standing position.
"Escape" - 1 point - getting out from underneath an opponent to a
standing or neutral position facing him.
"Reversal" - 2 points - getting out from underneath the opponent
and behind or on top of him by one maneuver.
"Near Fall" - 3 points - Hold opponent's shoulders to or near the
mat for 5 or more seconds.
"Near Fall" - 2 points - Hold opponent's shoulder 45 degrees or
less to the mat for a period of 2 seconds.
Dual Meet Scoring
Fall (Pin) - 6 pts.
Default - 6 pts.
Disqualification - 6 pts.
Forfeit - 6 pts.
Technical Fall - 5 pts. (by 15 pts. match stops)
Major Decision - 4 pts. (8 - 14 points)
Regular Decision - 3 pts.