About 9 minute read
Start with red and green
Each wrestler is designated red or green, usually with a corresponding ankle band. The referee also uses red and green wristbands. When points are awarded, watch which colored wrist the referee raises or uses with the scoring signal.
When a scoreboard does not make the colors obvious, the home wrestler is generally green and the visitor is red. Always follow the actual ankle bands and event scoreboard when they clearly identify the wrestlers.
Common individual match points
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Takedown | 3 |
| Escape | 1 |
| Reversal | 2 |
| Near fall | 2, 3 or 4 depending on the count and situation |
| Penalties | Varies |
Takedown — 3 points
Both wrestlers begin neutral. When one wrestler takes the other to the mat and establishes control, a takedown is awarded.
Escape — 1 point
A wrestler who is being controlled gets free and returns to a neutral position.
Reversal — 2 points
The wrestler who was being controlled gains control of the opponent without first establishing a neutral escape.
Near fall
Near-fall points are earned when a wrestler exposes an opponent's back to the mat under the required criteria and count. The number of points depends on the duration and applicable rule.
A pin ends the match
A fall, commonly called a pin, occurs when the required portion of both shoulders or scapulae is held to the mat for the required time. A fall ends the match regardless of the current point score.
Other ways matches end
Matches can also end by decision, major decision, technical fall, default, disqualification or other rule-defined outcomes. Overtime procedures are used when regulation ends tied.
Watch the referee
The referee's signals communicate scoring, starting and stopping action, penalties and match outcomes. Jr Wildcats maintains a referee hand-signal reference in our resources. Because wrestling rules change, scoring guidance and older graphics should always be checked against the current rules before relying on them.