Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this article.
Sanctioned High School wrestling matches consist of three, two-minute periods with no rest between periods. At the Youth level (K-8th grade), the match period timing could be between one and two minutes per period. The wrestler with the most points at the end of the third period is the winner.
If a wrestler pins his opponent at any time before the end of the third period, the match is over. The winning wrestler earns a win by fall (pin.) If the match ends in a tie, overtime periods are added until a winner is determined.
The match can also end before the end of the six-minute regulation time. This would be due by a “technical fall” (15-point advantage), or if one of the wrestlers is disqualified or can’t continue the match due to injury. In the case of an injury, the injured wrestler loses by “injury default.”
A Wrestling team scores points via the results of individual wrestlers’ matches.
6 Pts. – Wrestler wins by pin or forfeit, injury default,or disqualification of the opponent.
5 Pts. – Wrestler wins by technical fall (lead of 15 points. during the match)
4 Pts. – Wrestler wins by “major decision” (point spread of between 8 and 14 points)
3 Pts. – Wrestler wins by regular decision (seven points or less.)
Teams can also be penalized team points for “unsportsmanlike conduct” and other violations of the individual wrestlers or Coaching staff.