Takedown Report

A look at the 13 new rules in college wrestling this season

With wrestling season just around the corner, there have been some changes that fans should know about. The NCAA has made 13 rule changes regarding things as small as facial hair to changes in how a match is scored.

Facial hair
There is no restriction for facial hair on wrestlers.
Medical forfeits
The first medical forfeit results in a loss on the wrestler’s individual season record. The exception is when a medical forfeit occurs immediately following an injury default. This new rule discourages wrestlers from using the medical forfeit when not injured. Before, wrestlers could medically forfeit, and their record would not be affected.
Mat-side video review
The referee now has the authority to confirm or overturn all calls or missed calls during a video-review challenge. Previously, if points were scored from each wrestler in a situation when a challenge occurred, and the scoring of the match was changed during the review, all points after the challenged call were removed for either wrestler. Now, points scored after a review change may be kept or scored differently. Coach’s video-review challenge
Eliminates the control of mat violation and team-point deduction for a delayed video review.
Hand-touch takedown
Previously, if a wrestler touched the mat with a hand from the rear standing positions, a takedown would be awarded. Now, wrestlers are awarded reaction time in all positions.
Near fall
A three near-fall points option has been added this year. Wrestlers can now earn two points for two seconds, three points for three seconds and four points for four seconds. 
Takedown scoring
Takedowns are now worth three points instead of two. This rewards the wrestler willing to be more offensive.
Tournament team scoring
True placement matches cannot alter the final team score.
Assessing match penalties
Removes the required match stoppage after a wrestler is penalized for an illegal hold when there is no presence of injury.
Waist and ankle ride stalling
Expands the five-second count to include all situations in which the offensive/advantaged wrestler grabs the bottom wrestler’s ankle.
On-the-mat stalling
Specifies the offensive wrestler must work toward obtaining near-fall points and/or pin to avoid stalling. … rest of story and rule changes at … Ocolly.com/big12sports/A-look-at-the-13-new-rules-in-college-wrestling-this-season

November 12, 2023 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized