About Folkstyle

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About Folkstyle Wrestling
Folkstyle, also known as collegiate, is the style of wrestling that is used in American schools (middle school, high school, college, etc.). Folkstyle wrestling differs slightly from the international styles of wrestling (Freestyle & Greco Roman), which are used in the World & Olympic matches. The object of a Folkstyle wrestling match is to gain a fall by pinning an opponents shoulder's to the mat for 2 continuous seconds, or to gain a decision by out-wrestling/out-scoring an opponent.

LENGTH:
6U, 8U and 10U wrestle three (3) 1 minute periods. 12U and 14U wrestle three (3) 90 second periods.

  • 1st Period: Starts from the standing or "Neutral" position.
  • 2nd Period: Choice of position is determined by a coin toss. The winner may choose top or bottom in "referee's" position or may opt to start back in the neutral position.
  • 3rd Period: Choice of position is given to the wrestler who lost the coin toss before the second period. The same options apply.
SCORING:
Move Points Description
Takedown 3 From a neutral position (both standing with neither wrestler having control) a wrestler gains control over his opponent down on the mat while the supporting parts of either wrestler are in bound.
Escape 1 When a defensive (bottom) wrestler gains a neutral position and his opponent has lost control while at least one wrestler is in-bound.
Reversal 2 When the defensive wrestler comes from the bottom position and gains control of his opponent, either on the mat or in a rear standing position, while the supporting points of either wrestler are in-bounds.
Near Fall 2, 3 or 4 When near fall criteria is met for 2, 3 or 4 seconds. Near fall criteria is:
  • When any part of both shoulders or scapula of the defensive wrestler are held for at least 2 seconds within four inches of the mat.
  • When one shoulder or scapula is touching the mat with the other shoulder or scapula held at an angle of 45 degrees or less.
If near fall criteria is met for two continuous seconds, 2 points are awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the predicament. If near fall criteria is met for three or four continuous seconds, a 3 or 4 point near fall is awarded when the defensive wrestler is out of the near fall situation.
Penalty 1 A wrestler is awarded point(s) for technical violations or infractions of the rules committed by his opponent. These points are awarded according to the penalty chart below.



PENALTIES:
Infraction Warning First Second Third Fourth
Illegal holds No 1 point 1 point 2 points Disqualify
Unnecessary roughness No 1 point 1 point 2 points Disqualify
Unsportsmanlike conduct No 1 point 1 point 2 points Disqualify
Stalling Yes 1 point 1 point 2 points Disqualify
Technical violations No 1 point 1 point 2 points Disqualify
  • Technical violations include avoiding wrestling by leaving the mat, grabbing clothing or headgear, incorrect starting position or locked hands.
  • Technical violations for false start or incorrect starting position are 1 point penalty for each infraction following two cautions. This infraction does not count toward disqualification.

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