Guide to Wrestling
Table of Contents
Welcome / Introduction to Wrestling
3
Types of wrestling
5
Objective of wrestling / Match Basics
6
Scoring
7
Referee’s Signals
10
Wrestling Terms
11
Welcome to Solebury Wrestling
12
FAQ of Solebury Wrestling
12
Role of the Parent
15
Solebury Wrestlers Code of Conduct
16
About the Delaware River Wrestling League
17
2
Welcome
Welcome to the Solebury Youth Wrestling Club and the Delaware River Wrestling League.
The purpose of this guide is to help parents and wrestlers understand the sport of wrestling,
the expectations of parents and wrestlers and to understand how the Club and League
operate.
Introduction to Wrestling
What is wrestling and why is it so different than other sports?
Wrestling is a form of martial arts and is considered the world’s oldest sport. The sport was
first started by the Greeks and is still part of the Olympics today. This is a sport of physical
engagement between two people in which each wrestler tries to get an advantage or control
over another wrestler. Physical techniques are used such as clinching, holds, leverage and
takedowns.
Wrestling is for the most part an individual sport. A wrestler relies on his own mental and
physical abilities to be successful. The individual wrestler who dedicates his time and effort will
eventually achieve success, but must remain patient and positive throughout the learning
process, especially at the beginner’s level. Once a positive understanding and attitude is in
place, the individual is more likely to succeed. Wrestling is also a team sport. A wrestling team
or lineup is composed of wrestlers at specified weight classes which compete against other
teams. Team scoring in a “dual” meet is based on the outcome of each individual match.
Wrestling is the sixth most popular sport in our nation’s schools today. Most people do not
understand wrestling unless you came from a family with a background in the sport or were
involved with someone who wrestled. This guide will walk you through frequently asked
questions and misconceptions, but most of all, what wrestling is really about.
What are the benefits of wrestling?
Of all the sports choices a parent and child can make, wrestling is perhaps the best sport for
overall physical development because it involves all muscle groups, and requires the greatest
balance of athletic skills. Not only does wrestling improve balance, speed, agility and intensity,
but it strengthens virtually all muscle groups from hips, legs, torso and upper body, but also
neck and grip strength.
If you would like to teach your child self reliance, self discipline, self confidence (not the false
kind), mental toughness, good sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic then wrestling is the
best sport to do exactly that. It can be difficult for children to compete in wrestling. When you
lose in wrestling there is no one else to point a finger at. This hard reality teaches kids
personal responsibility like no other sport can. Instead of making excuses they will think back
at the match and ask “what did I do wrong” and “what can I do next time to win”.
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Will wrestling promote aggressive behavior in my child?
Wrestling is referred to as the toughest sport but it is certainly not violent, nor does it lead to
unruly or destructive behavior. Success in wrestling requires the ability to attack as well as to
stop your opponents attack. These same factors apply as in boxing and martial arts but in a
nonviolent way. Wrestling does not permit opponents to strike each other and it imposes strict
rules and regulations that are strongly enforced. The objective is to out maneuver your
opponent, not to harm or destroy.
Intensity to compete increases as your child gets older and more competitive. It is common for
a new wrestler to feel intimidated especially when they don’t know how they compare to their
competition but they will soon overcome that after competing on the mat. The wrestler learns
a sense of respect for himself as well as his opponent and carries that with him on and off the
mat.
How safe is wrestling?
Many studies have been done showing wrestling to be safer than most common sports like
football, ice hockey, soccer and gymnastics. Wrestling has the lowest percentage of serious or
life threatening injuries in relation to other sports. Yes, injuries can occur but are most likely to
be strains and sprains.
The following factors are what differentiates wrestling from other sports and contributes to its’
safety:
a. The high ratio of officials to athletes (One referee to two wrestlers)
b. Greater strength and flexibility as a result of preparation at practices
c. Competitors matched by age and weight.
d. Rules and regulations strictly enforced at matches
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The different types of wrestling
Folk style
Folk style (scholastic) is the style we teach and compete in the Solebury Youth Wrestling Club
and in the Delaware River Wrestling League. It is the style used in high school and college
competition in the United States. As the name implies, the style was developed in the US, and
is not used in international competition. The wrestler on top must constantly work towards a
pin while the wrestler on the bottom must continually try to escape or reverse. Folk style is
similar to Freestyle in that for some of the time both wrestlers are on their feet and attempting
to take each other to the mat in order to gain control. In the Delaware River Wrestling League
kids will wrestle three 1-minute periods.
Free style
Free style wrestling concentrates on attacking the entire body of the opponent. Wrestlers start
on their feet, and points are accumulated by taking the opponent to the mat and exposing his
back. Matches are one five minute period in the open and high school divisions, and two
periods
with
a
short
break
in
between
for
younger
age
groups.
Since the emphasis in Free style is on attack and exposure, just controlling the opponent from
on top with no continuous back exposure is considered a stalemate, and both wrestlers are
brought to their feet after a short time in order for the bout to continue. Also, since back
exposure is emphasized, a wrestler can easily score points or pin himself by exposing his own
back unless he is very careful how he performs his movements. One more very important point
about both Free style and Greco-Roman is that there is no penalty for failed moves. If a wrestler
attempts a takedown and ends up being taken down by his opponent, his opponent does not
score points.
Greco-Roman
Greco-Roman is the oldest wrestling style, and very popular in some parts of the world. Like
Freestyle, Greco-Roman concentrates on taking your opponent to the mat and exposing his
back, but without using or attacking the legs. Points for takedowns and exposures are nearly
identical between Freestyle and Greco-Roman, so long as legs are not used. Both Freestyle
and Greco-Roman, in addition to Judo, are recognized Olympic sports.
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Objective of wrestling?
The object of wrestling is to put your opponent on his back -- to pin your opponent or to outscore
them. See scoring below for details.
Match Basics:
Match Periods
Wrestling matches consist of three periods. Periods can vary in length from one minute in
duration for younger age groups, to as long as three minutes for college wrestling. Either
wrestler can win the match at any time if they are able to pin their opponent or develop a lead
of more than 14 points. Otherwise, the wrestler that can accumulate the most points by the end
of the third period (or after overtime in the case of a tie) wins the match.
Wrestling Positions
There are only two positions from which referees start, or continue a match, Neutral Position
and Referee’s Position.
Starting/Neutral Position:
The match will start with both contestants standing opposite each other with their lead
foot on the green or red area of the starting lines and the other foot even with or behind
the lead foot. This is the neutral position in which neither wrestler has control.
Referee’s Position:
Defensive “Bottom” Wrestler: The defensive wrestler takes a stationary position at the
center of the mat with both hands and knees on the mat, as directed by the referee.
Offensive “Top” Wrestler: The offensive wrestler will be on the right or left side of the
opponent with at least one knee on the mat and head on or above the midline of the
opponent’s back. The offensive wrestler may choose to take a position on either side of
or to the rear of the defensive wrestler with both hands on the opponent’s back, thumbs
touching. The wrestler must indicate his intent to the referee.
The first period always begins in the neutral position (both wrestlers on their feet). A coin
flip before the start of the second period determines choice of position. The winner of
the coin toss can choose to start from the top or bottom referee's position, or in the
neutral position. He could also defer this choice to the other wrestler so that he may
have the choice at the start of the third period. If the action is stopped before the end of
a period (going out of bounds for example or an injury), the referee restarts the wrestlers
in the positions that the wrestlers were in when the action was stopped.
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Scoring
There are five ways to score points in a wrestling match:
1) Takedown - (2 points) You score two points for taking your opponent down to the
mat and controlling them.
2) Escape - (1 point) You score one point from the bottom position by getting to a neutral
position.
3) Reversal - (2 points) You score two points from the bottom position when you come
from underneath and secure the top position on your opponent.
4) Near Fall (Back Points) - (2 or 3 points) You get near fall points when you almost but
not quite get your opponent pinned. A near fall (near pin) is when...
both shoulders are held for two seconds within four inches of the mat, or...
one shoulder touches the mat and the other shoulder is at a 45 degree angle
coming down to the mat, or...
the wrestler is held in a high bridge or back on both elbows.
When a wrestler is put onto their back the referee will begin counting off the seconds
using his hand. If a near fall lasts for 2-4 seconds, you get 2 points. If a near fall lasts
for 5 seconds or longer, you get 3 points.
5.) PIN- A pin (or fall) is when you put your opponent on their back with any part of both
shoulders or both shoulder blades of your opponent in contact with the mat for two
seconds. When you pin your opponent, the match is over and you are the winner.
If nobody gets pinned, the winner is the wrestler who has scored the most points during
the match.
6) Penalty Points - (1 or 2 points) Your opponent is awarded points if you commit the
following infractions.
o
Illegal Holds - These are holds that the referee will penalize you for without
warning. (There are other holds called "potentially dangerous holds" which the
referee might make you let go of but will not penalize you for).
5) Penalty Points
o Technical Violations
7
Going off the mat or forcing your opponent off the mat to avoid wrestling ("fleeing
the mat.")
Grabbing clothing, the mat, or the headgear. One exception: In youth
wrestling, sometimes a child may wear a tee-shirt under their singlet or
wear shorts. Since these are not part of the official uniform the opponent
will not be penalized for grabbing it. I always advise kids not to wear any
“supplementary” clothing.
Locked or overlapped hands: If you are down on the mat in control of your
opponent, you cannot lock or overlap your hands, fingers or arms around
your opponent's body or both legs unless you have met criteria for a near
pin of your opponent, or your opponent stands up and has all their weight
on two feet, or you have lifted the opponent off the mat.
Scoring (cont,)
5) Penalty Points (cont.)
o Technical Violations (cont.)
Leaving the mat during the match without the referee's permission
Figure 4 head scissors from the neutral position.
Reporting to the mat not properly equipped or not ready to wrestle, or
equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started
o
o
o
o
o
Unnecessary roughness
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Flagrant Misconduct (ejection, the match is over)
Stalling (you get one warning before you are penalized and points are awarded).
Incorrect starting position or false start (You get two cautions before points
are awarded).
The first and second time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded one point. The third
time you are penalized, your opponent is awarded two points. The fourth time you are
penalized, you are disqualified. (Except for illegal starting position or false start - you are
cautioned twice, then one point awarded for each infraction, but you will not be disqualified. In
the event of Flagrant Misconduct, you are ejected from the match on the first offense, you lose
the match, and 3 team points are deducted).
Dual Meet Team Scoring
Fall, Forfeit, Default, Disqualification - 6 team points
Technical Fall (winning by 15 points ends the match) - 5 team points
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Major Decision (winning the match by 8 - 14 points) - 4 team points
Decision (winning the match by fewer than 8 points) - 3 team points
SUDDEN DEATH IN DUAL MEETS AND TOURNAMENTS
Sudden Victory (Overtime Period): During tournament and dual meet action, when the
wrestlers are tied at the end of the three regular periods, they will then wrestle an overtime
period which will be one minute in length with no rest between the regular match and the
overtime. The overtime period will begin with both wrestlers in the neutral position. The
wrestler who scores the first point(s) will be declared the winner. If no winner is determined
by the end of the one minute overtime period, 30-second tie-breakers in the referee's position
will be wrestled.
9
OFFICIALS WRESTLING SIGNALS
HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
10
WRESTLING TERMS
Match: This is when two wrestlers compete.
Meet: This is when the wrestlers of each of two teams face off one match at a time with the
team points being awarded for each match. Meets are also referred to as duals or dual meets.
Tech: This is short for technical fall, which is to win the match by gaining a lead of at least
fifteen points.
Top, Bottom or Neutral: These are the starting positions for Folk style wrestling. Neutral is the
standing position in which the match starts.
Defer: This is to forfeit the opportunity to choose a starting position at the start of the second
period so that you have the opportunity to choose at the start of the last (third) period.
Double or Single: These are the basic moves used to take down an opponent.
Sprawl: This is the basic defense to a single or double. The defending wrestler jumps back
while lowering their weight on their opponent’s shoulders.
Bridge: As a last resort to avoid being pinned, using leg and neck strength, the wrestler forms
an arch, and pivoting on their head, flips over to his stomach.
Half or Half Nelson: The basic move used for turning an opponent from their belly side to his
back side in an attempt to score a pin
Pin: Pin your opponents shoulders to the mat for two seconds resulting in a match win.
Wrestling Instructional Websites: Check out these websites for great wrestling
instruction, techniques and drills to improve your skills.
http://www.kolat.com/
http://www.flowrestling.org/
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Welcome to Solebury Youth Wrestling
FAQs
Who are the coaches?
John Lupisella 609-818-3270 (W) 215-622-7619 (C)
john.lupisella@bms.com
jvlupisella@comcast.net
Chris Forrest 215-962-8110
hoofknife@mac.com
High School Wrestlers Volunteers
Igor Lupisella
Max Lupisella
Christopher Thompson
Other Important Contact Information
NHS, Solebury School & Solebury P&R Contacts
Irv Miller- NHS High School Varsity Wrestling Coach (215)-862-1100
imiller@nhsd.org
Tedd Harrington-NHS Athletic Director (215)-862-1311
tharrington@nhsd.org
Dudley Rice- Solebury P&R Director Office: (215)-297-5702 Cell: (215)-828-0392
soleburyparks@soleburytwp.org
dricecake@comcast.net
Robert Eichem- Athletic Director Solebury School (215)-862-5261 x123
robert@solebury.org
When is the first practice?
Practices will begin Thursday November 5th, 2015
When and where are practices?
Practices will be every Tuesday and Thursday night at The Solebury School wrestling room.
This is located in the John D Brown Athletic Center (See building 17 on the map)
Map of Solebury School .
What time are the practices?
The wrestlers will be divided into two groups based on age, weight and experience. The
younger group will practice from 6-7PM and the older group will practice from 7-8:30PM.
These practices will start promptly at the designated times. If the number of registrants is 25 or
less we may practice in one session from 6:30-8:00PM.
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When do the Matches Start?
Our regular season Delaware River Wrestling League matches start the weekend of January
2nd/3rd 2016. Matches will be held on either Saturday or Sunday each weekend for 6 straight
weekends. On the seventh weekend Sunday February 14th we will have our League
Tournament at South Brunswick High School
How long is the season?
The scheduled matches for the season will be 6 weeks long and will end as mentioned above
with the league tournament on the 7th weekend.
What equipment does my child need to wrestle?
Your child is required to wear wrestling shoes and head gear, which is mandatory. Shorts sweat
pants and t-shirts are fine for practice. Important Safety Rule About MERSA!! All clothing is to
be washed after each practice. This is to prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases.
The high school mandates that this rule be followed specifically to maintain heath standards in
the wrestling room.
MRSA Information
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_MRSA_AthletesFAQ.html
http://www.nwcaskinprevention.com/webinar/low/Video.asp?chap=5
Do the mats in the wrestling room get cleaned?
The mats are washed everyday before practice with Maxima Disinfectant (click link to read
more) In the 10 years that we have run the program we have not had any cases of staph
infection (boils), ringworm, impetigo etc. This is because we have been diligent in
keeping the mats clean and have had great compliance with the following
recommendations concerning hygiene.
A few important notes about hygiene..,
1.) At the first practice I stress to the kids how important it is to wash/shower after
each practice. (see video link above for more detail)
2.) Always wash your wrestling clothes, never wear them twice.
3.) Use skin lotions after showering and drink lots of water. Clean and well hydrated
skin creates an effective barrier to infection.
4.) Wrestling shoes are NEVER worn outdoors. Carry them to practice and change
into them.
5.) When the children need to use the bathroom during practice, I require them to
clean the soles of their wrestling shoes with disinfectant and towel wipe before
stepping back onto the mat. (I keep these at the door during practice)
6.) I also keep a large dispenser of Purell Hand wash at the door.
7.) PARENTS: Please do not walk on the mat with your street shoes
More Health and Hygiene information
After every practice your child should immediately shower. Do not let him go to bed and shower
in the morning. If your child has any open cuts or scrapes, please make sure that they are
covered properly to lower your child’s risk of infection. Make sure your child has plenty of water
at home, during the day and at practice.
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Wipe your child’s headgear with an anti-bacterial wipe after every practice and wash it once a
week.
Most important of all is that everyone who enters the wrestling room must remove their shoes
to insure health standards of the mats and that they do not get damaged. If you are seen with
shoes on, please do not be surprised if someone asks you to take them off.
What happens if my child develops a rash or a red sore?
Call your pediatrician immediately and have him seen right away. Please do not take a chance
and dismiss what you think is normal. Sometimes a child develops eczema and a doctor’s note
is required from your pediatrician clearing him to wrestle.
What happens if my child is diagnosed with a skin infection?
Please do not bring him to practice or meets until the infection has cleared. We need to make
sure all precautionary measures are taken to insure the health of all wrestlers who use the
room.
Hair and Nails
All wrestlers must have their nails clipped. Nails are a health issue because they are dirty and
infections can occur from someone scratching you.
Hair must be maintained throughout the season. The hair must be cut half way up the ears, at
collar length for the back and above the eyebrows in the front. That rule is standard for high
school and for the Delaware River Wrestling League. Please make sure your child gets regular
haircuts during the season.
If your child desires longer hair, he will then be required to where a skull cap which can be
purchased. Please ask if you are unsure about your child’s hair.
Will our club have any home matches and where will they be?
Yes, our club will be hosting 3 matches this year and they will be held at the New-Hope
Solebury High School Gymnasium. (See Delaware River Wrestling League section below for a
preliminary schedule) By using 3 mats, the tri-matches should take ~3 hours.
How do these matches work and where does my child fit in?
These matches are done on a computer program called “Matchman” Wrestlers are entered in
by name, age, weight and rating system (how experienced). The rating system is 1 through 6,
1 meaning a beginner or new wrestler and 6 being the most experienced or advanced. After all
the information is entered, the program will match up the wrestlers for their bouts.
The coaches will rate all the wrestlers according to their ability. If you have a problem with a
rating after your child wrestles in a match, please speak to me or any one of the coaches with
your concerns.
Is my child considered Varsity, JV or a Novice wrestler?
The league we are in does not have a dual meet format thus there is no varsity, junior varsity
or novice teams. The goal of this league is to give every wrestler 2-3 quality matches in a 3
hour time frame.
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Will my child wrestle if there are other wrestlers on their team who weigh the same?
Yes, The Matchman program is designed to give every wrestler matches. If our club has
wrestlers with the same weight, there is no doubt that the other club has wrestlers the same
weight too. As stated previously, they are also matched up by age and experience.
Is there a weigh-in at every match and does my child have to watch his weight?
In this league weigh-ins are done three times a year. The first weigh-in is the beginning of the
season, the second is the middle of the season and the third is at the end before the league
tournament. The reason for this is to monitor growth and weight of each wrestler so that they
are properly matched competitively. Your child does not have to worry about weigh-ins
immediately before any match. We encourage that your child eat his normal diet. Children at
this age need to maintain a healthy diet for proper growth.
The Role of the Parent
Now that some important questions have been answered, we hope that you will continue to
ask questions and learn more about wrestling. It teaches confidence, sportsmanship, character
and respect. Your child will carry this with them throughout their lives. The parent needs to be
the role model as your child learns and grows throughout the season. Encouragement and
support are key to your child’s success in wrestling. Take the responsibility in seeing that your
child takes advantage of all practices and matches.
Do not try to impose high expectations or ambitions on your child. Each child grows and
matures at different rates as an individual. Do not judge your child’s performance or compare
them to other wrestlers because now you are pushing on them what you feel they should be
doing. Remember this is your child’s activity. Each kid is different in how they react after a loss
and as such each situation needs to be handled differently. As a parent you will figure this out.
It is important to remember that each child grows and matures at different rates. If your child is
having fun and is being supported in a positive way, they will come to realize on their own, their
strengths and weaknesses. As mentioned before, the more practices, matches and
tournaments your child goes to, the more experienced they will get.
Parents also need to be in control at all times at matches and tournaments. Yes, there are
going to be times when we are not going to like a call or a scorekeeper missed giving points.
We need to remember to let the coaches handle these situations. Please remember, this is a
youth activity where we are the role models of good sportsmanship for our children.
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Solebury Youth Wrestler
Code of Conduct
I will be on time and prepared to wrestle for all practices and matches.
At practices I will not goof around. I will work hard and pay close attention when the coaches
are teaching. I will listen and ask questions to improve my wrestling skills.
I will drill moves with my partner in a way that helps him learn the move correctly. I will let him
run the move on me so he will learn it.
I will always show good sportsmanship and respect others regardless of the situation.
I will never argue with a coach or an official.
I will display good sportsmanship when winning and when losing. I will always shake my
opponents hand at the end of the match. I will exit the mat with dignity and I will never behave
in a manner that would cause embarrassment to me or to my teammates.
I will always be a good sport and set a positive example to others, especially the younger
wrestlers.
NAME (PRINT) _______________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE__________________________________________________________________
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About the Delaware River Wrestling League
LINK: Delaware River Wrestling League
Mission statement: The Delaware River Wrestling League is designed to introduce kids to
traditional folk style wrestling. They are committed to helping each child develop basic and
advanced wrestling skills in a fun competitive environment.
Their emphasis is working with kids on basic techniques, conditioning and above all, GOOD
SPORTSMANSHIP. They believe wrestling is more about goal setting and achievement
instead of winning or losing. We also expect our kids to give it their all, practice hard and respect
their coaches and teammates at all times.
Start and end of season:
Tri- matches will start the weekend of January 2, 2016 and will end after the League
Tournament Sunday February 14th, 2016.
Matches:
The matches will consist of 3 teams. Each wrestler should have 2 or more bouts. The matches
will take about ~3 hours to complete.
Home Matches:
We will be hosting 3 home tri-meets. (They will be at New Hope-Solebury High School
Gymnasium). The remainder of the schedule is being finalized and will be poster on our
website and the league website.
Officials:
The Delaware River Wrestling League uses certified officials from either PA or NJ.
High school varsity wrestlers are also used for officiating.
Match Man Program:
The wrestlers will be entered in to a program by name, age, weight and rating (skill level). The
rating is 1 through 6, 1 being a beginner and 6 being the most experienced or advanced.
A “1” can wrestle a 1 or 2 ---A “2 “can wrestle a 1,2 or 3---- A “3” can wrestle a 2,3 or 4
A “4” can wrestle a 3,4 or 5-----A “5” can wrestle a 4,5 or 6.----and a “6” can wrestle a 5 or 6.
The computer also sets restrictions on age differences (+/- 1.2 years) and weight differences
(+/- 7%-10% body weight). We also assign ratings using ½ increments. For example, a wrestler
rated as a 1.5, can wrestle a kid up to a 2.5, but not a 3.
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