Part Two, January 15 - 30, 1998
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February 18, 1998
Q: Wrestler A is on top when Wrestler B turns around basically facing
him with legs sprawled. Wrestler A has 1) both arms wrapped around one
leg of Wrestler B, 2) each hand behind each of Wrestler B's knees, or 3)
one hand behind Wrestler B's right or left knee. Would an escape be
awarded in any of the above situations?
Greg Frame
A: A very good question, Greg! In situation No. 1 NO escape would be
awarded. The same is true of situation No. 2--no escape. However,
situation No. 3 can be a little "iffy" at times. With situation No. 3,
it would be up to the referee to determine if Wrestler B has broken away
enough. If so, he gets an escape; if, in the referee's mind, he hasn't,
then NO escape would be earned by Wrestler B.
Q: Is it illegal to lock hands from a double arm-bar position for the
wrestler who is on top with the bottom man on his stomach?
Hamster
A: It is a perfectly legal hold, not to mention lethal to the bottom man
as a pinning combination. Well thought out question, Hamster!
February 17, 1998
Q: In reference to the 14-days-of-practice rule in West Virginia, what
if a wrestler had a lengthy illness (Mono) or injury (broken wrist)
mid-season, would he have to abide by the above rule again that same
season?
M. Queen
A: Excellent question, Mr. Queen. The only answer I can give you is
that it would probably depend on the length of the recuperation period
and, most important, the WVSSAC would have the final say, not the rules
interpreter of the sport (in this case, wrestling). I am sorry but
that's the best answer I can give you.
February 16, 1998
Q: Doc, at Brooke on Saturday, Wrestler A took Wrestler B down with a
bearhug, directly to his back, where Wrestler B yelled out in pain and
you stopped the match. How was that scored?
Nick Busick
A: Wrestler A would receive two points for the takedown, and since
near-fall criteria was met just prior to the injury, Wrestler A would
receive three near-fall points.
The rule starts that if a boy is bleeding/injured:
1) just prior to near-fall criteria being met, it's two match
points;
2) right after near-fall criteria was met, it's three match points;
3) and after the five-count has been indicated by the official,
it's four match points.
Good question, Nick!
Q: Wrestler A is certified at 103 pouinds. He is going to wrestle at
119 for a tournament. Since Wrestler A wants to stay certified at 103
pounds, he plans to weigh-in at the 112-pound class. The event is after
the two-pound allowance date. Does Wrestler A have to weigh-in at 112
or 114 (with the two-pound allowance)?
M. Queen
A: If Wrestler A never made base weight at 112 pounds before, even if he
did at 103 pounds, Wrestler A must make base weight (112 pounds) since
it is the first time weighing in at that weight class. Now if he
wrestled at 112 pounds earlier in the year and made base weight then,
Wrestler A could weigh-in at 114 pounds. The important point is this: A
wrestler must make base weight the first time he wrestles at any weight
class. Very good question!
February 13, 1998
Q1: Does a wrestler have to make base weight, even after the two-pound
growth allowance is given, if it is the first time wrestling at that
weight class?
Q2: Does a conference tournament count in the 16 weigh-ins allowed for a
wrestler during the season?
M. Queen
A1: Yes.
A2: No.
February 12, 1998
Q: Last year there were some incidences around the state were wrestlers
false started on purpose in the neutral position to injure their
opponents and gain default victories. What has been done to eliminate
this problem, and has it stopped?
Richard Welker
A: I believe this question was asked earlier this season. At all my
clincs, I suggested that officials start the wrestlers in the neutral
position with their hand and arm between the wrestlers to stop one who
might false start. I have been doing it all season, and I have not had
one false start. There have been no reports this year of the above
problem, so I believe it has been eliminated in West Virginia. Camden,
Cory, Chase, Michele and Peggy say "Hi!"
February 9, 1998
Q: Wrestler A is on bottom with Wrestler B on the top position.
Wrestler A, while standing up, wraps his left arm around Wrestler B's
head. Wrestler A doesn't lock hands, but instead grabs the inside of
his own upper left leg (with his left hand) which applies pressure
around Wrestler B's head. Would this be considered an illegal headlock,
even though Wrestler A has not locked his hands around Wrestler B's
head?
S. Hickman
A: Yes, it is an illegal headlock. The same type of pressure is being
applied to the head that would occur with hands locked around one's
head. A good question, Mr. Hickman!
February 4, 1998
Q: What was the reasoning for doing away with riding time?
Richard A. Welker
Corporal
USMC
A: Since the objective of wrestling is to obtain a fall, it was the
belief of many high school wrestling authorities that "riding time" did
not promote working for pinning combinations. However, when we
eliminated "riding time," another wrestling artform gradually
disappeared -- "chain wrestling" on the bottom. Today, most wrestlers on
the bottom will try a stand-up or switch and stop, expecting that sooner
or later the top wrestlers will be hit for stalling if no fall is in
progress. Although this is often the case, I (as an official) do not
subscribe to this viewpoint. I expect the bottom man to be working,
also. If not, I am just as likely to warn the defensive wrestler for
stalling as the offensive wrestler if action has slowed down. Good
question, Corporal Welker!
February 2, 1998
Q: Is stalling in the 30-Second Tiebreaker called differently than the
rest of the match?
S. Hickman
A: Yes. The last sentence in NF Rule 6-7-2 (p. 23) states "During the
tiebreaker, stalling will be called ONLY when it is unquestionable."
The "Comments on the Rules" section of the NF Wrestling Rulebook (p.
47)further details the uniqueness of the 30-Second Tiebreaker in
reference to stalling. So, can the top man simply ride or control the
bottom man for this 30-Second Tiebreaker? Again, the answer is , YES.
An example of "unquestionable stalling" would be if the top man were
hanging onto (hugging) the bottom of the defensive wrestler's one or two
legs for "dear life," not making any other movement at all. Good
question, Mr. Hickman!
Q: After calling a slam, can an official change his call later during
the "recovery time" or after recovery time?
Jim LeMaster
A: Indicating a slam is no longer a delayed call in West Virginia. Once
an offical calls a slam, there shall be no changing of the call. Again,
the "Slam or No Slam" call should be made immediately and not be
changed. It would be very improper officiating mechanics to do so.
January 30, 1998
Q: Could you define the term "Certification Date" (Rule 1-3-2) on page 8
in the NF Wrestling Rulebook?
Jimmy Hayman
A: The "NF Certification Date" which the West Virginia Secondary Schools
Activities Commission adopted must occur on December 23rd in our state.
It is the date when "certified minimum weight" forms for all our
wrestlers must be sent to the WVSSAC office and postmarked no later than
December 23rd. This form, signed by a doctor and the parents/guardians,
states the lowest weight class in which a wrestler may safely compete.
The wrestler can compete NO lower than his/her certified minimum
weight.
January 29, 1998
Q: Wrestler A is riding Wrestler B when Wrestler B stands up. Wrestler
A is still in control, standing behind Wrestler B with hands locked
around the waist of Wrestler B.
Attempting to bring Wrestler B down to the mat again, Wrestler A
stumbles backwards with his hands still locked around Wrestler B, whose
body then accidently lands on Wrestler A as they hit the mat.
As soon as they hit the mat Wrestler A is hurt. (He goes limp.) At
the same instant, Wrestler B was in the process of reversing Wrestler A,
whose back was on the mat. The referee immediately stops the match and
starts injury time for Wrestler A. This all transpires in less than two
seconds.
Wrestler A recovers and is ready to resume wrestling. My question
is -- In what position do the wrestlers restart and what points, if any,
are scored?
Tim Miller
A: WOW! Are you sure there's not a train involved in this scenario?
Anyway, here's the ruling, and it's two-sided.
To begin with, it all depends on the referee's perception of the
sequence of events. Yes, I am saying it is another "judgment call." So
here we go:
A. If the referee felt that Wrestler B was reversing Wrestler A
prior to the injury, then he would award Wrestler B two
points for a reversal and three points for a near fall since
Wrestler A was already on his back, meeting near-fall
criteria. Thus, Wrestler B would start on top in the referee's
position when the match resumes.
OR
B. On the other hand, if the referee felt that Wrestler B
would not have scored a reversal as the injury occurred,
then no points should be awarded. Thus, Wrestler A would
start on top in the referee's position when the match resumes.
In essence, it would be an all or nothing call by the official. I hope that clarifies this situation a little bit. Again, it all comes down to the referee's judgment. It's tough wearing that striped shirt at times. Great question, Dr. Miller!!!
January 29, 1998
Q: In a tournament, if there are only three wrestlers in a weight class
and the round-robin approach is utilized, would advancement points be
scored?
Jim LeMaster
A: I believe that since there are only three wrestlers in the weight
class, they have already placed, be it 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. Thus, to my
way of thinking, they are already in the final round and NO advancement
points should be scored.
I believe that in your case, the major concern is to allow the boys
the opportunity to wrestle more than once, which I think is good for the
contestants. Note, there is nothing in the NF Wrestling Rulebook
regarding this situation, so the tournament director would have the
final say on team scoring in the round-robin approach. Interesting
question, Jim!
January 29, 1998
Q: Is there any rule regarding the length of an official's hair?
Ed Fields
A: Rule 3-1-1 of the NF Wrestling Rulebook (p. 10) states "The referee
shall be neatly attired..." There is no mention of hair length. As
long as the official is dressed properly, a caring individual whose main
concern is "wrestler-safety," knowledgeable of the rules, consistent,
and an all-around "nice guy," such as yours truly--that's all anyone can
hope for in a competent official. I have no idea who you are referring to
Mr. Fields, but I am sure he is a fine, fine gentleman of the highest
integrity and character.
As always, Mr. Fields, I do appreciate your love of wrestling, and
your support of all those associated with the mat sport. Again, many
thanks for this intriguing question!
January 28, 1998
Q: Can it be considered stalling by the top wrestler if he releases the
bottom wrestler on purpose?
Homer Southwood
A: Yes! If in the official's opinion, he does not immediately attempt
to secure a takedown--the wrestler can be called for stalling after
intentionally releasing his opponent. (Rule 7-6-4: p. 28 of NF Wrestling
Rulebook)
Q: After wrestling five matches in a tournament, can Wrestler A then
compete in an exhibition match on the same day?
A: No. It is still a match against an opponent from another team and
the exhibition bout would be considered a sixth match. Only five
matches a day (Rule 1-2-1: p. 7 NF Wrestling
Rulebook).
January 27, 1998
Q: After just being blown out-of-bounds, Wrestler A (the defensive
wrestler) is winning the match by one point, with a few seconds left in
the third period. After Wrestler A is set in the down position by the
referee, Wrestler B indicates that he is going to use the "optional"
starting position on top. Knowing that Wrestler B will surely secure a
takedown, Wrestler A decides not to move when Wrestler B attempts to
push him away. What will the official probably do?
Banana Split
A: Wrestler A will probably be charged with "stalling." If Wrestler A
has already been warned, the match would then be tied. Excellent query,
Banana Split!
January 26, 1998
Q: Does a forfeit count as one of the five matches allowed per day?
Wrestling Referee
A: A forfeit DOES count as one of the five matches allowed per day.
However, a "bye" does NOT count as a match. It is up to the tournament
director to see to it that a boy only wrestles five matches per day.
This situation should never happen. Good Question!
Q: Don't officials have too much power in reference to calling pins?
Locked Hands
A: It is the responsibility of the official to slapped the mat when he
sees a fall occur. Yes, some pins may seem a little quick. When I
notice that an official is a little quick indicating pins, I talk to
him, suggesting he count the two seoconds to himself. A suggestion to
wrestlers--"If you don't want to be on the short end of what you might
consider a quick fall, then don't get in that situation (Stand up!).
Q: I like Folkstyle Wrestling. Do you think high school and college
wrestling should change to the international Freestyle Wrestling?
Reversal
A: I agree with you, Reversal. I don't want us to change to Freestyle
wrestling because Folkstyle wrestling originated in America and is part
of our heritage, just like Jazz. We do too much changing for other
countries. I think enough's enough! Very good point, Reversal!
Q: Wrestler A is certified at 152 pounds, but wrestles at 171 pounds
after the certification date. Can he go back down to 152?
Dave Plume
A: As long as he weighed-in at 160 pounds for that match he wrestled at
171 pounds, Wrestler A can still wrestle at 152 pounds. However, if
Wrestler A weighed-in at 171 pounds for the match, then he has
recertified himself at 160 pounds. I hope that clarifies the rule for
you, Dave.
January 23, 1998
Q: If Wrestler A competes at 152 pounds early in the season, is it
possible for him to wrestle at 135 pounds later in the season?
M. Queen
A: Yes! Before December 23rd in West Virginia, a wrestler can compete
at any weight class. On December 23rd, however, the wrestler commits
himself to a certified minimum weight class, which in the above case
could be 135 pounds. You can tell Mr. Queen is a wrestling strategist!
Q: In the 30-second Tiebreaker, Wrestler A (on top) forces Wrestler B to
his back and earns a three-point near fall. Then, all of a sudden,
Wrestler B reverses Wrestler A and takes him to his back. Is Wrestler B
given the opportunity to pin Wrestler A?
Luchador
A: No! The match was, for all intents and purposes, over when Wrestler
A scored the first near-fall points. The only way Wrestler A could lose
the match at that point would be to commit a "flagrant misconduct" while
he's attempting to pin Wrestler B. Excellent Question!
January 22, 1998
Q: Wrestler A starts out the season. He puts in his 14 mandatory days
of practice in order to compete. Then Wrestler A quits for
approximately one month. With permission from the coach, Wrestler A
returns to the team after that period of time. Does Wrestler A have to
put in other 14 days of practice in order to compete?
Wrestling Fan
A: The WVSSAC ruling in this situation is "yes," Wrestler A must put in
another 14 days of practice prior to competing -- due to health and
liability reasons.
January 21, 1998
Q: Wrestler A shoots a double leg takedown, and Wrestler B immediately
double underhooks Wrestler A. While attempting to throw Wrestler A to
his back, Wrestler B locks hands around the back of Wrestler A in the
double underhook position? Where is it legal to lock hands with a
double underhook?
S. Hickman
A: Wrestler B must lock his hands on the side of the back under the
armpit. Of course, at times, this can become a "judgment call" by the
official.
Q: Where can I get a scholastic wrestling rulebook and wrestling rules
which pertain specifically to West Virginia?
S. Hickman
A: You should be able to purchase a wrestling rulebook from the West
Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC). Wrestling
rules that specifically concern West Virginia wrestlers are found in the
WVSSAC's November issue of INTERSCHOLASTIC, published four times a year
by the Commission. The WVSSAC's phone number is (304)485-5494 and the
address is WVSSAC, Route 9, PO Box 76, Parkersburg, WV 26101.
Q: What's the lightest a wrestler can weigh to compete at the 152-pound
weight class?
M. Queen
A: Before the 2-pound weight allowance on January 15th, a wrestler must
weigh more than 140 pounds. On or after the above date, with the
2-pound allowance, a wrestler must weigh more than 142 pounds. (Note
for Mr. Queen: I talked to the National Federation about contact lenses
and injury time. At this time, they have no intention of changing rule.
But if enough coaches showed concern, they would gladly discuss it in
their annual committee meeting, usually conducted in March.)
Q: What is the purpose of the "odd-and-even match" choice in a dual
meet? And to continue with a former question, in which state did the
woman wrestling official work that you mentioned?
Riding Time
A: The choice of odd or even matches tells the official who has the
choice of top, bottom, neutral, or defer at the start of the second
period for each particular bout of the dual meet. Team A would have the
choice in all the odd matches, and Team B wrestlers would have the
choice in the even matches. Secondly, the woman wrestling official I
witnessed worked in Ohio and then Oregon over ten years ago. And again,
I must admit she was very assertive, as well as competent.
January 21, 1998
Q: Wrestler A has used 4 minutes and 30 seconds of his blood time.
Wrestler B hits a devastating crossface and is penalized for unnecessary
roughness. Furthermore, due to the crossface, Wrestler A's nose starts
to bleed. How should this be handled by the referee?
A: Blood time would be used for the nosebleed. And if the blood is not
checked within the thirty seconds remaining for Wrestler A's blood time,
Wrestler B would lose the match due to the illegal maneuver. Note,
recovery time would not come into play under these circumstance. This
is a National Federation interpretation via phone conversation with
Fritz McGinness, wrestling rulebook editor, on January 20, 1998.
January 20, 1998
Q: How does an official keep track of who is on top, especially after
escapes, takedowns, reversals, and out-of-bounds situations have
occurred?
Back Points
A: Good question, Back Points! To be quite honest, I never thought
about it much; I just seemed to know. Now when it comes to remembering
who has choice the third period, I place my disk in my pocket a certain
way which tells me who has the choice. Other than that, I just stay
focused on the match, so I don't forget who is on top....and that's
about it.
Do I ever forget who is on top? Rarely, but when I do, the people
at the score table or the coaches themselves quickly inform me of my
error.
Q: During the two-minute overtime period, what is the proper call if
Wrestler A takes Wrestler B down and directly to his back?
C. Doneil
A: The match should continue until there is a fall, they go
out-of-bounds, the bottom man (Wrestler B) gets off his back, or time
runs out. Note, the wrestler being taken down must go straight to his
back; if not, the match should be stopped immediately when the takedown
is scored.
Note that on occasion, a referee has gotten so intently involved in the "overtime" bout that he stopped the match (too soon) when the takedown was scored...and the wrestler taken down was on his back. It's referred to as an "inadvertent whistle," and nothing can be done about it, but to raise the winner's hand. Some coaches handle it better than others, realizing that everybody is human. Referees are not exempt from error. Super question!
Q: Women are becoming more involved in wrestling. Have you ever seen a
woman wrestling official at any level? What are your thoughts?
Riding Time
A: Yes, I have seen a woman officiate at the high school level and at a
freestyle tournament. She did a very competent job. If a women knows
the rules, knows how to enforce them with confidence and proper
mechanics, then as a coach I would have no problem with her officiating
my matches. Interesting question, Riding Time!
Q: At the wrestling clinics you conducted earlier this year, you
recommended that officials should start the matches in the neutral
position with their arm between the wrestlers. The purpose being to
eliminate injuries due to false starts in the neutral position. I have
yet to see an official start the wrestlers in this manner. Was there a
change in thought?
M. Queen
A: There has been no change in thought. As a matter of fact, I do place
my arm between the wrestlers when I start them in the neutral position.
Not only does it protect the wrestlers from injury, but I have not even
had a false start from the neutral position this year. I think the arm
being between the starting lines before they even get there has
eliminated the over-all problem of false starts in the neutral
position. I personally think every official should do it. But since
it's a suggestion, they are not required to do so. I like it and have
been promoting it with other officials. I plan to suggest to the
National Federation that they make it mandatory. We'll see what
happens. Good point of emphasis and good listening at your clinic!
January 19, 1998
Q: Besides counting 2 seconds for 2 near-fall points and 5 seconds for 3
near-fall points, should the official communicate with the wrestlers
during a near-fall situation?
Injury Time
A: The official should only communicate with the wrestlers when
necessary, say when the bottom man elbows the top man's head illegally.
But note, the official should never "coach."
Q: What are the most common infractions that a referee encounters?
Injury Time
A: Off the top of my head, the infractions that I encounter the most
are: Locked Hands, Illegal Headlock, Full Nelson, Stalling, and False
Starts. Good Question!
January 15, 1998
Q: How should an official call a "pin" when Wrestler A is winning by a
large margin (say 8 or more points), totally dominating the match, but
then he gets careless--and is thrown to his back by Wrestler B? Also,
has this type of situation ever occurred to you as an official or
wrestler during a match?
Gut Wrench
A: An official should call a "pin" by the rules no matter what the
circumstances are. If a wrestler's shoulders are on the mat for two
seconds, he's pinned! It's as simple as that.
As an official, this year in the finals of a tournament I called a
pin on a wrestler who was winning by 14 points when he was turned to his
back.
As the defending state champ my junior year, I was beating my
opponent by 8 points when I made a stupid mistake, was taken to my back,
and sure enough the official signalled a fall. And he was absolutely
correct in doing so! (Shame on me!)
Updated January 15, 1998