Here is a description of the new freestyle rules:
As I have done with Greco-Roman, I will present the freestyle rules as they will be called in the USA until Fargo when and or if we receive a directive from FILA as to the final adoption.
FREESTYLE
Two 3 minute periods with a 30 second break between periods
cumulative scoring
2 point takedowns
1 point reversals
2 point gut wrenches or ankle laces, hand to hand or shoulder.
10 point difference ends the match
The winner of the match is the wrestler with the highest point total for the two periods
Stepping out of bounds under attack or pushed will result in 1 point and possibly a caution and a point for fleeing the mat (officiating team decision)
A wrestler completing a takedown but steps out of bounds in the process will be awarded the takedown if he/she does so in one continuous motion. Any hesitation, stoppage will result in a point for the opponent.
Two 3 point moves or one 5 point throw does not end the period. Cumulative scoring> A 10 point difference results in a technical fall.
All cautions and warnings are cumulative from the first to the second period.
Water and damp towels are allowed in the corners between periods.
PASSIVITY PROCEDURE
1. First offense is a verbal warning: The referee does not need confirmation to make the call and the match is not stopped. The referee will indicate the offending wrestler by raising his(referee) arm corresponding to the color and announcing "Attention (red or blue). He directs his decision to the mat chairman and the two corners.
2. Second offense, the referee must first get confirmation from the mat chairman and judge and when he does, he stops the match and indicates that the wrestler penalized is in the penalty period. A separate clock is set at 30 seconds and the match is restarted. Should either wrestler score in the 30 seconds, no penalty point is awarded, only the technical point(s) will be scored.
3. The maximum limit to call the passivity is at 2:00 of the period in a scoreless match. However, passivity can be called anytime and the procedure followed. If a point is given for passivity, it is indicated on the bout sheet by a circle with a 1 in the middle of it. This is not a caution. The awarding of the point for passivity is done at the end of the 30 second penalty period without stopping the match. The point will be awarded to the non passive wrestler and the action that is in progress but not completed by the end of the 30 seconds will count in the continuation of the match.
4.The procedure could be repeated for the other wrestler if the officiating team feels that he/she is being passive and the same format is done.
5. If points have been scored in the period the passive call will be minimized.
6. All this is accompanied by confirmation by mat chairman or the judge.
7. The calling of fleeing the mat, illegal holds and fleeing the holds remain in effect with a caution and a point.
DETERMINING THE WINNER IN A TIE MATCH
Winner is declared as followed in a tie match
highest technical point value (5.3.2)
last point scored
Cautions do not figure into this determination..
Warnings do not count in this determination
CHALLENGE PROCEDURE
The challenge procedure is the same as explained in Greco-Roman.
Yours in wrestling,
Rick Tucci
