To all USA Wrestling State Chairs:
As most of you have heard, FILA adopted new rules last week at a special meeting in Moscow. These changes are a critical piece of our campaign for reinstatement into the Olympic program in 2020. USA Wrestling had significant input during the development of these rules and the international wrestling community believes the changes will make matches more exciting for the fans, athletes, and coaches.
After watching matches wrestled under these rules, I’m optimistic about the impact they will have on our sport. The changes have reallocated risk and reward in a way that favors the offensive wrestler. Though the duals were only three days apart with mostly the same wrestlers, the matches in Los Angeles (new rules) were higher scoring and more exciting that the matches in NYC (old rules). This controlled experiment convinced me we are headed down the right path.
Though these rules are judged to be positive by most of the wrestling community, it is still change, and there will be some who are against either the rules in general or USA Wrestling’s swift implementation of them mid-season. As a state chair, you may hear concerns from your membership and I think it may be helpful if you have some simple talking points:
- Immediate Implementation: is critical as we were a leader in the charge to make many of these changes. By taking a leadership role in the development and swift implementation of the new rules, we have bolstered our position as an influential power in the international wrestling community.
- Two point takedown: encourages offensive attack and puts more points on the board.
- Out-of-bounds out rule: is still in effect. This is positive as in creates back pressure, promotes wrestling in the middle of the mat, and increases the pace of the match. This is one aspect of the old rules I thought was positive and I’m glad it’s retained.
- Out-of-bounds remains one point: encourages an athlete to finish a takedown rather than push the opponent out of bounds. The coach in me loves this dynamic because it encourages the athlete to execute solid technique. A well-finished single leg is so much more appealing to the fan (and more difficult for the athlete) than a push out.
- Cumulative score: is generally preferred by athletes, fans, and television. It is also consistent with folkstyle, which is a positive for our organization domestically.
- 6 minute match: increases the prominence of conditioning in the outcome of a match. For those who are not in condition, the 30 second rest period will be just long enough for them to realize how exhausted they are. For Schoolboy and below, the period length is shortened.
- Passivity period in freestyle: is an improvement over the clinch. This period will solve the problem of a scoreless match, yet at least the passive athlete will have a realistic chance of “wrestling themselves out of trouble.” I don't believe this was the case with the old clinch because it was so skewed towards the wrestler who won the ball pull.
- Criteria to decide a tie: Though I'm a fan of some sort of overtime, at least the criteria are within the control of the athletes (highest point value, then last point scored). Keep in mind that USA Wrestling is currently discussing adoption of alternate tie breaking criteria for the World Team Trials – this may include some type of overtime.
- Similarity to folkstyle: The new rules are more congruent than they have ever been with folkstyle (two point takedown, cumulative score, etc.). For this reason, we believe our wrestlers – all of whom have a base in folkstyle wrestling – will have an easier time adjusting to the new rules. I’m also excited because the new rule changes present an opportunity to bring more high school and college coaches into the Olympic styles.
Wrestling is in a tough spot and we have our backs against the wall. The success of FILA’s initiatives – including the new rules – is critically important in the effort to keep wrestling on the Olympic program. As leaders of grassroots wrestling in this country, USA Wrestling is relying on you to step up and advocate for the new rules. There will be some individuals viewing the glass as half-empty and pointing out only the problems. I hope you and your associations will help them see what's right with the new rules and find ways to deal positively with the inevitable adjustments that are necessary as we move forward.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Les
PS. Early reports from the University Nationals are positive regarding the affects of the new rules on Greco Roman. More to come…
