Kansas Wrestling Forums Referee's position

I've checked the rule book, but found no answer. I was under the impression it was not a legal starting position for the top man to A) grasp the elbow in a twisting motion while getting set or B) to start from the top position with your elbow in front of the bottom man's elbow or your elbow pointing directly away from the bottom wrestler meaning you haven't covered the elbow properly. Am I correct? If so,how can I address an official without questioning his/her judgement since I can't find it in the rulebook(and I have read page 26 and looked at the photos)?

The case book addresses "Starting Positions" on pages 30 & 31. The first situation in question is on page 30, 5.20.5 Situation B: Can the offensive wrestler start with excessive pressure or grip on the defensive wrestler's elbow? Ruling: The rules state that the offensive wrestler is to place the palm of the hand on or over the back of the elbow. This has always been interpreted to mean light pressure, therefore excessive pressure would not be allowed. This ruling would include "twisting" as this action would gain an advantage over his opponent as excessive pressure is applied. The second situation is vague. I am assuming you are addressing the placement of the hand on the elbow? As stated above the top wrestler is to place the palm of the hand on or over the back of the elbow. Some wrestlers like to turn their hand around placing the thumb inside rather than outside. This is legal as the palm is still resting over the elbow.

As far as addressing an official during the course of match, the coach should follow proper protocol. However, if you are asking about a misapplication of the rule, you are questioning the judgement of the official. If it is determined there is no misapplication of the rule by the official, coach misconduct shall be charged.

The coach should address any situations in question with the official prior to the start of the tournament or meet. This pre-meet communciation should help clarify questions.

Thanks for the clarification and the page that addresses it.

What about the top wrestler supporting his weight on the bottom wrestlers body?

I saw the following situation several times this weekeend at Hutchinson. The defensive wrestler goes to assume referee's position and places his hands on the mat, but uses his fingertips to raise his palms off of the mat ( like doing a fingertip pushup) . This is NOT a legal starting position. Rule 5-20-2 states "The heels of both hands shall be on the mat in front of the forward starting line.

We had a couple of new officials up there that I thought did a darn good job for their first tournament and they missed this a few times and were questioned on the mat. Hopefully we got this straightened out for the future.

...The offensive wrestler must place the palm of his hand on or over the back of the elbow. The offensive wrestler's head shall be on or above the spinal column of the offensive player's back. The other arm is placed loosely around the defensive wrestler's body, perpendicular to the long axis of the body, with the palm of the hand placed loosely over the defensive wrestler's navel. A knee or foot may be placed behind the defensive wrestler's feet. The offensive wrestler's legs or feet may not be in contact with the defensive wrestler...

All this detail in the rule is about a wrestler not gaining an advantage over his opponent from the start. The top wrestler can not move his opponent once he is set. Many times the top wrestler will put his weight on the bottom wrestler to get in position. By putting all his weight on the bottom wrestler, he in turn, will probably move the wrestler. This would be ruled a false start. If the top wrestler assumes the correct starting position, the bottom wrestler should not bear his weight.