Winning by fall
Holding both of an opponent's shoulders to the mat for one continuous second is a fall and ends the bout instantly, whatever the score.
← ALL SPORTS
sports_martial_arts
COMBAT · UWW · WFI
Wrestling
Olympic wrestling has two styles: freestyle, where the whole body may be used to attack, and Greco-Roman, where holds below the waist are forbidden. Bouts are won by pinning both of the opponent's shoulders to the mat, by technical superiority, or on points after two periods.
group
PLAYERS
1 v 1 within a weight class
schedule
DURATION
2 × 3 min periods with a 30 s break
stadium
PLAYING AREA
Circular mat 9 m in diameter with a 1.5 m protection area
scoreboard
SCORING
1–5 points per action; fall ends the bout
HOW IT IS PLAYED
Core Rules
Technical superiority
A lead of ten points in freestyle or eight in Greco-Roman ends the bout immediately, once any action in progress is complete.
Takedowns
Bringing an opponent from their feet to the mat and establishing control scores two points, or four if the action is a high-amplitude throw that takes them through the air.
Exposure and turns
Turning an opponent so their back is exposed at an angle of less than 90 degrees to the mat scores two points; a grand-amplitude throw that exposes the back scores five.
Stepping out
Pushing an opponent out of the 9 m circle scores one point in freestyle. Fleeing the mat to avoid wrestling is penalised with a point and a caution.
Passivity
A wrestler who avoids engaging is warned; in freestyle they are then given a 30-second activity clock and must score or concede a point, while in Greco-Roman the opponent receives a par terre advantage.
Greco-Roman restrictions
In Greco-Roman no hold may be taken below the waist and the legs may not actively be used to trip, lift or grip. Any leg contact used to execute a hold is penalised.
Par terre
From the ground position the bottom wrestler is on hands and knees and the top wrestler must begin with hands on the back. Actions from par terre are scored the same as from standing.
Challenges
Each corner holds one challenge brick. A successful challenge is retained and awards no point; an unsuccessful one is lost and gives the opponent one point.
WATCH OUT
Fouls & Penalties
- errorStriking, choking, twisting joints beyond their natural range, or hair-pulling.
- errorFull nelson, scissors on the head or spine, and any hold endangering life or limb.
- errorGrasping the singlet, mat or an opponent's fingers or toes.
- errorFleeing the mat or fleeing a hold — one point to the opponent.
- errorPassivity, and unsportsmanlike conduct by the wrestler or the corner — caution and points, escalating to disqualification.
WHO DECIDES
Match Officials
- sportsReferee — on the mat, signals points and controls the bout.
- sportsJudge — scores independently at mat level and must agree with the referee.
- sportsMat chairman — resolves disagreements between referee and judge.
- sportsTechnical delegate and video review official for challenges.
GOVERNED BY UWW · WFI
Play Wrestling On A Real Arena
Book a floodlit, pro-standard venue and put the rulebook to work.
Find A Turf