Shoes and Shoelaces
NFHS Rationale for Changes
The penalty to issue a technical violation and use one of two injury time outs is too severe for a shoe to become untied or coming off. A more prudent penalty would be correcting the infraction by issuing a stalling call. These rules are in support of the change.
MBM Analysis
Previously, the rules treated shoelaces coming undone differently from the shoe actually coming off entirely. The former was a stalling call, and the latter was a 1 point technical violation plus a charged injury timeout to remedy the situation. The rationale here was that a properly equipped wrestling shoe, worn as the manufacturer intended, will never come off the foot completely unless it literally disintegrates or tears open.2If it does either of those things, we do not consider it a technical violation because that was no longer within the control of the wrestler to prevent. It was also considered more serious than a mere shoelaces-coming-undone stalling call because fixing a shoe that has fallen off will generally require significantly more time to fix than merely having to retie the shoelaces, thus incurring a longer delay of the match.3In collegiate wrestling, both are treated the same (a stalling call); that said, while untied shoelaces do occasionally happen in college, wrestling shoes completely coming off during a collegiate match are quite rare.
The understanding, therefore, had long been that a shoe coming off was P₁ and start the injury clock, while for shoelace violations there was no use of injury time — it was only a stalling call, and that stalling call was transactional, in that it included all of the time to reasonably fix the deficiency as well.4Whether an additional stalling call could be issued if someone tried, for example, to take 2 minutes to retie their shoe is something that has probably never occurred and is extremely unlikely to occur, so we need not discuss it here. The answer is “yes, of course you can,” but don’t worry about it.
For some bizarre reason, during the 2021-22 season some state interpreters suddenly started to claim that the rules actually required an injury timeout to be charged in addition to the stalling call. The text of the rules contains no such requirement. Nonethless, the NFHS issued a mid-season interpretation stating that shoelaces coming undone will, in addition to the stalling call, result in a charged injury timeout (even if the laces are retied so fast that there was no actual delay).
This year, following some feedback and probably after thinking better of it, the Federation decided to reverse that prior ruling, so that stalling for untied shoelaces will no longer require an injury timeout. It also modified the prior rules so that the shoe coming off no longer causes an injury timeout, either, nor is it a technical violation anymore. It is all just a stalling call, which is consistent with current collegiate practice (something that is to be encouraged if possible).
Notably, and this will be discussed in further detail below, a positive effect of one of the rule changes is that we no longer have the following as a possibility:
Situation
Top wrestler is pinning the bottom wrestler. While the official is checking for a fall, he happens to notice that the top wrestler’s shoelaces are completely untied. The official stops the match, calls the top wrestler for stalling, and restarts the wrestlers from referee’s position in the center of the mat.
Under the previous rules, such a stoppage was not just permitted, but was technically required.5Of course, this is all fairly theoretical, in that no official is likely to be insane enough to do that — which itself is a decent clue that the rule could probably could use some tweaking. With the changes now in place (discussed below), the official shall not stop the match for any shoe or shoelace-related stalling call during any scoring situation. This is, of course, a positive change because the way in which the rules now function is not completely contrary to, but is fully in line, with how a reasonable observer would expect the rules to function.6No reasonable observer expects the rules to permit the referee to do something any wrestling official never wants to do — take the bottom man off of his back if it is not absolutely necessary — and call the top man for stalling because his shoelaces are untied (something that isn’t going to provide any advantage or disadvantage to either wrestler in the course of any pinning situation).
The Bottom Line
• Shoelaces coming untied7What exactly does “come untied” mean? We’ll talk about that in the next issue! = Stalling call. That covers any reasonable time needed to resecure the laces. No injury timeout is charged, and no injury time is used. It’s just a stalling call.
• Shoe comes off = Stalling call. That covers any reasonable time needed to reattach the shoe (which will entail untying the laces, reattaching the shoe, and then resecuring the laces). No injury timeout is charged, and no injury time is used. It’s just a stalling call.
MBM RuleTracker™
Rule 4-1-3
Wrestlers shall wear light heelless wrestling shoes, reaching above the ankles. If laces are visible, they shall be secured in an acceptable fashion. If the shoelaces come undone, the penalty would be an automatic stalling call. If the shoe comes off during the course of wrestling, a technical violation will be assessed. The injury clock will be started to correct the situation.
Rule 5-24-6
It is stalling when either wrestler:
a. repeatedly grasps or interlocks around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring; or
b. delays the match. This includes straggling back from out of bounds, unnecessarily changing or adjusting equipment or delay in assuming the starting position on the mat; or
c. repeatedly creates a stalemate situation to prevent an opponent from scoring.
Rule 5-27-1
These are the types of technical violations. Each is penalized without warning as outlined in Rule 7-3:
a. Intentionally going out of the wrestling area or forcing an opponent out of the wrestling area to avoid imminent scoring situation.
b. Grasping of clothing, mat or ear guards.
c. Interlocking or overlapping the hands, fingers or arms.
d. Leaving the wrestling area without referee’s permission.
e. Reporting to the scorer’s table not properly equipped, ready to wrestle or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started.
f. Shoe coming off during wrestling action.
Rule 7-3-5
Reporting to the scorer’s table, not properly equipped, or not ready to wrestle, or shoe coming off during wrestling action or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started is a technical violation. (See Penalty Chart)
Rule 7-6-6
It is stalling when either wrestler:
a. repeatedly grasps or interlocks around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring; or
b. delays the match. This includes straggling back from out of bounds, unnecessarily changing or adjusting equipment or delay in assuming the starting position on the mat; or
c. repeatedly creates a stalemate situation to prevent an opponent from scoring; or
d. has shoelaces that become undone.
Rule 8-1-1
Any contestant not reporting to the scorer’s table not properly equipped or not ready to wrestle is a technical violation. A wrestler with greasy substance on the body or uniform, improper grooming, objectionable pads and braces, illegal equipment, illegal uniform or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started shall be disqualified if not removed or corrected within the 1 ½ minute injury time.
Rule 8-1-2
When indicating an infraction, the referee shall stop the match with the following exceptions:
a. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
b. warning or penalizing for stalling in the neutral position (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
c. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling or a technical violation when the defensive wrestler is on their feet (regardless of the position/location of the offensive wrestler) (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
d. in a pinning situation, to penalize the defensive wrestler;
EXCEPTION: When the situation has concluded, the referee shall stop the match, signal and verbally announce the infraction and award points earned.
e. Locked hands or grasping of clothing by the offensive wrestler while the defensive wrestler is attempting an escape or reversal;
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious the defensive wrestler will not complete an escape or reversal. If the defensive wrestler is successful with the escape or reversal, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
f. Grasping of clothing by the wrestler being taken down when a takedown is imminent.
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious that the takedown will not be completed. If the takedown is successful, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
Rule 8-1-4
Warnings and penalties for stalling are cumulative throughout the match and are penalized independent of the progressive penalty chart. On the first offense the wrestler will receive a warning. The opponent of the offender will be awarded one match point on the second and third offense. The match shall be stopped on the fourth offense and the opponent shall be awarded two points and given choice of position. A fifth offense shall result in disqualification. (See Stalling Penalty Chart)
Rule 4-1-3
Wrestlers shall wear light heelless wrestling shoes, reaching above the ankles. If visible, the laces shall be secured in an acceptable fashion. If the shoelaces come untied or shoe comes off, the penalty would be an automatic stalling call.
Rule 5-24-6
It is stalling when either wrestler:
a. repeatedly grasps or interlocks around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring; or
b. delays the match. This includes straggling back from out of bounds, unnecessarily changing or adjusting equipment or delay in assuming the starting position on the mat; or
c. repeatedly creates a stalemate situation to prevent an opponent from scoring; or
d. has shoelaces that become untied, or has a shoe come off.
Rule 5-27-1
These are the types of technical violations. Each is penalized without warning as outlined in Rule 7-3:
a. Intentionally going out of the wrestling area or forcing an opponent out of the wrestling area to avoid imminent scoring situation.
b. Grasping of clothing, mat or ear guards.
c. Interlocking or overlapping the hands, fingers or arms.
d. Leaving the wrestling area without referee’s permission.
e. Reporting to the scorer’s table not properly equipped, ready to wrestle or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started.
Rule 7-3-5
Reporting to the scorer’s table, not properly equipped, or not ready to wrestle, or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started is a technical violation. (See Penalty Chart)
Rule 7-6-6
It is stalling when either wrestler:
a. repeatedly grasps or interlocks around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring; or
b. delays the match. This includes straggling back from out of bounds, unnecessarily changing or adjusting equipment or delay in assuming the starting position on the mat; or
c. repeatedly creates a stalemate situation to prevent an opponent from scoring; or
d. has shoelaces that become untied or a shoe that comes off.
Rule 8-1-1
Any contestant not reporting to the scorer’s table not properly equipped or not ready to wrestle is a technical violation. A wrestler with greasy substance on the body or uniform, improper grooming, objectionable pads and braces, illegal equipment, illegal uniform or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started shall be disqualified if not removed or corrected within the 1 ½ minute injury time. Penalties for shoe and shoe violations would not be subject to injury time and would be penalized as stalling only after the match has started.
Rule 8-1-2
When indicating an infraction, the referee shall stop the match with the following exceptions:
a. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
b. warning or penalizing for stalling in the neutral position (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
c. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling or a technical violation when the defensive wrestler is on their feet (regardless of the position/location of the offensive wrestler) (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
d. in a pinning situation, to penalize the defensive wrestler;
EXCEPTION: When the situation has concluded, the referee shall stop the match, signal and verbally announce the infraction and award points earned.
e. Locked hands or grasping of clothing by the offensive wrestler while the defensive wrestler is attempting an escape or reversal;
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious the defensive wrestler will not complete an escape or reversal. If the defensive wrestler is successful with the escape or reversal, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
f. Grasping of clothing by the wrestler being taken down when a takedown is imminent.
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious that the takedown will not be completed. If the takedown is successful, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
EXCEPTION: Related to stall calls including the two-point stall call, as shown in items a-f above. The match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Rule 8-1-4
Warnings and penalties for stalling are cumulative throughout the match and are penalized independent of the progressive penalty chart. On the first offense the wrestler will receive a warning. The opponent of the offender will be awarded one match point on the second and third offense. The match shall be stopped on the fourth offense and the opponent shall be awarded two points and given choice of position. A fifth offense shall result in disqualification. (See Stalling Penalty Chart)
EXCEPTION: When stopping the match as it is related to stall calls including the two-point stall call, as shown in items a-f above, the match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Stalling Penalty Chart
**The match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Rule 4-1-3
Wrestlers shall wear light heelless wrestling shoes, reaching above the ankles. If laces are visible, they the laces shall be secured in an acceptable fashion. If the shoelaces come undone untied or shoe comes off, the penalty would be an automatic stalling call. If the shoe comes off during the course of wrestling, a technical violation will be assessed. The injury clock will be started to correct the situation.
Rule 5-24-6
It is stalling when either wrestler:
a. repeatedly grasps or interlocks around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring; or
b. delays the match. This includes straggling back from out of bounds, unnecessarily changing or adjusting equipment or delay in assuming the starting position on the mat; or
c. repeatedly creates a stalemate situation to prevent an opponent from scoring.
d. has shoelaces that become untied, or has a shoe come off.
Rule 5-27-1
These are the types of technical violations. Each is penalized without warning as outlined in Rule 7-3:
a. Intentionally going out of the wrestling area or forcing an opponent out of the wrestling area to avoid imminent scoring situation.
b. Grasping of clothing, mat or ear guards.
c. Interlocking or overlapping the hands, fingers or arms.
d. Leaving the wrestling area without referee’s permission.
e. Reporting to the scorer’s table not properly equipped, ready to wrestle or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started.f. Shoe coming off during wrestling action.
Rule 7-3-5
Reporting to the scorer’s table, not properly equipped, or not ready to wrestle, or shoe coming off during wrestling action or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started is a technical violation. (See Penalty Chart)
Rule 7-6-6
It is stalling when either wrestler:
a. repeatedly grasps or interlocks around one leg of the opponent to prevent scoring; or
b. delays the match. This includes straggling back from out of bounds, unnecessarily changing or adjusting equipment or delay in assuming the starting position on the mat; or
c. repeatedly creates a stalemate situation to prevent an opponent from scoring; or
d. has shoelaces that become undone untied or a shoe that comes off.
Rule 8-1-1
Any contestant not reporting to the scorer’s table not properly equipped or not ready to wrestle is a technical violation. A wrestler with greasy substance on the body or uniform, improper grooming, objectionable pads and braces, illegal equipment, illegal uniform or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match has started shall be disqualified if not removed or corrected within the 1 ½ minute injury time. Penalties for shoe and shoelace violations would not be subject to injury time and would be penalized as stalling only after the match has started.
Rule 8-1-2
When indicating an infraction, the referee shall stop the match with the following exceptions:
a. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
b. warning or penalizing for stalling in the neutral position (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
c. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling or a technical violation when the defensive wrestler is on their feet (regardless of the position/location of the offensive wrestler) (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
d. in a pinning situation, to penalize the defensive wrestler;
EXCEPTION: When the situation has concluded, the referee shall stop the match, signal and verbally announce the infraction and award points earned.
e. Locked hands or grasping of clothing by the offensive wrestler while the defensive wrestler is attempting an escape or reversal;
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious the defensive wrestler will not complete an escape or reversal. If the defensive wrestler is successful with the escape or reversal, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
f. Grasping of clothing by the wrestler being taken down when a takedown is imminent.
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious that the takedown will not be completed. If the takedown is successful, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
EXCEPTION: Related to stall calls including the two-point stall call, as shown in items a-f above. The match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Rule 8-1-4
Warnings and penalties for stalling are cumulative throughout the match and are penalized independent of the progressive penalty chart. On the first offense the wrestler will receive a warning. The opponent of the offender will be awarded one match point on the second and third offense. The match shall be stopped on the fourth offense and the opponent shall be awarded two points and given choice of position. A fifth offense shall result in disqualification. (See Stalling Penalty Chart)
EXCEPTION: When stopping the match as it is related to stall calls including the two-point stall call, as shown in items a-f above, the match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Stalling Penalty Chart
**The match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
2 Point Stalling Match Stoppage
MBM Analysis
The separation of the stalling penalty sequence from the rest of the penalty chart has been a fantastic change for the sport. As is frequently the case with rules changes, the NCAA did so first. Initially, it was Warning – S₁ – S₁ – S₁ – Disqualification. This led to an unfortunate situation at the Division I Championship Tournament in which a wrestler miscounted (they mistakenly thought it was their fourth stall call, not their fifth) and got disqualified. This prompted the Rules Committee to amend the sequence to Warning – S₁ – S₁ – S₂ – Disqualification, so that the 2 point stall would signal that a disqualification would be next.
The NFHS adopted this Warning – S₁ – S₁ – S₂ – Disqualification sequence, but for whatever reason, decided to add something extra: The S₂ would require a match stoppage, with the other wrestler getting choice of position prior to the restart.
This madatory stoppage leads to some tricky, arguably counterintuitive situations. For example, the rules require the official to immediately stop the match when the top wrestler incurs an S₂ while in the rear standing position — in other words, during a scoring situation.8Usually, the match is not to be stopped here, but that provision of the rules does not apply to the 2 point stall. This “reward” of the choice of position (which itself requires a delay in order to ascertain the choice and restart the wrestlers), in addition to the 2 points for the stalling, could be counterproductive to the non-offending wrestler in certain circumstances.
Also, the usual array of rules interactions relating to choice of position may arise here, just like they did with the Federation’s multiyear tweaking of the “opponent gets choice after the second injury timeout” rule. Choice of position can be awkward to use as a penalizing mechanism because of all the permutations of when they can arise (during a period, at the end of a period, at the end of regulation but before sudden victory, during sudden victory, etc.). Such headaches may apply in this context as well, although hopefully the NFHS has looked to its notes from its prior rule change snafus so that those kinds of oversights won’t be missed again.
Consider the following:
We’re treading awfully close to having to deal with questions like, “What if I get choice of position for the S₂ at the very end of the second period and I already have choice in the third period plus oh look he just took his second injury timeout so I also have choice of position after the first restart and um when do I get my choice of position for the S₂ if the match doesn’t go to overtime or I don’t get 2 choice of positions in the third pe– ENOUGH!
In our view, this match stoppage at S₂ is too needlessly complex for something as simple as “fourth and last stalling call before being disqualified.” It is more points than all the other stalling calls, which is good enough and is all it needed to be for it to be effective. Encouraging aggressive enforcement of the stalling sequence that already exists is preferable to instituting within it new and needlessly elborate penalty mechanisms and match stoppages. If nobody is calling stalling aggressively enough to get to S₂, do we really need to be worrying so much about what happens at that point? How many match outcomes are getting decided due to the match now being much closer after someone incurred their fourth stalling call and the choice of position would likely be something different than the current one? Who even championed this particular rule change, anyway?
Yet another concern of adding an additional mandatory stoppage to the rules is that it introduces the possibility of bad time if the stoppage does not properly occur. There may be arguments, we anticipate, over whether there was “significant action” when the S₂ happened, because if there wasn’t “significant action” and the match wasn’t stopped, either coach can say that it is bad time from that point and it would have to be rewrestled from the time the S₂ was awarded. Do you really want people arguing over what “significant action” is? “Scoring situation” is much narrower and easier to identify for these purposes (and it doesn’t really need to say “imminent,” either).
Finally, as mentioned above, there was a problem with the prior rules in that the top wrestler could be pinning the bottom wrestler, but if the top wrestler’s shoe has come untied, the official still has to stop the match for stalling because it is top stalling and not while the bottom man is on his feet. These changes make it so that the official shall not stop the match for shoe- or shoelace-related stalling by either wrestler while any significant action is occurring.9We think “significant action” must be read as having a broader scope than “imminent scoring situation,” in that significant action can still be taking place even if there is not an imminent scoring situation.
MBM RuleTracker™
Rule 8-1-2
When indicating an infraction, the referee shall stop the match with the following exceptions:
a. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
b. warning or penalizing for stalling in the neutral position (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
c. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling or a technical violation when the defensive wrestler is on their feet (regardless of the position/location of the offensive wrestler) (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
d. in a pinning situation, to penalize the defensive wrestler;
EXCEPTION: When the situation has concluded, the referee shall stop the match, signal and verbally announce the infraction and award points earned.
e. Locked hands or grasping of clothing by the offensive wrestler while the defensive wrestler is attempting an escape or reversal;
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious the defensive wrestler will not complete an escape or reversal. If the defensive wrestler is successful with the escape or reversal, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
f. Grasping of clothing by the wrestler being taken down when a takedown is imminent.
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious that the takedown will not be completed. If the takedown is successful, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
Rule 8-1-4
Warnings and penalties for stalling are cumulative throughout the match and are penalized independent of the progressive penalty chart. On the first offense the wrestler will receive a warning. The opponent of the offender will be awarded one match point on the second and third offense. The match shall be stopped on the fourth offense and the opponent shall be awarded two points and given choice of position. A fifth offense shall result in disqualification. (See Stalling Penalty Chart)
Rule 8-1-2
When indicating an infraction, the referee shall stop the match with the following exceptions:
a. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
b. warning or penalizing for stalling in the neutral position (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
c. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling or a technical violation when the defensive wrestler is on their feet (regardless of the position/location of the offensive wrestler) (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
d. in a pinning situation, to penalize the defensive wrestler;
EXCEPTION: When the situation has concluded, the referee shall stop the match, signal and verbally announce the infraction and award points earned.
e. Locked hands or grasping of clothing by the offensive wrestler while the defensive wrestler is attempting an escape or reversal;
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious the defensive wrestler will not complete an escape or reversal. If the defensive wrestler is successful with the escape or reversal, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
f. Grasping of clothing by the wrestler being taken down when a takedown is imminent.
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious that the takedown will not be completed. If the takedown is successful, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
EXCEPTION: Related to stall calls including the two-point stall call, as shown in items a-f above. The match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Rule 8-1-4
Warnings and penalties for stalling are cumulative throughout the match and are penalized independent of the progressive penalty chart. On the first offense the wrestler will receive a warning. The opponent of the offender will be awarded one match point on the second and third offense. The match shall be stopped on the fourth offense and the opponent shall be awarded two points and given choice of position. A fifth offense shall result in disqualification. (See Stalling Penalty Chart)
EXCEPTION: When stopping the match as it is related to stall calls including the two-point stall call, as shown in items a-f above, the match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Stalling Penalty Chart
**The match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Rule 8-1-2
When indicating an infraction, the referee shall stop the match with the following exceptions:
a. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
b. warning or penalizing for stalling in the neutral position (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
c. warning or penalizing the defensive wrestler for stalling or a technical violation when the defensive wrestler is on their feet (regardless of the position/location of the offensive wrestler) (except when a two-point stall is awarded);
d. in a pinning situation, to penalize the defensive wrestler;
EXCEPTION: When the situation has concluded, the referee shall stop the match, signal and verbally announce the infraction and award points earned.
e. Locked hands or grasping of clothing by the offensive wrestler while the defensive wrestler is attempting an escape or reversal;
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious the defensive wrestler will not complete an escape or reversal. If the defensive wrestler is successful with the escape or reversal, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
f. Grasping of clothing by the wrestler being taken down when a takedown is imminent.
EXCEPTION: The referee shall stop the match when it is obvious that the takedown will not be completed. If the takedown is successful, the match shall not be stopped to award points.
EXCEPTION: Related to stall calls including the two-point stall call, as shown in items a-f above. The match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Rule 8-1-4
Warnings and penalties for stalling are cumulative throughout the match and are penalized independent of the progressive penalty chart. On the first offense the wrestler will receive a warning. The opponent of the offender will be awarded one match point on the second and third offense. The match shall be stopped on the fourth offense and the opponent shall be awarded two points and given choice of position. A fifth offense shall result in disqualification. (See Stalling Penalty Chart)
EXCEPTION: When stopping the match as it is related to stall calls including the two-point stall call, as shown in items a-f above, the match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Stalling Penalty Chart
**The match would not be stopped to warn or penalize for stalling, including a two-point stall, if the stalling is for any shoes or shoelace violations, during any significant action or imminent scoring situations.
Facial Hair
NFHS Rationale for Changes
Several member state associations successfully piloted a facial hair experiment during each of the last two seasons. There have been zero issues reported to those state associations. The pilot was supported by the respective state associations’ Sport Medicine Advisory Committees (SMAC) whose members work as physicians at the wrestling championships. Members did not experience difficulty in performing skin checks. Throughout the experiment, it has also been pointed out that wrestlers have not been required to shave their heads, and the elimination of this requirement would modernize the language and mirror current practice. The hair rule change language is in every NFHS rulebook for consistency with rules that allow hair-control devices and hair adornments.
MBM Analysis
We believe that, from a hygienic standpoint, the previous rule was of course preferable. But even if we would not have wanted this particular change back when we were competing, we aren’t the ones competing anymore, and if the wrestlers are okay with it and nobody is complaining, why should we care? If being clean shaven isn’t even required in international wrestling styles, do we really need it for folkstyle wrestling?
MBM RuleTracker™
Rule 4-2-1
During competition all wrestlers shall be clean shaven, with sideburns trimmed no lower than earlobe level. A neatly trimmed mustache that does not extend below the line of the lower lip shall be permissible. Physical hair treatment items that are hard and /or abrasive such as (beads, bobby pins, barrettes, pins, hair clips, etc. or any other hair-control device) shall not be permitted. A legal hair-controlled device such as rubber band(s) shall be secured so as not to come out readily during wrestling. A wrestler may contain his/her hair in a legal hair cover. The legal hair cover, if worn, shall be attached to the ear guards. A bandanna is not considered a legal hair cover. The legal hair cover must be of a solid material and be nonabrasive. The wrestler opting to wear a legal hair cover must wear it to the weigh-in procedure and be checked for grooming with it on. The legal hair cover must be removed prior to the wrestler stepping on the scale to be weighed. If a referee is not present at weigh-ins, the hair cover must be checked by the meet referee upon arrival at the site.
If an individual has facial hair, it shall be covered with a face mask. All legal hair covers and face masks will be considered as special equipment. If an individual’s hair is as abrasive as an unshaved face, the individual shall be required to shave the head to the same requirements for facial hair, or wear a legal hair cover.
Rule 4-2-1
Facial hair trimmed to a length so that the skin is visible for skin checks is allowed. Facial hair that does not allow for a skin check to be performed, as determined by the referee or a designated on-site appropriate health care professional overseeing skin checks, shall be immediately trimmed to within the guidelines. A wrestler may not compete until the facial hair is trimmed and the skin check is completed. Hair control devices and other adornments in the hair that are securely fastened and do not present an increased risk to the wrestler or the opponent are allowed. A wrestler may contain his/her hair in a legal hair cover. The legal hair cover, if worn, shall be attached to the ear guards. A bandanna is not considered a legal hair cover. The legal hair cover must be of a solid material and be nonabrasive. The wrestler opting to wear a legal hair cover must wear it to the weigh-in procedure and be checked for grooming with it on. The legal hair cover must be removed prior to the wrestler stepping on the scale to be weighed. If a referee is not present at weigh-ins, the hair cover must be checked by the meet referee upon arrival at the site.
Wrestlers that do not meet the requirement shall be required to wear a face mask. All legal hair covers and face masks will be considered as special equipment.
Rule 4-2-1
During competition all wrestlers shall be clean shaven, with sideburns trimmed no lower than earlobe level. A neatly trimmed mustache that does not extend below the line of the lower lip shall be permissible. Facial hair trimmed to a length so that the skin is visible for skin checks is allowed. Facial hair that does not allow for a skin check to be performed, as determined by the referee or a designated on-site appropriate health care professional overseeing skin checks, shall be immediately trimmed to within the guidelines. A wrestler may not compete until the facial hair is trimmed and the skin check is completed. Physical hair treatment items that are hard and /or abrasive such as (beads, bobby pins, barrettes, pins, hair clips, etc. or any other hair-control device) shall not be permitted. Hair control devices and other adornments in the hair that are securely fastened and do not present an increased risk to the wrestler or the opponent are allowed. A legal hair-controlled device such as rubber band(s) shall be secured so as not to come out readily during wrestling. A wrestler may contain his/her hair in a legal hair cover. The legal hair cover, if worn, shall be attached to the ear guards. A bandanna is not considered a legal hair cover. The legal hair cover must be of a solid material and be nonabrasive. The wrestler opting to wear a legal hair cover must wear it to the weigh-in procedure and be checked for grooming with it on. The legal hair cover must be removed prior to the wrestler stepping on the scale to be weighed. If a referee is not present at weigh-ins, the hair cover must be checked by the meet referee upon arrival at the site.
If an individual has facial hair, it shall be covered with a face mask. Wrestlers that do not meet the requirement shall be required to wear a face mask. All legal hair covers and face masks will be considered as special equipment. If an individual’s hair is as abrasive as an unshaved face, the individual shall be required to shave the head to the same requirements for facial hair, or wear a legal hair cover.
Female Uniform
NFHS Rationale for Changes
To address numerous reported incidents of officials telling female contestants that ALL females are required to wear a compression shirt under their singlet in addition of wearing a sports bra, we believe the wrestling community is in need of clarification for both notes. Rule 4-5-7 is a clarification of what female wrestlers shall wear at the weigh-in.
MBM Analysis
Nothing especially noteworthy here.
MBM RuleTracker™
Rule 4-1-1a
A legal uniform consists of:
a. a one-piece singlet cut no lower in the back or front than the level of the armpits and under the arms no lower than one-half the distance between the armpit and belt line. A suitable undergarment, which completely covers the buttocks and groin area, shall be worn under a one-piece singlet. Any other undergarment worn under the one-piece singlet which extends beyond the inseam shall be tight-fitting and shall not extend below the knee. The one-piece singlet may be worn with full-length tights with stirrups. The one-piece singlet shall be school-issued.
NOTE: Female contestants wearing a one-piece singlet shall wear a form-fitted compression suitable undergarment that completely covers their breasts.
Rule 4-1-1c
A legal uniform consists of:
c. a form-fitted compression shirt which shall not cover or extend below the elbow and shall have a minimum 3-inch tail; the form-fitted compression shirt may be worn under a singlet or with compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling. The form-fitted compression shirt shall be school-issued. (Photo 1)
NOTE: Female contestants wearing a one-piece singlet and/or a form-fitted compression shirt shall wear a suitable undergarment that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure. All contestants wearing a one-piece singlet shall wear a suitable undergarment which completely covers the buttocks and groin area.
Rule 4-5-7
All contestants shall weigh-in wearing a legal uniform (4-1-1) and a suitable undergarment that completely covers the buttocks and the groin area. Contestants shall not weigh-in wearing shoes or ear guards. Female contestants shall also wear a suitable form-fitted compression undergarment that completely covers their breasts. Contestants may wear socks that cannot be removed or added if the wrestlers do not make weight.
Rule 4-1-1a
A legal uniform consists of:
a. a one-piece singlet cut no lower in the back or front than the level of the armpits and under the arms no lower than one-half the distance between the armpit and belt line. A suitable undergarment, which completely covers the buttocks and groin area, shall be worn under a one-piece singlet. Any other undergarment worn under the one-piece singlet which extends beyond the inseam shall be tight-fitting and shall not extend below the knee. The one-piece singlet may be worn with full-length tights with stirrups. The one-piece singlet shall be school-issued.
NOTE: Female contestants wearing a one-piece singlet shall wear a sports bra that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure. Compression shirts worn underneath a one-piece singlet are permitted but not required for female contestants unless needed to ensure complete coverage.
Rule 4-1-1c
A legal uniform consists of:
c. a form-fitted compression shirt which shall not cover or extend below the elbow and shall have a minimum 3-inch tail; the form-fitted compression shirt may be worn under a singlet or with compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling. The form-fitted compression shirt shall be school-issued. (Photo 1)
NOTE: Female contestants choosing to wear a form-fitted compression shirt, whether as part of a two-piece uniform or under a one-piece singlet, shall also wear a sports bra that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure.
Rule 4-5-7
All contestants shall weigh-in wearing a legal uniform (4-1-1) and a suitable undergarment that completely covers the buttocks and the groin area. Contestants shall not weigh-in wearing shoes or ear guards. Female contestants shall also wear a sports bra that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure. For female contestants wearing a compression shirt under a one-piece singlet in order to comply with the definition of a legal uniform (4-1-1), if the compression shirt is part of the legal uniform, the contestant shall weigh-in wearing the compression shirt. Contestants may wear socks that cannot be removed or added if the wrestlers do not make weight.
Rule 4-1-1a
A legal uniform consists of:
a. a one-piece singlet cut no lower in the back or front than the level of the armpits and under the arms no lower than one-half the distance between the armpit and belt line. A suitable undergarment, which completely covers the buttocks and groin area, shall be worn under a one-piece singlet. Any other undergarment worn under the one-piece singlet which extends beyond the inseam shall be tight-fitting and shall not extend below the knee. The one-piece singlet may be worn with full-length tights with stirrups. The one-piece singlet shall be school-issued.
NOTE: Female contestants wearing a one-piece singlet shall wear a form-fitted compression suitable undergarment sports bra that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure. Compression shirts worn underneath a one-piece singlet are permitted but not required for female contestants unless needed to ensure complete coverage.
Rule 4-1-1c
A legal uniform consists of:
c. a form-fitted compression shirt which shall not cover or extend below the elbow and shall have a minimum 3-inch tail; the form-fitted compression shirt may be worn under a singlet or with compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling. The form-fitted compression shirt shall be school-issued. (Photo 1)
NOTE: Female contestants wearing choosing to wear a one-piece singlet and/or a form-fitted compression shirt, whether as part of a two-piece uniform or under a one-piece singlet, shall also wear a suitable undergarment sports bra that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure. All contestants wearing a one-piece singlet shall wear a suitable undergarment which completely covers the buttocks and groin area.
Rule 4-5-7
All contestants shall weigh-in wearing a legal uniform (4-1-1) and a suitable undergarment that completely covers the buttocks and the groin area. Contestants shall not weigh-in wearing shoes or ear guards. Female contestants shall also wear a suitable form-fitted compression undergarment sports bra that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure. For female contestants wearing a compression shirt under a one-piece singlet in order to comply with the definition of a legal uniform (4-1-1), if the compression shirt is part of the legal uniform, the contestant shall weigh-in wearing the compression shirt. Contestants may wear socks that cannot be removed or added if the wrestlers do not make weight.
