By Allen Smith
Every two years the NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee releases rule modifications. This committee is represented by individuals, including coaches and administrators, from all three NCAA Divisions as follows; four members shall be from Division I, two members shall be from Division II, two members shall be from Division III and an additional member shall be a secretary-rules editor. The Division I committee members that voted on the rule changes for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons include; Chair John Hangey (Rider), Jonathon Reader (Appalachian State University), Coleman Scott (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) and Chris Bono (University of Wisconsin – Madison). Others on the committee are Deral Brown (Newberry College), Austin DeVoe (Colorado School of Mine), Duane Bastress (York College, PA), and Robert Fox (Waynesburg University). Chuck Barbee, was the secretary-rules editor, a non-voting position on the committee.
As noted, 2023-2024 is the first year of the current two-year cycle, with next year (2024-2025) also part of the newly adopted wrestling rules and interpretations. Most often, the changes are administrative/editorial in nature, or don’t reach the level of significance that an average fan will be aware. Some are obscure enough that even the most knowledgeable are unaware. Then of course are the obvious rule changes that EVERYONE that follows college wrestling will be aware.
This year, we have such a change – the 3-point takedown! That’s a BIG change, and will be discussed in more detail below, along with a few other rule changes I thought might interest college wrestling fans and will surely be seen during the wrestling action this season. Here goes;
Background: 13 “major” rule changes are listed in the current rules and interpretations rulebook. Not all will be discussed here, but I did pick out five that I felt reached the level of importance that would pique your interest!
Hand-Touch Takedown
The “hand-touch” takedown rule has been eliminated. The previous rule was; “To award a takedown, reaction time is not required in instances in which a wrestler has rear-standing neutral control of their opponent and from the standing position the defending wrestler’s hand comes in contact with the mat.” This language has been removed completely from the rule book. So, other than a Neutral Danger Zone Takedown, which was added in 2017-2018 (hard to believe it was 6 years ago!), the only other takedown language in the rules book is; “A takedown shall be awarded when, from the neutral position, a competitor gains control of the opponent by taking the opponent down to the mat in bounds and beyond reaction.”
Explanation: This rule change, as said, eliminates the rear-standing hand-touch takedown, so what fans will see is the offensive wrestler gaining “control” on the mat versus while still in a rear-standing position before any points are awarded. This rule change is, in my opinion, a pretty big deal. The offensive wrestler will have to work harder for the takedown, and the wrestler fighting off the takedown will have a far greater chance of doing so. As fans we could see this rule change play out fairly often, so it’s a change you should be familiar with.
Near Fall Rule
Wrestlers can now earn three near fall points. The new rule states; “If a criterion for a near fall is met and held uninterrupted for three seconds, three points shall be awarded.”
Explanation: This rule change is straight forward. Previously, a wrestler would earn two points for
holding his opponent in near fall criteria for two seconds, and four points for four seconds. All that
was done is a rule was inserted for a three second uninterrupted count.
The Three Point Takedown!!
Easy to explain, this change simply changes the points earned for a takedown from two to three.
Explanation: In an effort to reward wrestlers for being offense-minded, this rule does just that – rewards the wrestler that attacks and is successful in taking down his opponent. No longer will a reversal (still worth two points) offset a takedown. No longer will a takedown followed by an escape only reward the offensive wrestler with a two-to-one point advantage. Easy to see how this benefits an attacking or offensive-minded wrestler.
No doubt we will see more major decisions (bout wins by 8-14 points) and technical falls (bout wins by 15 points). This surely is an effort to make wrestling more exciting. No doubt there are still guys that will be defense-minded, there always will be. And no doubt two guys of near equal talent will wrestle low-scoring bouts, which will also happen. But overall, we fans should see more exciting bouts.
Waist and Ankle Ride Stalling
This change expands the five second count to include all situations in which the offensive/advantage wrestler grasps the bottom wrestler’s ankle. The new rule states; “If the offensive wrestler applies a hold with one or both arm(s)/hand(s) below the buttocks, the referee shall immediately start a verbal five-second count. Whenever possible, the referee also should include a visual indication of the count. The referee shall stop the count when the offensive wrestler moves their arm(s)/hand(s) back up above the buttocks of the defensive wrestler, or releases the hold. If the referee reaches the fifth count before the offensive wrestler moves their arm(s)/hand(s) back up above the buttocks of the defensive wrestler, or releases the hold, then the offensive wrestler shall be called for stalling.”
Explanation: This is a subtle change, by my thinking. Added is reference to “both arm(s)/ hand(s)”. Previously, the reference was to “a hand or arm”. Like other rule changes for this season and going back in time, this change is intended to stop stalling tactics. While it is doubtful most fans will recognize a change, I thought it important enough to include.
On-the-Mat Stalling Situations
This slight change specifies that the offensive wrestler must work toward obtaining near fall points and/or a pin to avoid stalling. The rule now states; “Offensive…stalling situations also include: The offensive wrestler does not aggressively attempt to break down the opponent and work toward obtaining near fall points and/or a pin.” The italicized portion was added this year.
Explanation: While this rule change should be applauded, it really has been the case for as long as I can remember, and surely decades before – that it is the offensive wrestler’s obligation to work for a fall. I hope this rule change results in quicker stall calls against wrestlers that are content on riding their opponent with no intent of working for back points and possibly a fall. Time will tell, I’m not holding my breath!
Conclusion: Well, there you have it. Hopefully you enjoyed reading this article and are on your way to being a more knowledgeable fan! All the changes noted in this article are intended to minimize stalling or increase the action, both having a positive impact on the excitement of college wrestling. I will add that I tend to look for unintended consequences when there are rule changes, or basically a negative impact. Frankly, I can’t come up with anything obvious for these five rule changes. So lace ‘em up and let the fun begin!!
