OHIO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION APPROVED

OHIO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION APPROVED WRESTLING OFFICIATING MECHANICS & PROCEDURES 2016-17 SEASON Fifth editin Jim Vreeland, Directr f Officiating Develpment Beau Rugg, Assistant Cmmissiner August 1, 2016 Cpyright 2016 The Green Bk Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss peple Eleanr Rsevelt 0

ATTENTION Cllegiate mechanics and prcedures are nt accepted as standard practice fr Ohi high schl and junir high schl levels. This mechanics manual is written t prvide every Ohi schlastic wrestling referee cnsistent explanatins f the why s and hw s t apprach prper prcedures and mechanics while fficiating. Our schlastic referees wrk with yung men and wmen wh range frm 13 t 18 years f age. The cllegiate referee deals with yung men between 19 t 24 years f age. There is a tremendus difference within these tw grups f yung athletes. The high schl and junir high wrestlers have a substantial difference in their physical, mental, and psychlgical grwth. Bne grwth and muscular develpment are tw very imprtant develpmental issues that play a very pivtal rle in hw the schlastic wrestling fficial evaluates every wrestling match. Our schlastic athletes d nt have their sense and reactin time as sharp as the cllege athletes. Many f the average schlastic athletes are still slw t react t weight and pressure. Fr a variety f safety reasns, the Ohi High Schl Athletic Assciatin thrugh their State Rule Interpreters and the Directr f Officiating Develpment have strict mechanics and accepted prcedures that all Ohi wrestling referees must fllw. Ohi schlastic wrestling referees are a team. All need t be part f the same team. Cnsistency invlves every aspect f the sprt. Beau Rugg, OHSAA Assist. Cmm. Jim Vreeland, OHSAA Wrestling DOD Ray Anthny, OHSAA Wrestling SRI Dick Lewentsine, OHSAA Wrestling SRI 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS Biting 22 Flagrant Miscnduct... 22 Bld, Injury & Recvery Time. 14 Mechanic Signals 16 Cncussin Prtcl 14 Cnference 25 Crrectable Errrs 27 Fleeing 20 Mechanic Signals 9 Neutral Psitin 7 Assistant Referee. 8 Ptentially Dangerus. 23 Pre-Meet Duties 3 Referee s Psitin 10 Assistant referee. 12 Near Fall Mechanics. 12 Referee s Unifrm. 3 Stalemate.. 24 Stalling 17 Neutral 18 Offensive 19 Defensive 20 Technical Vilatins 20 Warning r Penalize 26 Weigh-in. 4 The fifth editin f a MECHANICS & PROCEDURE MANUAL is dedicated t the team f bservers wh spend many hurs n behalf f the state f Ohi and wrestling cmmunity. Ohi bservers have taken an active rle in the develpment f Ohi wrestling fficiating, and are recgnized by ther states. The OWOA clinic is set fr Nvember 12, 2016 @ The Little Bear Glf Club in Lewis Center, Oh. 8:30 AM registratin, 9:00AM clinic w/ lunch prvide Please plan t attend with yur lcal membership 2

OHIO WRESTLING OFFICIALS MECHANICS, POSITIONING & PROCEDURES MANUAL THE GREEN BOOK OFFICIAL S UNIFORM Required Unifrm: Black and white vertically striped shrt-sleeve knit shirt with the V-neck cllar (last year is 2016-17). Starting in 2016-17 the new gray v-neck w/ black pin stripe shirt may be wrn if all members f the fficating team have it fr cmpetitin. The gray pin stripe shirt will be mandatry fr the pst seasn, then cmpletely mandatry fr the 2017-18 seasn. The American flag is wrn n the left shulder with a green OHSAA lg n the left breast area f the shirt. Black full length trusers, black scks, black fficiating shes and black belt if necessary. Emblems and patches are nt permitted n the fficiating unifrm. Exceptin: An American flag patch/emblem is ptinal and, if wrn, shall be n the left sleeve apprximately tw inches belw the shulder with the star field facing t the frnt. Jewelry shall nt be wrn except fr a wedding band and/r a medical alert necklace r bracelet. A religius medallin which is nt visible is permitted. A watch is permitted nly when an fficial has a duty fr timing during the cntest. A black warm-up jacket with OWOA lg is required fr all varsity fficials. Red & green wrist bands, clred flip disc, recmmend a black plastic whistle with a black lanyard. The whistle must be lud enugh t be heard at large multi-team events. A black plastic pea-less whistle is recmmended fr use. Every fficial shuld carry an extra whistle in his/her jacket. THREE IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUES Please pay attentin t the fllwing: Cncussin prtcl (OHIO HB 143) Cntagius skin cnditins Ptentially dangerus calls; athlete s safety PRE - MEET DUTIES Appear at event site dressed apprpriately. The referee has jurisdictin ver the event nce he/she arrives at the site. Shirt and tie is nice if cming directly frm the wrk place, But raggedy jeans with hles d nt set the crrect tne. Immediately find the Athletic Directr / Wrestling Cach. First intrduce yurself. Example: Gd evening, I m the wrestling referee fr tnight s match; culd yu please direct me t the lcker rm t find the Wrestling Cach. The referee shuld arrive a minimum f ne hur prir t the start f the match. Yu may want t appear at the hst schl a little earlier, if invlved w/ weigh-ins t give yurself enugh time t find yur lcker facility, and get int unifrm. Begin yur duties as a prfessinal, prperly dressed, with yur warm up jacket n begins t send the apprpriate message t everyne abut yur cnduct and ability. The referee s respnsibilities begin by cnducting the randm draw fr dual meet events. It is apprpriate fr the fficial ask the visiting cach t make the randm draw selectin. 3

The randm draw weight class is als the beginning weight class t weigh-in. The wrestling referee has fur necessary pieces f equipment; lanyard & whistle, red & green wristbands, a randm draw kit and a clred flip disc. It may als be advisable t carry a spare whistle in yur warm up jacket pcket. WEIGH-INS & HEALTH CHECK Require all participants t present any special equipment at the weigh-in. During the pre-meet prcess it is imprtant t ask the caches several questins. Ask if there are any valid physician s ntes fr any athletes wh have a suspicius skin cnditin. Skin ntes must be n the NFHS apprve skin frm, In the weigh-in rm when it is requested. Cach may nt take wrestler t the lcal ER then return with a nte. The cach is respnsible t check his athletes regularly The referee is the last line f defense t prtect everyne frm the spread f any cnditin. Skin nte must be the riginal frm signed by a physician Nt a Xerx cpy, r signed by nurse, LPN, PA Nt n an Rx pad, r letter frm a physician Nt a picture cpy n a tablet, I-pad, etc. It must be n the apprved NFHS skin frm, and be cmplete prperly If the nte is invalid fr any reasn If the lesins appear in ther places than that marked n the bdy diagram, If the lesins are still mist, cream clred pustules The fficial has the authrity t disqualify the athlete frm cmpetitin. The skin frm is still valid within the 10 day time limit. Nn-cntagius ntes are valid thrugh-ut the entire seasn. If an MD, DO r Dermatlgist is the designated n-site physician present, his/her decisin is final ver a frm. And there shuld be n argument r disagreement with the physician. If an MD, DO r Dermatlgist stipulates the athlete may wrestle if it is cvered, ask is it is cntagius? NFHS des nt allw a cntagius skin cnditin t be cvered t wrestle. If the physician says it may still be cntagius, then the wrestler must be disqualified. As the inspectin prcess begins always be aware f the skin while lking at the ther aspects. Read the dctr s nte carefully, and check the dates he/she has stipulated the wrestler may return t cmpetitin, alng with the bdy diagram. Many caches carry their ntes t every match, nt knwing the referee, and hw each may perceive the skin prblem. Begin the inspectin f cntestants, Remember the inspectin is t make sure the wrestlers cmply with a set f health and safety standards set frth by the NFHS/OHSAA. These health standards are t ensure all the cntestants, including the referees, tapers, etc. all have a safe envirnment in which t cmpete. Inspect the athletes befre the cach / trainer des any taping. Suggested pattern f inspectin; A. Check fingernails, B. Check the cntestant s length f hair, Shirt cllar length, eyebrws & side burns Grwth f the beard, Mustache, Shaved heads, Lk arund the frnt and side f the face & frehead, And, check under the chin t lk in the neck regin. 4

C. Cntinue the skin inspectin by thrughly scanning dwn the length f the bdy. Get in the same rhythm r pattern as yu mve thrugh the line-ups. D. Raise the wrestler s arms t examine the sides f the bdy, under the armpits, and the underside f the arms. E. With the frnt inspectin cmplete, spin the cntestant arund t begin the rear side inspectin. Start at the tp, begin with the hair, and check the length in the back. Be satisfied it wuld nt hang ver a nrmal shirt cllar. F. Cntinue the skin inspectin by lking carefully arund the back f the neck, dwn acrss the shulders thrugh the lwer back, and cmpleting the inspectin with a clse lk at the back f the knees. When yu find any part f the cntestant inspectin prcess that des nt satisfactrily meet with yur apprval, prmptly ask the wrestler t clip the nails, get a shave, trim the hair length, r clean up the mustache, etc. It is wise t have an extra persn recrding the actual weights place a capital M(mustache), N(nails), S(shave), r T(trim hair) next t the name / weight class f any wrestler wh des nt cmpletely meet the health inspectin. NOTE: Remember, a participant may have lng hair, and chse t wear an apprved hair cap. The hair cap is cnsidered a piece f special equipment, and is nt allwed t be abrasive. The individual referee at the start f each event must apprve it. The wrestler may als need t wear a hair cap, which will be attached t head gear. If his clean-shaven head has stubble grwth it may be cnsidered abrasive. Alng the same lines, a cntestant may chse t wear a face mask if he has facial hair. When a cntestant has a suspicius skin cnditin, it is imprtant t meet the situatin withut hesitatin, and in a prfessinal manner. Sme caches and the wrestlers will begin t make a variety f statements dismissing the skin prblem. Oh, that s a mat burn, it s a pimple that I just squeezed, that wasn t there yesterday, the referee s last weekend didn t say anything abut it, and the list cntinues. Suggestins t handle pssible cntagius skin prblems. Dn t make statements suggesting what yu think the skin cnditin is Yu are nt a physician. Yu are the referee, and part f the referee s respnsibility is t recgnize a pssible suspicius cntagius skin prblem fr the safety f all wh cmpete n the mat. It is the cach s respnsibility t lk ut fr the safety f his wrestlers, and the referee lks ut fr all. If the cach cannt present prf his wrestler is clean f any cntagius skin fungus, bacteria, virus, staph infectin, etc., the referee must tell the cach and wrestler he/she will nt be allwed t cmpete in tnight s match. All referees shuld take the necessary time t familiarize themselves with the characteristics f all skin prblems. Tday s wrestling referee shuld knw the signs and symptms f each; ringwrm, impetig, shingles, scabies, herpes, MRSA and staph t name the mst frequently seen. Withut an nsite physician, the match referee has the jurisdictin and the authrity nt t accept a NFHS skin frm if it is nt prperly cmpleted, if it is written in a letter frm, written n the Rx pad, new lesins have appeared that are nt depicted n the bdy gram n the apprved frm, and/r the existing cnditin cntinues t appear unsafe fr cmpetitin. All cntestants must weigh-in with apprpriate undergarment(s); this includes bth men and wmen. All cntestants must als wear an apprpriate undergarment during cmpetitin. Fr the yung wmen this als includes a sprts bra and legal t-shirt based n NFHS rule. Upn cmpletin f the weigh-ins, the referee shuld sign the weigh-in sheet fr verificatin, s all caches get a cpy fr their recrds t verify certificatin cmpliance. NOTE: There are a grwing number f female wrestlers cmpeting with wrestling prgrams at all levels. The same rules apply t all wrestlers, that is, first make weight, and secnd pass the grming and safety check. The Natinal Federatin has adpted a rule that the same gender sex perfrms the weigh-in and skin check. Therefre, the referee will need t ask a female (preferably frm each schl) t check the female wrestler s weight (secretary, mm, etc.). 5

Next, they will als need t check fr pssible skin prblems. Give the ladies the necessary instructins, and trust their effrts applying the same rules t the female wrestler that yu have applied t the yung men. Yung ladies als need t weigh in wearing apprpriate undergarments. The referee may check the expsed areas. At the present time all yung ladies must wear an apprved t-shirt alng with apprpriate under garments and unifrm. INSPECT THE WRESTLING AREA After the cnclusin f weigh-ins the meet referee shuld walk the wrestling mat and inspect the mat and markings. Als inspect distance/prximity and relatinship t the team benches, the screr s table and the wrestling area. Make sure there is five (5) feet f fringe prtectin mat arund the cmpetitin area. While n the flr, remember t discuss with the timer and bth the hme and visiting scre keepers their duties and any necessary directins. Imprtant nt t let anyne interfere with the team at the table. They must nt be distracted. Ask all table wrkers t leave any electrnic devices put away. This includes, but nt limited t the fllwing; cell phnes, tablets, I pads, I-pds, smart phnes, and laptp cmputers. Supprt the team at the table they can make the match much easier. Wrkers must nt be using their cell phne r texting, fcus n the match. Nte: Nt nly shuld the table wrkers keep electrnic devises put away, that als ges fr the fficials. It lks cmpletely inapprpriate fr a sprts fficial sitting at the table playing cell phne games while all arund him/her a schlastic turnament is being cntested. The NFHS and OHSAA expect all t pay 100% attentin t the task f being an fficial at the event. PRE-MATCH LOCKER ROOM TALK This needs t be less than a ten minute (3-5 minutes) prcess. Yu get ne chance at a first impressin. This is the final time and place t impress the teams with wh is in charge f the match, and that yur knwledge f the sprt f wrestling will be unbiasly imparted during the evenings cntest. After inspecting the wrestling area, and talking with the team at the table, it is imprtant t visit each team in the lcker rm t set dwn a few grund rules. This begins by asking the cach if his team is ready t wrestle tnight. When the cach replies yes, he is telling yu his team is legal and ready t cmpete with regards t a few respects. 1. Cntestants are all wearing a legal under garment 2. Any taping is legal and will allw nrmal legal hlds & full range f mtin 3. Unifrms and shes are legal; shelaces are prperly secured, with all eyelets laced. 4. There is n pass n first ffense fr laces nt be secured 4. Headgear (may crss straps w/ ear hles pen) and kneepads are legal (n lse knee pads) 5. N tape n head gear r shes The pre-match instructins t the wrestlers / caches prir t the start f the match may include, but nt limited t the fllwing; Remind the wrestlers they are t wrestle aggressively fr six minutes, and wrk in the center circle. Remind all cntestants f three basic cmmands Center - Actin - Cntact Ask if there are any questins and wish the team gd luck tnight. It is recmmended all referees start each wrestling seasn ding a better than average jb with the explanatins t the teams. It is felt we make the end f the seasn easier fr each ther if we take the extra time at the beginning f the seasn. There are always a few new rules changes that need t be better explained, and there might be sme questins that need t be cleared up. 6

CAPTAINS / COIN TOSS In the center f the mat, meet with the team captains. Remind them they are t assist the cach with sprtsmanship frm the team bench. Prper prcedure; ask a visiting captain t call the clr f the disc (NFHS 1978-79 call the cin ). Winner f the disc tss has chice f even r dd matches, with the first match determined by the randm draw. Always allw the disc t hit the wrestling mat. Gd luck and get n with the match. If it is a dual meet turnament, by selecting the team t be red als determines the visiting team. The referee is cnsidered the expert, and has full authrity at the wrestling match. Every referee must read / study the Natinal Federatin Rule Bk, the Case Manual and Green Bk n a regular basis. Every referee shuld be cmfrtable applying the rules based n criteria t supprt each call. Use gd judgment and apply sund cmmn sense when necessary. Treat thse yu meet with respect, dignity and in a well-mannered tne f vice frm the mment yu enter the building. Act and cnduct yurself the way yu wuld like t be treated. Be cnfident frm the beginning, and prud f the jb yu did as yu drive away. Reprting t the Mat: Make sure that the crrect wrestlers have reprted fr check-in at the screr s table. Duble check the prper wrestlers and weight class have reprted directly t the center f the mat. Make sure that the wrestlers are legally equipped, prperly grmed and ready t wrestle. Ensure that bth wrestlers extend their right hands fr a prper pre-match handshake. Referee Mechanics in Neutral Situatins Wrestler s Psitin in Neutral Start: Bth wrestlers must place ne ft n their respective starting line and the ther ft n r behind the line r the line extended. Hands and/r freheads cannt tuch the ppnent. Wrestlers must be standing n tw pints, n ther bdy parts tuching the mat in frnt f lead ft. Bth wrestlers must be statinary until the whistle sunds (n rlling starts). Start f the Match: Make sure wrestlers are in prper psitin and statinary. The referee shuld step in between the wrestlers with an ut stretched arm between the red and green starting lines. Make sure this psitin des nt interfere with the wrestlers, either their view each ther r by tuching them. The referee shuld be facing the screr s table. Make eye cntact with the time keeper. Sund yur whistle and simultaneusly make a visual hand/arm mtin t start the match. Mve ut quickly and back yur way twards uter bundary line. Glance up mmentarily t insure that the clck has prperly started. Always keep bth wrestlers in yur line f sight as yu back ut. The whistle shuld remain in the fficial s muth. Neutral Standing Psitin: Situate yurself s that yu are far enugh away frm the wrestling t bserve the actin and nt interfere with sudden changes in psitin. Be clse enugh t immediately repsitin yurself t stp ptentially dangerus and illegal maneuvers. 7

Six t nine (6-9) feet is suggested, find yur cmfrtable space. Knw hw varius takedwns finish s yu knw where t psitin yurself t stay ut f the way and t bserve cntrl as it is established. Always situate yurself t be centered and able t lk between bth wrestlers as they face each ther. Anticipate psitin. D nt chase the actin. Smetimes mving cunter t the wrestlers rtatin is mre effective. Square yurself t the actin. Change levels and be mbile in rder t be in prper psitin t bserve: It is imprtant t ludly verbalize the award f takedwn pints t affrd the pprtunity t the scring wrestler t release the lcked hands withut penalty. Award pints in a cnfident manner using apprved hand signals withut eye cntact with the scrers r caches. Bundary Line: On r near the bundary line, the referee shuld be in a psitin t bserve the lcatin f the supprting pints f each wrestler. Straddling the line is ne psitin, and getting perpendicular t the wrestlers als affrds the referee a greater pprtunity t catch n the O-B line. Call ut f bunds by the letter f the rule and be cnsistent frm call t call. Use prper hand mechanics w/ simultaneus whistle. Always keep safety in mind. Be ready t repsitin yurself t prtect wrestlers heading ut f bunds. May have t sund a pre-mature whistle when safety is a cncern. On feet-in takedwns award the earned pints befre sunding yur whistle. Be patient, d nt verly anticipate an ut f bunds situatin ccurring. Bite yur whistle until yu are sure a situatin finishes ut f bunds. Hip-Tss and thrws, especially t the back w/ shulder(s)/scapulae are in near fall criteria and are the nly bdy part(s) in bunds. The referee may verbally request that bth wrestlers wrk center (d nt cach with cmments). If n actin is ccurring at the bundary line, the fficial may restart the wrestlers in neutral psitin. Where/when pssible, pints shuld be awarded prir t whistle. Attacking Wrestler Dwn n the Mat Scrambling Fr a Scre: Psitin yurself square (perpendicular) t the actin: Defensive wrestler is sitting n mat with attacking wrestler s arms lcked arund bth thighs (crtchlck, waist-lck, duble under hk) When cntrl is gained verbalize awarded pints, Likewise, verbalize n cntrl w/ prper mechanic if still neutral. Anticipate the actin t stay ahead f it. Yu may have t circle in the ppsite directin t catch-up t the actin. Assistant Referee (AR): First n & last ff f the mat, be active, and assist with the same latitude f mbility as the referee. Match referee always passes n inside path when crssing, AR n clser than the referee. Mirrr the referee w/ freedm t be cmpletely mbile arund mat. (Apprximately 180º ppsite). AR has freedm t mve t seek his/her best psitin t cmplement the HO making calls. AR shuld mve and be in psitin t be the extra pair f eyes when and where they are needed. Lwer level t lk underneath in tie-up and head lck situatins. Mvement and cmmunicatin shuld be cnstant and are the keys fr success. The AR shuld nt yell acrss the mat, rather mve t circle behind the HO and make yur statement 8

If the AR questins a situatin, he/she shuld cnference at the apprpriate time. Bring infractins t the referee's immediate attentin. Cver the frnt side (when actin rtates twards yu) and wait fr the referee t catch up t the actin befre rtating 180. Be respnsible fr the time. Make sure the clck starts and stps n the referee s whistle. Plice the designated caches area. Assist the referee with injury, recvery and bld time prtcl (discuss respnsibilities befre the match). On bundary situatins, be in psitin t insure the safety f the wrestlers ging ut-f-bunds. The AR must help catch /prtect the wrestlers frm injury; Ging int the table, a wall/stage, etc. Be immediately available t give yur pinin n a situatin when asked by the referee. Never be afraid t vice an pinin t the HO; the AR may agree, disagree r have n pinin. Supprt the referee when a clse but crrect call is made. Never cmmunicate with a cach. Direct the cach t the match referee. Be in psitin t watch the clck w/ wrestlers in yur field f visin during the last 10 secnds f the perid. Anticipatin is essential fr the AR. Mechanic Hand Signals The fllwing hand signals are the nly apprved hand mechanics that shuld be used during the referee executing his/her jb n the mat. Officers review these mechanics during yur lcal assciatin meetings. Only authrized apprved mechanic signals must be utilized. Spectatrs must understand the sprt and table wrkers the scre. Starting the Match Stpping the Match Time Out Illegal Hld Near-Fall: 2, N Cntrl Out-f-Bund Cach Miscnduct 3 r 4 Pints 9

Indicates Cntrl Defer Chice Stalemate Reversal Cautin-False Start r Stalling Interlcking Hands r Technical Vilatin Incrrect Starting Prcedure Grasping Clthing Awarding Pints Neural Unsprtsmanlike Flagrant Miscnduct Cnduct Ptentially Dangerus Unnecessary Rughness Match ends Technical Fall Disqualificatin r Default Nte: Prper mechanics t award the escape pint is the fllwing sequence; ne-hand ne-pint in the air, fllwed with the signal fr neutral being earned. Start f the Referee's Psitin: Referee Mechanics in Mat Wrestling Situatins First and fremst the hand mvement shuld be simple and simultaneus with the whistle. As with ther hand signals, the hand mtin is fr the table, caches, and fans. Hit the whistle hard and lud! If yur matches have an inrdinate number f false starts, it is pssibly the fficial causing the prblem. Be statinary & vary whistle. 10

Setting in the Referee s Psitin: The referee shuld t be at an angle (right r left f center) t the wrestlers. If the wrestler s are 12 'clck, the referee shuld t be at 10 r 2 clck. He/she shuld typically be ppsite the "near side". The referee shuld stand (may lwer level t view the palm) and mve sides fur r five feet frm wrestlers. This gives the referee the ability t see the placement f the ffensive wrestler's head in the mid-line, the palm n the navel, the palm n the elbw, and the back ft. D nt be ut n the edge f the circle that is t far away! The referee may have a difficult view f the near side back ft, but by mving sides he/she can make sure it t is legal. As per NFHS rule bk, the defensive wrestler gets in psitin and set first, then the referee will direct the ffensive wrestler t "cver", and gives the ffensive wrestler the "set" cmmand. Remember a brief pause mmentarily befre the referee give a simultaneus hand signal and whistle start. D nt allw the tp wrestler t rck the bttm wrestler ff his base - cautin The referee shuld be statinary and ever vigilant t bserve rlling and false starts. Wrking with an Assistant: The referee will want the assistant psitined t bserve the palm n naval, knee n hip and back feet. If the mat referee is at 2 'clck, the assistant will be at 8 clck. Have view f clck fr bth starts and stps. Mvement as Wrestling Cntinues: After the start and thrughut the mat wrestling, the fficial wants t be primarily at the head & shulders f the wrestlers, suggested six t nine feet frm the wrestlers. As the ffensive wrestler breaks his ppnent dwn and applies bars, wings, pwer halves r cmes clser t near falls, the referee may want t mve clser t be in psitin t stp ptentially dangerus situatins and/r nt t miss near falls. In ther wrds, vary distance frm wrestlers depending n situatin. The referee shuld be in a psitin t blck r stp ptentially dangerus situatins BEFORE they becme illegal. When the defensive man cmes t his feet: As the defensive wrestler makes it t his/her feet, the referee shuld cme t the head /shulders f the wrestlers nce again. The referee shuld pay particular attentin t hand cntrl and fingers. Shuld the tp man nt begin t attempt t return defensive wrestler t the mat, as per rule, he will be called fr stalling. Key wrd is attempt. If the ffensive man is attempting t return his ppnent t the mat he is nt stalling! We d nt stp match when making the stalling call in this situatin. In a rear standing psitin, the referee must anticipate the ffensive man thrwing his ppnent 180 degrees, and be ready t mve t that psitin. If an assistant is invlved, he/she shuld be in psitin t bserve that actin. If the defensive man's arm r arms are barred, lcked t his side, r in any ther way the defensive man is rendered unable t prtect himself when cming t the mat, the referee must stp the match as ptentially dangerus and be in a psitin t catch r break the defensive man's fall. It helps n any lift, t use a cmmand f "keep it legal". 11

On the ut f bund line: The referee will still be at the head/shulder side f wrestlers, but fcus will shift t supprting pints (shulders, buttcks, knees, and feet, t determine in r ut f bunds). Vary clseness t wrestlers based n the situatin. Referee shuld always take best psitin t see mst imprtant actin while prtecting the ut f bunds, The referee shuld visually scan the wrestlers and the bundary line. When the wrestlers are facing the bundary n the mat r standing psitin, the referee shuld be psitined n the bundary between the wrestlers and fllw them t the center using cmmands f "center, center". Make sure the cmmand is lud and frceful. While returning t the center the referee shuld walk between the wrestlers, never in frnt f the pair. The referee may anticipate a stalling, r fleeing call. As the wrestlers mve tward the OB line, the HO and the AR shuld pinch clser tgether t herd them in. The Assistant Referee (AR): The AR has nly tw signals; the C fr cautin/starting vilatins r clasp hand vilatin. The referee shuld clearly identify his/her expectatins f the AR. The AR must be aggressive enugh t pint ut when he/she disagrees with the referee, but passive enugh t knw the call is the ultimate respnsibility f the referee. The referee shuld always call the match as thught he/she has n AR. The referee shuld nt cnfer with the AR befre the call. Generally, a cnference happens after a call, away frm the caches and wrestlers. The cnference is brief and t the pint. The match referee shuld receive the pinin f the AR, Then share his/her thughts if necessary remember it is brief. First pririty is t get it right, then fllw prcedure with respect t mechanics. If a disagreement exists, the Head Referee makes a final decisin and the match mves frward. The AR shuld be ppsite the referee unless the referee specifies therwise. The AR shuld always be in a psitin t identify illegal hlds, technical vilatins, ptentially dangerus situatins, and scring maneuvers that g away frm the referee. The AR shuld ntify the referee immediately f illegal r unsafe situatin. It is up t the referee t stp the match shuld it becme necessary. The AR is respnsible fr the timing and the clck. The AR shuld have a direct line t see the clck start and stp n the whistle. The AR shuld assist with any crrectin n the clck that is necessary. The AR may cunt dwn fur, three, tw, ne time! (especially if n tapper is present). The AR must help catch /prtect the wrestlers frm injury; Ging int the table, a wall/stage, etc. Nte: The AR shuld nt traverse acrss the center f the mat t get back int the actin. Anticipatin is essential. Referee Mechanics in Near Fall Situatins Directly frm the FEET: Fllw the flw f the actin. When the back f the defensive wrestler is expsed, (wrk t be dwn n the mat) directly underneath the head f the wrestler n his back, this gives the best vantage psitin t view bth shulders/scapulae. Be in apprpriate psitin ASAP, anticipate takedwn directly t near fall. Maintain a silent cunt while getting dwn n the mat if the scapulae are in criteria. D nt place r reach a hand under the scapulae r shulders f the defensive wrestler. 12

The referee may need t mve ff t ne side r the ther. Lk fr the fall underneath, while als lking at actin happening arund the face, hands in the face, eyes, etc. Frm the MAT: As actin is happening, start lwering yur bdy, get in a ready psitin t see the near fall cming. The referee must anticipate wrestling skills, t mve int psitin. Once criteria is met, give a clear precise, verbal cunt, thusand ne, thusand tw, thusand three, thusand fur, thusand five, alng with a simultaneus half swipe mtin with yur hand. Bend at the elbw; bring it int the chest and then ut. Verbal cunt is critical fr bth wrestlers. The advantage t this is yur ding tw things at nce, this allws everyne arund t see and understand what yu are ding, and where yu in the prcess. This als slws dwn yur cunt t a true five secnds. It als allws yu an ut. If there is nt a full swipe f the arm, tell the cach yu didn t have a full tw secnds, therefre n pints. The referee shuld be dwn n the mat when the near fall happens. Anticipating a Tilt: Ready yurself t be able t mve t where the back will be expsed. The referee shuld be dwn n the mat at this pint. Anticipate the tilt; psitin yurself at the head f the defensive wrestler ready t see the NF. Start the cunt nce the defensive wrestler is restrained in criteria. Once a five cunt is attained, put yur three fingers dwn n the mat (hlding three pints). Reasn fr this is the ffensive wrestler may rll him back t his stmach, it s the same hld. Once the ffensive wrestler lets g f the arm and allws the defensive wrestler t base ut, clear his arm, and can defend himself, the referee can then award the pints (it may be tw pints if yu nly gt a tw, three, r fur cunt). Keep an eye n the ffensive wrestler s back, nce in a while he may pull his ppnent ver the tp f himself, pssibly pinning himself. DO NOT MAKE UP HAND SIGNALS. Never make a hand gesture with fingers and thumb shwing hw clse the back is t the mat. Never make a hand signal with a hand straight up and dwn symblize a 90 degree angle. Never wave a hand back and frth These are nt apprved NFHS hand signals, and are a frm f caching. Assistant Referee (AR) in Near Fall Situatins: Once a near fall situatin ccurs the AR shuld remain standing, hpefully ver the tp f the actin. The jb as the AR is t keep everything clean up tp. The head referee shuld be n the mat lking underneath the back f the defensive wrestler being pinned. The AR jb is t bserve the hands in the face. In an emergency, he/she may remve the fingers frm the eyes. Ntify the HO Make sure the defensive wrestler isn t ding anything illegal, the ffensive wrestler isn t ding anything illegal, r t see if the hld becmes illegal. If it becmes illegal, the AR needs t ntify the head referee, it s illegal. The decisin is predicated n if it became illegal by the bttm man ding smething t make it illegal, r the tp man made it illegal. Then the head referee will make the crrect call. Als, the AR shuld be watching the clck: tw advantages t d s. First; t see if there is either tw secnds r mre n the clck, r 13

Secnd; if five secnds r mre is n the clck. If nt he can help determine hw many back pints shuld be awarded. This als helps with the fall call If the referee had the fall befre the clck was ut. The AR cunts dwn frm fur, three, tw, ne, then makes a crssing signal abve his head with his arms, this lets everyne knw, time is ut! (as previusly discussed w/ referee prir t event) N ther scring can ccur nw. The AR shuld wrk ppsite frm the head referee t see back side actin. As the wrestlers get in near fall criteria the AR needs t get clser t the actin, wrking t give himself/herself the best view f the head and face area f the defensive wrestler, and als a view f the clck if that is pssible. When the defensive wrestler is vilently tapping, the fficial may read this actin as a nn-verbal frm f a scream in pain, hnr the pssible injury and handle it as per nrmal stppage prcedure. CONCUSSION PROTOCOL & PROCEDURES The NFHS adpted a cncussin rule with respect t safety and stppage f the match until an Apprpriate Health-Care Prfessinal (AHCP) apprves his/her safe return. OHSAA.rg/wrestling t find OHIO HB 143. Ohi Huse Bill 143 stipulates the apprpriate educatin necessary fr all sprts fficials. This is fr either a suspected cncussin r a head injury NFHS RULE Any cntestant wh exhibits signs, symptms r behavirs cnsistent with a cncussin (such as lss f cnsciusness, headache, dizziness, cnfusin r balance prblems) shall be immediately remved frm the match and shall nt return t cmpetitin until cleared by an apprpriate health-care prfessinal. NFHS RULE A designated, n-site apprpriate health-care prfessinal wh determined a wrestler shuld nt participate, shall nt be verruled. Ohi Law: starting 2013-14 nw requires each sprts fficial t have taken an apprved cncussin management curse, and prvide the cmpletin certificate if required by ne f the tw listed belw. All OHSAA licensed fficials shall pssess either a current Department f Educatin-issued Pupil Activity Prgram/Caching Permit r shw evidence f cmpleting an apprved nline cncussin educatin curse as stipulated in the sectin entitled Apprved Online Cncussin Educatin Curses. This curse is valid fr three years frm the date f cmpletin. NFHS Assciatins Cncussin in Sprts - What yu Need t Knw: http://www.nfhslearn.cm/electivedetail.aspx?curseid=38000 Centers fr Disease Cntrl and Preventin Heads Up Cncussin in Yuth Sprts On-Line Training Prgram: http://www.cdc.gv/cncussin/headsup/nline_training.html - The Student-Athlete may nt return t cmpetitin the same day. The Student-Athlete may nly return t practice and/r cmpetitin after being assessed by an AHCP with written apprval frm an AHCP. The OHSAA has prvided the referee s cncussin reprt frm n-line at OHSAA.rg. Injury, Bld r Recvery Time INJURY TIME: The wrestlers are limited t a maximum f tw injury time uts ttaling 90 secnds. The ppnent is given chice f psitin when wrestling resumes after the secnd injury time ut Giving the ppnent chice f psitin upn the cnclusin f the secnd injury time is a huge deterrent t any frm f delaying the match. The pprtunity t change the chice f psitin will ccur at any time during the match when the secnd injury time is taken. If a wrestler wuld require a third time ut fr any injury he/she wuld autmatically default the match t the ppnent. 14

EXAMPLE: During the 30-secnd ride-ut vertime perid, and with nly seven secnds left n the time clck, wrestler A uses his secnd injury time. Wrestler B, the defensive wrestler, will have his/her chice f either tp r bttm when the match resumes. He/she may elect the tp psitin t finish the :30 secnd perid t win the rideut perid and the match. Remember; at the cnclusin f the: 30 secnd perid the ffensive wrestler is declared the winner and receives ne pint fr the ride-ut. BLOOD TIME: Bld time has a ttal accumulative time f five (5) minutes, with as many stppages necessary. The bld clck starts nce the referee sees bld frm either wrestler in any psitin, and at any time. The referee signals bld time by tuching his/her nse with the apprpriate clred arm band. Because f the seriusness f bld related prblems, the sight f bld takes precedence ver all else. The new rules regarding near fall situatins reward the ffensive wrestler if the defensive wrestler starts t bleed r scream. The bld clck is stpped nce the bleeding is stpped. The referee shuld signal the table t stp bld time and recrd it n the scre sheet The referee shuld then ntify bth caches f the amunt used. Any necessary cleaning f bld frm the mat, wrestlers and/r unifrms is time taken by the fficial and shall nt be used frm the individual s five minute alltment. One imprtant pint f emphasis t nte, an injury time clck cannt be started if the five-minute bld clck is cmpletely taken. Once a wrestler has taken a ttal elapsed time f five-minutes, and wuld require further time t stp any bleeding, the match is stpped and the ppnent declared the winner by default Althugh the tw-minute recvery clck can be started if the bleeding was caused by an illegal hld, an unnecessary rughness vilatin r an unsprtsmanlike act. EXAMPLE: Wrestler A turns wrestler B t his back with a crss face cradle. After ne-thusand ne, the fficial ntices the nse f wrestler B begins t bleed. The referee shuld stp the match, start the bld clck fr wrestler B and award wrestler A tw-pint (2) near fall. EXAMPLE: Wrestler A turns wrestler B t his back with a crss face cradle. After ne-thusand ne ne-thusand tw, the referee ntices the nse f wrestler B begins t bleed. The referee shuld stp the match, start the bld clck fr wrestler B and award wrestler A three-pint (3) near fall. EXAMPLE: Wrestler A turns wrestler B t his back with a crss face cradle. After the cmplete five cunts, the referee ntices the nse f wrestler B begins t bleed. The referee shuld stp the match, start the bld clck fr wrestler B and award wrestler A fur-pint (4) near fall. It is pssible fr bth wrestlers t be using bld time simultaneusly. It is als pssible fr bth wrestlers t be using injury time simultaneusly. It is als pssible fr a wrestler t g frm injury time t bld time, and then back t injury time. If this shuld ccur, the wrestler is nly charged with ne injury time ut. It is the fficial s jb t be present with the stpwatch and keep track f the amunt f time used fr each situatin. Remember, bld takes precedence and the wrestler may use as many bld time uts as necessary. But, if ne is injured and the ther is bleeding, nly a bld clck is started because bld takes precedence RECOVERY TIME: Recvery time may nly fllw a penalty pint fr an illegal hld, unnecessary rughness r an unsprtsmanlike act. Recvery time is a ttal f tw minutes (2), and may nly be used immediately fllwing the penalty. Recvery time starts when the referee signals the table with an inverted swirling index finger f the matching arm band hand. Time shall be stpped and recrded upn the referee s signal. 15

Once the injured wrestler cntinues t wrestle, he/she may nt use any f the unused recvery time. The wrestler may use an injury time ut nce he/she starts t cntinue the match. If the injured wrestler can t cntinue due t the injury caused by the penalty situatin, he/she shall be declared the winner. There are tw very imprtant NO-NOs related t the recvery time situatin. First, the injured wrestler cannt use injury time immediately fllwing the cmpleted use f his/her recvery time. Secnd, the injured wrestler cannt re-start the match, and then intentinally stp the match after ne secnd t default t his ppnent. There is a prcedure t allw that. Read belw: The injured wrestler may default the match t his/her ppnent prir t the tw minute recvery clck expiring. The fficial may nt vlunteer this infrmatin because that wuld be caching/assisting ne f the wrestlers, but he/she may answer a questin if the cach asks. EXAMPLE: During the first perid wrestler A lifts and slams wrestler B. The fficial stps the match, starts the recvery clck and awards wrestler B ne pint fr the illegal slam. At the cnclusin f the tw minute recvery clck the cach f wrestler B says my wrestler just needs a little mre time and he ll wrestle. Start the injury clck fr him and we will nly take 20 secnds. This is incrrect, and the fficial cannt allw this t ccur. The fficial needs t infrm the cach that by rule nce the tw-minute recvery clck is cmpletely taken, his wrestler must step t the stripe t cntinue the match r he must be declared the winner by disqualificatin. T cntinue this scenari, with this explanatin given t the cach f wrestler B, he nw says well his kid is undefeated and he wuld have beaten my by anyway. S, we ll start the match then yu blw the whistle right away t stp it and we ll default t him. Again, this is incrrect prcedure. We teach ur yung peple nthing if we find a way t skirt the rules f the game. Once the illegal situatin ccurred and the recvery clck was started, nly three things may ccur; either wrestler B cntinues t wrestle, wrestler B wins by disqualificatin r wrestler B graciusly defaults prir t the tw-minute recvery clck expiring. The wrestler wh cmmits an illegal act, an unnecessary rughness r an unsprtsmanlike cnduct vilatin cannt be declared the winner. Hand Signal and Mechanics fr Injury, Bld and Recvery Time: Start the injury clck (1:30) Stp the injury clck Start the Bld clck (5:00) Stp the Bld clck 16

Start Recvery Clck (2:00) Stp Recvery clck Mechanics f the Injury, Bld and Recvery Time: The mechanics will vary n these three situatins depending n what the facilities. At mst levels f cmpetitin the table has a stp watch fr the different times. Signals n the mat shuld be directed twards the table using the clr fr the stppage time. Timer will start the stpwatch. The referee shuld stay in the middle r near the injured wrestler with the stp watch. Stay quiet as t what yu saw, nly answer questins asked by the medical persnal. Dn t talk t the caches r the ther wrestler. Silence is yur friend here. If yu talk t a cach r wrestler it can be miscnstrued as favritism, r wrse yet a cach will tell yu, I tld yu it was illegal, nw he is hurt. Have the stp watch brught s yu can tell the cach when there is ne minute left, 30 secnds and 15 secnds. At that pint a determinatin must be made, as t the cntinuatin r nt. If the wrestler using the time stppage can NOT cntinue, his ppnent will determined the winner. Except in the case f the recvery time, if the wrestler uses all the recvery time and CANNOT cntinue, he is the declared winner. The caveat here is that the injured wrestler may default the match prir t the tw minute recvery clck expiring. STALLING General Guidelines The mst difficult aspect f wrestling is t understand stalling. Yu must develp a philsphy that will assist in any and all situatins. This is where the best referees are recgnized abve the gd referees. Stalling is ne f the mst subjective calls in wrestling because: N tw fficials call stalling identically N tw fficials recgnize stalling within the same time frame Cnsistency with calling stalling is tugh due t the different dynamics ccurring in each match The perspective f ne cach with his wrestler's best interests in mind is always ging t be different frm the ppsing cach s perspective and frm the man in the striped shirt Because f these variables, stalling will always be a cntrversial call in high schl wrestling Each wrestler is required t make an hnest attempt t stay within the 10 ft circle and wrestle aggressively regardless f: Psitin Time f the match Scre Bth wrestlers are equally respnsible fr initiating and maintaining actin A wrestler wh is verpwered is nt stalling It is the respnsibility f caches, wrestlers and fficials t discurage the use f stalling tactics When stalling is recgnized, the ffender shall be warned/penalized withut hesitatin by the fficial regardless f: Scre f the match, Psitin n the mat, Time in the match 17

In rder t crrectly recgnize stalling the fficial must have intimate knwledge f the sprt/ wrestling skills, the wrestling rules and hw t apply them The fficial must be able t discern when wrestler simply cannt execute and ne wh chses nt t execute The level f the wrestler s ability must be cnsidered Tp level wrestlers are better at masking stalling tactics The fficial must be able t dissect an actin r series f actins ccurring n the mat and determine if that actin(s) is a legitimate attempt t aggressively wrestle r stalling. Stalling must be cnsistently called thrughut the match frm beginning t end Officials must develp their wn techniques and patterns f cnsistency t identify and penalize stalling Stalling is rarely the result f ne specific actin r maneuver, rather it is the result f a series f blcking, aviding cntact, and delaying maneuvers ccurring thrughut the match Aggressive wrestling ccurs when a wrestler initiates a maneuver and fllws thrugh with an attempt t finish the mve Each wrestler is required t make an hnest attempt t stay within the 10-ft circle and wrestle aggressively, regardless f psitin r the time r scre f the match. Actin is t be maintained thrughut the match by the cntestants wrestling whether in the tp, bttm r neutral psitin and bth cntestants are equally respnsible fr initiating actin. It is the respnsibility f cntestants, caches and referees t avid the use f stalling tactics r allwing the use theref. This shall be demnstrated by thse respnsible with strict enfrcement by referees. Neutral Stalling Guidelines: Allw wrestlers time t set-up takedwn attempt(s): Tie-ups Changing levels Maintaining cntact Set-ups Pushing/pulling t thrw ppnent ff balance Genuine attempt at takedwn within specified time perid (30-45 sec.) An hnest takedwn attempt requires a sht and fllw- thrugh Cuntering a takedwn attempt is nt stalling unless: Defensive wrestler is cntent nt t imprve psitin N effrts at initiating wn sht attempts Questin t think abut: Wh is the aggressr? Neutral stalling tactics: Circling with n attempt at sht Changing levels with n attempt at sht Feigned sht with n fllw thrugh Mving ppnent t create angles but n fllw thrugh attacks Set-ups with n fllw thrugh t take advantage f scring pprtunities Interlcking fingers behind the ppnent s head and blcking with bth elbws What t recgnize: Frm neutral start backing ut f the circle w/ making cntact w/ppnent Cntinuusly aviding cntact with ppnent Preventing ppnent frm returning t r remaining in-bunds Playing the edge f the mat Cntinuusly pushing-pulling w/n sht attempt Repeatedly faking cntact w/ fllw thrugh 18

Tying-up an ppnent with an under hk and wrist cntrl withut a fllw-thrugh sht Cllar tie pushing/pulling n fllw thrugh Single r duble under hk w/ sht attempt Wrist cntrl (single r duble) w/ attempt at a sht r prevent ppnent s sht Blcking with a frearm r head in a tie-up w/n attempt at sht r t prevent ppnent s sht Repeatedly grasping r hlding a leg w/n attempt at fllw-thrugh t imprve psitin Repeatedly grasping r hlding a leg t prevent ppnent frm scring Elevating a single leg w/ attempt t finish takedwn Repeatedly causing a stalemate Standing behind an ppnent in cntrl f trs w/ an attempt t finish n the mat Running a 2 n 1 (Russian Tie) w/ an attack attempt Offensive Stalling: It is stalling when the cntestant in the advantage psitin des nt wrestle aggressively and attempt t secure a fall r earn near fall pints. The exceptin is when the ffensive wrestler intentinally releases the ppnent in rder t thereafter immediately attempt t secure a takedwn tp earn a technical fall by a 15 pint margin. General Guidelines: Tp man must wrk fr fall/near fall. N riding time in high schl Watch fr parallel riding (riding hips) w/ an attempt t break dwn the ppnent. Watch fr parallel riding with ppnent brken dwn n the mat with n attempt t get perpendicular t wrk fr fall r near fall. Watch fr busy wrestling meaning that the tp man is mving frm side t side withut really ding anything. Cuntering the defensive wrestler s bna fide attempts t escape/reverse (e.g., chain wrestling) is nt stalling. General stalling tactics: Feigning attempts t turn an ppnent (e.g., spiral ride w/ getting ut t the side and driving n tes r running a half-nelsn with ppnent brken dwn w/ getting perpendicular and driving n the tes). Jumping sides with half nelsn. Cntent with hanging n w/n attempt t scre. What t lk fr: Keeping the leg held t the buttcks fr mre than 5 secnds (defensive wrestler brken dwn). Tw hands n tw legs r tw hands n ne leg in actin nt designed t break the ppnent dwn, secure a fall, r prevent an escape r reversal. Repeated grasping f ne leg r tw legs with bth hands r arms t break ppnent dwn fr the sle purpse f cntrl. Slw hand munt arund the waist in tp starting psitin. Repeatedly drpping t ne leg when ppnent stands up. Deep waist and wrist r ankle w/n attempt t imprve. Staying behind an ppnent in a rear standing psitin w/ attempting t return t the mat. Repeatedly using a grapevine and being unable t turn ppnent resulting in a stalemate. Repeated use f crss-bdy ride w/n attempt t imprve psitin. Use f duble grapevine fr sle purpse f cntrl w/n attempt t imprve. Use f cradle w/n attempt t turn. Repeatedly grasping an ankle with n attempt t break ppnent dwn. Running an arm bar with ppnent brken dwn n the mat w/n attempt t imprve. 19