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If veteran wrestling fans were paying attention at the Tom Torres Duals at Los Lunas High School Saturday, they certainly heard a lot more whistles and saw a faster pace than usual.
That’s because high school wrestling has undergone a series of rule changes this season, more in line with college wrestling.
According to a news release from the National Federation of State High School Associations, NFHS, “six major changes impacting almost 30 rules” were adopted in April.
“I like the changes,” said Steve Chavez, LLHS coach, who also admitted, “It’s going to be a big change for the kids and for the referee.”
Among the adjustments, a take down is now worth three points instead of two and a near-fall can count anywhere from two to five points, depending on how long the criteria is held. Chavez said points can now pile up faster.
“Matches are going to go by quicker. Better wrestlers are going to be getting points faster.”
Belen wrestler Tommy Freeman gives a thumbs up.
“I like the rule changes. The three-point take down is changing (wrestling) a lot,” Freeman said.
Josh Jaramillo, a BHS wrestler, who has competed at the national level, also approves.
“All I do is watch college wrestling, study the stuff,” said Jaramillo. “I knew it was happening, so my mindset was used to it.”
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Valencia freshman Cole Houck is excited about the rules, too.
“I think it’s cool because the match goes faster,” Houck said. “One point makes a big difference.”
Another adjustment fans may notice is that wrestlers “will be inbounds with only one point of contact of either wrestler inside or on the boundary line,” which could cut down on stoppages.
More mundane rule changes include a new official’s timeout signal, “both hands/fingers pointing inward to the referee’s chest,” and the 10-foot circle in the center of the mat is now optional, allowing a school logo to be used unencumbered.
