Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Point Values
Points are accumulated throughout the match. Each technique is assigned a value based on its difficulty, amplitude, and degree of control demonstrated:
- 1 Point: Reversal (moving from a defensive position to an offensive/controlling position); forcing the opponent to step out of bounds (stepping out); opponent penalized for passivity or a minor infraction.
- 2 Points: Takedown (bringing the opponent from standing to the mat with control); exposure/danger position (turning the opponent so their back faces the mat at less than 90 degrees, held briefly); correct throw of short amplitude (opponent does not leave the mat entirely).
- 4 Points: Takedown with direct and immediate exposure to a danger position in a single continuous action; a throw of short amplitude that places the opponent directly into a danger position.
- 5 Points: High-amplitude throw — any throw where the attacking wrestler lifts the opponent completely off the mat and projects them through the air in a sweeping, grand arc, landing them in a danger position. These grand throws represent the pinnacle of wrestling technique and athleticism.
6.2 Victory Conditions (Ranked by Priority)
A match can end in the following ways, listed from most decisive to least:
- Fall (Pin): Both shoulders held on the mat. Instant win. Classified as Victory by Fall (VFA).
- Default / Injury: Opponent cannot continue or does not appear. Victory by Default (VFO) or Injury (VIN).
- Technical Superiority: 10-point lead at any time. Victory by Technical Superiority (VSU).
- Disqualification: Opponent receives 3 cautions or is disqualified for misconduct. Victory by Disqualification (VDS).
- Points (Decision): Higher score at the end of 6 minutes. Victory by Points (VSU if margin is 7–9 points, VPO if margin is 1–6 points).
6.3 Tie-Breaking Criteria
If the score is tied at the end of regulation, the winner is determined by the following criteria, applied in order until a winner is identified:
- Highest-value scoring technique: The wrestler who scored the single highest-value move during the match wins. For example, if both wrestlers have 4 points but one scored a 4-point throw while the other scored four 1-point moves, the wrestler with the 4-point throw wins.
- Last point scored: If the highest-value technique is equal, the wrestler who scored the last technical point in the match is declared the winner.
- Fewest cautions: If still tied after the above criteria, the wrestler with fewer cautions wins.
This criteria system eliminates the need for overtime periods and rewards technical quality and initiative rather than defensive wrestling.
6.4 Team Scoring
In dual meet (team vs. team) competitions, classification points are awarded based on the manner of individual victories. A fall earns the maximum classification points (5), while a narrow decision earns fewer (1–3). The team with the most cumulative classification points wins the dual meet. At the World Championships and Olympics, individual results determine final standings within each weight category.