Section 7: Violations & Penalties
7.1 Cautions
A caution is a formal penalty issued by the referee for rule violations. Each caution results in 1 or 2 points awarded to the opponent, depending on the severity. Accumulating 3 cautions in a single match results in immediate disqualification. Caution-worthy offenses include:
- Illegal holds (e.g., full nelson, headlock without an arm enclosed, small joint manipulation)
- Fleeing the mat to avoid wrestling action
- Fleeing a hold to avoid being scored upon
- Unnecessary roughness (striking, butting, elbowing)
- Stalling or refusing to start wrestling when directed by the referee
- False start at the beginning of a period or after a stoppage
- Intentionally stepping out of bounds to disrupt the opponent's attack
7.2 Greco-Roman Specific Violations
In Greco-Roman wrestling, additional violations apply due to the upper-body-only restriction:
- Any leg attack (single-leg, double-leg) results in a caution and 1–2 points to the opponent
- Using the legs to hook, trip, or block the opponent, even defensively
- Holding below the waist or gripping the opponent's thighs or legs
- Scissoring the opponent's body, legs, or head with the legs (body scissors are prohibited)
These violations are called immediately, and the action is stopped. The offending wrestler receives a caution, and the opponent is awarded points and may be given a choice of position.
7.3 Brutality and Disqualification
Actions deemed brutal or dangerous carry more severe penalties:
- Caution and 2 points: A throw executed with intent to injure, slamming the opponent headfirst into the mat, or any technique performed with excessive and unnecessary force beyond what is required for the hold.
- Immediate disqualification: Intentional head-butting, biting, scratching, or striking. Unsportsmanlike conduct toward officials. Any action deemed to endanger the life or physical integrity of the opponent.
- Post-match sanctions: UWW may impose additional sanctions including suspension from future competitions, fines, and ranking point deductions for serious misconduct.
7.4 Passivity Penalties
While not a formal caution, passivity calls carry tangible consequences. A wrestler deemed passive receives a passivity mark, and their opponent is awarded 1 point. In Greco-Roman, the active wrestler additionally receives the advantageous par terre (top) position. Repeated passivity in a match can contribute to an unfavorable criteria position in case of a tied score, as it reflects negatively on the wrestler's initiative.
7.5 Coach Conduct
Coaches must remain seated in their designated chair at matside and may only communicate verbally with their wrestler. A coach who stands, enters the mat area, physically interferes, or directs abusive language at officials may be ejected from the competition area. The wrestler is not penalized for coach misconduct unless the coach's actions physically disrupt the match.