An Overview of Collegiate Wrestling
Rules and Weight Classes for Boys and Girls Amateur Wrestling
Aug 30, 2009
Collegiate wrestling, similar to freestyle, is a style of amateur wrestling but is not seen in the Olympics. In Collegiate wrestling, the wrestlers use their legs as much (if not more) than their arms. Collegiate wrestling is available to both men and women (unlike Greco-Roman). Just like all styles of wrestling, the best way to win is with a pin; however there are more rules in order protect the wrestlers from injuries. (Find out more about Greco-Roman and Freestyle.)
Men's Weight Classes (High School)
There are 14 weight classes for males at the high school level.
- 0-103 lbs
- 103-112 lbs
- 112-119 lbs
- 125-130 lbs
- 130-135 lbs
- 135-140 lbs
- 140-145 lbs
- 145-152 lbs
- 152-160 lbs
- 160-171 lbs
- 171-180 lbs
- 180-189 lbs
- 189-215 lbs
- 215-275 lbs
Men's Weight Classes (College)
At the college level, there are only 11 weight classes for males.
- 0-125 lbs
- 125-133 lbs
- 133-141 lbs
- 141-149 lbs
- 149-157 lbs
- 157-165 lbs
- 165-174 lbs
- 174-184 lbs
- 184-197 lbs
- 197-235 lbs
- 235-285 lbs
Women's Weight Classes (High School)
There are less weight classes for women than males because there are less competitors; weight classes vary based upon state. At the high school level (in Texas), females have only ten weight brackets.
- 0-95 lbs
- 95-102 lbs
- 102-110 lbs
- 110-119 lbs
- 119-128 lbs
- 128-138 lbs
- 138-148 lbs
- 148-165 lbs
- 165-185 lbs
- 185-215 lbs
Women's Weight Classes (College)
At the college level, there are still ten weight brackets, but the weights are different than those at the high school level.
- 0-125 lbs
- 125-133 lbs
- 133-141 lbs
- 141-149 lbs
- 149-157 lbs
- 157-165 lbs
- 165-174 lbs
- 174-184 lbs
- 184-197 lbs
- 197-235 lbs
- 235-285 lbs
Earning Points
Points are often as used as a last resort in wrestling to determine a win if neither competitor pins the other. Points are rewarded for take-downs, near-falls, escapes, and reversals. A "take-down" is when a wrestler takes the other down to the mat and their hips are above the others. If the person underneath manages to get back onto his feet and their hips away from the other, then they earn points for an "escape". If, when they are attempting to get out, manage to get their hips on top of the others, they earn points for a "reversal." A “near-fall” is determined by the referee if a wrestler holds their opponent’s shoulders to the mat (at a qualifying angle) but not long enough for a qualifying pin time. The referee determines when a near-fall is in place and how many points are awarded. Penalty points can also be awarded to the other wrestler.
Illegal Holds
A wrestler cannot lock their hands around their opponent if the opponent is on the mat (not standing). If the angle of one of the wrestler's arm-to-shoulder is deemed dangerous, the referee can issue a warning. Full-Nelsons are illegal (both arms under the armpits and hands on the head/neck).
Match Length
Lengths of matches also vary between college and high school levels. In college, the match lasts for seven minutes: the first period is three minutes while the second and third are two minutes. In high school, there are three two minute periods, for a total of six minutes. In “exhibition” and junior varsity matches, at the High School level, judges may choose to shorten the periods (for example: one one-minute period followed by two two-minute periods).
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