Wrestling may seem straightforward in its objective—to gain control over an opponent—but it is a highly regulated sport, governed by a specific set of rules that ensure fair play, safety, and the integrity of competition. While the core principles are similar across various wrestling styles, each discipline has its own distinct rules and regulations.
Who Sets the Rules?
The rules for competitive wrestling are established by United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for the sport. UWW regularly reviews and updates these rules to reflect the evolving nature of wrestling and to prioritise athlete safety. The organisation’s guidelines ensure that competitions worldwide are conducted fairly and consistently.
Understanding the Rules
The rules of wrestling serve as the foundation for competitive matches, defining the legal and illegal techniques, the scoring systems, and the procedures for determining a winner. By outlining these details, wrestling’s rules create a framework for fair play and ensure that athletes compete under equal conditions.
Official Rules
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the specific rules for each wrestling style, please refer to the official UWW rulebooks for the following:
Knowing the rules of wrestling adds to the fun and makes the sport more exciting for everyone—athletes, coaches, and fans alike! These rules help us understand the sport's strategy and technical skills, which makes wrestling enjoyable for all.