Practice Rules
Practice will run from 3:30 – 6:00 Monday thru Friday @ Church Hill Middle School. When school is closed due to inclement
weather; unless notified, practice will run 2 – 2 ½ hours, and will be announced. Practice and competitions will also be held during
Christmas break.
If a wrestler is going to be absent on any occasion, the wrestler must notify Coach Solomon explaining why before the practice
begins. I will check my messages before every practice (423-588-0389). So by the time practice begins everyone will be accounted
for. If you know that you will miss practice for an appointment or family function, you must contact the coaching staff in advance.
Any practice missed without notification is an unexcused absence resulting in either extra conditioning or loss of competition.
Repeated excused or unexcused absences could result in dismissal from team.
If you are injured, you are still required to attend practice, dress for practice and do what you can or deemed you can. If your injury
is so severe that you can’t practice, you still need to attend practice.
Competition Rules
1. All wrestlers will remain absolutely silent on the mat with the exception of three words: “Yes”, “No” and “Sir”. The referee is to
be addressed as “Sir” at all times (not “Ref”, “Blue”, etc.). There is no leniency concerning this rule. Break it, and the coach will
instantly forfeit your match.
2. You must shake your opponents hand before and after every match and the opposing coach’s hand, win or lose. No exceptions.
3. Your headgear will remain on and secured until you step off the mat. Your singlet straps must stay up till you are behind the
bench. Again, there are no exceptions.
4. Any show of disrespect to the opponent or spectators will result in an immediate forfeit of the match and expulsion from the
team.
5. All wrestlers are expected to be ready to compete on a weekly basis. If you will not be able to attend a meet, you must let the
coaches know TWO DAYS prior to the meet. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
6. On competition days, competing wrestlers will meet at the Church Hill Middle School at a pre-arranged time. Students will be
encouraged to call home an hour before the team leaves the competition site. No one is to leave the sight of competition until the
last eligible wrestler is done competing.
General Conduct
All wrestlers will conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times:
1. No swearing or degrading teammates or opponents.
2. No clothing that includes profanity or images deeming to be lacking class in any way. This also includes “sagging” where
underwear is showing.
3. Any activity which could damage the reputation of the school and/or the wrestling program will not be permitted. Engaging in
such activities will result in immediate suspension or expulsion from the team.
Line-up Determination
The varsity line-up is determined by wrestle-offs. Wrestle-off eligibility is determined by the coaching staff. We will limit wrestleoffs to no more than once a week prior to that week’s competition. To be eligible to compete for a varsity position, wrestlers must
complete the following requirements: (1) be academically eligible, (2) Participate in practice the day of and the day before wrestleoffs. The coaching staff reserves the right to change or amend the team selection process. The staff also reserves the right to pull an
individual from the lineup in spite of wrestle-off results. Reasons for doing so would include (but not be limited to) such things as
discipline, ineffectiveness, lack of effort, or not making weight. The coaching staff also reserves the right to remove an athlete from
the team for either blatant defiance of team rules, or behavior determined to be detrimental to the team environment.
This list of rules must be followed by each team member. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Description of High School/Middle School Wrestling
Objectives:
The primary objective in a wrestling match is to pin the opponent. A scoring system is used in order to determine the winner in case
a pin does not occur. Either shoulders, or both scapulae (shoulder blades), are held to the mat for two consecutive seconds for a pin
or fall to occur.
Length and Conduct of a Match:
There are three periods (rounds), two minutes in length, unless there is a pin (fall) or technical fall (scoring a 15 point differential),
which terminates the match.
The first period (round) begins with both wrestlers in a neutral (standing) position. The immediate objective is to take one's
opponent to the mat and gain control.
The second period begins with one wrestler getting his choice of starting positions. He can select the top or bottom or the "referee's
position." He can choose the neutral position where both wrestlers are on their feet, or he can defer his choice of starting position to
the third period.
The referee's position has one man on his hands and knees (bottom or defensive man) with the other wrestler grasping the bottom
man from the side and behind (top or offensive wrestler). Both wrestlers must work to improve their position. The top man
attempts to "break down" the bottom man and apply a pin hold. The bottom man works to escape or reverse positions.
The third period begins with the other wrestler getting his choice of top, bottom, or neutral positions.
One variation which is available to the wrestler who chooses the top position is to utilize the "optional" starting position. For this
position, the top man can stand on both feet and place both hands in the middle of the back of the bottom man.
Appearance:
Contestants will be clean-shaven (there can be a neatly trimmed mustache), sideburns trimmed no longer than the ear lobe level
and hair trimmed and well groomed. Because of the body contact involved, this rule has been approved in the interest of health,
sanitation, and safety measures. The hair in the back will not extend below the top of an ordinary shirt collar and on the sides; the
hair will not extend below ear lobe level.
Terminology:
Takedown - Bringing an opponent from a neutral position of the mat and gaining control. The supporting points of either wrestler
must be within the wrestling area (2 points).
Reversal - A reversal occurs when the defensive wrestler (bottom man) gains control of the offensive wrestler while the supporting
points of either wrestler are within the wrestling area (2 points).
Escape - An escape occurs when the defensive wrestler (bottom man) gains a neutral position while the supporting points of either
wrestler are within the wrestling area (1 point).
Neutral Position - A neutral position is one in which neither wrestler has control.
Position or advantage - A position of advantage is a position in which a contestant is in control and maintaining restraining power
over his opponent.
Near-fall - A near-fall is a position in which the offensive wrestler has control of his opponent in a pinning situation with:
1. Both shoulders or both scapulae of the defensive wrestler held momentarily (stopped) within four (4) inches of the mat or less, or
when one shoulder or scapula of the defensive wrestler is touching the mat and the other shoulder or scapula is held at an angle of
45 degrees or less with the mat; or when the defensive wrestler is held in a high bridge or on both elbows. If held for 2 - 4
seconds, two points will be awarded. A continuous roll-through is not to be considered a near-fall.
2. For near-fall situations that have been held uninterrupted for five seconds, three points will be awarded. A visual hand count is to
be used in determining the near fall count. A near-fall is ended when the defensive wrestler gets out of the pinning situation and the
offensive wrestler releases the pinning combination or moves to a new attack, regardless of the number of times the offensive
wrestler placed the defensive wrestler in a near-fall position during the pinning situation.
3. Only the wrestler with the advantage, who has his opponent in a pinning situation, may score a near-fall. When the defensive
wrestler placed himself in a precarious situation during the attempted escape or reversal, a near-fall will not be scored unless the
offensive wrestler has control of his opponent in a pinning situation beyond the normal reaction time.
Referee's Position
"Defensive Wrestler" (bottom) - A stationary position at the center of the mat in which the defensive wrestler is on his hands and
knees facing away from the timers' table. He must keep both knees on the mat in contact with the rear starting line. The heels of
both hands must be on the mat in front of the forward starting line. The elbows will not touch the mat.
"Offensive Wrestler" (top) - the offensive wrestler; will be on the right or left side of his opponent with at least one knee on the mat
and his head on the mid-line of his opponent's back. The near arm (right or left) is placed loosely around the defensive player's naval
and the palm of the other hand (left or right) placed on the back of the near elbow). One knee or foot may be placed on the mat to
the outside of the near leg, not touching the defensive wrestler and a knee or foot may be placed in back of the defensive wrestler's
feet. However, one knee must be touching the mat.
INDIVIDUAL SCORING
Takedown- 2 points
Reversal- 2 points
Escape- 1 point
Near-fall- 2 or 3 points
TEAM SCORING
Pin (fall)- 6 points
Technical Fall- 5 points (When there is a 15 point scoring differential.)
Major Decision- 4 points
Decision- 3 points
Forfeit- 6 points
Disqualification- 6 points
Default- 6 points
Individual Match Scoring:
1. Two points for "Take Down" - bringing opponent to the mat from a standing position.
2. One point for escaping from defensive position on the mat.
3. Two points for "Reversal of Position" from defensive position on mat.
4. Two or three points for a "Near-Fall," a situation in which the offensive wrestler has control of his opponent and a fall is imminent.
5. A pin ends the match. A technical fall ends the match, if the 15-point margin is reached with a pinning situation; the opportunity is
given to continue for a fall.
Infractions and Penalties
Illegal holds - Any fair hold, lock or grip is allowed, except the hammerlock above a right angle; chokeholds; Full Nelson; toe holds;
body slams; or any hold used for punishment alone. Illegal holds will be stopped immediately and penalized with a point going to the
victim. The penalties progress in the following manner:
1st offense - 1 point
2nd offense - 1 point
3rd offense - 2 points
4th offense - disqualification
Technical Violations
• Locking hands - Wrestler in a position of advantage may not interlock or overlap his hands, fingers or arms around his opponent's
body or both legs unless his opponent has all of his weight supported entirely on his feet or he has him in a pinning situation.
• Assuming an incorrect starting position or making a false start.
• Intentionally going out of the wrestling area or forcing an opponent out of the wrestling area (fleeing the mat).
• Leaving the mat - Without first receiving permission to do so from the referee.
• Grasping clothing - Grasping of clothing, mat or headgear by a contestant is prohibited, and any advantage thereby shall be
nullified.
• Reporting to the mat not properly equipped, ready to wrestle or any equipment that is detected as being illegal after the match
has started.
• Applying the figure 4 around the head from a neutral position.
High School Weight Classes: 106 pounds; 113 pounds; 120 pounds; 126 pounds; 132pounds; 138 pounds; 140 pounds; 145 pounds;
152 pounds; 160 pounds; 170 pounds; 182 pounds; 220 pounds; and heavyweight (285). The heavyweight class has a maximum of
285 pounds.
Middle School Weight Classes: 76 pounds, 83 pounds, 91 pounds, 99 pounds, 106 pounds, 113 pounds, 119 pounds, 125 pounds,
131 pounds, 141 pounds, 151 pounds, 165 pounds, 185 pounds, 225 pounds, and heavyweight (250). The heavyweight class has a
maximum of 250 pounds.
Girls’ High School Weight Classes: 105 pounds, 112 pounds, 120 pounds, 125 pounds, 130 pounds, 138 pounds, 148 pounds, 155
pounds, 165 pounds, 185 pounds.
Reasons for your Student to join Wrestling
Wrestling is a(n):
Individual Sport - Since a wrestler succeeds or fails solely on his own efforts on the mat, the sport is a prime developer of fighting
spirit, tenacity in the face of adversity, and self-reliance. His mistakes cannot be covered up by teammates and the coach cannot
make decisions for him.
Team Sport - it takes the whole squad--every participant working at his utmost potential and each member supporting one another-to win important dual meets and the big tournaments.
Demanding Sport - Wrestling's vigorous demands require top physical conditioning and result in the development of better
coordination and greater muscle strength. As a result wrestling is a great sport for football players and cross-country runners who
want to stay in shape during the off-season.
Safe Sport - Wrestling is one of the safest sports one can participate in. Over 95% of the injuries are slight muscle pulls. There are
three reasons for this safety record:
1) It is the only sport that takes place on a 1-1/2 inch thick, foam rubber mat.
2) There is one referee for just two participants of a match and the referee's first responsibility is to ensure the safety of the two
wrestlers.
3) The rules and regulations of wrestling are written with the safety of the wrestlers taking paramount importance. Among the rules
are: no biting, punching, or grabbing of clothes; the body slam, full nelson, hammerlock and grabbing of less than four fingers are all
illegal.
Sport for Everyone - It's the only sport where participants of all shapes and sizes compete against other competitors of equal
weight. Where else can someone of 100 pounds win a championship in a contact sport on a varsity level?
What It Takes To Be A Wrestler?
Being a wrestler does not imply merely wearing the uniform and being just a member of the team. There are many more important
phases to think about if you want to be a winner, not only in wrestling, but in life as well. We want to impress you with the
importance of the following qualities, absolutely necessary for every good athlete.
1. ARE YOU COACHABLE? Can you take coaching? Can you take criticism without ever looking for an excuse? Do you think you know
it all? Will you always do your best to improve?
2. ARE YOU INTENSE? Do you want to win with a passion - never taking "no" for an answer when there is a job to be done? Does it
bother you to lose?
3. ARE YOU WILLING TO PRACTICE? - not just show up and putting in the necessary time, but working every day with the same
determination you use during a match? Do you have two speeds - a practice speed and a meet speed? The great athletes of the past
were the ones who had one speed, and it was the same every day, every practice, every match. If you loaf or cheat in practice, you
will loaf or cheat in a match.
4. ARE YOU WILLING TO MAKE SACRIFICES? Conditioning to compete is not fun. It is not easy. Training is exacting; the responsibility
is heavy. It includes personal denials in order to remain in tiptop condition, but it has rewards. The only way for you to remain in
good shape is never to get out of it.
5. DO YOU HAVE A DESIRE TO IMPROVE? Are you willing to practice the things you cannot do three times longer than the things you
can do? Are you willing to put in long grinding hours, concentrating on a skill until you have perfected it? Are you eager to work so
diligently at the skills you lack that they eventually become your strongest asset?
THE COACHING STAFF
SCOTT SOLOMON (HEAD COACH)
JIM WHALEN (ATHLETIC DIRECTOR)
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
NOV. 16
ERIK WAAGE TAKEDOWN TOURNAMENT
SCIENCE HILL
TBA
NOV. 23
DUMPLIN VALLEY DUALS
JEFFERSON CO.
7:00/9:00 AM
NOV. 25
SEVIER CO./COCKE CO.
COCKE CO.
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 3
MORRISTOWN WEST/CROCKETT
VOLUNTEER
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 5
JOHN BATTLE/SCIENCE HILL
SCIENCE HILL
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 9
SULLIVAN SOUTH
SULLIVAN SOUTH
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 10
TN HIGH/CROCKETT (1LB)
DAVY CROCKETT
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 12
ELIZABETHTON
ELIZABETHTON
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 17
SULLIVAN EAST/EASTSIDE/LEE HIGH
VOLUNTEER
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 20&21
BOBBY BATES CLASSIC
UVA WISE
TBA
JAN. 4
GREENEVILLE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
HAL HENARD ES
TBA
JAN. 7
DOBYNS-BENNETT
DOBYNS-BENNETT
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 9
JEFFERSON CO.
JEFFERSON CO.
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 14
GREENEVILLE
CHURCH HILL MS
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 16
MORRISTOWN EAST AND WEST
MORRISTOWN WEST
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 18
EASTSIDE DUALS
EASTSIDE
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 21
REGION 1 DUALS
MORRISTOWN WEST
TBA
JAN. 23
DOBYNS-BENNETT
VOLUNTEER
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 24
REGION 1 JV TOURNAMENT
TBA
TBA
JAN. 31 & FEB 1
TSSAA STATE DUALS
FRANKLIN, TN
TBA
FEB. 8
REGION 1 INDIVIDUALS
MORRISOTWN WEST
TBA
FEB. 13-15
TSSAA STATE INDIVIDUALS
FRANKLIN, TN
TBA

1ST TIME IS WEIGH-INS AND 2ND TIME IS WRESTLING
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
NOV. 25
SEVIER CO.
COCKE CO.
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 5
LIBERTY BELL
SCIENCE HILL
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 12
TA DUGGAR
ELIZABETHTON
5:30/6:30 PM
DEC. 14
PANTHER DUALS
CHURCH HILL
JAN. 7
ROBINSON, SEVIER, VANCE
DOBYNS-BENNETT
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 9
JEFFERSON MIDDLE
JEFFERSON CO.
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 14
GREENEVILLE
CHURCH HILL
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN. 23
ROBINSON/SEVIER
VOLUNTEER
5:30/6:30 PM
JAN.25
GREENEVILLE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
HAL HENARD
TBA

1ST TIME IS WEIGH-INS AND 2ND TIME IS WRESTLING
8:00/10:00 AM