Wrestling Rules Changes 2025-2026

[Alum-Ni]

NFHS rules changes for the 2025-2026 wrestling season

Modified an optional random draw (1-2-2) - This changes aligns with flexibility and allowing states to choose how to determine the starting weight for dual meets. They have the option to start duals at the lowest weight class and proceed sequentially or the random draw of weight classes

Modified how the school name and other associated school marks can be applied on the uniform (4-1-2) - This is a universal rule change approved for all NFHS rules publications. School name, nickname, logo and mascot, and weight classification and/or wrestler's name are permitted on the uniform top and/or bottom, effective 2027.

Modified the restriction on leg sleeve(s) (4-3-5) - This change permits wrestlers to wear a leg sleeve without the built-in pad

Clarified how a Technical Fall is scored (5-11-2c, 5-11-4) - This rule change defines when a technical fall shall be awarded and eliminates any confusion between a pinning situation and near-fall criteria. This rule change will also clarify when a match shall be stopped to award the technical fall. By adding the near fall to this rule it will make the near fall consistent with the takedown or reversal that creates the 15-point advantage.

Modified an illegal hold/maneuver (7-1-5n) - This rule change seeks to clarify language regarding the leg block or "cut-back." When applied, the hold/maneuver can cause significant injury to the defensive wrestler's lower extremities.

Modified use of an illegal hold/maneuver (7-3-3) - Locking hands and including a leg in the clasp around the trunk of the body is the same as locking hands with an arm included.

Clarified some Official Signals (Official Wrestling Signals) - Deleted one of the signals for the Referee's Time-Out and adjusted two other signals (No Control and Near Fall)

 

[Alum-Ni]

Wrestling Rules Interpretations: 2025-2026

Situation 1
Wrestler A from the neutral position uses a bear hug that places Wrestler B on their back. After the referee reaches a 3-point near-fall count, Wrestler B gets out of near-fall criteria. How long can Wrestler A keep their hands locked around Wrestler B's body before a technical violation of locked hands occurs? RULING: Once Wrestler B is no longer in near-fall criteria, Wrestler A cannot maintain the locked hands beyond reaction time (7-3-3)

Situation 2
In a dual meet, who determines if competition will occur using random draw of weights or lowest weight to heaviest? RULING: The host school is responsible for weigh-in procedures (4-5-3)

Situation 3
Can a wrestler have their nickname "Frank the Tank" appear on their competition uniform? RULING: No, a wrestler's nickname is not authorized on a school uniform (4-1-2)

Situation 4
Can a wrestler compete wearing a leg sleeve that doesn't contain padding? RULING: Yes, padding is not required for a leg sleeve. (4-3-5)

Situation 5
The match score is Wrestler B, 13 points, Wrestler A, 2 points. Wrestler B has placed Wrestler A in near-fall criteria and earned four near-fall points. Wrestler A is successful in coming out of near-fall criteria, but Wrestler B maintains the same pinning hold (situation). When should the referee stop the match? RULING: The referee shall stop the match once near-fall criteria are no longer met if the points earned create a 15-point advantage. (5-11-2c).

Situation 6
During a dual meet, Team A coach requests a conference with the referee at the scorer's table. The coach believes the score is incorrect and asks the referee to confirm. The referee reviews the score with the scorer and confirms the score is correct. Should the Team A coach be penalized for misconduct? RULING: No, Team A coach didn't request a conference regarding a misapplication of a rule or to question the referee's judgment. (7-5-4)

Situation 7
During a match, Team A coach requests a conference with the referee at the scorer's table. The Team A coach questions why the referee penalized a Team A wrestler for stalling. The referee gives the Team A coach an explanation and penalizes the coach for misconduct. Should the Team A coach be penalized for misconduct? RULING: Yes, if the coach questions judgment or misapplication of the rule and the referee doesn't change the call the coach will be penalized. (7-5-4)

Situation 8
During a takedown, Wrestler A indicates to the referee that they are injured. Can the referee award takedown points to Wrestler B? RULING: Yes, if the referee believes the injury occurred during an imminent-scoring situation (8-2-9)

Situation 9
What is the penalty for a coach who moves toward the mat during a non-charged time out? RULING: The coach will be penalized with unsportsmanlike conduct for violation of the bench-decorum rule (7-5-2)

Situation 10
What is the penalty for a wrestler who strikes or elbows an opponent? RULING: The penalty is flagrant misconduct (5-12-2b)

Situation 11
When is pulling an opponent's hair not considered unnecessary roughness? RULING: When the hair is caught in a legal maneuver. (5-29-1)

Situation 12
Are head coaches and captains required to meet with the referee? RULING: Yes, coaches and captains are required to meet before the dual meet begins.

Situation 13
Are coaches allowed to address the assistant referee? RULING: No, coaches are not permitted to address the assistant referee, and the assistant referee is not allowed to address the coaches (3-2-2i)

Situation 14
Can a wrestler wear a long-sleeve form-fitted compression shirt as part of their uniform? RULING: No, unless permission has been granted by the state association as part of Rule 1-1-2 (4-1-1c)

Situation 15
Are socks considered special equipment or part of the uniform? RULING: Socks are considered special equipment (4-3-1a)

Situation 16
Can a wrestler compete in a form-fitted compression and form-fitted tights only? RULING: No, the tights must be worn under a one-piece singlet or compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling. (4-1-1b)

Situation 17
Can an electronic device that enables communication between coach and wrestler be worn under the ear guards? RULING: No, electronic devices are not permitted, unless permission has been granted by the state association as part of Rule 1-1-2 (4-3-6)

Situation 18
Are referees allowed to review video to make decisions related to the match? RULING: No, the referee cannot use TV monitoring, replay or other video equipment during the match (3-1-9)

Situation 19
Is the school's name, school logo or school mascot on the uniform restricted to size limitation of the manufacturer's logo/trademark/reference? RULING: No, there are no size restrictions for school name, school nickname, school logo or school mascot. (4-1-2)

Situation 20
Is the American flag the only flag allowed on a school uniform? RULING: Yes, no other flag is allowed on the competition uniform (4-1-2). Along the same theme, can a special patch be worn on the competition uniform? RULING: Yes, only if approved by the state association (4-1-2)