Legal Moves:
* Takedowns: These are the core of wrestling, aiming to bring your opponent to the mat from a standing position. Examples include:
* Single leg takedowns
* Double leg takedowns
* High crotch takedowns
* Ankle picks
* Spladle
* Penetration steps
* Throws (such as hip throws, fireman's carry, etc., but with proper execution to avoid illegal techniques)
* Escapes: Getting away from your opponent's control on the mat.
* Reversals: Turning a defensive position into an offensive one.
* Pinning Combinations: Sequences of moves designed to secure a pin (a win by holding your opponent's shoulders flat to the mat for a set period).
* Near Falls: Positions that are close to a pin, earning points.
* Stalls: While *excessive* stalling is illegal (leading to penalties), a certain amount of strategic holding or controlling is permitted.
Illegal Moves:
These are generally categorized by their intent to injure or their violation of the rules of sportsmanship and fair play. Penalties can range from cautions to disqualification.
* Illegal Holds: These restrict an opponent's movement in an unfair manner. Examples include:
* Illegal Slams: Throwing your opponent to the mat in a dangerous way (without control).
* Headlocks (most variations): While certain controlled headlocks might be allowed in some situations, many are illegal due to the risk of neck injury.
* Toe holds: Grabbing and manipulating the toes or feet in a way that could cause injury.
* Hair pulling: Obvious and strictly forbidden.
* Neck holds (generally): Any hold that puts significant pressure or restricts the neck.
* Guillotine choke: A particularly dangerous neck hold.
* Holding the groin: Intentional or not, it's illegal.
* Illegal Attacks: These moves target vulnerable areas or use excessive force:
* Biting: Severe penalty, often disqualification.
* Kicking: Kicking your opponent during the match (unless it's an incidental contact during a legal move).
* Punching: Obvious and forbidden.
* Spiking (slamming head first): A very dangerous and illegal move.
* Kneeing: Generally illegal unless part of a legal takedown technique.
* Elbowing: Generally illegal.
* Flagrant Fouls: These are serious offenses with harsh penalties, often resulting in disqualification. Examples include:
* Intentional attempts to injure your opponent.
* Unnecessary roughness or excessive force.
* Repeated violations of the rules.
* Unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., taunting, arguing with the referee).
* Stalling (Excessive): If a wrestler is deemed to be deliberately avoiding engagement or wrestling passively, the referee will penalize them.
Important Note: The legality of certain moves can depend on the specific execution. A move that's legal when performed correctly can become illegal if it's done aggressively, carelessly, or with the intent to cause harm. Referees are responsible for interpreting the rules and deciding whether a move is legal or illegal based on the situation. Always refer to your state's high school wrestling rulebook for the most accurate and up-to-date information.