New Down Position Starting Procedure
by Bart Thompson

TO: All Wrestling Referees

FROM: Bart Thompson, Assistant Director, UHSAA

It has come to the attention of the UHSAA that the procedure described in the NFHS Wrestling Case Book and Manual for starting wrestlers in the down position is not being used by some officials. It is important for fairness for each of the wrestlers in the state and nation that starting procedures be consistent. The procedure described on pages 73 and 74 of the NFHS Case Book and Manual is the procedure to be followed in all cases. Fairness demands consistency from official to official. The procedure is not optional. Pages 73 and 74 state:

“When the wrestlers start from the down position, the referee will first get the wrestlers set. Once the top wrestler has become set, the referee will give a verbal command “Set” notifying both wrestlers that there is proper starting position of the top wrestler before blowing the whistle. Next, establish eye contact with the scorer’s table and then give a hand signal as the whistle sounds and then directs full attention to the wrestlers. The referee is to make certain that no one gets in a hurry and gains an advantage over the opponent. The referee needs to encourage wrestlers to wait for the whistle. It is extremely important that wrestlers reach a stationary position prior to the referee starting the match.

The defensive wrestler must first obtain a legal position and then the offensive wrestler is to assume a legal position. The offensive wrestler must first set his/her knees and feet; then place the palm of one hand on the opponent’s navel; then place the head on or above the mid-line of the back of the opponent’s back; then place the palm of the other hand on or over the back of the opponent’s near elbow; both wrestlers shall become stationary; and the referee will give a verbal command “Set” notifying both wrestlers that there is proper starting position of the top wrestler before starting the match.”

This procedure was reviewed in the rules clinics at the beginning of the season with both referees and coaches. We have positive reports from the many areas in and out of the state where it is being used. It will take some time and effort to change long established habits, both by referees and by wrestlers. Referees initially should be willing to charge a false start to them selves if a wrestler starts on the “Set” command for the top wrestler. Where the “Set” command for the top wrestler has been used, it has been effective in promoting fair starts. Good judgment in promoting fairness will allow for the honest mistake during the learning period without allowing for abuse.