Understanding the Rules of Real American Freestyle Wrestling

If you’re new to Real American Freestyle or it’s been a while since you’ve brushed up on the finer points of freestyle wrestling, we’ve got you covered. Wrestling is a sport built on toughness, grit, and technique, but it’s also a sport with its own language and rules. Knowing how matches are structured, how scoring works and how a bout can end will help you follow every moment of the action at RAF01 in Cleveland on August 30.

Match Structure

At RAF, matches consist of three periods of two minutes each. Wrestlers get a brief 30-second break between periods to reset. The wrestler with the highest score at the end of regulation is declared the winner.

If the match ends in a tie, the winner is determined by criteria—specifically, the wrestler who scored the last point. You’ll notice on the scoreboard that the wrestler leading on criteria will have their score underlined. It’s a small but important detail that can determine the outcome of a bout.

Another unique wrinkle is the challenge system. If a wrestler believes a scoring decision was incorrect, they can challenge. Officials will review the video. If the call is overturned, the score is adjusted and the wrestler retains the right to challenge again later. If the call is upheld, the wrestler loses the ability to challenge for the rest of the match and their opponent is awarded a point. This system ensures fairness, but also adds a layer of strategy.

Scoring Basics

• Wrestling rewards action, and in freestyle, there are multiple ways to put points on the board:
• Takedown (2 points): Bringing your opponent down to the mat and controlling them.
• Stepout (1 point): Forcing your opponent completely out of bounds.
• Exposure from Standing (4–5 points): Executing a throw from standing that exposes your opponent’s back. The more amplitude, the more points.
• Exposure from the Ground (2 points): Turning an opponent from par terre and exposing their back.
• Reversal (1 point): Going from bottom to top position.
• Shot Clock (1 point): If a wrestler is too passive, they’re put on a 30-second clock. Fail to score, and the opponent gets a point.
• Caution (1 point): Awarded to the opponent when a wrestler commits infractions such as fleeing, unsportsmanlike behavior, or repeated injury timeouts.

These rules are designed to keep matches moving, encourage aggressive offense, and penalize stalling.

How Matches End

While many matches will be decided by points, there are other ways a bout can end early:

• Fall (Pin): If one wrestler holds both of their opponent’s shoulders to the mat, the match ends immediately.
• Technical Fall: If a wrestler gains a 10-point lead, the match is stopped. This prevents mismatches from dragging out and rewards dominant performances.
• Disqualification: This can result from repeated infractions (three cautions), successive injury stoppages, or blatant unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Injury Time: Each wrestler is allowed one injury timeout without penalty. A second timeout costs a caution and one point. A third results in disqualification.

Why These Rules Matter

For fans, understanding the rules helps you appreciate the strategy and intensity that makes freestyle wrestling so exciting. Every move has consequences: a risky throw can score big or backfire, a passive stance can hand your opponent a point, and a single step out of bounds can swing the criteria in a tied match.

For athletes, the structure ensures matches are fast-paced and unforgiving. You have six minutes to make your mark, and every second counts.

What to Watch For at RAF01

When you tune in to RAF01, keep an eye on:

• Big throws: They can change a match instantly with 4 or 5 points.
• Shot clocks: These often decide close matches and reward the more aggressive wrestler.
• Challenges: A single overturned call can flip momentum completely.
• Criteria: In a tied match, the last score is everything.

Real American Freestyle is designed to showcase the purity and drama of wrestling at the highest level. With clear rules, action-oriented scoring and definitive endings, every match promises intensity from start to finish.

So whether you’re a lifelong fan or brand new to the sport, now you’ll know exactly what you’re watching when the best in the world step onto the mat in Cleveland.