In a dual meet, each bout awards team points to the winner: typically 6 for a fall, forfeit or default, 5 for a technical fall, 4 for a major decision and 3 for a decision. In tournaments, teams earn advancement points for each win, bonus points for pins and big wins, and placement points for finishing high in the bracket.
Dual meet team points (typical)
| Result | Team points |
|---|---|
| Fall, forfeit, default, disqualification | 6 |
| Technical fall | 5 (check your rulebook for variations) |
| Major decision | 4 |
| Decision | 3 |
| Unsportsmanlike conduct | Deduction of team points |
Tournament team scoring
- Advancement points for each win, higher in the championship bracket than consolation.
- Bonus points for falls, technical falls and major decisions.
- Placement points for top finishers.
- Byes may earn advancement points if the wrestler wins the next match.
- Exact values vary by rulebook and tournament.
Rules reference: NFHS Wrestling Rules Book (US high school), NCAA Wrestling Rules (US college) and United World Wrestling rules (freestyle and Greco-Roman). Scoring values differ between these codes.
Frequently asked questions
Who wins a dual meet tie?
Tiebreakers include criteria such as most falls or most match points, depending on the rulebook.
Why do bonus points matter in tournaments?
They often decide close team races.
Do forfeits count the same as falls?
In dual meets, forfeits usually earn the same team points as falls.
