The referee’s position is the kneeling start used in folkstyle (high school and college) wrestling. One wrestler sets up on hands and knees in the center of the mat, the other takes a controlling position on top, and the match restarts on the whistle. It is used to start the second and third periods and to restart after the wrestlers go out of bounds while one is in control. Knowing the exact setup matters, because small mistakes lead to cautions and penalty points.
When is referee’s position used?
- Start of the second and third periods, when a wrestler chooses top or bottom.
- Restarts after out of bounds or a stoppage when one wrestler had control.
- After certain penalties, such as a third stalling call in high school, when the opponent may choose the starting position.
Bottom (defensive) wrestler setup
- Stationary on hands and knees in the center of the mat.
- Both knees on the mat, even with or behind the rear starting line.
- Hands flat on the mat in front of the front starting line.
- No movement until the whistle. Moving early is a false start.
Top (offensive) wrestler setup
In the standard top position, the offensive wrestler kneels beside the opponent on either side:
- At least one knee on the mat, on the side of the opponent.
- Head on or above the midline of the opponent’s back.
- Near arm wrapped loosely around the opponent’s waist, with the palm resting loosely over the navel.
- Other hand on or over the back of the opponent’s near elbow.
- Legs and feet not touching the bottom wrestler.
The optional start
Instead of the standard setup, the top wrestler may choose an optional start, which signals that they plan to let the bottom wrestler up or ride without the standard grip.
- College (NCAA): the top wrestler can set up on either side or behind, with weight on both feet, one knee or both knees, and only the hands touching the opponent.
- High school (NFHS): the top wrestler places both hands on the middle of the opponent’s back with thumbs touching, and the referee tells the bottom wrestler that an optional start is being used.
How the start works
The referee checks both positions and starts the match with the whistle. For 2025-26, NCAA referees no longer say “Set” before the whistle in any starting position, so wrestlers react to the whistle alone. Anticipating the whistle is a false start.
Choosing top, bottom, neutral or defer
At the start of the second period, the wrestler who wins the coin toss (or disk flip) chooses top, bottom or neutral, or defers the choice to the third period. The other wrestler gets the choice in the next period. Good choices depend on your strengths: strong riders take top, wrestlers with a reliable escape often take bottom for a quick point, and strong takedown wrestlers may choose neutral.
Common violations and penalties
- False start: moving before the whistle.
- Incorrect starting position: for example, top wrestler’s head below the midline or knees in the wrong place.
- Penalties: in high school, the first two false starts or incorrect positions are cautions. Each one after that is a 1-point penalty.
Referee’s position vs. par terre
Freestyle and Greco-Roman do not use a referee’s position. The closest equivalent is par terre (parterre), where the bottom wrestler lies on their stomach in the center of the mat with arms forward and the top wrestler kneels beside them with hands on the back. In Greco-Roman it follows the passivity procedure; in freestyle, ground wrestling usually flows from a takedown instead.
Drills to get better from referee’s position
- Bottom: stand-ups, sit-outs and switches off the whistle, drilled for speed and hand control.
- Top: breakdowns such as the chop and tight-waist, near-side cradle entries and tilt series.
- Whistle drills: have a partner blow a whistle at random so you learn to explode without false starting.
First moves from the bottom
The first second after the whistle decides most bottom exchanges. Bottom wrestlers who explode on the whistle, before the top wrestler settles, escape far more often than those who wait.
| Move | What it does | Best against |
|---|---|---|
| Stand-up | Rise to your feet, clear the hands, turn to face for an escape | Top wrestlers who ride high on the back |
| Sit-out and turn-in | Sit to your hip, then turn in to face the opponent | Top wrestlers who ride tight to the hips |
| Switch | Reach over the top wrestler’s arm and swing behind for a reversal | Opponents with an arm around your waist |
| Granby roll | Roll across the shoulders to come out facing or on top | Heavy, forward-leaning riders |
First moves from the top
- Chop and drive: pull the near arm and drive forward to flatten the bottom wrestler.
- Far ankle breakdown: pull the far ankle while driving in to break the base.
- Spiral ride: circle and pressure the near hip to keep the opponent from standing.
- Tight waist and half: once flat, work a half-nelson to turn for near fall points.
Whatever you choose, stay legal in the starting position until the whistle, and keep your weight over the opponent rather than on your own knees so you can follow every escape attempt.
Common mistakes from referee’s position
- Moving before the whistle, which is a false start and can lead to a penalty after repeated warnings.
- Setting up with hands too far forward on the bottom, which makes it easier to be broken down.
- Top wrestlers placing weight on the bottom wrestler before the whistle, which is not allowed.
- Choosing a position without a plan for the first move.
Starting rules differ between NFHS high school and NCAA college wrestling and are updated regularly. Check the current rulebook for your level before the season.
Building a plan for each position
Before every match, decide what you will do if you start on top, on bottom or in neutral. Pick one primary move and one backup for each position, and drill them until the first move after the whistle is automatic. A clear plan prevents hesitation and helps you score early.
Watching the start as a fan
Listen for the whistle and watch the bottom wrestler’s first move. A quick stand-up or sit-out often decides whether they escape in the first few seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What is an optional start?
A setup where the top wrestler does not use the standard grip, usually to let the opponent up or to start a specific ride.
Can I choose neutral instead of bottom?
Yes. When you have the choice, you can pick top, bottom, neutral or defer.
Why don’t college referees say “set” anymore?
The NCAA removed the “Set” command for 2025-26, so matches restart on the whistle only.
Sources: NCAA 2025-27 wrestling rules changes, NFHS Wrestling Rules, UWW International Wrestling Rules. Confirm specific interpretations with your state association.
