Major Rule Changes for 2017-18 and 2018-19

[RoarLions1]

The Wrestling Rulebook is published every 2 years, and 2017-18 is the start of the current 2 year cycle (2017-18 and 2018-19). Almost all rule changes occur in the summer leading up to the season in question, approved, then published by the NCAA. Rarely are changes made at the in-between years, so it's unlikely any significant changes are made next summer and into 2018-19.

Here's the rule changes that should be most visible by fans...

1.8.2 Facial hair is allowed, trimmed and skin visible for medical exam, max 1/2 inch.

3.13.5 Foam brick is required to indicate coaches challenges.

3.14.3 Overtime tiebreaker, each wrestler has choice of top, bottom, or neutral.

3.22.5 Max limit on wrestled matches at 6 per day per wrestler.

4.2.3 Establishes a neutral "danger zone" takedown. This one has been discussed often here. I can provide the exact language if you want it.

5.7.15d The Offensive wrestler is ALWAYS responsible for returning the defensive wrestler to the mat in rear-standing position. Note that all the pictures and comments stating otherwise were removed from the rulebook.

8.3.1 Wrestlers required to certify by November 1 (was the 1st day of practice, October 10th previously)

8.3.9 Eliminates the February 15 deadline for descent to a lowest allowable weight class.

 

[PSUAllTheWay]

I personally don't like 3.14.3. Expect to see many more neutral dances with this change. I didn't think there was anything wrong with the tie breaker the way it was.

 

[TexasLion1979]

I happen to like all of the changes. It has my stamp of approval if needed.

 

[Pennstate1985]

I happen to like all of the changes. It has my stamp of approval if needed.

Then it's settled.

 

[RoarLions1]

I personally don't like 3.14.3. Expect to see many more neutral dances with this change. I didn't think there was anything wrong with the tie breaker the way it was.

I would be shocked if continued neutral decisions are made. A first guy choosing neutral, with the score still tied, a more likely scenario is that the second guy chooses bottom. A takedown by either wrestler after a 1st tiebreaker that started in neutral, and more strategy kicks in. I guess what I'm saying is that more matches will end in the 1st Tiebreaker than before.

It's better, imo, though I'd still like to see a series of one or two minute Sudden Victory periods and have the wrestlers settle it from their feet.