Stalling question

[Lyco1990]

Rule 5.9.2
Each wrestler must attempt to work toward the center of the mat and continue wrestling in an attempt to secure a takedown, regardless of the time or score of the match. When wrestling is stopped in the neutral standing position for going out of bounds, one of the following three calls shall be made:a) stalling on one or both wrestlers for leaving the wrestling area; b) stalling for pushing or pulling the opponent out of bounds; or c) wrestling action is taking place.

Rule 5.9.2.5
Pushing or pulling the opponent out of bounds is stalling.

I have seen several matches where the objective of the wrestler was to limit the ability their opponent to circle in bounds in effect pushing the opponent out ie. Stoll Iowa et. al.. It seems the officials are interpreting the rule differently than written. Just wondering if my observation is off base.

 

[matter7172]

I missed this post when I created another thread. I think it's a work in progress, but it is progress. Yes, some are cynically manipulating the letter of the law, but overall I think the referees are doing a pretty good job and the abuses are starting to be ferreted out. I believe the refs are balancing restarting the match and getting guys to go center.

My preference would be to have them instruct the wrestlers to return to the center (without a whistle) and penalize the wrestler who doesn't comply or prevents the other wrestler from complying with a stalling warning.

Overall, I'm happy with how it's going.

 

[Franklin_Restores_TheTradition]

Rule 5.9.2
Each wrestler must attempt to work toward the center of the mat and continue wrestling in an attempt to secure a takedown, regardless of the time or score of the match. When wrestling is stopped in the neutral standing position for going out of bounds, one of the following three calls shall be made:a) stalling on one or both wrestlers for leaving the wrestling area; b) stalling for pushing or pulling the opponent out of bounds; or c) wrestling action is taking place.

Rule 5.9.2.5
Pushing or pulling the opponent out of bounds is stalling.

I have seen several matches where the objective of the wrestler was to limit the ability their opponent to circle in bounds in effect pushing the opponent out ie. Stoll Iowa et. al.. It seems the officials are interpreting the rule differently than written. Just wondering if my observation is off base.

Somewhat a matter of interpretation imho. If a wrestler is out and attempting to "circle back in", the in-bounds wrestler can claim that they are simply "engaging" the other wrestler as they circle. In a situation where a wrestler is pushing forward - the other wrestler has an obligation to push back, attempt to break the tie, etc....in an attempt to get back to center....if they go straight backwards and off the mat, the pushing wrestler can claim they were simply engaging them and attempting to "set up" their offense (a throw by, etc....). An obvious call would be a wrestler looking to accumulate riding-time and their top position by picking their opponent up and carrying them off the mat (this should also be called if the top wrestler just "runs" an opponent off the mat rather than taking them back to the mat; however, this one more difficult to call and subject to interpretation as the bottom wrestler who has stood has an obligation to resist their opponent and can't just allow their opponent to "run them off the mat" and expect to get the call.).

Essentially, if it is subject to interpretation, the official can call a "continuation of on-mat wrestling action". This is the reason that Free went to the more objective "1 Point Push-out" (i.e., it forces the wrestler being "pushed out" first to fight to stay in-bounds or surrender the point).