Page 21 of this link:
http://www.nmact.org/files/Wrestling_Rules_PowerPoint_2009.pdfNational Federation of State
High School Associations
_Legalities of the Scissors, Draping Scissors and Figure 4 (POE)
The straight body scissors is a legal hold. If excessive pressure is applied, it can become
dangerous and cause injury. The straight body scissors is a legal hold when it is used to
simply control the opponent, but when it is used with excessive force it becomes a
submission hold and is illegal at that point. Because of the possible dangers, referees need
to watch this hold closely and stop it prior to the situation becoming illegal and possibly
causing injury. The straight head scissors (even though an arm is included ) is illegal (A). A
draping head scissors is legal (B). It can be defined as one that includes the head but also
extends below the shoulder or under the armpit. It is considered legal because it does not
apply pressure on the head or neck.
The figure 4 is illegal if applied around the body or both legs. It is a technical violation if
applied on the head from the neutral position with or without the arm included (C). It is legal
on the head from both the offensive and defensive positions. The figure 4 is also legal on
one leg. The referee must be aware of the overscissors in this situation and not allow
pressure against the joint which would make the hold illegal. A draping figure 4 on the body
is illegal.
