Sec 16 Article 1-....In awarding a takedown at the edge of the mat, control must be established while the supporting points of either wrestler are inbounds or while at least the feet of the scoring contestant finish down on the mat inbounds.
For most officials, safety comes first which can make stopages look inconsistant. Where mats are joined you tend to see the action continue. Near hardwood or other potential hazzards, they tend to stop the action quicker. The Tanenbaum-Deshazer match is good example. Wrestling continued on the first near takedown because there was room. Later in the match, it was stopped much quicker because one of the wrestlers had a foot off the mat and on the floor. Many of the officials also work kids as well which usually have much small safety areas resulting in quicker stoppage so habit could come into play.
Last edited by Massey; 03/01/10 03:04 AM.