I am new to this forum and have been intrigued by many of the subjects and discssion topics that I have read. As such I wanted to add one of my own. I like most attended one of the state wrestling tournaments from this past weekend. I actually worked one of the tables on the 5A side on Friday and Saturday so I had a great seat for most of the two day event.

Let me start by saying that I witnessed a lot of great wrestling and tough officiating. I have officiated multiple sports over my time and officiating is never an easy task. I've always said, you will please 50% of the people 50% of the time, and generally that 50% changes throughout the competition.

With that said, there was (1) item that I would like to hear opinions on in regards to the officiating at the 5A & 6A state tournament. This item is of course, "Stalling."

As I watched the Championship Finals for both classes I became continually frusterated with the Officiating and what I have come to call the "20 Second Rule." Over and Over again I watched as Wrestler (A) secured a 1st Period Takedown, obtain an escape point/reversal and then never make another offensive move for the rest of the match. Meanwhile, wrestler (B) scores (2) escapes or a reversal and tries despreately in the final period to make something happen.

What frusterates me about this situation which occured over and over again, is that the Officials in nearly every match allowed the activity to continue. That is right up until there was roughly "20" seconds left in the match. For some reason, that seems to be the magic number when an Official feels comfortable enough to finally warn a wrestler for stalling. Of course by this point in time, there is no way he is going to award a stall point in the final 20 seconds therefor in my mind, he or she has gotten themselves off the hook.

My understanding of Folkstyle wrestling is that "Both" Wrestlers are supposed to be working for Offensive Takedowns during he match. Not the first (4) minutes. I know everyone has a different opionion of what stalling is so I am not looking for this post to sway anyone's thinking. I simply want your thoughts.

I for one would like to see more stalling calls within the first 30 seconds of a final period rather than the final 20 seconds. Especially when it becomes apparent that (1) wrestler has no intention on being offensive.