Having taken the NFHS survey this year, I noted that the NFHS is looking into some possible rule changes for next year. This survey is meant to gauge people's thoughts on proposed rule changes so they can make formal proposals to be voted on.

They are as follows:

1. On the third penalty for stalling, the opponent – in addition to the penalty points – be awarded the choice of position on the next restart.

2. When a takedown is secured, the wrestler shall be awarded two match points for the first takedown and three match points for each additional takedown.

3. When near-fall criteria is met for two seconds, the wrestler in the advantage position will be awarded three match points; when near-fall criteria is met for five seconds, the wrestler in the advantage position will be awarded four match points.

4. Allowing a wrestler to compete in six matches in any one day (championship or consolation), including forfeits.

5. Reducing the rest break between consecutive matches from 45 minutes to 30 minutes.

6. Making the straight-body scissors an illegal hold/maneuver.


Keep in mind the none of the above six statements have been formally proposed, and all/some/none of them could be proposed and implemented in the rules next year.

I believe points 4 & 5 are the ones most people are interested in changing.

I personally think point 1 would be okay to implement.

Point 2 would be an interesting change, in that it may give wrestlers an incentive to stop riding their opponent to only get 3 potential back points when they can just as easily get 3 by takedown.

On that same taken if point 2 is implemented it would make no sense to implement point 3 because then you would be right back to the status quo albeit with 1 additional point going on the score board.

Finally point 6. I don't believe this would be a good rule change. This year the Figure 4 to the head was made illegal and that was a good change because the potential for injury to the head and neck was very high, especially due to wrestlers improperly applying the move. The straight-body scissors is not nearly as dangerous, and a rule already exists which prevents wrestlers from using it as a punishing move, thus the reason why wrestlers typically get hurt from it, is an official letting it be used in a manner it should not be.