Most of the edge of the mat wrestling is not fly-off-the-mat type wrestling that happens. Most is simple action on the lines that isn't going anywhere, but 1 foot steps out for each wrestler so action is stopped. When if it would have been allowed to continue, points might have happened.

As far as safety, college tournament set-ups are not much different. And the wrestlers are lot bigger, way more explosive, way stronger, faster, etc....yet the rule change has not only worked, but ask ANYONE, and they will tell you it's the best change ever made.

The four corners of EVERY mat have plenty of space, it's only SOME of the wrestling area that is in question of safety. And when wrestling is at risk of entering this area....simply stop the match. This risk is no different now with the current out of bounds rules.