Those posting their opinions on this topic are only venting frustration in how this rule is enforced. I do not think anyone is saying that there is no need for a rule that allows officials to stop action to prevent injury. However, I agree with Gibby, criteria of what should constitute a stoppage of a match needs to be reviewed. Officials are advised on how to enforce certain rules every year at the officials meetings. No one would ague that there is a great deal of “judgment” that goes into the decision making process to stop action in a match. That is why it is useless to debate this while in the heat of battle on the mat. This forum offers the perfect opportunity for such debate. Through this debate, maybe everyone involved will become better educated, which should lead to less controversy on Saturday afternoons.

I believe that this rule is used too often to get a kid out of trouble when scoring or a fall is eminent and no “real” grave threat exists. For example, if a kid has been turned with a front head lock and is in the position of a dieing cockroach tapping his feet, isn’t it safer to let the action continue a couple seconds to the inevitable pin. Or should the “cry baby” rule be enforced, giving the opponent an opportunity to get out of trouble. My contention would be that if the wrestler in this position was hurting to the point that he has to tap out should he really be in any condition to continue the match. Too often you will see the kid jump up ready to get after it, with no lasting affects. This happened in Salina this past weekend. If more officials had the fortitude to let the action continue, I think it would lead to less tears and drama in the long run. Kids would quickly realize that they are on their own and may actually look for ways to counter the troubled position they found themselves in.

That being said…I know this is a judgment issue. Hopefully discussing it in a civil manor during the week may help avoid any disputes come weekend.