Iowa high school wrestling notes: Coaches react to new rules introduced for the 2024-25 season

New season with some new rules.

The changes have been noticeable in early competition.

The National Federation of State High School Association Wrestling Rules Committee introduced six major alterations, including new scoring, positioning and setup that took effect for the 2024-25.

Takedowns are now worth three points, nearfall points will match the time when a wrestler is held on his back, ranging from two to four points and wrestlers will be considered in bounds as long as one of the wrestlers have one supporting point on or inside the circle.

“Love the new rule changes,” Cedar Rapids Prairie Coach Derick Ball said. “Let’s encourage action and score points. Big fan of the out of bounds as well. Too much mat was not being used.”

Wrestlers have the chance to score more points. Bonus points could be more prevalent throughout the season with major decisions still an eight to 14-point differential and technical falls with a 15-point advantage.

Matches can end quicker and staying inbounds keeps the clock moving. Linn-Mar co-head coach Ryan Gotto has seen the impact in a few events.

“The duration of competitions have been shortened because of less breaks in action with the new out of bounds rules and there are more early terminations with the increase in points awarded,” Gotto said. “There is also a change in strategy in some situations with the point value of a reversal and an escape remaining the same.”

First-year West Delaware head coach Jake Voss said he loves the new out-of-bounds rule. He noted that it allows wrestlers to be free and instinctive on the edge without worry about points of contact.

“It seems cut and dry and easier to interpret the official’s call as a coach,” Voss said. “I like the near fall points being “per swipe” too. More rewarding for top wrestlers.

“Not sold on the three point takedown yet. Just makes the point totals higher. Reveals the better wrestler quicker in matches.”

Ball echoed some of the sentiments.

“It has improved action and pace,” he said. “A match can get out of hand quickly, but you can also get back into a match fast.”

The larger point totals per move can influence the ebb and flow of matches. Wrestlers can erase a large deficit with one flurry or expand their lead quickly.

“We like how the momentum can swing in different scenarios during a match,” Voss said. “A late takedown to seal a match can quickly turn into an opportunity to get bonus points for the team and incentivizes more wrestling.”

The three-point takedown and nearfall points match college wrestling, while the out of bounds rule is very similar. College applies a cylinder rule to the out-of-bounds circle but high school still has to have a supporting point on the mat. Benefits exist for having universal regulations.

“I think wrestlers and coaches will adapt to any rules or rule changes,” said Gotto, who disapproved of the new weigh-in rules that do not force wrestlers to make scratch weight and match termination when wrestlers still have a pinning hold but not in nearfall criteria. “I do think it is a good for the sport of wrestling to have similar rule sets for high school and college wrestling. Having similar rules makes it easier for fans of college wrestling to follow high school wrestling and vice versa.”

Other changes make the center circle optional and the referee’s timeout signal more like other sports.

MOUNT VERNON CROWNS 4 CHAMPS

Top-ranked Mount Vernon crowned four champions and placed second in the team standings of the Cardinal Classic Saturday at Newton. The Mustangs scored 210.5 points and finished 10 behind Ballard.

Mount Vernon received titles from top-ranked duo Jase Jaspers (144) and heavyweight Ethan Wood, No. 3 Mikey Ryan (150) and Will Goodlove at 157. Thirteen of 14 Mustangs placed fourth or better, including six in the top two.

The Mustangs will host the Mount Vernon Invitational Saturday. The 15-team field includes Cedar Rapids Xavier, Marion, Anamosa, Lisbon and East Buchanan.

JESUP SWEEPS DUAL TOURNEY

Jesup went 5-0 and swept its home dual tournament Saturday. The J-Hawks defeated Central Springs (47-28), Clear Lake (56-21), Iowa Valley (53-24), Lake Mills (46-24) and Iowa City Regina (64-17).

Jesup, which finished fifth at State Duals last season, is 7-0 in duals already and has outscored opponents by an average of 57.4 to 20.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com