How to Keep Score

Before the Match

Figure 1 - Before the Match

When you get a bout sheet, it will look like the one in Figure 1. The competitors’ names (and possibly their teams) will be written at the top of the sheet.

Figure 2 - Colors above names

The referee will assign colors to each competitor. Based on singlet color, one wrestler will be “blue” and the other one “red.” Write the color at the top of the bout sheet above each name, as shown in Figure 2.

The Match Begins

Figure 3 - Wristbands

Figure 4 - Signal “Two for Blue”

Figure 5 - Two Points for Blue

The match begins. Watch the referee, who will be wearing red and blue wristbands as shown in Figure 3. Let’s say that Henry (the blue wrestler) scores two points. The referee will signal it, as shown in Figure 4. Some referees will also say, “Two points blue,” but not all of them do, so watch the referee’s hands. You write a “2” in the scoring area under Henry’s name, as in Figure 5.

Figure 6 - Bout finishes

Figure 7 - Add the scores

Figure 8 - Circle winner; cross out loser

Both wrestlers get more points as the bout proceeds. At the end of the match, the scoresheet looks like Figure 6. Since there was no pin, you add up the scores, as shown in Figure 7. You then circle the winner and cross out the loser, as shown in in Figure 8.

If there’s no pin, it’s that simple! The referee will sign the bout sheet, and the winning wrestler will sign it and take it back to the head table.

What if there’s a pin?

We haven’t discussed what happens if one wrestler gets pinned. To find out what to do, go to the next page.