As soon as next season, it may no longer be appropriate for high school wrestling fans in New Jersey to bellow “twooooooo” when a takedown is imminent.
Why?
As soon as the end of April, a takedown could be worth three points with near-falls getting two points (for a two count), three (for a three count) or four points (a four count). Also under consideration is a modified out-of-bounds rule. Only one point of contact with the circle would be required for wrestling to continue.
The National Federation of High School Association’s wrestling committee met earlier this month to discuss potential scoring changes. Courierpostonline.com reported the NFHS could announce the changes by the end of the month. If adopted by NFHS, the high school rules would be in line with those used by the NCAA.
“More than likely, the Federation is going to do it,” said Howie O’Neill, the Chairman of the NJSIAA Wrestling Committee. “I feel like they (the scoring changes) are coming. I’m just not sure we’re ready for it.
“I’m not 100 percent against it, but I think it will take away down (top and bottom) wrestling. Some kids are real skilled on their feet and others are better on the mat. Turning a kid to get four points will be tough.”
At the NJSIAA Executive Committee meeting last Wednesday, Executive Director Colleen Maguire indicated the NJSIAA will adopt the changes if approved by NFHS.
“Whatever they (NFHS) adopt formally, we will obviously adopt,” Maguire said. “Sometimes they put things in place and gives state flexibility, but if it’s a rule change, then it’s a rule change.
“We’ll have our wrestling committee meeting later in April so our rules interpreter will have a good update on what NFHS is or is not adopting.”
Referee Johnny Fiorentino signals for three points red in the pound bout during the wrestling match between Brick Memorial and Southern at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, NJ on December 20, 2023.Richard O'Donnell | For NJ Advan
As the new scoring rules played out during the collegiate season, it took some getting used to.
“I may be in the minority, but I loved it,” said Rutgers University head coach Scott Goodale. “I know there were coaches and fans who were skeptical, but I thought it was really cool.
“The NCAA wanted constant action. At our level it emphasized getting turns and I think at the high school level you’ll see more majors and tech falls. I believe there will be less stalling. I felt like officials rewarded guys working for turns and takedowns.
“There may be more take-them-down-let-them-up, but New Jersey has always been an on-your-feet state. Pennsylvania is a little different.”
“I think the rule worked well in college and I see no reason it wouldn’t work in high school,” said Gary Kessel, the Rules Interpreter for the NJSIAA. “More points create more excitement. Hopefully this will give some incentive wrestlers to stay on top and attempt to turn people.
“I don’t think it will impact officiating,” Kessel said. “It will take a little adjustment getting used to giving three instead of two (for a takedown).”
Some New Jersey coaches like the idea of changing the scoring and emphasizing offense.
“I think it will create a better atmosphere for the wrestlers and the coaches,” said Christian Brothers head coach Billy Ashnault. “Coaches will adjust to the new rules and bring more excitement to the sport.
“Scoring more points makes it fun,” Ashnault added. “As a coach you don’t want 1-0 or 1-1 matches that in the end could come down to a stalling call. It’s also going to force mid-level guys to get better at fighting off their backs.”
There is also the belief the new scoring system will be an incentive for wrestlers to become better on top to take advantage of the increased near-fall point values.
“Statistically, the NCAA Tournament had the most points scored from escapes and then takedowns,” Watchung Hills head coach Jim Huff said. “I do think there will be more focus on neutral and on bottom than on top.
“Riding time decreased by about 20 percent in the NCAA Tournament, which is probably the most telling statistic of them all.”
“I think changing the scoring will bridge the gap between high school and college wrestling,” added Johnson head coach Rick Ortega. “Aligning the scoring will help those athletes looking to wrestle at the next level.”
However, not all coaches are jumping headlong on the scoring bandwagon.
“I’m all for anything that will help the sport grow, but I’m not sure we’re ready for this,” said Nutley head coach Mike DiPiano. “Some of us (coaches) are forced to throw beginners out there to fill out a lineup. Are we going to see more first-period tech falls or 30-second pins? There are kids out there who will see this as an opportunity to show-off a little. I’m just not sure that’s good for our sport right now.
“I just think there are other rules that need to be reworked or tightened up before we get to scoring.”
DiPiano noted he’d like to see forfeits count as eight team points.
“If you give eight points for a forfeit, it means a team needs a pin and another decision to get those points back. The good kids around the state are getting 7-8 forfeits a season. They work hard. They want to wrestle.”
As for the one point of contact, it would almost certainly eliminate some subjectivity on line calls.
“The rule would take the judgement away from officials when it comes to being in or out of bounds,” Ortega said.
“Some officials let kids wrestle on the line and other guys blow the whistle if you get anywhere near it,” DiPiano said.
So while officials, coaches and wrestlers will have to prepare so, too, do the fans. They have eight months to get ready -- all together now “threeeee.”
Realignment update
O’Neill gave a timetable for district and regional alignment for the 2024-2025 season.
He said the wrestling committee would address realignment on April 29.
“The goal is to have it (realignment) done and ready the for the executive committee on May 8,” O’Neill said.
NJ.com wrestling writer Jake Aferiat contributed to this report.
Joe Zedalis can be reached at jzedalis@njadvancemedia.com
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