3-points takedown college wrestling rule change ignites social media
It’s late in the match. The score is deadlocked 1-1 between two fantastic grapplers. Neither is giving the other an inch or an in. This is high-level collegiate wrestling.
Suddenly, late in the third period, the hometown wrestler swoops in for a single leg. After a long struggle, he finally gets the better of his opponent. The jubilated crowd becomes unglued and responds with a roar, “THREE!”
Sounds a little bit weird doesn’t it?
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel oversaw a massive change to the sport this past week. Takedowns will now be worth three points instead of the traditional two points. The Panel explained in the official release that the new rules will reward offensive actions and help eliminate a lot of the passive stalling we see today.
Members of the Wrestling Rules Committee, which proposed the change, agreed that increasing the scoring for takedowns by an additional point will enhance the sport by rewarding offensive actions and risk-taking.
The committee also agreed there was a need to create a more appropriate point differential between takedowns and escapes and incentivize offense when competitors are in the neutral position. – NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, NCAA.com.
The explanation does make sense. A lot of times in big matches you will see both sides pretty much come to a stalemate, neither side wanting to potentially give the other an opening. While some see this as the true strategy and mental game behind wrestling, other observers will criticize the lack of any action. If one wrestler deliberately doesn’t do much of anything, that’s stalling. However, if both competitors do, well, that’s strategic!
As you would expect, this new rule change caused ripples throughout the collegiate wrestling community. As expected, fans are extremely split on the decision and voiced their opinions on social media. Here are the best reactions to a massive change in college wrestling.
What Does a Three Hand Signal Even Look Like?
Preferred referee signal for the NCAA three-point takedown? pic.twitter.com/C7Bo5MjzMc
— Jason Bryant (@jasonmbryant) June 8, 2023
Someone Get on This!
I wonder what NCAA finals matches over the years would have had a different outcome with the three point takedown?
Anyone looking into this?
— Dru Kastler (@KastlerDA) June 9, 2023
Doesn't Have the Same Ring to it
I’m not yelling “Three” when there’s a takedown
— Dave H (@DHenry5k) June 8, 2023
Someone's Not Happy
So unnecessary…. I’m speechless…and ticked off…..@B1GWrestling @NCAAWrestling
— Shane Sparks (@ShaneSparksBTN) June 9, 2023
Now Just a Piece of Memorabilia
I guess I can throw this out. pic.twitter.com/xi0tkwQoLL
— Meg Pucino (@Megpooch) June 10, 2023
Former All-American, WWE Superstar Weighs in
Great job by the NCAA wrestling rules committee. Some much needed changes to the sport!
— Jacob A. Kasper (@JuliusCreedWWE) June 8, 2023
The Real Rule Change
3-point takedown… GREAT!
But, let’s not overlook that “The rule limiting facial hair to no longer than half an inch has been eliminated”
Who do you want to see grow a beard next season?!@NCAAWrestling pic.twitter.com/5OPFAopI0F
— Campbell Wrestling (@GoCamelsWrestle) June 9, 2023
Committee Chair Comments
John Hangey, NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee Chair shares his excitement around the new rule change. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/6qPy2jUgSt
— NCAA (@NCAA) June 8, 2023
Balanced Perspective
All things considered, I love the intention of the new NCAA Wrestling rules and the direction in which the committee is pushing our sport. I sincerely hope that I’m wrong in my skepticism and that they create more action.
— Mason Beckman (@beck_diggity) June 9, 2023
Could High School Adopt the Three?
With the new rules passed by the NCAA for wrestling Ex. 3point takedown, do you think Naia and highschool will follow suit?
— Diego Barron (@di3gobarron) June 8, 2023
It Really is a Shame
So no more “TWOOOOOO!!!!!” 🙁
— Codya014 (@codya014) June 8, 2023
Will This Cause MORE Stalling?
They literally just need to call stalling. 3 point takedown will not create more action when wrestle are allowed to stall. I actually think it might have the opposite effective.
— Jesse's Wrestling Show (@jesse_esselman) June 9, 2023
Some Other Proposed Solutions
I think this is a terrible idea. A takedown establishing control from neutral is now worth more than establishing control from bottom. Silly.
If you want to make wrestling more exciting, require the top man to work for a turn.
— Corey Detar (@CoreyDetar) June 8, 2023
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Why not get rid of riding time and make near fall points worth more so top has to actually do something to earn points
— daniel conrad (@danielpconrad) June 10, 2023
