This week, MHSAA officials coordinator Sam Davis explains new clarifications to the takedown rule for high school wrestling. 

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment - Clarifying Takedowns - Listen

One of the rules changes in high school wrestling this year clarifies the definition of a takedown. This rule change eliminates some confusion from last year.

The high school rule is not the college rule that if the hands touch the mat, you immediately score a takedown. To be consistent in high school, whenever the hand touches the mat they are considered supporting points.

By removal of this "majority of the wrestler's weight" criteria, the need is eliminated for the official to make a judgmental call on weight bearing extremities.

In addition, the application of the new rule on "supporting points" becomes consistent throughout the rulebook, not just on or around the 28-foot circle.

Past editions

Feb. 20: Basketball Officials Manual - Listen
Feb. 13: Held Ball or Traveling - Listen
Feb. 6: Hockey Rules Chart - Listen
Jan. 30: Cheer Safety - Listen
Jan. 23: Goaltending - Listen
Jan. 16: Wrestling Tie-Breaker - Listen
Jan. 9: Pregame Meeting - Listen
Dec. 19: Alternating Possession - Listen
Dec. 12: Ratings - Listen
Dec. 5: Video Review Success - Listen
Nov. 28: More Injury Time - Listen
Nov. 21: Football Review - Listen
Nov. 14: Sideline Safety - Listen
Nov. 7: Officials Playlist - Listen
Oct. 31: Most Important Line - Listen
Oct. 24: Automatic 1st Downs - Listen
Oct. 17: Catch Momentum - Listen
Oct. 10: Golf Rules Changes - Listen
Oct. 3: No Tackle Box - Listen
Sept. 26: You Make the Overtime Call - Listen
Sept. 19: Swimming Finishing Touch - Listen
Sept. 12: Curbing Gamesmanship By Substitution - Listen
Sept. 5: Football Safety Rules Changes - Listen
Aug. 29: 40-Second Play Clock - Listen