By

Randy Hartman

Definition

“It is the responsibility of contestants, coaches, and referees to avoid the use of stalling tactics”

“When a referee recognizes stalling occurring at any time and in any position, the offender shall be warned”

“I have gotten into more trouble by not calling stalling than when I called stalling” – Dave Frisch, NCAA Official

Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart

“I know it when I see it”

Stalling is bad for the sport

The recognition and application of calling stalling is arguably the biggest differentiator between a great officials and an average official

This is what makes the job of a wrestling official challenging

Questions to ask yourself

Consistency Top officials call it the same way

Understand the

match Who is ahead?

Timing

Score

Looking at the clock

Communication Let wrestlers know

Commands – action, offense, center, improve

How many times?

Overtime Flagrant stalling

Stalemate

Ultimate tiebreaker

Neutral Aggressiveness

Legitimate shot

Count shots

Blocking

Playing the edge

Straggling back

Double stall warning

Offensive Perpendicular rule of thumb

Sinking in legs

Pinning holds

Working for the fall

Grabbing on

Standing

Dropping down to

ankle

Defensive Movement off the whistle

Head in the mat

Working up to a base

Standing up with legs on

Overpowered

Rule modifications for 2019-2020

Starting

Penalty Stalling Position

P1 W C

P1 P1 C

P2 P1 C1

DQ P2 C1

DQ

Keys to Success Ability to recognize stalling

Consistent application

Ability to not be influenced by coach or crowd

Resist getting involved in the match

Watch great officials work

Resources Dave Frisch tapes

Jim Ramirez book

The coach is not your friend

You have a job Focus on the wrestlers

Case of temporary insanity

Coaches are biased

Coaches are irrelevant

Verbalize

Wrestling clinic

Conversations

Rabbit ears

Don’t take it personal

Pre-match Cordial acknowledgment

Seclusion

Perception of bias

Post-match Sign the book

Get out

Table Must allow coach a conference

Don’t address coach as “sir”

Legitimate action – time or score

Clarification = delay

Results – change

or warning

Focus on the match

Best referee Consistent

Fair and impartial

Maintain professionalism

Controls all aspects of

the match

Know the rules and

how to apply them