NCAA Recommended Drop-Down Rule Change

This morning I’m listening to Flowrestling Radio and I’m reading the rule changes the NCAA wrestling committee recommends to put in place beginning the 2015-16 season. I’ve read the article written on April 22, 2015 and the article written on June 8, 2015.

I’ve had to read both to try and digest all of the changes. My initial thoughts are most of the rules are meant to create more action and engage the average wrestling fan who isn’t a die-hard.

Let’s review the recommended rule changes. I will give you my thoughts on each change. Today I’m covering the drop-down rule.

Photo Credit: Oklahoma Wrestling

Drop-down Rule

At first I didn’t really understand the drop-down rule, until I read an article on the BloodRound.com. This rule comes into effect when you have a wrestler in the top position and a wrestler in the bottom position.

The bottom wrestler will stand up to get an escape and the top wrestler will drop to one leg and then hang on to the leg to avoid giving up the escape.

Common Stalling Technique

This has been a common stalling technique for years as a defense to a good stand up. This can be a good technique if the wrestler quickly uses the leg to take the opponent back to the mat.

The problem is that a lot wrestlers will hang on to the leg as a last resort to avoid giving up the 1 point escape. I know the NCAA experimented with this last year and I’m all for this new rule. I think it will force more action.

Thoughts?

The hard core wrestling fans all see this as stalling. I feel like the rule was put in place to better outline stalling for the refs. Hopefully the referees will not be afraid to make the stalling call now.

I’m for anything that grows the sport. I think a few folks will whine about the drop down rule, but I think it will make matches more exciting. If the officials are not afraid to call stalling, then wrestlers will be forced to improve from the top position.

I hope you enjoyed the article. In my opinion, wrestling is the best sport that anyone can be involved in. My goal is to promote and grow this wonderful sport. Tomorrow I will discuss the neutral stalling rule.

Thanks to OklahomaWrestling.org for use of the above photo. Austin takes photos for little league, high school, and college wrestling. If you ever want great action shots, you should contact him.

In my next article, I will be discussing the neutral stalling rule.Thanks for reading and keep working hard!