LRW Wrestling Rules

     It seems only fitting that this blog should start off with an explanation of LRW Wrestling's rules and regulations, since this federation was formed partly as a reaction to UCW Wrestling's "no rules" philosophy. The primary focus of LRW Wrestling is and always will be athletic competition spiced up with a bit of theatrics (i.e., amateur wrestling with some pro wrestling elements).
     For the purpose of creating a marketable video of manageable length, each match will have a 15 minute time limit (including ring introductions). On special occasions, this time limit may be modified with the agreement of all participants.
     Before videotaping begins, the wrestlers will participate in a coin toss to determine starting positions. The winner of the coin toss will have the option of choosing the offensive (top or superior) or defensive (bottom or inferior) position.
     It is always preferable to have a referee officiate each match. When that is not possible, the wrestlers will have to administer their own three-counts when attempting pins. Any time the point of control moves out of bounds, the defensive wrestler will alert the offensive wrestler, who must then release his hold within five seconds. Any wrestler who believes that there has been an infraction of the rules during a match should immediately protest; if no referee is present the videotape will be reviewed for any evidence of a rules violation.
     Pro wrestling submission maneuvers are allowed, provided they do not place a wrestler at risk of injury; this is a discretionary call. No impact maneuvers (punching, elbowing, kneeing, kicking, etc.) will be permitted. As in high school wrestling, you are responsible for returning your opponent safely to the mat; no pro wrestling "bodyslams" are allowed.
     There will be no "time limit draws." If a match lasts to its time limit, then a winner will be declared via a points system. As in amateur wrestling, points will be awarded for takedowns, escapes, near falls, and reversals. Without warning, points will be deducted for stalling, illegal (potentially dangerous) holds, unsportsmanlike conduct, or unnecessary roughness. A referee does not have to keep the wrestlers informed of their point totals during the match, and the referee's judgement is final.
     In order to maintain a fast pace, points will be awarded whenever a wrestler administers a submission move, regardless of how long the hold is maintained.
     A wrestler's prematch and postmatch conduct will certainly be considered when determining future bookings, but such conduct will have no bearing on the outcome of the match.
     Unlike amateur wrestling, a simple pinning of the shoulders is not sufficient for victory; the pin must be maintained for a three-count (as in pro wrestling).
     A championship cannot be lost via disqualification, although this rule can be modified when deemed appropriate in advance of a contest.
     To submit to an opponent, a wrestler must say, "I quit," clearly and audibly, in that exact term. Tapping the mat or using any other phraseology will not be sufficient to stop the match.
     Any action which deliberately embarrasses or humiliates an opponent will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will be grounds for disqualification at the referee's discretion.