Associated Style of Wrestling

Beach / Sand wrestling was introduced as an international style by the United Wrestling World (UWW), the international governing body for wrestling, as another avenue for athletic competition. Beach Wrestling (or sand wrestling) has been a consistent style of wrestling internationally for centuries. Combining elements of all wrestling styles, including sumo, Beach events have drawn walk-up crowds when partnered with other sporting events, helping expand the reach of wrestling through non-traditional venues. 

Eligibility

All competitors under 18 years of age must have a current USA Wrestling athlete membership. Participants in the Open division (18+) do not need a USA Wrestling athlete card. Elementary, Middle School, and High School Athletes only need a "Limited Folkstyle" membership to compete at Mile Hand Sand Nationals. 

Obtain USA Wrestling Membership

The Rules of Competition

 

Wrestlers compete within a ring with a diameter between 15-23 feet, on a level sand surface. The sand should be free from debris, which includes pebbles.


- One point is earned when a wrestler scores a takedown.


- One point is earned when a defensive wrestler counters with back exposure.


- One point is earned when their opponent goes out-of bounds (also called a "push-out"); out-of-bounds is awarded when a wrestler goes beyond the perimeter of the wrestling ring, but generally includes whenever a wrestler's body part lands on or underneath the wrestling ring perimeter.


- Two points is earned when a wrestler scores a takedown with back exposure.


- Passivity Rules from Freestyle wrestling will apply. If the match score is 0-0 after 1:30 in the match, the referee shall place the less aggressive wrestler  on a 30-sec shot clock. If the shot clock competitor is unable to score within 30-sec then his/her competitor will be awarded a point (1-pt). 


- Fleeing the circle is 1-pt.


- When a wrestler scores, they are both returned to their feet in the starting (neutral) position.


- Matches are three minutes in duration with no overtime.


-The first wrestler that accumulates a 4 point margin is declared the winner.


-If the match is tied at the end of three minutes, the tie-breaking criteria is as follows: 1.) The wrestler who earned the highest scoring action (takedown with back exposure) is the winner. 2.) If both or neither wrestler scored a takedown with back exposure, the last wrestler to score is the winner. 


-Pins/Falls are no longer used; if a wrestler lands on their back or their shoulders touch the sand, it is scored as a 2-point takedown. The match will be resumed in the nuetral position.


-Punching, kicking, head-butting, biting, attacking the face, and throwing the sand are not allowed. Athletes who violate any of these rules shall be disqualified and removed from further competition. The referee reserves the right to stop the match if they believe a hold or wrestling action is potentially dangerous. Wrestlers are not allowed to be slippery (from sweat, water, or sun block); if they are, the referee should instruct that wrestler to dry off before the match.

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