Mshssa Wrestling: Illegal Slams And You

what constitutes an illegal slam in mshsaa wrestling

In wrestling, there are many penalties and precautionary actions to ensure the safety of the wrestlers. However, the definition of an illegal slam varies depending on the type of wrestling. For example, in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, it is not illegal to lift your opponent and then return them to the mat before your own body hits the mat. On the other hand, in folkstyle wrestling, any slam will result in disqualification from the tournament. Some examples of illegal moves in wrestling include the piledriver, suplex, brainbuster, powerbomb, and neckbreaker, all of which can cause serious injury or even death. Other illegal moves include the Stone Cold Stunner, Chokeslam, and Pedigree.

Characteristics Values
Style Folkstyle
Greco-Roman
Freestyle
Moves Piledriver
Suplex
Brainbuster
Powerbomb
Neckbreaker
Stone Cold Stunner
People's Elbow
Chokeslam
Pedigree
Spear
Eye Gouging
Slamming opponent on their head and neck
Lifting and returning opponent to the mat with their arm trapped
Moves near the throat

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Folkstyle wrestling bans slams

Folkstyle wrestling is one of the three main styles of wrestling, the other two being Greco-Roman and Freestyle. Folkstyle wrestling is the only style that penalises wrestlers for performing a "slam". A slam involves lifting your opponent and forcefully throwing them down onto the mat. While slamming an opponent can be an effective strategy to win a match, it is banned in folkstyle wrestling due to the potential risks associated with this manoeuvre.

The main objective of wrestling is to overpower one's opponent and gain control of the match. Wrestlers employ a variety of moves to achieve this, including lifts, throws, and takedowns. However, certain moves are considered illegal due to their potential to cause serious injuries. The impact of a slam can result in severe spinal cord injuries and, in extreme cases, even death.

One example of an illegal slam is the piledriver, which involves lifting an opponent and driving them headfirst down to the mat. This move puts an immense amount of force on the head and neck, making it extremely dangerous. Another illegal move is the suplex, where a wrestler lifts their opponent over their head and slams them down. This manoeuvre can also result in serious spinal cord injuries.

In folkstyle wrestling, any form of slam is prohibited. Wrestlers are not allowed to lift and return their opponent to the mat if their arm is trapped, as this can lead to dangerous situations. Additionally, any move that restricts the opponent's neck or throat area is also banned. These rules have been implemented to prioritise the safety of the wrestlers and reduce the risk of severe injuries.

While folkstyle wrestling has specific rules against slamming, it is important to note that all styles of wrestling have regulations in place to protect the athletes. The number of allowed wrestling moves is already extensive, but additional rules have been introduced to further safeguard the wrestlers. These rules ensure that the sport remains competitive while minimising the potential for serious injuries.

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Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling allow slams

Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling are two distinct styles of wrestling, with the former being more restrictive. While the scoring and rules of a match in both styles are similar, there are some key technical differences.

The main difference is that in Greco-Roman wrestling, holds below the waist are prohibited, and wrestlers are not allowed to use their legs actively to perform any offensive or defensive actions. This restriction results in an emphasis on throws, as wrestlers cannot use trips to bring an opponent to the ground or hook/grab the opponent's leg to avoid being thrown. Greco-Roman wrestlers, therefore, have to rely heavily on their upper bodies to gain an advantage compared to freestyle wrestlers. They also have to rely on explosive movements and getting into a position to execute a throw quickly.

In freestyle wrestling, on the other hand, both the arms and legs are used to execute holds. Women's freestyle wrestling has the additional rule that wrestlers are not allowed to use neck holds (double nelsons) on their opponents.

In terms of scoring, a wrestler can win by technical fall by demonstrating superiority before time runs out. The threshold for a victory by technical fall is a 10-point lead in freestyle wrestling and an 8-point lead in Greco-Roman wrestling. In Greco-Roman wrestling, a passivity violation immediately rewards the active wrestler with a point and gives him the choice of continuing the bout in a standing or "par terre" (ground) position. In freestyle wrestling, if neither wrestler scores at the end of 30 seconds, the opponent of the passive wrestler is awarded a point, and the passive wrestler receives a caution.

In summary, while Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling have many similarities, the key differences lie in the use of legs and the emphasis on different types of movements. Greco-Roman wrestling focuses on upper-body movements and explosive throws, while freestyle wrestling allows for more fluid transitions and the use of legs in executing holds.

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Illegal moves near the throat

While wrestling is a physically demanding sport, certain moves are considered illegal due to their potential to cause serious injury. One such move is the chokeslam, which involves lifting your opponent by the throat and forcefully throwing them down onto the mat. This move is particularly dangerous as it targets the opponent's throat and neck, which are extremely vulnerable areas. Any forceful impact or compression in this region can lead to severe injuries, including laryngeal fractures, tracheal damage, or even spinal injuries.

In wrestling, moves that involve grabbing or choking the opponent's throat or neck are strictly prohibited. This includes not only the chokeslam but also any variations or similar maneuvers that place the opponent's throat or neck in a vulnerable position. These types of moves are often banned across different wrestling styles, including folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling.

The potential for serious injury is not limited to the opponent but also to the wrestler executing the move. If the opponent manages to break free or counter the chokeslam, the wrestler could lose their balance and sustain injuries from the fall or impact. Additionally, if the opponent is lifted and dropped onto a specific body part, such as their head or neck, it could result in severe and long-lasting damage.

To ensure the safety of all participants, referees and officials are trained to closely monitor matches and immediately stop any illegal moves or dangerous situations. This includes recognizing and penalizing wrestlers who attempt or execute chokeslams or similar throat/neck maneuvers. By enforcing these rules and promoting fair and controlled wrestling, the risk of injuries can be significantly reduced.

It is important to note that while the chokeslam is a well-known example, any move that endangers the opponent's throat or neck is considered illegal. Wrestlers are expected to demonstrate full control during throws and maneuvers to avoid accidental slams or impacts that could result in injuries. By adhering to these rules and guidelines, wrestlers can compete while minimizing the risk of harm to themselves and their opponents.

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Dangerous moves like piledrivers

Slams are considered illegal moves in wrestling, and a wrestler performing an illegal slam on their opponent's head and neck can cause serious injury. One of the most dangerous moves in wrestling is the piledriver, which is often banned in tournaments. The move involves a wrestler grabbing their opponent, turning them upside down, and dropping into a sitting or kneeling position, driving the opponent head-first into the mat. The piledriver is extremely dangerous because the opponent's arms are restrained, and if their head is not tucked between the wrestler's legs, they can suffer serious injury and potential paralysis as they land on their head.

The piledriver is banned by the WWE, except for wrestlers with special permission or experience, such as Kane and The Undertaker, who have established the Tombstone as a finisher. Certain variations of the piledriver have been allowed in recent years for experienced wrestlers, and it is not banned in some promotions like All Elite Wrestling.

The move is also illegal in mixed martial arts under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. Any double-team move, where one wrestler assists another in performing a piledriver, is considered a foul. A variation of this is the spike piledriver, where one wrestler jumps off the turnbuckle while pushing the opponent's feet downward for more impact.

The piledriver is notorious for ending the career of Stone Cold Steve Austin at SummerSlam 1997 when his opponent, Owen Hart, inadvertently injured Austin's neck while attempting a reverse piledriver. This incident highlights the dangers of the piledriver and the potential for serious injury, even when performed by experienced wrestlers.

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Moves that cause serious injury

While wrestling is a physically demanding sport, certain moves are considered illegal due to their potential to cause serious injury. These illegal moves can result in serious injuries or even death. Here are some moves that can cause serious injuries:

Piledriver

The piledriver is a highly dangerous wrestling manoeuvre that involves grabbing an opponent by the waist, lifting them up, and dropping them on their head or neck. This move can cause severe spinal cord injuries and is prohibited in most wrestling competitions.

Suplex

The suplex is a move where a wrestler lifts their opponent up and over their head before violently throwing them down onto the mat. This manoeuvre can result in severe head and neck injuries.

Brainbuster

The brainbuster is a dangerous and illegal move where a wrestler drops their opponent onto their head or neck. This can lead to severe brain injuries.

Powerbomb

The powerbomb involves lifting an opponent up and then forcefully slamming them down onto the mat. This move can cause severe spinal cord injuries.

Neckbreaker

The neckbreaker is an extremely dangerous and often banned move that involves twisting an opponent's neck or spine. This manoeuvre can result in severe spinal cord injuries or even paralysis and death.

The Spear

The Spear is a high-impact move where a wrestler runs at their opponent and tackles them to the ground. While it has become famous and is often used as a finishing move, it can cause serious injuries if not executed properly.

Wrestling has various styles, including Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman. While all styles emphasise safety, only Folkstyle penalises a "slam". In Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, lifting an opponent and returning them to the mat before you make contact is allowed and rewarded with points. However, moves that involve lifting and returning an opponent to the mat with their arm trapped or involve the opponent's throat are illegal across all styles.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, slams are illegal in all styles of wrestling. However, there is a grey area regarding what constitutes a slam. In Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, it is not illegal to lift your opponent and then return them to the mat before your body hits the mat.

Illegal slams in wrestling include the piledriver, suplex, brainbuster, powerbomb, and neckbreaker. These moves can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and even death.

Yes, certain moves are considered illegal due to their potential to cause serious injury. Other illegal moves include eye gouging, the stone-cold stunner, the chokeslam, and the pedigree.

The penalties for illegal slams can vary depending on the severity of the infraction and the governing body. In some cases, wrestlers may be disqualified from a match or tournament. The priority is always the safety of the wrestlers involved.

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