NCAA: Will the 3 Point Takedown Lead to More Double Stall Calls?

https://www.ncaa.org/news/2023/4/19/media-center-wrestling-rules-committee-proposes-3-point-takedown.aspx

The NCAA is planning to make big changes to make wrestling more exciting. The NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee has recommended that all takedowns be worth three points, effective from the 2023-24 season. While the intention behind the proposed rule change is to enhance the sport by incentivizing offensive actions and risk-taking, it may not be backfire. Will it be more exciting, or would coaches like me focus on good old-fashioned defense, scoring off their shot?

One potential issue with the proposed rule change is that it could actually lead to less action on the feet. This is because a simple go-behind would score three points as well. Sometimes it's really hard to shoot on those stocky wrestlers with a square stance - should I risk giving up three? Because if their defense is good, giving up three is where this is headed. As a result, should we focus on defense? How boring would that be? In the words of one of my least favorite singers, Alanis Morissette… "And isn't it ironic, don't you think?" (that was for you, Erika).

Wrestling officials have sometimes been criticized for interjecting themselves into matches too much. I won’t name names, but we know who they are. In 17 years of coaching, I've studied the officials, so that my wrestlers can adapt to their style. Some officials in this state (Washington) think that if the wrestlers aren't constantly diving in on shots, they're stalling. The misunderstanding of hand fighting as stalling drives me crazy. With this proposed rule change to make all takedowns worth three points, wrestlers may become even more cautious about taking risks. I'm thinking that if you're going to take a shot, it better be a good one. However, I think you will see more stalling or worse, double-stall calls from officials. Officials will have to interject themselves to push the tempo of the match. Will an increase in double stall calls increase the fan base? I think not

While it's important to consider ways to grow the sport and attract new fans, a three-point takedown is not the answer. Will a three-point takedown really attract new fans? If I'm a ninth-grade girl and I hear, "NCAA Wrestling has a three-point takedown," will I become a fan? Wrestling is already an exciting sport that is appreciated by its dedicated fan base. I think it's not exciting for those who don’t understand the sport. NCAA wrestling would be more exciting if the fans found the athletes more relatable. I think the NCAA should do a better job of getting the wrestlers' stories out there and promoting the teams and individuals. I don’t think this rule change will help to gain or lose fans.

While the intention behind the proposed rule change to make all takedowns worth three points in NCAA wrestling is to enhance the sport, it is unnecessary and could have unintended consequences. The NCAA thinks this will push the action, but I think it will push the defense. Unless officials interject themselves into the match, which is exactly what we don't need, the three-point takedown is going to cause a spike in double-stall calls. Wrestling is an exciting sport and is appreciated by its fan base. Build the fan base by promoting the wrestlers.