"CLAW-STYLE" RULES
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Our rules are designed with fans in mind. CLAW has created a modified form of wrestling featuring the most appealing aspects of folkstyle and freestyle wrestling while minimizing "boring" and "confusing" elements. CLAW has also introduced other fan-friendly innovations that produce action, scoring, and excitement. The result is a great spectator sport featuring real wrestling that both athletes and fans love. NOTE: We have conducted over 100 matches with D1 and senior-level wrestlers using Clawstyle rules. During the 2024 CLAW Invitational, we noticed wrestlers making adjustments as they became more acclimated to the rules and some officiating issues that need to be addressed. Accordingly, our rules have been updated and continue testing will be conducted prior to the launch of the league in the fall of 2025. |
Update: If you watch the CLAW Invitational on YouTube, you'll notice some differences in the rules from this video. This is because we tweaked rules after the event. The above video describes the updated rules.
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MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS:
#1 Every Point Counts. CLAW features dual meets between teams of 7 wrestlers. Every point scored by a wrestler is credited to the team, so there's always a reason to score as much as possible. The winning wrestler earns 5 points plus the MOV (margin of victory) for the team. This is a variation of Wade Schalles' "Point Scored, Point Earned" concept that he has advocated for years.
#2 Every Round Counts. A wrestler wins a match by winning more periods (called "rounds") than the opponent. In a way, each round is like a mini-match. There are four short rounds (5 minutes total), so wrestlers must "get after it." No more keeping it close with the intent of winning at the end. If a tie results, overtime rules ensure the match is settled in a quick, dramatic fashion.
#3 New Ways to Score. To create more fan interest, CLAW has introduced two major ways to score points. If a wrestler scores in the first 10 seconds of a round, he is rewarded with a Quick Score Bonus (QSB) point. An even bigger fan favorite is the innovative Pylon Point. These new twists, along with other ways to score more points, make wrestling far more interesting to watch.
#4 Stalling is Not Tolerated. If the above isn't enough to encourage constant action, our new stalling rules do the trick. If a wrestler isn't continually working to score or improve position, he is immediately warned for stalling. If he doesn't act quickly to rectify the problem, points are awarded. CLAW is not for wrestlers who "slow down" matches, take few shots, ride with no intent to turn, hang out on the bottom, etc. They will be punished on the scoreboard! Stalemates are called quicker as well to keep the action moving.
There are other rule tweaks, but in summary, CLAW rules change how matches are wrestled. There is way more action, making it more entertaining for spectators!
#1 Every Point Counts. CLAW features dual meets between teams of 7 wrestlers. Every point scored by a wrestler is credited to the team, so there's always a reason to score as much as possible. The winning wrestler earns 5 points plus the MOV (margin of victory) for the team. This is a variation of Wade Schalles' "Point Scored, Point Earned" concept that he has advocated for years.
#2 Every Round Counts. A wrestler wins a match by winning more periods (called "rounds") than the opponent. In a way, each round is like a mini-match. There are four short rounds (5 minutes total), so wrestlers must "get after it." No more keeping it close with the intent of winning at the end. If a tie results, overtime rules ensure the match is settled in a quick, dramatic fashion.
#3 New Ways to Score. To create more fan interest, CLAW has introduced two major ways to score points. If a wrestler scores in the first 10 seconds of a round, he is rewarded with a Quick Score Bonus (QSB) point. An even bigger fan favorite is the innovative Pylon Point. These new twists, along with other ways to score more points, make wrestling far more interesting to watch.
#4 Stalling is Not Tolerated. If the above isn't enough to encourage constant action, our new stalling rules do the trick. If a wrestler isn't continually working to score or improve position, he is immediately warned for stalling. If he doesn't act quickly to rectify the problem, points are awarded. CLAW is not for wrestlers who "slow down" matches, take few shots, ride with no intent to turn, hang out on the bottom, etc. They will be punished on the scoreboard! Stalemates are called quicker as well to keep the action moving.
There are other rule tweaks, but in summary, CLAW rules change how matches are wrestled. There is way more action, making it more entertaining for spectators!
5 REASONS WHY CLAW IS GREAT TO WATCH!
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REASON #5:
Quick Score Bonus (QSB) |
REASON #4:
Stalling is Not Tolerated |
REASON #3:
All Rounds and Points Count! |
REASON #2:
The Best of Freestyle |
REASON #1:
Pylon Points |
Note: Some of the above rules have been tweaked in the aftermath of recent testing. See below.