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Learn Beach Wrestling
What is Beach Wrestling?
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Wrestling on sand, in a circular competition area (about 7 meters across).
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All action is from a standing position — no wrestling on the ground.
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Open to men and women across youth (8U) through seniors and veteran Masters divisions, grouped by age and weight.
Match Structure and Area
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Duration: One 3-minute period with no breaks or overtime.
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Starting Position: Matches start and stay standing; there is no ground wrestling or mat return.
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Restart Position: Neutral after any stoppage or scoring.
MATCH STRUCTURE
TIME
One 3-minute period
POSITION
Neutral or Standing
RING
7 meters in diameter
How Scoring Works
1 Point Actions:
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Causing any part of an opponent's body other than their hands or feet to touch the sand (such as a knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, or head)
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Forcing an opponent out of the ring. This could be a pushed out or steps out.
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An unsuccessful attacking attempt where the shooter drops their knee and fails to score awards 1 point to the defender. [Exception for 14U]
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Opponent commits an illegal move.
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Opponent (passive wrestler) fails to score in 30-second activity period.
THE POINT RULES -As simple as it gets
1 POINT
Touch outside the ring
1 POINT
Take down to the sand, except hands/feet
3 POINTS
Throw on the back and win on the spot
3 Point Actions:
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Executing a clean throw or takedown that puts the opponent directly onto their back (an exposure from feet to back).
How to Win
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First athlete to 3 points is declared the winner.
Tie-Breakers Criteria:
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The athlete that scored the last point is declared the winner.
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If the match is tie with a score of 0-0, the lighter weight athlete is declared the winner.
WIN BY - First to 3 points
POINTS
3 Points to win an individual match
TIE BREAK
Last point scored wins;
If the tie is 0-0, lightest wins
Basic Rules Under 60 Seconds
