of a more difficult takedown with emphasis on expo-
sure of opponent’s back to the mat will increase points
awarded. The main objective is to pin the opponent’s
shoulders to the mat for a 1-s count (Kelly and Suby,
2002).- High school/collegiate:The style of wrestling that is
used in the Untied States. Considered similar to
freestyle because of the use of upper body and legs. A
major difference is that points are awarded for time
advantage. Also, a wrestler must ensure the safe return
of their opponent to the mat after a throw or a take-
down. Emphasis is placed on pinning the opponent
(Kelly and Suby, 2002).
INJURY DATA
- Recent NCAA Injury Surveillance System (ISS) data
concludes that collegiate wrestling has a relatively
high rate of injury at 9.6 per 1000 athlete exposures,
second only to spring football (NCAA, 2002–03).
Most injuries occur during practice as compared to
competition though competition confers a greater risk
of injury. The incidence of injury seems to be highest
at the beginning of the season as compared to the
latter part of the season. Though injuries are common
there seemed to be a consensus that most injuries were
not serious on the basis of time lost (greater than
7 days) or injuries that required surgery. Comparison
of the different weight classes yielded no statistical
difference in injury percentages (Jarrett, Orwin, and
Dick, 1998). - The knee is the most commonly injured body part in
both practice and competition followed by the shoul-
der and ankle. The face and neck were the least
injured. Sprain was the most common type of injury
in practice and competition with fracture being the
least common (Jarrett, Orwin, and Dick, 1998). - During takedowns and sparring is when most injuries
occur (Jarrett, Orwin, and Dick, 1998). - Contact with the opponent as compared to contact
with the mat was the most common mechanism of
injury (Jarrett, Orwin, and Dick, 1998).
MECHANISM OF INJURIES
•A direct blow from the mat or body contact may result
in a laceration or contusion during a takedown or
sparring. Potential serious injury may occur after a
fall especially if a competitor lands on an opponent
after attempting a throw or other types of takedowns
(Kelly and Suby, 2002).
•A friction injury may result in lacerations or abra-
sions. This can occur with continuous body contact or
contact with the mat. This may later result in skin
infections or bursitis (Kelly and Suby, 2002).- Sprains and strains may occur after a wrestler uses
twisting or leverage maneuvers to gain advantage over
an opponent (Kelly and Suby, 2002).
•A competitor may also incur injury to his or her own
person while attempting maneuvers (Kelly and Suby,
2002). - An often overlooked potential mechanism is overuse
injuries (Kelly and Suby, 2002).
HEAD INJURIES- Concussions occur with direct contact with a body
part or contact with the mat or floor (Kelly and Suby,
2002). (See chapter 40) - Lacerations and contusion occur frequently from
direct blows from the mat and body parts, such as the
head, elbow, and knee. The most common areas are
the bony areas around the orbits, zygoma, and scalp.
Soft tissues around the mouth and ears are also poten-
tial sites. During the match, injury time will be called
to evaluate the area. Treatment during the injury time
may include using Steri-Strips to provide temporary
closure of the wound. Dressing the wound may also
be required at this time. The match can continue as
deemed by the referee depending on the severity of
the injury. After the match, lacerations should be
cleaned and dressed properly. Closure of wounds with
heavy nylon suture is recommended if necessary
(Kelly and Suby, 2002). - Epistaxis may occur with a direct blow from an oppo-
nent or the mat. Blood time will be taken to determine
the extent of the injury. Direct pressure and ice may be
applied to the nares to reduce the hemorrhage. A pled-
get or nose plug may be inserted to enable the wrestler
to continue the match. Nosebleed QR is a recently
developed product that can be inserted into the nose
with a swab (Nosebleed). Direct pressure to the
involved nostril for 15–30 s is required for the product
to work properly. If the hemorrhage continues even
after the above treatments are implemented then
proper medical attention must be sought. - Nasal fractures with epistaxis are treated as above. A
competitor should be evaluated for nasal bone dis-
placement before return to play. Activity may be
resumed when indicated. A protective face mask with
proper nasal padding may be used to protect the nose
from further injury during competition (Kelly and
Suby, 2002).
554 SECTION 6 • SPORTS-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS