Support Youth Wrestling | The On The Mat Foundation

MAT CLASH • IN YOUR CORNER

Coach Cutter

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Rules guide checked October 20, 2026. Folkstyle scoring uses NFHS high school rules. Youth, college, and event modifications can differ; use the linked official sources.

What is The On The Mat Foundation?+

Every kid deserves a place on the mat. The On The Mat Foundation removes financial barriers to wrestling through free training, positive coaching, mentorship, and help getting equipped.

We’re also working toward a dedicated facility with tutoring, meals, a clothing closet, school support, and a community gear bank. Those expanded services are our future vision.

Explore the Foundation ↗

How do I donate?+

Help us make room for the next kid. Use the Foundation’s PayPal campaign to give directly to The On The Mat Foundation. Choose the amount that works for you; the campaign also offers a monthly giving option.

Every contribution helps support the mission. No donation is required for a child to train.

Donate through PayPal ↗

What does my donation support?+

Your gift supports the Foundation’s work to make wrestling accessible, including free training, coaching, gear, and mentorship.

We’re fundraising toward a dedicated home and expanded support beyond the mat. The permanent facility, tutoring, meals, clothing closet, and school support remain goals we’re building toward.

Support the mission ↗

What is the $1 Challenge?+

Give $1. Invite 10. Join the mission.

Donate $1 through the Foundation’s campaign, then invite 10 friends to do the same. Small gifts can add up to more opportunities for kids. If you can’t give right now, sharing the campaign still helps.

Join the $1 Challenge ↗

Can I donate wrestling gear or supplies?+

Yes—contact us to coordinate wrestling shoes, singlets, headgear, clothing, school supplies, or other useful items. Tell us what you have, the sizes, condition, quantity, and your location.

Please arrange the donation with the Foundation before dropping off or shipping items.

Coordinate a gear donation ↗

How can my business sponsor or partner?+

We’d love to hear how your business wants to help. Opportunities can include financial support, gear, facility access, construction help, supplies, meals, or other resources.

Send your business name, contact details, and the kind of support you have in mind. We’ll discuss a fit with the Foundation’s needs and goals.

Discuss a partnership ↗

How do I volunteer?+

Tell us about your interest in coaching, mentoring, tutoring, events, fundraising, or practical support. Include your experience and availability.

Ask about volunteering ↗

Is buying MAT CLASH gear a donation?+

MAT CLASH Wrestling Corp. is a separate for-profit business. A store purchase is a commercial transaction, not a direct charitable donation.

To give directly to The On The Mat Foundation, use the Foundation’s PayPal campaign. Any product-specific support commitment is described on that product or store page.

Give directly to the Foundation ↗

How do I get a team gear quote?+

Let’s get your program outfitted. Send your school or club name, team colors and logo, gear list, quantities, personalization needs, delivery location, and deadline.

Use our team gear request form. We’ll review the design direction and confirm your final quote before production.

Start a team gear request ↗

What is the minimum order? Can I mix items?+

The minimum custom team order is 15 total eligible physical items. You can mix eligible products, garment sizes, and roster needs; it doesn’t have to be 15 of one item unless a particular product requires it.

For example, five singlets, five fight shorts, and five T-shirts make 15 items. A bundle counts as the physical items inside it.

See gear and pricing ↗

What gear can we customize?+

Build a coordinated look with singlets, fight shorts, lightweight hoodies, T-shirts, polos, hoodies, joggers, quarter zips, gear bags, knee sleeves, long-sleeve shirts, zip joggers, and snap joggers.

Send your colors, logo, and ideas. Names can be added to approved items, such as hoodies and gear bags. Confirm every spelling and personalization detail before approval.

Explore custom team gear ↗

How much are singlets and team packages?+

Custom team singlets start at $40 each. Our team gear page lists current individual prices and package examples.

Listed prices and package subtotals exclude applicable tariffs and shipping or delivery fees. Your final total is confirmed before production.

View current team pricing ↗

Can you set up an online team store?+

Yes. A team store gives your club or school a dedicated place to order approved gear. Tell us the products, design, roster needs, and planned ordering window in your team gear request.

Orders placed through a team store are submitted for manufacturing after the store closes. Please review that store’s own closing date and preorder details.

Request a team store ↗

When does manufacturing begin?+

Team store orders: manufacturing begins after the store’s ordering window closes and orders are submitted.

Bulk team orders: the order is submitted immediately after it is finalized. Design, sizes, personalization, payment, and the final total should be confirmed before production.

Read the shipping policy ↗

How long does team gear take? Who receives it?+

Allow a typical 3–4 weeks from submission for manufacturing to delivery, unless another timeline is stated. For team stores, that clock begins after the store closes and the order is submitted—not on the day you purchase.

Completed gear is delivered to the coach or designated team representative for distribution. Preorder listings follow their own stated schedule. Estimates are not guaranteed arrival dates.

View delivery details ↗

How do I choose sizes or send a roster?+

Request the applicable garment size charts before confirming sizes. Measure against the chart rather than assuming every product fits the same.

Send each wrestler’s name and a separate size for every garment, plus the requested cut where applicable. Check quantities, names, numbers, and spelling carefully before finalizing your roster.

Request sizing help ↗

Can I cancel, return, or exchange my gear?+

All sales are final. MAT CLASH does not accept cancellations, returns, exchanges, or refund requests except where required by law or to resolve a damaged, defective, or incorrect item under the saved policy.

Custom gear is made for your order. Incorrectly selected sizes, customer-submitted spelling errors, roster changes, or a change of mind do not qualify for a refund or exchange. Contact us immediately if you spot an error; changes cannot be guaranteed.

Read the full policy ↗

Where is my team order? What if something is wrong?+

For delivery and distribution, check with your coach or team representative first. For an order update, send MAT CLASH your order number, purchaser’s name, and team or store name.

If an item is missing, damaged, defective, or different from your confirmed order, email us promptly with a description and clear photos where relevant. Keep the item and packaging while we review it. This guide cannot look up individual orders.

Contact order support ↗

Is training really free?+

Yes. MAT CLASH Training Center, powered by The On The Mat Foundation, has no registration fee, paid training cycles, or drop-in fees. Families do not have to donate to participate.

A current AAU or USA Wrestling membership card and a completed waiver are required. Coaches must verify membership before participation.

Where and when are practices?+

Practices are held at East Ridge High School, 4320 Bennett Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412.

Schedule beginning November 5, 2026: Youth AAU meets Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00–7:15 PM. Middle and high school supplemental training meets Sunday at 3:00 PM and Monday and Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

Check the Training Center page or contact the team for updates and any schedule before that effective date.

Check the practice schedule ↗

How do I register my wrestler?+

A parent or guardian should complete the athlete information, membership details, participation agreement, and waiver in the free registration form.

Bring a current AAU or USA Wrestling membership card for coach verification. Registration is free, and a donation is never required.

Open free registration ↗

Are beginners welcome? What should we bring?+

Beginners are welcome at youth practice. Come ready to learn, listen, and work with the coaches.

Bring workout clothes, wrestling shoes, and water, along with the required membership card and completed waiver. Need help getting equipped or choosing the right group? Contact us before practice.

Ask about getting started ↗

What is the MAT CLASH Card Game?+

MAT CLASH brings wrestling to the table through characters, momentum, and match strategy. Explore the game page for decks, instructions, and the free web-play option.

Choose the official rules for the edition you’re playing, and keep the action moving.

Explore the card game ↗

Where can I learn the rules or play for free?+

Use the MAT CLASH game page to find the official instructions and the Play for Free option. The official rules explain card actions, scoring, and how to finish a match.

If you have a question about a particular card, send us the card name and what happened in the match.

Find rules and free play ↗

When do card games and merchandise ship?+

MAT CLASH card games, merchandise, and other non-preorder items typically ship within 72 hours of purchase. Shipping transit time is additional.

Items marked as preorders follow the estimated shipping or delivery timeline on the product page. Custom team gear follows its separate manufacturing schedule.

Read shipping details ↗

I’m new to wrestling. Where should I start?+

Start with a coach who can teach stance, movement, safe positioning, and the basics at your pace. You don’t need to know everything before your first practice.

Show up consistently, ask questions, and focus on one improvement at a time. Our youth sessions welcome beginners.

Explore free training ↗

How can I get better between practices?+

Be consistent with the fundamentals your coach has already taught you. Shadow stance and motion, review your goals, and make time for rest and recovery.

Ask your coach for drills matched to your age and experience. Practice partner moves only with appropriate coaching, space, and equipment.

Ask the coaching team ↗

Why do scoring rules differ?+

Folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman use different rules. Age groups, event organizers, and rule updates can also change the details.

Before a competition, ask your coach which current rules apply. For a specific scoring question, tell us the style, age group, and event so the coaching team can help.

Send a wrestling question ↗

Folkstyle: are takedowns worth 3 points now?+

Yes—NFHS high school folkstyle awards 3 points for a takedown. The change took effect in 2024–25. Use the current high school rules rather than the older 2-point takedown system.

Youth and club events can publish modifications. Confirm which rules your event uses.

NFHS scoring changes ↗

Folkstyle: how do the new near-fall points work?+

NFHS high school near fall: 2 seconds meeting near-fall criteria earns 2 points; 3 seconds earns 3; 4 seconds earns 4. The referee counts only while the required criteria are met. These points are not added together.

Injury or bleeding interruptions have special provisions, including a possible 5-point near fall after four points have been earned.

NFHS near-fall explanation ↗

Do these folkstyle rules apply to every age group?+

These scoring answers describe NFHS high school folkstyle. College wrestling has its own NCAA book; youth and club tournaments may use modified rules.

Tell your coach the event and age group before applying a rule. Rules summaries were checked October 20, 2026 against NFHS scoring changes and the 2026–27 update. They are a guide, not a complete rulebook.

Current NFHS rules resources ↗

Freestyle: how are takedowns and throws scored?+

A basic controlled takedown commonly scores 2 points. Throws can earn 4 or 5 depending on amplitude, control, and how the opponent lands.

Unlike folkstyle, freestyle permits scoring through exposure without establishing a long ride.

USA Wrestling rulebook ↗

Freestyle: what are exposure points?+

A qualifying turn into danger generally earns 2 points. There is no folkstyle 2-, 3-, or 4-second near-fall count.

The referee evaluates the action and danger criteria. A turn and a confirmed fall are different scoring outcomes.

UWW rules: scoring and danger ↗

Freestyle: what is technical superiority?+

A 10-point advantage is technical superiority in freestyle. Officials allow the action to finish under the applicable rule before ending the bout.

A confirmed fall can also win the match. Check age-group and event modifications.

UWW technical superiority rules ↗

Freestyle: what is the activity clock?+

A wrestler placed on the 30-second activity clock must score during that period. Failure to score gives the opponent 1 point.

USA Wrestling uses different warning procedures for younger divisions and older athletes, so check your age-group rules.

USA Wrestling passivity procedures ↗

Greco-Roman: what makes it different?+

Greco-Roman forbids grasping below the belt, tripping, and actively using the legs against the opponent to perform an action.

Upper-body control and throws are central. Freestyle permits leg attacks; Greco-Roman does not.

USA Wrestling style differences ↗

Greco-Roman: how does scoring work?+

Scoring actions can earn 1, 2, 4, or 5 points. Exposure commonly earns 2; higher-value throws depend on amplitude and landing.

Greco-Roman technical superiority is an 8-point advantage, rather than freestyle’s 10. A confirmed fall also wins.

UWW scoring rules ↗

Greco-Roman: what happens on a passivity call?+

On the first two passivity calls in a match, the active wrestler receives 1 point and may choose standing or top par terre.

Later passivity calls have different scoring treatment. Use the current event rulebook for the full procedure.

USA Wrestling Greco passivity rules ↗

What are escapes and reversals worth?+

In NFHS high-school folkstyle, an escape earns 1 point when the bottom wrestler breaks the opponent’s control and returns to neutral. A reversal earns 2 points when the bottom wrestler gains control over the opponent.

Standing up alone does not earn an escape while the opponent still has control. Wait for the referee’s signal.

Explore NFHS rules ↗

What is the difference between a pin and near fall?+

A pin, also called a fall, wins the match regardless of the score. Near fall earns back points when the referee’s criteria are met, but the match continues.

Under NFHS high-school rules, near fall earns 2 points for a 2-second count, 3 for a 3-second count, and 4 for a 4-second count. The referee determines when the criteria are met.

Explore NFHS rules ↗

What is a technical fall?+

In NFHS high-school folkstyle, a technical fall is a win by a lead of 15 points or more. If the lead is reached during a near-fall situation, the referee allows that situation to finish before ending the match.

The thresholds differ internationally: freestyle uses a 10-point lead and Greco-Roman uses an 8-point lead. Confirm the rules used by your event.

Explore NFHS rules ↗

How do I get a donation acknowledgment?+

Keep your payment confirmation after donating. If you need an acknowledgment or help locating your donation, contact The On The Mat Foundation with your donor name, donation date, and transaction reference.

For donated gear, ask the Foundation about acknowledgment arrangements when coordinating the donation. Never send payment-card details through the contact form.

Contact the Foundation ↗

Where is my team store?+

Team stores are available during your team’s designated ordering window. If your store isn’t visible, it may be closed or temporarily paused.

Ask your coach for the current store link and closing date. If you still need help, contact us with your team name.

Already ordered? Gear goes to manufacturing after the store closes and typically arrives with your coach in 3–4 weeks, unless a different timeline is stated.

Get team store help ↗

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