What is fleeing in wrestling?
A · Advanced · Fouls and penalties · 2 of 6Openly refusing contact to stop the opponent's hold is fleeing a hold, and leaving the wrestling area to escape is fleeing the mat. Each brings a caution and 1 point to the opponent. Fleeing the mat from a danger position costs 2 points and a caution.
How it works
| Offence | Penalty | Restart |
|---|---|---|
| Fleeing a hold, standing | Caution, 1 point to the opponent | Standing |
| Fleeing a hold, on the ground | Caution, 1 point | Par terre |
| Fleeing the mat, on the ground | Caution, 1 point | Par terre |
| Fleeing the mat from a danger position | Caution, 2 points | Par terre |
| Fleeing the mat from standing, the attack ending in a takedown outside | 2 points for the takedown, plus a caution and 1 point | Par terre |
| Fleeing the mat from standing, no takedown | 1 point for the step-out, plus a caution and 1 point | Standing |
- A defender who drops to the knees in the orange zone and goes into the protection area on purpose is fleeing the mat.
- A wrestler who breaks off the action on their own initiative, to move the bout to standing or to the ground, is warned the first time. The second time is a caution and 1 point for fleeing the hold.
- Resting on a pretext, such as wiping the body, blowing the nose or pretending to be hurt, is a caution and 1 point.
- Evading or blocking in the last 30 seconds of a period, if all three officials agree: 1 point and a caution.
- Each of these cautions counts towards the three that lose a bout.
Tricky cases
Is stepping out the same as fleeing the mat?
No. A step-out gives the opponent 1 point and no caution. Fleeing the mat is a deliberate escape, and adds a caution and a further point.
Can a fleeing call be challenged?
Yes. Challenges are accepted for all kinds of cautions.
Why the rule exists
Every scoring rule assumes the two wrestlers are trying to wrestle. A caution with a point attached makes running away cost more than standing and defending.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UWW rules, all styles | As above | W 48; W 49 |
From the rule book
United World Wrestling International Wrestling Rules, Articles 18, 26, 29, 46, 48 and 49. Edition dated January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UWW International Wrestling Rules (PDF).