UWW approves wrestling rule changes: updates to take effect in 2026

United World Wrestling (UWW) has published a summary of the changes and an updated set of international rules that will come into force on January 1, 2026.

The World Wrestling Federation officially announced the updates on December 12. The changes were approved following joint work by the UWW Technical Commission and Refereeing Commission and are aimed at improving clarity of wording, consistency of interpretation, and fairness of officiating at international competitions.

One of the key decisions was confirmation that weight categories will remain unchanged for the next Olympic cycle (tentatively 2029–2032). The criteria for determining the winner in tied bouts were also clarified.

Significant changes will also affect scoring for stepping out of bounds. Previously, if a defending wrestler stepped out of the protection zone while standing, the opponent was awarded one point. However, if the wrestler stepped out while on their knees, no points were awarded, a loophole often exploited by athletes.

From 2026, this rule is amended. Now, if a defending wrestler exits the protection zone while on their knees, it will also be considered stepping out of bounds, and the attacking wrestler will be awarded one point.

Full list of approved UWW rule changes

According to the official UWW document, the following changes and clarifications take effect from January 1, 2026.

UWW emphasized that the updated rules are mandatory for all international competitions and events held under its authority starting from January 1, 2026.

1. Bleeding protocol

Four minutes are allowed to stop bleeding from the moment the doctor begins treatment.
If bleeding is stopped, the bout continues.
Recurrent bleeding results in defeat.

2. Voluntary stoppage of the bout

Stopping the bout on one’s own is prohibited:
• First violation — verbal warning
• Second violation — caution and 1 technical point to the opponent

3. Weigh-in at multi-day tournaments

If a weight category has fewer than six wrestlers and the competition lasts two days, all athletes must weigh in on the second day, even if no bouts are scheduled.

4. Restarting the bout after cancellation of a decision

If a bout was stopped in error (technical superiority 8/10 or fall), but after video review the decision is overturned and points are awarded, the bout resumes in parterre, not standing.

5. 1:1 tie in Greco-Roman wrestling

• At 1P–1P (both points for passivity), the wrestler who scored first wins
• If the first point is non-technical and the second is technical, victory is awarded to the wrestler who scored the technical point

6. Leg violations in Greco-Roman wrestling

Automatic defeat after two violations is abolished.
A standard caution is now applied, with 1 or 2 points awarded to the opponent depending on the situation, as with other technical violations.

7. “Scissors” hold (“leg-on-leg”)

Prohibited only in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Remains legal in freestyle wrestling.

8. Stepping out while on the knees

If a defending wrestler steps out of the mat while on the knees in the passivity zone, the attacking wrestler is awarded 1 point.

9. Parterre defense (freestyle wrestling)

The bottom wrestler is prohibited from defending with closed arms.

10. Authority of the referee delegate

The referee delegate may initiate intervention if an obvious fall or a clear act of brutality was not recorded.

11. Negative wrestling

Negative wrestling includes deliberate actions to block the bout: finger interlocking, refusal to engage, head blocking.
Penalties are applied immediately, without passivity procedure:
• Freestyle — caution and 1 point to the opponent
• Greco-Roman — caution and 2 points to the opponent

12. Two-point throw

To be awarded 2 points, the opponent must be thrown directly onto the stomach or side with loss of control.