Edge of the Mat

[headbutt03]

The edge of the mat needs to be addressed. Takedowns on the edge of the mat are completely subjective and takedowns that are awarded at the edge of the mat aren't awarded at the center of the mat. Can anyone shed some light on this topic? I've noticed this all tournament and all year.

Why should takedowns be awarded at the edge of the mat that aren't awarded if they wouldn't be awarded in the center?

[Marty Sparty]

Takedowns at the edge of the mat really shouldn't be subjective at all. What is subjective is what you the fan or the coach sees from a distance as compared to what the ref sees right on top of the action. What is or is not a takedown at the edge is clearly spelled out in the rule book. Also, what constitutes as takedown at the edge is different by rule than what constitutes a take down on the mat. That being said, this is one of the biggest areas of inconsistency and uncertainty among officials and misunderstanding by coaches and fans.

[ramjet]

College Take Down rules would clear it up for everyone.

[cooch]

Also, starting to think a bigger mat is needed or push out rules need to go into effect for folkstyle.

I also think a 6inch wide strip, instead of two would help clear some things up. 

[harley]

How about if the mat was Square would that help?

[Wrestlologist]

Maybe plexiglass sides and no out of bounds timeouts.  Continuous clock?