Section 1: Introduction
United World Wrestling (UWW) is the global governing body for amateur wrestling (Olympic Freestyle + Greco-Roman) — and since 2014, formal home of a recognized Grappling discipline. UWW Grappling has two formats: Grappling Gi (with kimono, similar to BJJ) and Grappling (no-gi). UWW Grappling matters because its inclusion under UWW puts submission grappling on the doorstep of Olympic recognition — UWW is the IOC-recognized wrestling federation, and adding Grappling to its remit is a path to potential future Olympic medal eligibility. UWW Grappling Championships are held annually. See sibling ADCC Submission Grappling Rules entry for the alternative private-organization ruleset.
Section 2: Equipment
- Grappling Gi: approved kimono (jacket + pants); colored belt by rank
- Grappling (no-gi): rashguard + shorts (or grappling pants); rashguard covers torso
- Mouthguard recommended; protective cup permitted (men)
- No shoes, no jewelry, nails trimmed
- Match attire: typically blue or red singlet/rashguard for distinguishing competitors
Section 3: Playing Area
- UWW-standard wrestling mat: 12m × 12m total, with central 9m × 9m competition circle
- Padded outer safety zone
- Single championship mat at finals; multiple parallel mats at qualifiers
Section 4: Players & Officials
- Two competitors per match
- Weight classes follow UWW wrestling-style weight categories adapted for grappling (Men: -62, -71, -80, -92, +92 kg)
- Age categories: Cadet, Junior, Senior, Veteran
- Officials: 1 mat referee + 2 corner judges + scoring official + timekeeper
- UWW-certified referee panel
Section 5: Rules of Play
Match Length
- Two 3-minute periods (30-second break)
- Total: 6 minutes of competition
- If tied at time end: 1-minute overtime → if still tied, last-scoring competitor wins
Scoring Points
- 2 points: Takedown ending in dominant position, Sweep, Knee-on-Belly
- 3 points: Guard Pass
- 5 points: Mount, Back Mount
- 5 points: Throw with high amplitude (judo-style)
Submissions
- Joint locks + chokes legal; specific restrictions vary by age group
- Heel hooks legal in senior no-gi categories (more permissive than IBJJF, less than ADCC)
- Submission = instant win
Technical Superiority
- Match ends early if scoring differential reaches 14 points
Section 6: Scoring
- Decision priority: submission > technical superiority > points > last-scoring competitor
- Tournament: single-elimination bracket + repechage (for bronze)
- Gold/Silver/two Bronze per weight + format (gi vs no-gi)
Section 7: Violations & Penalties
- Passivity / stalling: verbal warning → caution + point to opponent (3 cautions = DQ)
- Fleeing mat: caution
- Illegal submissions (age/category-restricted): caution → DQ
- Slamming: DQ
- Unsportsmanlike conduct / equipment violation: caution → DQ
- Anti-doping: WADA Code (UWW is signatory); rigorous in-competition + out-of-competition testing
Section 8: Safety Considerations
UWW Grappling combines wrestling injury profile (shoulder, knee, neck) with BJJ joint-lock risk. Age-graded submission restrictions enforced strictly. Slamming prohibited. Referee may stop for safety. UWW requires on-site team medical doctor + ambulance at international championship level. AED on-site. Pre-event medical screening + age-appropriate cardiac screening for Veterans. Concussion protocol: SCAT-5 assessment, multi-stage return-to-competition clearance. Skin-infection screening before mat use. UWW + national anti-doping authority testing program.
