Chapter 3
Scoring Methods
Bruce Gabrielson, PhD
1994 US SOMBO Team Coach
SOMBO Scoring
Both JUDO and SOMBO emphasize better technique to score at higher
levels. However, while JUDO matches can be won with one better
technique maneuver, SOMBO drastically differs in that it allows
points to accumulate for each technique demonstrated. This means
that even though a wrestler scores on one high point difficult
technique move, he can still loose the match to a wrestler who
scores on several lower technique moves.
- There are three ways to score in SOMBO matches:
- 1. HOLD DOWN - A hold down is similar to the JUDO
hold down or wrestling near fall. One wrestler must hold his
opponents back to the mat with either back to chest or chest in
contact to score. Slipping an arm between the contact points,
pushing the attacker away to create a space, or turning over
(past 90 degrees)
to face the mat will break the hold down. A 10 second hold down
will score 2 points, while a 20 second hold down will score 4
points. In a single match only one hold down per competitor can
score. A hold down does not end the match as it does in JUDO.
Two or Four Point Hold Down
- 2. THROW - A throw is similar to a JUDO throw, except
that the throw is elevated in point scoring according to two
criteria: (1) the position of the throwing wrestler after the
throw (on his feet or on the mat) and (2) how the thrown wrestler
lands (stomach, back, side, or but). The total victory throw in
SOMBO (Epon in JUDO) occurs when the attacking wrestler remains
on his feet and the attacked wrestler lands on his back. This
throw ends the match. Other throws where the attacker falls down
or where the attacked wrestler lands in a better defensive
position than on his back are awarded between 1 and 4 points.
The key element in SOMBO throws is off balancing the opponent.
Two or Four Point Throw (Depending on How Throw Ends)
- 3. SUBMISSION HOLD - Submission holds, depending on
if
submissions are allowed in an age group, can be applied to arms
or
legs only (not hands and feet). Although legal in JUDO, choke
holds are illegal and will result in a penalty caution. The
match
ends when one wrestler gives up by calling out or tapping the mat
after the submission hold is applied. Calling out is taken very
seriously in SOMBO, and can end a match even when the defender
accidentally makes a loud noise. Talking can also result in a
penalty or accidental award of match. The attacking wrestler is
allowed to ke-yii when throwing, but other then this, it is best
to make no noises when wrestling.
Submission Hold (One of Several)
Wrestling on the Mat
Wrestling on the mat takes place whenever a takedown occurs.
Takedowns are similar to wrestling takedowns in that various
points are scored off the throw depending on how each wrestler
ends up when the takedown is completed. However, points are only
awarded for the gaining control during the throw itself, not for
gaining control without a throw.
Once on the mat, unless a hold down has already taken place,the
wrestler must actively work towards a submission hold. Generally
the referee will allow 15 to 20 seconds of active mat work are
allowed before the wrestlers are brought to their feet. However,
if mat work is not active, wrestlers are brought to their feet
much quicker. In younger age groups where submission holds are
not allowed (Schoolboy and below), wrestlers are immediately
brought to standing after a takedown occurs and a hold down has
already been awarded.