During a pinning scenario, which of the following must happen for a fall to be counted?

For a fall to be counted in wrestling, it is essential that both shoulders of the wrestler being pinned are on the mat. This is part of the criteria that referees use to determine whether a pin has occurred and thus constitutes a fall. When both shoulder blades are on the mat, it indicates that the opponent is unable to escape or reverse the position, demonstrating that they are in a vulnerable state.

This requirement ensures fairness and clarity in the scoring of a match, as a pin signifies that one competitor has successfully established dominance over the other. While being on their back is crucial to be in a pinning situation, the definitive signal for a fall is the placement of both shoulders on the mat. Thus, the correct answer clearly aligns with the rules governing pinning scenarios in wrestling.