In a wrestling match, when is time considered stopped?

In wrestling, time is considered stopped primarily during situations that disrupt the flow of the match, such as when a wrestler is injured or when a violation occurs. This pause allows the referee to assess the situation, ensure the safety of the wrestlers, and address any penalties that might need to be enforced. Therefore, the instances of injury or violation are critical points that necessitate stopping the clock to maintain fair play and athlete well-being.

While scoring points, coaches calling timeouts, and referees making decisions may influence the pace of the match, they do not constitute formal stoppages of match time in the same way that injury assessments or rule violations do. The rules are designed to prioritize the health and safety of the participants, which is why interruptions due to injury or violations are considered key moments where time must be halted.