What action constitutes a false start in wrestling?

A false start in wrestling occurs when a wrestler moves their feet before the whistle is blown to signal the start of the match or a moment of action. This is significant because it disrupts the expected timing and fairness of the match, providing one wrestler with an unearned advantage. The emphasis on the whistle as the starting signal is crucial, as it ensures that both athletes begin the action simultaneously, promoting a fair competition environment.

In this context, other actions such as grabbing an opponent's uniform, stepping out of bounds, or raising hands before the whistle are violations, but they do not specifically relate to the timing of the start of a match or action. Instead, these actions could lead to penalties or stoppages but do not constitute a false start, which is specifically concerned with early movement relative to the whistle.