What does a 'forfeit' mean in high school wrestling?

A forfeit in high school wrestling occurs when a wrestler does not compete in their scheduled match, which results in the victory being awarded to the opponent. This situation can arise for various reasons, such as an injury, failure to make weight, or a decision by the team not to send a wrestler out for that match. The result of a forfeit is automatically recorded as a win for the opposing team, contributing points to their overall score in a dual meet. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping both match strategy and scoring, as forfeits can significantly affect team performance and match outcomes.