What happens if a wrestling match ends in a tie?

When a wrestling match ends in a tie, a tie-breaker occurs to determine the winner. This process is necessary because ties are not permissible in wrestling tournaments or competitions; a clear winner must be established.

Typically, the tie-breaker involves specific criteria or periods of extra time to evaluate which wrestler scores more points or exhibits dominance in control. These criteria may include reviewing the wrestlers' performance throughout the match, considering factors like near falls, escapes, and overall aggressiveness. This ensures a fair outcome and maintains the competitive integrity of the sport.

The other options do not align with the rules governing wrestling matches. A referee's decision (another option) is applicable during the match for calls but does not resolve a tie. Forfeiture of the match is not a standard procedure for a tie; instead, ties are resolved through the tie-breaking process. Declaring joint winners contradicts the competitive nature of wrestling, which requires a decisive outcome. Thus, conducting a tie-breaker is the appropriate course of action in these situations.