What is NOT a step a referee should take before awarding points for out of bounds?

Before awarding points for out of bounds, a referee must follow specific steps to ensure the call is made accurately and fairly. One crucial step is to blow the whistle, which signals the end of the action and indicates to the wrestlers that they should stop. Following this, checking wrestler safety is imperative; the referee needs to confirm that both wrestlers are unharmed and in a safe position before making a points decision. The referee then uses a hand signal to communicate to the scorers and audience how many points will be awarded, ensuring everyone is informed of the scoring outcome.

The step of immediately moving to the center of the mat is not necessary before awarding points. Instead, the referee should ensure that they have clearly assessed the situation first and communicated the appropriate signals before moving. This allows for proper management of the match and maintains focus on the wrestlers' safety and the integrity of the scoring.