What position must a wrestler begin in during the start of a match?

In wrestling, the match starts in the neutral position, which is a key aspect of both folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. In this position, both wrestlers face each other while standing, with no contact initiated. The purpose of starting in the neutral position is to give both competitors an equal opportunity to engage in offensive or defensive techniques right from the start, allowing for a fair match where both wrestlers can equally compete for control.

The neutral position also emphasizes the skillful aspects of wrestling, as it encourages each athlete to utilize footwork, balance, and strategy to take charge of the match. Wrestlers can initiate takedowns or maneuver to gain an advantage while remaining aware of their opponent's movements.

In contrast, other positions such as being on one's knees, standing, or on one's back do not accurately characterize how a match initiates, as they don't provide the established framework and fairness inherent in starting from neutral. The neutral stance ensures that the principles of technique and timing are at the forefront when a wrestling match begins.