When should a referee award points for edge of the mat calls?

The correct approach to awarding points for edge of the mat calls hinges on the timing and the referee's ability to manage the match effectively. Points should be awarded before the referee blows the whistle to restart the match. This practice ensures that the scoring is clear and reflects the action that just occurred.

By awarding points prior to signaling for the match to resume, the referee maintains the flow and integrity of the bout. This practice allows for all wrestlers and spectators to be aware of the scoring decisions made immediately after the action has unfolded, minimizing confusion and ensuring that the outcome correctly reflects the athletes' performance.

The other options suggest immediate actions or moments in the match where points would not be effectively communicated or documented. For example, awarding points immediately after a wrestler goes out of bounds could lead to uncertainty, as the action may not be fully accounted for until the match is officially paused. Similarly, stopping the match before awarding points would disrupt the momentum and could improperly influence the athletes' transitional strategies. Lastly, limiting points to only pin attempts does not encompass the full nature of edge-of-the-mat scenarios where points can legitimately be scored regardless of a pin being pursued or not.