When should points be awarded for edge-of-the-mat calls according to referees?

Points should be awarded for edge-of-the-mat calls before the referee blows the whistle for out of bounds because this timing ensures that the scoring reflects the actions leading up to the situation when wrestlers are about to go out of bounds. This approach maintains the flow of the match and allows the referee to recognize and reward scoring actions that happen right at the edge of the mat.

When wrestlers are in a scoring position close to the boundary, timely recognition of points acknowledges the competitors' efforts while the action is still ongoing. This practice helps clarify the scoring that occurred immediately before the wrestlers exit the mat area, ensuring that points are not missed due to a premature whistle.

In contrast, the other scenarios—awarding points after a foul, only at the end of the match, or during a timeout—would disrupt the ongoing action and could lead to confusion about what points were scored and when, rather than allowing for clear and timely adjudication of the points based on the exchanges that just occurred.