International Amateur Wrestling Federation

The International Amateur Wrestling Federation (FILA), now known as United World Wrestling (UWW), is the global governing body for amateur wrestling. It was formed in 1911 and reconstituted in 1920 to regulate international competitions, including the Olympic Games. FILA oversees two primary styles: Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling.12

In Greco-Roman wrestling, holds are only permitted above the waist, and leg grips are forbidden. Freestyle wrestling, derived from the English catch-as-catch-can style, allows nearly all holds, trips, and throws, with the exception of those that endanger life or limb. Both styles involve competitors aiming to force their opponent to touch the mat with their shoulder blades simultaneously for a brief instant, or to win by points awarded for control and maneuvers if no fall occurs. Weight classes are used to ensure fair competition in both men's and women's events.12