These rules ensure the integrity and safety of GWA wrestling events, maintaining fairness and professionalism in all competitions.

Section I: General Rules

1. Definition. A wrestling match consists of a physical confrontation between two individual athletes or two teams of athletes proficient in the sport and in sound physical condition. Wrestlers must be of good moral character and not fugitives from justice.
   1. Matches are held in a "ring" constructed according to GWA standards.
   2. The objective is to gain victory by using legal holds and maneuvers, either by pin fall or forcing the opponent to concede defeat. A pin is counted when both shoulders are held to the mat for three seconds by the referee.
2. Legal Holds. Holds permitted in Olympic wrestling competitions are allowed, provided they involve the use of hands, arms, feet, and legs to gain advantage without being specifically excluded by GWA directives.
3. Prohibited Holds and Conduct. Unsportsmanlike holds and behavior not in the best interests of wrestling are prohibited. Violations may lead to disqualification and disciplinary action.
   1. Closed fists are not allowed. Referees may disqualify wrestlers for repeated use after warnings.
   2. Kicking with the point of the toe or heel is prohibited. Kicking with the flat of the foot or instep is allowed.
   3. Karate or kung-fu thrusts or kicks are prohibited. Non-lethal judo moves resembling these maneuvers are allowed at the referee's discretion.
   4. Pulling hair, masks, tights, or gear to gain advantage is prohibited.
   5. Eye gouging or impairing an opponent's anatomy is strictly prohibited.
   6. Biting any part of an opponent is strictly prohibited.
   7. Bending fingers to cause potential fracture or sprain is not allowed.
   8. Choke holds and using ring ropes to impair breathing are prohibited.
   9. Striking an opponent in the privates results in immediate disqualification.
   10. Taping knuckles, wrists, or hands, except as medically necessary, is prohibited.
   11. Using non-regulation objects as weapons leads to immediate disqualification.
   12. Physical or verbal abuse of officials is grounds for disqualification and possible suspension.
   13. Interference by non-participants results in disqualification of the aided wrestler(s).
   14. Attacking before the opening bell, after the final bell, or between falls leads to disciplinary action.
   15. Deliberately throwing an opponent over the top rope results in immediate disqualification, except in battle royals.
   16. Dangerous holds or maneuvers not specified but deemed unsafe by GWA officials may be prohibited.
4. Additional Standards of Conduct. Referees will disqualify wrestlers after three warnings for infractions but have discretion to disqualify at any time for deliberate rule violations.
   1. Holds are not allowed if either wrestler is in contact with the ropes or outside the ring ropes. The wrestler has five seconds to comply after being instructed by the referee.
   2. Wrestlers thrown outside the ring have ten seconds to re-enter. The count is suspended if interrupted and resumes from the start.
   3. The ten-count also applies to wrestlers in a prone position unable to wrestle. Taking the full ten-count results in a loss.

Section II: Tag Team Matches

1. Participation. Tag team matches are permitted under customary contractual procedures.
   1. If a team member is unable to wrestle or is absent, the partner may find a substitute, forfeit, or face opponents alone.
2. Tag Rules
   1. Only one team member is allowed in the ring at a time. A five-second transition is allowed for tagging out.
   2. Tag-outs require physical contact between partners in the designated corner. The referee may disallow unseen or improper tags.
   3. Tag teams can consist of equal numbers, except in handicap matches with signed waivers.
   4. Tag team events can be won by defeating one member of the opposing team unless otherwise stipulated.

Section III: Weight Divisions

1. Weight Matching. Wrestlers are matched with minimal weight discrepancy, but unlimited or heavyweight division participants must accept matches with any weight.
   1. Junior heavyweight division limit is 230 pounds.
   2. Other weight divisions follow Olympic freestyle competition rules.

Section IV: Women's Matches

1. Rules and Regulations. Women wrestlers follow the same rules as men except as stipulated.
   1. Women are paid equally to men for matches of similar value.
   2. Women will not be matched against men. Mixed tag matches ensure women do not wrestle men directly.

Section V: Non-Sanctioned Events

1. Non-Sanctioned Matches. The GWA does not sanction cage, chain, bull rope, strap, "lights out," taped fist, "death," or other non-regulated matches. Participants in these events do so without GWA recourse for injuries.

Section VI: Local Promoters & Officials

1. Local Promoter Qualifications. Local Promoters must be responsible persons, not fugitives from justice.
   1. This applies to officers of partnerships and corporations promoting GWA events.
   2. Promoters provide dressing rooms, showers, and toilet facilities, ensuring unauthorized persons do not enter dressing areas.
   3. Promoters secure regulation rings, set-up/tear-down personnel, and adequate liability insurance.
   4. Promoters handle contracts or delegate to matchmakers, ensuring all are reputable and not fugitives.
   5. Promoters publicize events tastefully, avoiding false advertising.
   6. Promoters pay all personnel per contracts and report misbehavior or irregularities to GWA Headquarters.
2. Referee Qualifications. Referees are knowledgeable, full of integrity, and approved by GWA officials.
   1. Referees enforce rules, disqualify for infractions, and may stop matches to prevent injury.
   2. Referees ensure contestants have no concealed objects or excessive body oil pre-match.
3. Timekeeper Qualifications. Timekeepers are knowledgeable and full of integrity, approved by GWA officials.
   1. Timekeepers use accurate timepieces, signaling match starts, ends, and keeping participants informed of elapsed time.
4. Vested Interests. Officials must have no vested interest in match outcomes.

Section VII: Championships

1. Definition. Championships recognize the best in designated categories, weight divisions, or areas through official competition.
2. Recognized Championships
   1. GWA World Heavyweight Championship. Recognized as the highest achievement in the heavyweight division, representing global prestige.
   2. GWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship. Recognizes the best among wrestlers within a 230-pound weight limit.
   3. GWA Tag Team Championship. Awarded to the best tag team, emphasizing teamwork and coordination.
   4. GWA Women's Championship. Represents the pinnacle of women's wrestling within the GWA.
   5. GWA Women's Tag Team Championship. Awarded to the best women's tag team, promoting female team competition.
   6. GWA Intercontinental Championship. Recognizes international competitors, showcasing global wrestling talent.
   7. GWA Mexican Championship. Celebrates the top wrestler representing Mexican wrestling traditions.
   8. GWA Canadian Championship. Honors the top wrestler in Canada, emphasizing northern wrestling talent.
   9. GWA Rio Grande Valley Championship. Highlights regional talent from the Rio Grande Valley.
   10. GWA Pacific Coast Championship. Celebrates the best wrestler from the Pacific Coast region.
   11. GWA Rocky Mountain Championship. Recognizes top talent from the Rocky Mountain area.
   12. GWA Gulf Coast Championship. Showcases wrestling talent from the Gulf Coast region.
   13. GWA Southwest Championship. Highlights competitors from the Southwestern United States.
   14. GWA Great Plains Championship. Recognizes the top wrestler from the Great Plains region.
   15. GWA Mixed Tag Team Championship. Promotes mixed-gender tag team competition, emphasizing teamwork.
   16. GWA Sierra Nevada Championship. Celebrates the best wrestler from the Sierra Nevada region.
3. Non-Recognized Championships
   1. GWA does not recognize championships based on non-compliant competitions.
4. Ratings
   1. GWA may publish official contender rankings with Competition Committee's approval.
5. Championship Rules
   1. Trophies or belts are awarded in compliance with rules.
   2. Championships do not change hands in draws or single fall wins in 2 out of 3 fall matches.
   3. Championships do not change hands on disqualification unless stipulated.
   4. Championships are defended at least once every thirty days unless exceptions are granted.
   5. GWA may designate or hold tournaments for vacant championships.

Section VIII: Additional Standards Of Conduct

1. Gambling. No gambling on match outcomes by wrestlers, promoters, managers, seconds, officials, or arena employees.
   1. Promoters discourage patron gambling at events.
2. Bribes. Accepting bribes for unethical practices is strictly prohibited.
   1. Wrestlers accepting bribes to throw matches face fines and suspension.
   2. Officials accepting bribes face status revocation and disciplinary action.
   3. Failure to report bribe offers is considered complicity.