Freestyle wrestling is an Olympic event. Under international rules any fair hold, trip, or throw is permitted. Forbidden are: kicking, punching, butting with the head, and holding the costume. Wrestlers are cautioned for irregularities, and three cautions mean disqualification. The bout is supervised by a referee on the mat, a mat chairman, a judge, and a timekeeper. A fall is awarded when one contestant holds both of his opponent's shoulders to the mat for one second.
Freestyle wrestling appeared in the 1904 olympic games. The first world championship took place in Helsinki, in 1951.