This is a retrospective (2006–07) and prospective cohorts (2008, modified rules) study. All wrestlers (mean age 22±6,8 years) who took part in senior competition during winter seasons in 2006, 2007 and 2008, were included in the study. Data were obtained by means of competition records, accident reports and specific and personal questionnaires. Major injuries were considered when they took place while wrestling and as a result, the wrestlers were out of for more than 28 days. Incidence of major injuries was calculated with regard to the number of competitions, combats, takedowns and wrestlers.

A total of 143 male wrestlers took part at least in one of the 3 seasons. 14 injuries were documented affecting to 13 wrestlers. The most frequently injured body regions were shoulder and knee, and the most frequent injuries were sprains followed by contusions and joint dislocations. In the total of analyzed seasons, a major injury was observed every 7 competitions, 161 combats and/or 400 takedowns; and one per 36 wrestlers suffered a major injury. Each of every 4 major injuries were registered during 2006 and 2007, and none during 2008, when a new rule was included. Some differences in the incidence of major injuries were observed, but none of them were statistically significant.