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TOLAC 2026: technical training for referees to ensure a consistent understanding of the laws of the game

The ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) is a regional sporting event which aims to promote talent in African wrestling and foster integration through sport. On the sidelines of this 14th edition, the referees’ committee organised a technical training session aimed at strengthening the skills of the refereeing team. This training session, which has become a tradition at every edition of the tournament, enabled participants to revisit the rules of African wrestling, particularly the technical conduct of the bouts, in order to ensure greater consistency in interpretations and decisions on the mat. According to the rules of African wrestling promoted by TOLAC, the fighting technique is exclusively performed whilst standing. In other words, any action undertaken after a firm fall to the ground is prohibited. Similarly, attacking whilst on both knees on the ground is forbidden. However, resting one hand on the ground during an attack or a counter-attack is permitted. The discipline emphasises the direct and active use of the arms across the opponent’s entire body – arms, torso and legs – as well as the active use of the legs in both offensive and defensive manoeuvres. Certain techniques remain strictly prohibited, in particular the stranglehold around the neck and grabbing the opponent’s belt or clothing.