What are 'caution points' in IHSAA wrestling?

Caution points in IHSAA wrestling are used to address minor infractions that may occur during a match. These infractions can include actions like false starts, illegal holds, or failing to return to the center of the mat when instructed. The purpose of awarding caution points is to emphasize the importance of adhering to the rules and maintaining sportsmanship throughout the match.

While other choices explore various aspects of scoring and performance in wrestling, they do not accurately describe caution points. Points for exceptional performance or for escape maneuvers pertain to different scoring systems, while points deducted for losing balance would not fall under the definition of caution points or would typically be related to violations that impact the match's flow rather than merely enforcing conduct rules. Therefore, recognizing that caution points are specifically for these minor infractions helps wrestlers understand the importance of maintaining rule compliance throughout their matches.