What is stalling in wrestling, and how is it penalized?

Stalling in wrestling refers to a competitor's failure to actively engage in offensive action, which can hinder the pace and flow of the match. When a wrestler is deemed to be stalling, it means they are not making an effort to initiate scoring opportunities or take risks to secure points. This lack of engagement can be detrimental to the spirit of competition, with officials looking for wrestlers to be active participants throughout the match.

The penalty for stalling typically comes in the form of warnings or points deducted from the wrestler's score. Referees will monitor the match closely and can issue a stall call if they observe a wrestler not attempting to improve their position or to score. This helps maintain an exciting and dynamic environment in matches, ensuring that both competitors are working towards victory.

In terms of the other options, failing to score multiple points does not constitute stalling on its own, as a wrestler may be actively trying to score but may just not succeed at that moment. Gaining advantage unfairly and executing illegal holds involves rule violations that are distinctly different from stalling, which is more about lack of action rather than illicit moves or unfair practices.