What is the primary criterion that determines the choice to begin the ultimate tiebreaker period?

The primary criterion that determines the choice to begin the ultimate tiebreaker period is the score at the end of regulation time. In wrestling, if a match ends in a tie after three regulation periods, the ultimate tiebreaker is utilized to determine the winner. The score at the conclusion of the match is taken into account, and the rules dictate that the wrestler with the higher score has advantages in tiebreaker scenarios, such as starting position and potential scoring opportunities.

Unsportsmanlike conduct may lead to penalties during the match but does not serve as a determining factor for entering tiebreakers. Similarly, the first points scored in the match or the weight class of the wrestlers are not criteria for initiating the ultimate tiebreaker; these do not influence the scoring or tiebreaker process outlined in the rules. Therefore, understanding the importance of the score at the end of regulation is critical for comprehending how decisions are made in these close matches.