Which of the following ways earns near-fall criteria?

The correct answer outlines specific criteria that must be met for points to be awarded for near-fall situations in wrestling. Near-fall points are given when a wrestler exposes their opponent's back to the mat, indicating that a pin could potentially be achieved.

In this case, the correct description includes key elements: being in a high bridge position on both elbows, having the shoulders or scapulae within 4 inches of the mat, and having one shoulder touching the mat while the other is held at a 45-degree angle or less. This configuration demonstrates that the wrestler is close to being in a pinned position, thus validating the near-fall points as per the rules.

Other options fail to meet the complete criteria necessary for scoring near-fall points. For instance, a high bridge with one shoulder touching the mat does not fulfill the requirement of back exposure and positioning of the other shoulder angles. Similarly, back exposure for two seconds is part of the criteria but does not alone meet the full stipulations needed in wrestling rules for scoring. Wrestlers holding each other in a standing position doesn’t present any back exposure at all, which is key for near-fall criteria to be recognized.