A wrestler shall be considered in the 'danger position' when the line of his back (or the line of his shoulders) vertically or in parallel with the mat, forms an angle of less than 90 degrees to the mat and when he resists with the upper part of his body to avoid a 'fall'. (See definition of 'fall'). The danger position occurs when:
- The defending wrestler assumes the bridge position to avoid being pinned.
- The defending wrestler, with his back toward the mat, supports himself on one or both elbows to avoid having his shoulders forced onto the mat.
- The wrestler has one shoulder in contact with the mat and at the same time exceeds the 90 degree vertical line with the other shoulder (acute angle).
- The wrestler rolls on his shoulders.

The 'danger position' no longer exists when the wrestler exceeds the 90-degree vertical line with his chest and stomach facing the mat.

If the mat and the competitor's back form a 90-degree angle only, this cannot yet be considered a 'danger position' (the neutral point).