4-point Near-fall
 

This past weekend at a North Dakota high school (NFHS rules) wrestling tournament, I saw a referee award a four-point near-fall multiple times. Each time was when the defensive wrestler was in near-fall for 5+ seconds with time expiring. It was my understanding the only time a four-point NF should be awarded is when the pinning situation is stopped for a legal hold resulting in injury, or for the defensive wrestler bleeding.

I have gone through the rules and case books, and I cannot find any other instance of a four-point near-fall being awarded other than injury or blood. Am I missing something?

No you are not missing anything to my knowledge.

The defensive wrestler also could have been applying hands to the face or some other illegal act to add a point.

Then you have a 3 point near fall and a 1 point penalty for the illegal act.

That's true, official could have used bad mechanics on his signals. I was just trying to think of any reason he would show 4.

If it were a penalty point, he never indicated it. He clearly tapped near fall and then four fingers. The scoring table even gave him a confused look to which he restated "Near-fall four points."

I'll chalk it up to him getting it wrong.

If a wrestler cries out indicating an injury the official can stop the match. I've had it happen to me. Kids starts yelling ouch ouch after 3 pt was earned so I stop the match start injury time and award 4.