RULES OF THE GAME OF AUSTRALIAN
RACQUETBALL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE PAGE
1. THE GAME - HOW PLAYED. 2
2. THE SCORE. 2
3. POINTS - HOW SCORED. 2
4. THE SERVICE. 2
5. THE PLAY. 6
6. GOOD RETURN. 6
7. LET. 7
8. POINTS - HOW WON. 7
9. HITTING AN OPPONENT WITH THE BALL. 7
10. FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO HIT
THE BALL. 9
11. APPEALS. 10
12. INTERFERENCE 11
13. LET, WHEN ALLOWED. 14
14. BROKEN / SUBSTITUTED
BALL. 16
15. WARM UP. 16
16. CONTINUITY OF PLAY -
INCLUDING INJURY. 17
17. CONDUCT ON COURT. 20
18. CONTROL OF MATCH. 21
19. DUTIES OF A MARKER. 22
20. DUTIES OF A REFEREE. 22
APPENDIX 1 GUIDELINES 24
APPENDIX 2. DEFINITIONS. 34
APPENDIX 3 RECOGNISED
MARKER’S CALLS. 38
APPENDIX 4 RECOGNISED
REFEREE’S CALLS. 39
APPENDIX 5 CODE OF CONDUCT. 40
APPENDIX 6. SPECIFICATIONS. 41
RULES
OF THE GAME OF AUSTRALIAN RACQUETBALL
GENERAL NOTE:
The use of the word “shall”
in the rules indicates compulsion and the lack of any alternative. The word “must” indicates a required course of action, with
considerations to be taken into account if the action is not carried out. The
word “may” indicates the
option of carrying out the action.
1. THE
GAME - HOW PLAYED:
(a) SINGLES
The game of Singles Racquetball is played between two players, each
using a standard racquet, with a safety
strap secured around the wrist, with a standard ball, in a court constructed to Australian Racquetball
standard dimensions.
(b) DOUBLES
The game of Doubles
Racquetball is the same as Singles Racquetball, except that the doubles game is between four
players, divided into two teams of two players each.
2. THE
SCORE:
A match shall consist of the best of three
games. Each game is to 21 points, in that the player who scores 21 points wins
the game except that, on the score being called 20 all, the player who scores 2
more points wins the game
NOTE: Games
and Matches may be altered in format as decided by the Match & Pennant, or
Tournament, or Competition Committees, to suit their own particular
requirements.
3. POINTS
- HOW SCORED:
After service each
completed rally results in a point being scored by the winner of that rally.
4. THE
SERVICE:
(a)
Singles:
4.1 The right to serve first is decided by
the spin of a racquet or the toss of a coin, or a call by the marker. The
server continues to serve until the opponent wins a rally, whereupon the
opponent becomes the server. This procedure continues throughout the match. At
the commencement of the second and third games, the winner of the previous game
serves first.
4.2 The server stands with both feet entirely
in front of the “service line”, the receiver
with both feet behind the “service line.”
4.3 Good service:
4.3.1 For the service to be good - there must be
no “footfault” and the ball, before being struck, shall be bounced on the floor
in front of the “service line” and struck with an underarm action. It shall be
served directly onto the front wall above the “tin” so that on its return,
unless volleyed, it reaches the floor behind the “service line”. Should a
player, having dropped the ball, make no attempt to strike it, it may be
dropped again for that service.
NOTE: A player with the use of only one arm may utilise
the racquet to drop the ball
before striking it.
4.3.2 A service is good when it is not a “fault”
(Rule 4.4) or does not result in the server losing his service (Rule 4.5).
4.4 A service is a “fault”:
4.4.1 If at the time of striking the ball the
server fails to have both feet entirely in front of the “service line” (called
a “footfault”) – see 4.5.7 below.
4.4.2 If the bounce of the ball on the floor by
the server is on or behind the “service line.”
4.4.3 If the first bounce of the ball on the
floor, after it has struck the front wall on the serve, is on or in front of
the “service line”.
4.4.4 If the ball, after being struck by the
server, either with or without touching the side wall, touches the back wall on
the full, including the junction of the back wall and the floor (“the nick”).
4.4.5 If the server serves one “fault”, they shall
serve again. The receiver cannot play a second service “fault”.
4.5 The server loses the service
4.5.1 If two consecutive “faults” are served.
4.5.2 If the ball touches the walls, ceiling, or
any object suspended from the walls or ceiling before being struck by the
server.
4.5.3 If the server makes one or more attempts to strike the ball, but fails to do so
4.5.4 If in the opinion of the referee, the ball
is not “correctly struck”. (See Appendix 1 - Definitions).
4.5.5 If the ball is served onto or below the
“tin” (including the “fault line” forming part of the “tin”), or onto or above
the “out of court line” or against any part of the court before touching the
front wall.
4.5.6
If the ball, before it has bounced more than once on the floor, or
before it has been struck at by the receiver, touches the server or anything
worn or carried by the server, whether the service was otherwise good or a “fault”.
4.5.7 If at the time of striking the ball the
server fails to have both feet entirely in front of the “service line” (a
footfault) and any of 4.5.2 to 4.5.6 above apply.
4.6 The
server shall not serve until the marker has completed calling the score.
NOTE: a) The marker must not
delay play by delaying the call of the score. However, if the server serves or
attempts to serve prior to the calling of the score, the Referee shall stop
play and require the server to wait until the call has been completed.
b) A
serve shall NOT be treated
differently to any other stroke during a rally, with respect to “lets and
penalties” as provided in accordance with the rules.
(b)
Doubles:
4.7 The
Service:
4.7.1 The service for the doubles game of Racquetball
includes all the service rules as for the singles game, as well as the
following, 4.7.2 to 4.7.6 inclusive.
4.7.2 Choice of server;
At the beginning of the first game, the
serving team shall decide which of them is to serve, thereafter alternating
with their partner at the beginning of each game. When the combined total of
points for the 2 teams in the third game reaches 15 points both teams shall
finally change servers. At the commencement of service the server shall elect
to serve either to receiving zone C or D, which includes their respective zones
B. Thereafter the server shall serve alternately to zones D or C in succession
whilst that team holds service.
4.7.3
Server’s Position;
The server shall stand with both feet
entirely in front of the “service line” (zone
A).
4.7.4 Server’s Partner’s Position;
The server’s partner shall stand with both
feet entirely within the “box” (zone B), on the opposite side to the receiver,
until the server strikes the ball.
4.7.5 Receivers’ Positions;
The receivers shall decide which of them will
receive from zone C and who shall receive from zone D. The receivers must
continue to receive service from their selected zones whilst the serving team
is the server in an unbroken succession (ie until there is a change of
service). When service is broken, the receivers may elect to change zones.
4.7.6 Only
the intended receiver may return service.
NOTE: The
receiver and the receiver’s partner may stand anywhere behind the “service line”,
except in the server’s partner’s zone B, (provided that their position does not infringe Rule 12
- Interference), until the ball has been struck
by the server.
4.8 THE COURT AND ITS ZONES:
FRONT WALL
ZONE A
SERVICE LINE
THE BOX THE BOX
ZONE B ZONE B
C
E L
N I
T N
R E
E
ZONE C ZONE D
BACK WALL
4.9
A service is a fault (doubles only);
4.9.1
As for Singles (rule 4.4 above) plus;
4.9.2 If the server serves to the incorrect receiving zone.
4.9.3 If, at the time of the server striking the
ball, both of the server’s partner’s feet are not entirely within the
appropriate zone B “box”, called a “footfault”.
4.9.4 If the server’s partner serves the ball.
4.9.5 “Three wall serve.” If the ball, before being struck by the
receiver, touches both side walls on the full.
4.10
The receiving team loses the point;
4.10.1
As for Singles (rule 4.5 above) plus;
4.10.2
If the receiver’s partner returns the ball.
5. THE
PLAY:
After a good service
has been delivered, the players (or doubles partners) shall return the ball alternately until one fails to
make a good return, or on a call by the marker
or the referee. The ball then ceases to be in play.
6. GOOD
RETURN:
(a) Singles
A return is good if the ball, after
rebounding from the front wall on the serve and before it has bounced more than
once on the floor, is “correctly struck” by the striker onto the front wall above the “tin” either directly
or via sidewall(s) and/or the back wall without first touching the floor or any
part of the striker’s body or clothing, or the opponent’s racquet, body or
clothing, and provided the ball is not hit “out of court”.
(b) Doubles
As for the singles except that the terms “striker” and “opponent” shall include their respective partner.
NOTE: It
shall be considered NOT a good return, if the ball touches the “tin” before or after
it hits the front wall, or if the racquet is not in the player’s hand at the time
the ball is struck, or if the ball is carried for a prolonged time on the
racquet. (See Appendix 2 - Definitions “correctly struck”).
7. LET:
A let is an undecided rally.
7.1 A rally shall immediately cease on the
striker’s call of “let please”.
7.2 The service or rally in respect of which
a “let” is allowed shall not count and
the server shall serve again.
7.3 A “let” shall not cancel a previous
“fault”. The marker shall call “one fault”
before the second service is made.
8. POINTS
- HOW WON:
A player wins a point;
8.1 When the player is the receiver and the
server loses the service in accordance
with rule 4.5.
8.2 If the opponent fails to make a good
return of the ball, unless a let is allowed
8.3 If the ball touches an opponent or anything worn or carried when the opponent is the non-striker, except as is otherwise provided by rules 6
(Good
Return), 9 (Hitting Opponent), 10 (Further Attempts) and 13.1
(Striker
Obscures Opponent).
8.4 If a point is awarded to the player by
the referee, as provided for in the Rules.
9. HITTING
AN OPPONENT WITH THE BALL:
NOTE: The practice of
hitting an opponent with the ball is considered contrary to the conduct of the
game and a player should be reprimanded if, in the opinion of the Referee, it
was avoidable. A Referee shall not hesitate to apply the penalties under the
Rules if this practice is continued.
If the ball, before reaching the front wall,
hits the striker’s opponent or racquet, or anything worn or carried by the
opponent, the ball shall cease to be in play.
9.1 A
POINT SHALL BE ALLOWED to the striker if the ball would have made a good
return and would have struck the front wall without first touching any other
wall, except in accordance with Rule 9.2.
9.2 A LET SHALL BE ALLOWED (SINGLES ONLY) IF:
9.2.1 The striker hits the opponent(s), or
anything worn or carried by the opponent(s)
with the ball after the following “loss
of sight shots”;
a) Turning, or;
b) Striking the ball between the striker’s legs, or;
c) Striking the ball behind the striker’s
back, or;
d) Striking the ball after allowing it to
pass behind the striker’s body.
.
See Note to Referees “Summary of Rule 9.2.1.”
9.2.2 The striker, about to enter a situation covered by Rule 9.2.1, chooses not to continue the rally due to the possibility of striking the opponent and in the opinion of the Referee, is able to make a good return.
9.2.3 The ball either had struck or would have
struck any other wall and would have
been a good return unless, in the opinion of the Referee, a winning stroke has
been prevented, in which case the striker shall win the point.
NOTE: The Referee when
considering the “interception of a winning return” must recognise the abilities
of the players, in particular their relative abilities, as demonstrated during
the current match, game or rally, to hit winning strokes or to retrieve their
opponent’s strokes. It must be recognised that player’s relative abilities are
influenced by their current state of exhaustion, injury etc., when forming this opinion.
9.2.4 If the return would not have been good, the
opponent shall win the point.
NOTE: When a player has
been struck by the ball, as described in Rule 9, the marker shall call “not
up”. The Referee shall assess the trajectory of the ball and make all further
decisions.
9.3
The following shots ARE NOT
PERMITTED in DOUBLES.
9.3.1 Turning (See Appendix 2 –
Definitions), or;
a)
Striking the ball between the striker’s legs, or;
b)
Striking the ball behind the striker’s back, or;
c)
Striking the ball after allowing it to pass behind the striker’s body,
or:
d)
Three wall service or return.
9.3.2 In each of these cases the rally shall cease
immediately and a point shall be awarded to the receiving side. If the striker,
about to enter a situation covered by Rule 9.3.1, chooses not to continue the
rally and asks for a let due to the possibility of striking the opponent, a
point shall be awarded to the receiving side even if, in the opinion of the
Referee, the striker is able to make a good return.
NOTE: SUMMARY
OF RULE 9.2.1
a) Singles – a “loss of sight shot” is an allowable return, but:
If the
striker hits the opponent
with the ball or, the striker
refrains from striking the ball
for fear of hitting the opponent
with the ball -
Would
the return have been
good ?
YES NO
LET ONLY POINT TO OPPONENT
b) Doubles – a “loss of sight shot” is not an allowable return.
10. FURTHER
ATTEMPTS TO HIT THE BALL:
If the striker strikes
at and misses the ball, further attempts may be made. If, after being missed, the ball touches an
opponent or anything worn or carried by an opponent,
including a racquet, then, if in the opinion of the Referee:
10.1 The striker could otherwise have made a
good return - a let shall be allowed,
or
10.2 The striker could not have made a good
return - the opponent shall win the point.
10.3 If any such further attempt is successful,
but the resulting good return is prevented
from reaching the front wall by hitting an opponent or anything worn or
carried by an opponent, a let shall be allowed in ALL circumstances.
10.4 If any such further attempt would not have
resulted in a good return then the opponent shall win the point.
11. APPEALS:
An appeal may be made by any player against
any call or failure to call by the marker.
11.1.1.
All appeals shall be made to the Referee, prefaced with the words
“Appeal Please”. Play shall then cease
until the referee has made a decision.
11.1.2.
If the Referee is uncertain, a Let shall be allowed, except where
provided for in the Note to Referee on Rule 11.2.1 (Marker’s Call interrupted a
winning return).
11.1.3.
In all cases under Rules 12
(Interference) and 13 ( Let when allowed) where a Let or a point is desired, an appeal shall be made
to the Referee
with the words “Let Please”.
This appeal shall be immediate and no
attempt should be made to
strike the ball. Play shall then cease until the
Referee has given a
decision. Appeals upheld are dealt with in each
specific situation below.
NOTE: a) An appeal with respect to an infringement of
the Rules shall be considered as “immediate” if, in the opinion of the Referee,
the player;
1) Has
made no attempt to strike the ball, and;
2) Has
appealed to the Referee with the words “Let Please” as soon as practicable
after the incident had occurred, and;
3) Has
not delayed the appeal until the result of the stroke is known.
b) Players making a pointing gesture during a
rally should be advised that such action is not a recognised form of appeal and no decision shall be made until the
end of the rally.
11.2 Appeals
on Service:
11.2.1 If the marker calls “fault” or “footfault” the
server may appeal. If the appeal is upheld a “Let” shall be allowed.
11.2.2 If the marker calls “out” or “not up” to a
service, the server may appeal. If the appeal is upheld a “Let” shall be
allowed.
11.2.3 If the marker fails to call “fault” or
“footfault” to a service, the receiver may appeal either immediately or at the
end of the rally. If the appeal is upheld on a first service a “Let” shall be
allowed. If an appeal is upheld on a second service, the receiver shall win the
point.
11.2.4 If the marker fails to call “out” or “not up”
to either first or second service, the receiver may appeal either immediately
or at the end of the rally. If the appeal is upheld the receiver shall win the
point.
NOTE: If the marker has
not called “one fault” prior to the delivery of a second service and that
service is a “fault”, the receiver, if not allowed the point, may appeal that
the service was a second service. If the appeal is upheld the receiver shall
win the point.
11.3 Appeals
on play, other than service:
11.3.1 If the marker has called the ball “out” or
“not up” following a player’s return, the player may appeal. If the appeal is
upheld a “Let” shall be allowed, except that if in the opinion of the Referee:
a) The marker’s call has interrupted that
player’s winning return, a point shall be allowed to that player.
b) The marker’s call has interrupted or
prevented a winning return by the opponent, a point shall be allowed to the
opponent.
NOTE: In the latter case
the Referee shall allow a point to the opponent if the Referee is unsure
whether the marker’s call was correct.
11.3.2 When the marker has failed to call the ball
“out” or “not up” following a player’s return, the opponent may appeal either
immediately or at the end of the rally if the ball has been played. If the
appeal is upheld the opponent shall win the point.
NOTE: a)
No appeal under rule 11 may be
made after the delivery of a service for anything that occurred before that
service.
b)
Where there is
more than one appeal concerning a rally, the Referee shall consider each appeal
in the order in which the situations occurred.
c) If a
return is called “not up” or “out” by the marker and subsequently goes “not up”
or “out” and if the Referee, on appeal,
reverses the marker’s call or is unsure of the marker’s call the Referee shall
then rule on the subsequent occurrence.
12. INTERFERENCE:
NOTE: The practice of
impeding an opponent in his efforts to play the ball by crowding or obscuring
his view is considered contrary to the conduct of the game as well as being
dangerous. A Referee shall not hesitate to enforce the Rules 12.2 (not every
effort) and 12.4 (unnecessary physical contact). The player whose turn it is to play the ball is entitled to
freedom from interference by the opponent.
a)
Singles:
12.1 After playing a ball to avoid interference
a player must make every effort to get out of the opponent’s way. That is -
12.1.1 A player must make every effort to give the
opponent a fair view of the ball.
NOTE: Fair
view of the ball only applies to its rebound from the front wall.
12.1.2 A player must make every effort “not to
obstruct” the opponent in the latter’s direct movement to the ball.
NOTE: The words” not to
obstruct” must be interpreted to include the case of an opponent having to wait
for an excessive follow through of the opponent’s racquet. A player’s excessive follow through may
cause interference for the opponent when it becomes the latter’s turn to play
the ball.
12.1.3 A player must make every effort to allow the
opponent “freedom to play the
ball”.
NOTE: a)
The freedom to play the ball must
include a reasonable backswing, strike at the ball and a reasonable
follow-through of the racquet.
Interference caused by a player’s excessive backswing cannot result in
the award of a point to that player.
b) An
opponent also must make every effort to get to and, where possible, to play the
ball.
12.1.4 A player must make every effort to allow the opponent, as far as the latter’s position permits, freedom to return the ball directly to the front wall, or either side wall, to within approximately one metre of the front wall. If a player fails to fulfil one of the requirements of Rule 12.1 (1 to 4) above, whether or not every effort is made to do so, then interference will have occurred.
NOTE: In
the case of Rule 12.1 the appeal should be immediate.
12.2 If interference has occurred and, in the opinion of the Referee, the player HAS NOT MADE EVERY EFFORT to avoid causing it, the Referee shall on appeal, allow the point to the opponent, provided the opponent was in a position to make a good return.
12.3 If interference has occurred, but in the
opinion of the Referee the player has made every effort to avoid causing it,
and the opponent could have made a good return, the Referee shall on appeal,
allow a “let”. Except that, if the opponent is prevented from making a winning
return by such interference from the player including a rally won under Rule 9
(Hitting an opponent), the Referee shall allow the point to the opponent.
LETS AND PENALTIES
A
LET HAS
BEEN
REQUESTED
DID ANY INTERFERENCE OCCUR?
NO
YES
NO LET!
COULD
THE OBSTRUCTED PLAYER
HAVE
REACHED THE BALL BEFORE
IT
BOUNCED TWICE?
NO
NO
LET!
YES
WAS
THE PLAYER OBSTRUCTING
MAKING
EVERY EFFORT TO GIVE
FAIR
VIEW OF THE BALL AND
FREEDOM
OF STROKE?
NO,
(DELIBERATE OBSTRUCTION) YES,
POINT TO APPEALING PLAYER!
(ACCIDENTAL
OBSTRUCTION)
WAS
THE OBSTRUCTED PLAYER
PREVENTED
FROM MAKING A
WINNING
RETURN?
NO,
PLAY
LET
(THE
BALL COULD HAVE BEEN
RETURNED)
YES
POINT TO
APPEALING PLAYER!
NOTE: a) A player who continues to play,
despite interference, forfeits the right of appeal concerning that
interference.
b) Where
a player creates his or her own interference, including an excessive backswing,
the Referee shall rule that interference has not occurred unless the opponent
has contributed to it.
c)
When, in the opinion of the Referee, a player’s swing is excessive and is
considered to be dangerous, the Referee shall apply Rule 17 (Conduct on Court).
12.4 If either player makes UNNECESSARY PHYSICAL CONTACT with his/her opponent, THE REFEREE MAY STOP PLAY if it has not already stopped, and
allow the point to the offended player. If such behaviour continues, the
Referee shall apply the provisions of Rule 17 (Conduct on Court).
b)
Doubles
12.5 Simultaneous
Appeals
If both receivers make simultaneous appeals
for a “let”, the Referee shall allow:
12.5.1 A point to the strikers if the decision on
both appeals would result in a point.
12.5.2 A point to the opponents if the decision on
both appeals would result in a point to the opponents.
12.5.3 A let if any other combination would have
resulted.
NOTE: Doubles - Returning
the ball back too close to one’s partner shall be considered identical to the
case of returning the ball too close to oneself in the singles game and should
be penalised as under Rule 12 ( Interference) and 13 (Let, when allowed).
13. LET,
WHEN ALLOWED:
13.1 A LET MAY
BE ALLOWED:
13.1.1 If owing to the position of the striker, the
opponent is unable to avoid being touched by the ball before the return is
made.
NOTE: This Rule shall be
construed to include the case where the striker’s position is in front of the
opponent and makes it difficult for the latter to see the ball, or where the striker shapes as if to play the
ball, but with a change of mind at the last moment, preferring to take the ball
off the back wall and the ball in either case hits the opponent, who is between
the striker and the back wall. This is not, however, to be taken as conflicting
in any way with the duties of the Referee under Rule 12 (Interference).
13.1.2 If the ball in play touches any article lying
on the floor.
NOTE: Referees must
ensure that the players place no articles on the floor.
13.1.3 If the striker refrains from hitting the ball owing to a reasonable fear of injuring the opponent.
NOTE: This Rule shall be
construed to include the case of the striker wishing to play the ball onto the
back wall.
13.1.4 As provided for in Rule 12 (Interference).
13.1.5 If, in the opinion of the Referee, either
player is distracted by an occurrence on or off court.
NOTE: This shall include
the case of an obvious late call on the first service by the Marker.
13.1.6 If, in the opinion of the Referee, court
conditions have affected the result of the rally.
13.2 A LET SHALL
BE ALLOWED:
13.2.1 If the receiver is not ready and does not
attempt to return the service.
13.2.2 If the ball breaks during play.
13.2.3 If the Referee is asked to decide an appeal
and is unable to do so.
13.2.4 If an otherwise good return has been made but
the ball goes “out of court” on
the first bounce.
13.2.5 Also as provided for In Rule 9 (Hitting an
opponent), Rule 10 (Further attempts), Rule 11 (Appeals), Rule 16.1 (Play
suspended), Rule 17 (Conduct on court) and Rule 20.5 (Marker and Referee
unsighted).
13.2.6 In order for a let to be allowed in any of
these Rules 13.1 (2 to 6) and 13.2.5, the striker must have been able to make a
good return.
13.3
A LET SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED:
13.3.1
When the player has made an attempt to play the ball, except where the
Rules definitely provide for a let, namely Rules 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 10 (Further
attempts), 11 (Appeals), 13 (Let, when allowed), 16.1 (Continuity of play), 18
(Conduct on court) and 20.5 (Referee is unsighted).
13.3.2 Unless an appeal is made by one of the players, except where the Rules definitely provide for a let, namely Rules 9 (Hitting an opponent), 10 (Further attempts), 12 (Interference), 13 (Let, when allowed), 16.1 (Continuity of play), 18 (Conduct on court) and 20.5 (Referee is unsighted).
14. BROKEN
/ SUBSTITUTED BALL:
14.1 If
a ball breaks during play, it shall be replaced promptly by another ball.
(See Rule
15.2 - Warm up).
NOTE: The
Referee shall decide whether or not a ball is broken.
14.2 At any time, when the ball is not in actual
play, another ball may be substituted by mutual
consent of the players or, on appeal of either player, at the discretion of the
Referee. (See Rule 15.2 - Warm up).
NOTE: Either player or
the Referee may examine the ball at any time it is not in actual play.
14.3 An appeal with respect to a broken ball
shall be made before the commencement of the subsequent rally. A “Let” shall be
allowed for the last completed rally if the referee agrees the ball is broken.
14.4 If a player stops play during a rally to
appeal that the ball is broken only to find subsequently that the ball is not
broken, then that player shall lose the point.
15. WARM
UP:
15.1
Immediately preceding the start of play, the Referee shall allow, on
the court of play, a period of no more
than five (5) minutes to the two players together for the purpose of
warming up. With 21/2 minutes
of the warm up time remaining the Referee shall advise the players that they
have used up half their warm up time with the call “Half-time” and ensure that
they change sides unless they mutually agree otherwise. The Referee shall also
advise when the warm up time is complete with the call ”Time”. In the event of a player electing to warm up
separately on the court of play, the Referee shall allow the first player a
period of no more than 31/2
minutes and his opponent no
more than 21/2 minutes . In the case of a
separate warm up, the choice of warming up first shall be decided by the spin
of a racquet or the toss of a coin.
15.2 Where
a ball has been substituted under Rule 14 (Broken / Substituted ball) or when
the match is being resumed after considerable delay, the Referee shall allow
the ball to be warmed up to playing condition. Play shall resume on the
direction of the Referee, or upon
mutual consent of the players, whichever is the earlier.
15.3 Between games the ball shall remain on the
floor of the court in view and shall not be hit by either player except by
mutual consent of the players.
NOTE: The Referee must
ensure that both players receive equal opportunity to warm up. An unfair warm up shall be dealt with under
the provision of Rule 17 (Conduct on court).
16. CONTINUITY
OF PLAY - INCLUDING INJURY:
After the first
service is delivered, play shall be continuous so far as is practical, provided that:
16.1 At any time play may be suspended, owing to
bad light or other circumstances beyond
the control of the players, for such period as the Referee shall decide. The
score shall stand. If another suitable court is available when the court
originally in use remains unsuitable, the match may be transferred to it if
both players agree, or as directed by the Referee.
In the event of play being suspended for the
day, the score shall stand unless both players disagree, in which case the
match shall start again.
16.2
An interval of ninety seconds shall be permitted between the end of the
warm up and commencement of the first game and also between all games. A player
may leave the court during such intervals, but must be ready to resume play
prior to the expiry of the ninety second time interval. By mutual consent the players may commence
or resume prior to the expiry of the ninety second time interval. When fifteen
(15) seconds of the interval permitted between games remain, the Referee shall
call “Fifteen seconds” to warn the players to be ready to resume play. At the
end of the interval between games the Referee shall call “Time”. All calls should be made in a loud voice.
IT
IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PLAYERS TO BE IN A POSITION TO HEAR THE CALLS OF
“FIFTEEN SECONDS” AND “TIME”.
NOTE: Should any or all
the players fail to be ready to resume play when “Time” is called, the Referee
shall apply the provisions of Rule 17 (Conduct on court).
16.3 If a player satisfies the Referee that a
change of equipment, clothing or footwear is necessary, the Referee may allow
the player to effect the change as quickly as possible with the maximum allowance
of two (2) minutes. If the player fails to return
within the allotted time, the Referee shall apply the provisions of Rule 17 (Conduct on court).
16.4 Undue
Delay.
The Referee shall award the point, game or
match to the opponent of a player, who in the opinion of the Referee persists,
after due warning, in delaying the play unreasonably.
Such delay may be caused by:
16.4.1 Unduly
slow preparation to serve or receive service.
16.4.2
Prolonged discussion with the Referee, or
16.4.3
Delay in returning to the court
having left under terms of Rules 16.2 (Ninety seconds between games) and 16.3
(Change of equipment).
16.5
If an object, other than a player’s racquet, falls to the floor of the
court whilst a rally is in progress the requirements are;
16.5.1
The Referee, on becoming aware of a fallen object, shall stop play
immediately.
16.5.2
A player becoming aware of a
fallen object may stop play and appeal for a let.
16.5.3
If the object falls from a
player then that player shall lose the point unless Rule 16.5.5 applies.
16.5.4
If the object falls from a
source other than a player a let shall be allowed unless Rule 16.5.5 applies.
16.5.5
If a player has already made a
clear winning return when the object falls to the floor of the court then that
player shall win the point.
16.5.6
If a player drops a racquet the
Referee shall allow the rally to continue unless Rules 12, 13 or 17 apply.
16.6 INJURY - In the event of an injury to a
player, the Referee shall decide if it was:
16.6.1 Self - inflicted.
16.6.2
Contributed to accidentally by the opponent, or
16.6.3
Caused by the opponent’s
deliberate or dangerous play or action.
16.6.4
If the injury involves visible
blood flow the provisions of Rule 16.7 shall apply.
NOTE: a) In 16.6.2 and 16.6.3 above, the Referee
must, to the best of their ability, determine that the injury is genuine.
b) The
Referee must recognise that “Contributed to accidentally by his opponent” shall
not include the situation where the injury to the player is as a result of that
player occupying an unnecessarily close position to the opponent.
c) In
Rule 16.6.1 (Self inflicted) the Referee shall require the player to -
1) Continue play,
OR
2)
Concede the game. Accept the 90 second interval (See 16.2) and then continue
the match.
OR
3) Concede the match.
d) In
Rule 16.6.2 (Accidentally contributed to by the opponent) the Referee shall
allow reasonable time for the injured player to recover, having regard to the
time schedule of the competition.
e)
In Rule 16.6.3
the Referee shall award the match to the injured player.
f) Doubles
- Should any player be unable to continue play, that game of doubles shall be
deemed to be completed, and the remaining points in the match recorded to the
continuing team. The injured team shall retain all points scored up to the
cessation of play.
16.7 BLOOD:
16.7.1 If the referee detects a
player who is bleeding or has blood on his clothing or equipment, the Referee
shall immediately stop play and require the player to leave the court.
16.7.2 If the Referee
considers a player is bleeding as a result of a DELIBERATELY DANGEROUS ACTION BY THE OPPONENT THE REFEREE SHALL
AWARD THE MATCH to the bleeding player.
16.7.3 If a player is bleeding for any reason other
than a deliberate, dangerous action by the opponent, the Referee shall allow
the bleeding sufficient time (up to 10 [ten] minutes) to stop the bleeding,
clean away the blood and, if possible, cover the wound. At the end of this reasonable time the
Referee shall require the match to be resumed.
16.7.4 If the bleeding
player is unable to resume and the Referee considers the player is bleeding as
a result of:-
16.7.5 The OPPONENT’S ACCIDENTALLY DANGEROUS ACTION the
Referee shall award the match to the bleeding player.
16.7.6 ANY
OTHER REASON the Referee shall award the match to the opponent.
16.8
There shall be a maximum of 2 (two) interruptions under this rule for
each match. If there should be further
reason under this rule for the Referee to intervene in a match he shall
immediately award the match using the criteria set out in 16.2 and 16.4 above.
16.9
If the Referee detects blood on any court surface he shall immediately
stop play and order that the blood be cleaned from the court surface or that
the surface be wiped with a suitable antiseptic.
16.10
The REFEREE SHALL BE THE SOLE JUDGE of
whether play should be stopped under this rule and whether bleeding has stopped
so that paly can be resumed.
17.
CONDUCT ON COURT:
If the Referee considers that the behaviour
of a player could be offensive or intimidating to an opponent, official, or
spectator or could in any other way bring the game of Racquetball into
disrepute, the Referee shall discipline the offending player in accordance with
these Rules.
Offences which should be dealt with under
this Rule include audible and visible obscenities, verbal and physical abuse,
dissent to the marker or referee, abuse of the racquet, ball or court and
coaching other than during the break between games. Other offences include those listed in the Rules 12.4
(Unnecessary physical contact), 15.2 (Fair warm up), 15.3 (Ball on floor
between games), 16.2 (Resume play after intervals), 16.3 and 20.4 (Impending
infringement), or the Code of Conduct (Appendix 5).
For these and any other offences which, in
the opinion of the referee, justify the application of the rule, any of the
following penalty provisions may be applied.
1) WARNING BY THE REFEREE (called a CONDUCT WARNING).
2) POINT AWARDED TO OPPONENT (called a
CONDUCT POINT).
3) GAME AWARDED TO OPPONENT (called a
CONDUCT GAME).
4) MATCH AWARDED TO OPPONENT (called a
CONDUCT MATCH).
5) REPORT TO DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
If the Referee awards a game, that game shall
be the one in progress or the next game if one is not in progress. The
offending player shall retain any points already scored.
NOTES TO REFEREES:
A. If the Referee stops play to give a
warning a let shall be allowed.
B. If the Referee stops a rally to award a
conduct point then that point award
becomes the result of the rally. If the Referee awards a conduct point at the
conclusion of a rally, the result of the rally stands and the conduct point
award is additional but without change of service.
A conduct point awarded after the
end of a game shall be carried over to the next game.
C. If the Referee awards a game that game
shall be the one in progress or the next one if one is not in progress, in
which case the interval between games shall not apply. The offending player
shall retain any points already scored in the game awarded.
18. CONTROL
OF A MATCH:
The appointed Referee, assisted by the
appointed Marker normally controls a match. One person may be appointed to carry out the functions of both the
Referee and Marker. After making a decision, the Referee shall announce it to
the players and the Marker shall repeat it with the subsequent score.
NOTE: Having only one
official to carry out the roles of both Referee and Marker is undesirable.
Up
to 30 minutes before the commencement of a match either player may request a
Referee and/or Marker other than those appointed and this request may be
considered and a substitute appointed. Players are not permitted to request any
such change(s) after the commencement of the match, unless both agree to do
so. In either case the decision as to
whether or not an official is to be replaced must remain in the hands of the
Tournament Referee or the Adjudicator where applicable.
19. DUTIES
OF A MARKER:
19.1 The Marker announces the current status of
the game, followed by the score, with the server’s score first, indicating
“Game ball” when one further point will decide the game. The Marker shall call
“Fault”, “Footfault”, “Out”, or “Not up” as appropriate, and shall repeat the
Referee’s decisions.
19.1.1 The
Marker shall keep note of the current server.
19.1.2 Doubles - The Marker shall keep note of the
current server and the current receiver’s zones and in the third game shall
announce the change of server for both teams when the combined total of points
for the 2 teams in the third game reaches 15 points.
19.2 If in the course of play the Marker calls
“Not up” or “Out”, or in the case of a serve, “Fault” or “Footfault”, the rally
shall cease.
NOTE: If
the Marker is unsighted or uncertain no call shall be made.
19.3 Any
service or return shall be considered good unless otherwise called.
19.4 After the server has served a “Fault”, the
Marker shall repeat the score and add the words “One fault”, before the server
serves again. If the subsequent rally ends in
a “Let”, this call shall be repeated until the rally is finally won.
19.5 If play ceases, and the Marker is unsighted
or uncertain as to the result of that rally, the Marker shall call upon the
Referee to make the relevant decisions. If the Referee is unable to do so, a
”Let” shall be allowed.
NOTE: Markers
must use recognised Marker’s calls. (Appendix
3)
20. DUTIES
OF A REFEREE:
20.1 The Referee shall allow or disallow appeals
for lets, and award strokes; make decisions where called for by the rules,
including all cases when the non‑striker
is struck by the ball, and for injuries; and shall decide all appeals including
those against the Marker's calls or lack of calls.
THE DECISION OF THE REFEREE SHALL BE FINAL!
20.2 THE
REFEREE SHALL NOT INTERVENE IN THE MARKER’S CALLING EXCEPT: -
20.2.1 Upon appeal by one of the players.
OR
20.2.2
As provided for in the Rules 12 (Interference) and 17 (Conduct on
court).
OR
20.2.3 When it is evident that the score has been
called incorrectly, in which case he shall have the Marker call the correct
score.
NOTE: It
is recommended that both Marker and Referee record the score.
OR
20.2.4
When the referee is certain that the marker has incorrectly permitted
play to continue after a player has failed to make a good return.
NOTE: A referee should only take advantage of this
rule when ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED
the marker has incorrectly permitted play to continue after a player has failed
to make a good return.
20.3 The Referee is responsible for ensuring
that all times laid down in the Rules are strictly adhered to.
20.4 The Referee is responsible for ensuring
that court conditions are appropriate for play.
20.4.1 The Referee may order play to be stopped by
use of the expression “Stop play please” in order to warn one or both of the
players that an infringement of the Rules is impending. In this case a “Let”
shall be allowed.
20.4.2 In exceptional cases the Referee may award a
point, a game or the match to the opponent of a player whose conduct is, in the
opinion of the Referee, intimidatory or
offensive and/or detrimental to the game of Racquetball in general.
NOTE: A Referee shall
take advantage of this disciplinary control as early as possible when any
player is showing a tendency to break the provisions of Rules 12
(Interference), 16.5 (Undue delay) and 17 (Conduct on court).
REMEMBER
- THE REFEREE’S DECISION IS FINAL!
APPENDIX 1
OFFICIAL GUIDELINES ON RULES INTERPRETATIONS
FOR PLAYERS AND REFEREES
THESE GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN PREPARED USING THE GUIDELINES PREPARED BY THE WORLD SQUASH FEDERATION AND ADAPTED FOR RACQUETBALL.
CONTENTS
A Introduction
B Change Of Equipment
C Illness Or Disability On Court
D Time Wasting
E Fallen Object
F Player Struck By The Ball
G Shaping To Play The Ball
H Making Every Effort
I Timing Of Appeals
J Method Of Appeal
K Early Appeal
L Created Interference
M Unnecessary Physical Contact
N Appeals For Fear Of Injury
O Broken Ball
P Self‑inflicted Injury
Q Coaching and Crowd Control
R Progression Of Penalties
S Single Official
T Marker's Calls
U Marker's Guidelines
V Addressing The Players
W Explanation By Referees
A INTRODUCTION
This introduction is adapted from
the introduction to the first Rules Of Australian Racquetball drafted by GARY
WESTBROOK in November 1987.
These rules have
been drafted to assist the orderly conduct of Racquetball matches in
Australia. The primary concern is to
encourage the development of an enjoyable competitive game in which the safety
of the players is paramount. Where
there is any question of a player’s safety the rules are drafted to give
maximum protection to the player. It is
hoped all referees will adopt this approach and where their discretion is
required it shall be given in such a way as to maintain this philosophy.
Because of the obvious similarities
between Squash and Racquetball it was decided to use the International Rules of
Squash as the framework.
B CHANGE
OF EQUIPMENT
In order to avoid
the situation of one player gaining an unfair rest interval through a change of
equipment, the Referee, before allowing a player to leave the court to make the
change, must be satisfied that there has indeed been a material deterioration
of the equipment.
The preference
for another racquet, or a different pair of shoes where no physical
deterioration is evident, is not sufficient reason for allowing a change of
equipment. Although up to ninety seconds are allowed for a change of equipment
players are required to carry out the change as quickly as possible.
If a player's
glasses break or the player loses a contact lens, then following the
appropriate time interval for change of equipment, that player must resume play
or an appropriate Rule 16 penalty will be applied.
If a player is
unable to resume play because of lack of alternative equipment then the Referee
should award the match to the opponent.
C ILLNESS
OR DISABILITY ON COURT
A player
suffering illness or disability on court has the options, except for a blood
flow situation, of completing the game in progress or of conceding it or the
match.
A player who does
not wish to concede the match but who requires recovery time or who needs to
leave the court must concede the game. After informing the Referee, the player
should take the time interval between games for recovery, then be ready to
play; or concede the match. One game only may be conceded.
If a player
vomits on or fouls the court, so that the court conditions become such that
play cannot continue, the Referee should award the match to the opponent,
irrespective of whether the sick player is able to resume play (Rule 17.
Conduct On Court). The Referee's decision with regard to court conditions is
final.
If the illness or
disability involves visible blood flow the player will be required by the
Referee to leave the court immediately. A resumption of play is not permitted
while the blood flow is visible. However, recovery time will be permitted and
if the player intends to resume play after treatment the Referee is to apply
the procedures applicable to a self‑inflicted blood flow injury. The
Referee, when advising of the requirements applicable to the situation, should
ascertain the player's intentions regarding a resumption of play.
D TIME
WASTING
Time wasting
represents an attempt by one player to gain an unfair advantage over the
opponent. Prolonged discussion with the Referee and slow preparation to serve
or receive service are particularly mentioned (Rule 16). Where this occurs the
Referee should apply an appropriate Rule 17 penalty at the earliest
opportunity.
It should be
noted that while excessive ball bouncing prior to service does constitute time
wasting, the server should not be considered to have served the hand out.
Players should be
aware that during permitted 90‑second intervals, the Referee's call of
"Fifteen seconds" is advice for them to return to court. A player who
is not ready to resume play on the call of "Time" is gaining an
unfair advantage and shall be penalised under Rule 17.
E FALLEN
OBJECT
Rule 16.5 now
makes it clear that if any object falls (or is thrown) to the floor of the
court then play must cease. Cessation of play could be initiated by the Referee
with the word "Stop" or by one of the players stopping and appealing.
The reason for the stoppage is that injury could occur if a player treads on
any object of significant size or texture. Obviously if a tiny or light object
falls to the floor and is not noticed then play will not be stopped.
Players are
responsible for ensuring that all of their own equipment is retained and, as a
general rule, a player will lose the stroke if equipment is dropped. Exceptions
to stroke loss are a collision (although in a collision resulting in an appeal
for interference Rule 12 will take precedence over the "let" decision
normally appropriate to a collision), and the considerations of a winning
return having been hit.
If a player drops
a racquet then under most circumstances the rally will be allowed to continue.
It is accepted that a player dropping a racquet is already at a significant
disadvantage because that player must pick
up the racquet to remain in the rally.
The Referee under
the provisions of Rule 17 should of course, deal with deliberate dropping or
throwing of an object to the floor of the court by a player. Conduct On Court.
F PLAYER
STRUCK BY THE BALL
If the ball
strikes the non-striker the Referee is required to make a decision in all cases
and the Marker's call is not required until after the Referee has made this decision.
If the ball
coming from the front wall (without
interference) hits the non-striker then the non‑striker loses the stroke
unless further attempt applies (Rule 10). The definition of "Attempt"
makes it clear that even a fake swing of the racquet or feint at the ball is to
be interpreted as an attempt, but stroke preparation comprising only backswing,
with no racquet movement towards the ball, is not an attempt.
The various
situations where the non‑striker is hit by the ball going to the front
wall are covered in Rules 9 and 10.
If the striker is
hit by the ball (without interference) then the striker loses the stroke and
the Marker should make the call of "Not up", because the ball has not
been struck "correctly". The Referee is not required to make a
decision.
However, in any
case where either player is struck by the ball in an interference situation
then the Referee should apply the provisions of Rule 12.
G SHAPING
TO PLAY THE BALL
When a player
shapes to play the ball on one side and then brings the racquet across the body
to take the ball on the other side (ie. from right to left or vice versa) then
this is not considered to be either
turning or making a further attempt, and the provisions of Rule 12 apply if interference
occurs.
This position
frequently occurs after the ball has hit the side/front wall nick and then
rebounds into the middle of the court.
H MAKING
EVERY EFFORT
The outgoing
striker is required to make every effort to clear the ball after playing a
return. This route should be on a path which allows the incoming striker direct
access to the ball, provided the incoming striker has not moved in to play the
ball so quickly as to block the outgoing striker's exit.
However, it is
equally important for the incoming striker to make every effort to get to the
ball. If the incoming striker does not make every effort to get to the ball,
then that is a significant factor in the Referee's assessment of whether or not
that player could have reached the ball and made a good return.
The degree of
effort that is required by the incoming striker, in order to demonstrate
"making every effort," is for the Referee to decide. Players should
note that this does not give them licence to abuse their opponents physically,
and unnecessary physical contact will be penalised under Rules 12 and 17.
A Referee,
however, should not refuse lets in situations where the player was clearly
making every effort (albeit short of physical contact with the opponent) to get
to the ball and had demonstrated to the Referee the ability to reach the ball.
I TIMING
OF APPEALS
The timing of an appeal
on interference is important.
In the case of an
appeal concerning fair view and freedom to hit the ball directly to the front
wall (commonly known as "crossing the flight"), the Referee must
consider the situation at the time the player could have hit the ball.
In the case of
interference on backswing the appeal must be immediate, and before the player
makes any attempt to play the ball. Any attempt to hit the ball after backswing
interference has occurred indicates that the striker has accepted the
interference and thus forfeits the right of appeal.
If, in the act of
playing the ball, which includes the downswing, hit and reasonable follow‑through,
there is interference, an appeal is justified. The Referee should consider
whether crowding has occurred in deciding whether to allow a let or to award a
stroke.
J METHOD
OF APPEAL
The correct method of appeal in
interference situations is with the words "Let please".
Other forms of
appeal are sometimes used by players including a raised hand or racquet,
especially where communication between players and Referee is poor.
A Referee
accepting any form of appeal other than the standard "Let please" must
be satisfied that an appeal is actually being made (not a rally conceded), if
necessary clarifying this with the player.
K EARLY
APPEAL
If a player makes
an early appeal because of interference and the opponent's service or return
prior to that appeal subsequently goes down or out, the Referee should not
consider the appeal but should rule on the service or return and award the
stroke to the player.
L CREATED
INTERFERENCE
At all times a
player must be allowed direct access to play the ball and the opponent, having
completed a return, must always endeavour to provide this direct access.
However,
sometimes the situation arises where the opponent has caused no interference
(ie. the opponent has clearly provided the required access) but the player has
taken an indirect route to the ball which takes the player through, or very
close to, the opponent's position. The player then appeals for a let because of
being "obstructed" in access to the ball.
But if there is
no genuine reason for this indirect route, the player has in effect
created the interference where none otherwise existed and if appealing for a
let should not be allowed one. Whether a good return could have been made is
not even a consideration; in order to remain in the rally the player must get
to and play the ball.
This is not to be
confused with two situations where a player, in attempting to recover from a
position of disadvantage, does not have direct access to the ball. The first is
where a player is "wrong‑footed" and anticipates the opponent
hitting the ball one way, starts moving that way, but having guessed wrongly,
changes direction to find the opponent in the way. In this situation the player
should be allowed a let on appeal if the recovery is sufficient to demonstrate
that a good return would have been made. In fact, if the incoming player has
been prevented from playing a winning return that player may be awarded a
stroke.
Secondly, if a
player plays a poor return that gives the opponent a position of advantage, the
player should be allowed a let only if, in taking the direct line to the ball
for the next return, it is obvious to the Referee that, but for the
interference, that player would have been able to get to, and play, the ball.
M UNNECESSARY
PHYSICAL CONTACT
Unnecessary
physical contact is both detrimental to the game and potentially dangerous. In
blatant cases the Referee should stop the rally and award the appropriate
penalty accordingly. The Referee should also be aware of a player who
"pushes off" the opponent. Where this has no significant effect on
the opponent, then the rally should be allowed to continue and a warning given
at the end of the rally.
N APPEALS
FOR FEAR OF INJURY
When an appeal
for a let has been made and there has been no interference the Referee's
decision is usually "No let". However, occasionally, although
interference as defined in Rule 12.1 does not exist, there may be reasonable
fear of injury to the opponent, in which case a let should be allowed under
Rule 13.1.3.
O BROKEN
BALL
When the receiver
makes an appeal prior to attempting to return the service, the Referee has
discretionary power to decide whether to replay the previous rally or to allow
a let in respect of the rally in which the ball was found to be broken.
This also applies if the
service is not good.
P SELF‑INFLICTED
INJURY
When a player
suffers a self‑inflicted injury, ie. an injury which clearly does not
involve the opponent or which is described in Rule 16 Note C, the Referee
should allow the recovery time permitted in Rule 16.2 when:
1. There is reasonably clear evidence to
the Referee that an injury has occurred. This could be as the result of a blow,
especially to the face or head, as a result of the player coming into heavy
contact with walls or floor, or a sudden stoppage action by the player that
might be caused by a muscle tear or sprained joint.
or
2. Any
occurrence, including injury, illness or disability, results in visible blood
flow.
In the case of
symptoms of tiredness, alleged injuries not reasonably evident to the Referee
or pre‑existing ailments, recovery time should not be permitted (except
that the player concerned must be allowed the option of conceding one game to
gain a ninety‑second interval between games). Included in this category
are occurrences such as cramps, whether abdominal pains or muscle cramps,
actual or impending nausea, and breathlessness including asthma conditions.
Where recovery
time for blood flow is permitted the requirements of Rule 16.7 apply. A player
unable to stop blood flow within the total time permitted by the Referee must
either concede one game to gain a further ninety seconds and then continue play
without blood flow, or concede the match.
If a player's
clothing has become blood‑stained as a result of the injury then that
clothing must also be changed before the player is permitted to resume play.
It is the
responsibility of the injured player to be back at the court when
"Time" is called by the Referee, either to resume play, or to request
an extension of recovery time, if required, in the case of an injury which is
still bleeding. If the player is not present when "Time" is called
then the Referee must award the match to the opponent.
Any decision to
resume play must be made by the
player. The Referee's role is to decide whether an injury exists, to apply and
monitor time intervals, and to apply the laid‑down requirements when
total allocated time has elapsed.
Q COACHING
AND CROWD CONTROL
Coaching of
players is permitted only during the interval between games. Coaching should
not be taken to mean brief comments of encouragement between rallies which
clearly have no effect on the continuity of play. The Referee is expected to exercise discretion in deciding
between such comments and what constitutes coaching a player.
The use of
external communication aids is prohibited.
The Referee may
penalise coaching in any form during play by applying Rule 17. Conduct On
Court, to the player being coached.
If the behaviour of any
spectator, official, manager or coach is considered by the Referee to be
disruptive to the continuity of play, then the Referee should suspend play
until the disruption has ceased. If necessary play should be suspended until
the offending person has left the court area.
R PROGRESSION
OF PENALTIES
The penalties available
to the Referee under Rule 18 are:
A warning.
A stroke.
A game.
The match.
The guidelines for
applying the penalties are as follows:
The first penalty
imposed by the Referee for a particular offence may be at any level to suit the
seriousness of the offence, ie. a warning, stroke, game or match. However, any
subsequent penalty for the same type of offence should not be of a lesser
severity than the previous penalty for that offence. Thus the Referee may award
several warnings or several strokes for the same type of offence if of the
opinion that the offence did not warrant a more severe penalty.
When issuing penalties
the Referee should use the following terminology:
Conduct warning....(player's name)
for.....(offence).
Conduct
stroke.......(player's name) for.....(offence), stroke to (opponent's name).
Conduct
game........(player's name) for.....(offence), game to (opponent's name).
Conduct
match.......(player's name) for.....(offence), match to (opponent's name).
The Marker should repeat only that
part of the Referee's decision which affects the score.
S SINGLE
OFFICIAL
If it is not
possible to have two Officials for a match then the single Official acts as
both Marker and Referee. The Official calls the play and the score as Marker
and answers appeals as Referee.
Decisions, which
are made directly by the Referee such as when a player is struck by the ball or
in answering appeals, made by the players under Rule 12. Interference, present
no problems when there is a single Official.
However, players
should be aware of the limitations in the appeals process when they appeal
against a decision made by the Marker. A Marker making a positive call
(e.g."Out") is unlikely to reverse that decision on appeal as the
Referee. In the event of a failure
to call by the Marker (eg. a suspected service fault) an appeal may be worthwhile because the
Marker/Referee's opinion will be either "Good" or
"Uncertain" in which latter case a let would be allowed.
T MARKER'S
CALLS
The Marker must
call to stop a rally if of the opinion that a player has failed to deliver a
good service or make a good return.
However, if
because of a service or return which was obviously not good, both players cease
play without the Marker making a call, then the appropriate call of "Not
up", "Down" or "Out" may be omitted.
U MARKER'S
GUIDELINES
In general the correct
order of calls is:
1. Anything affecting the score.
2. The score (with the server's score
always called first).
3. Comments on the score:
Examples are:
Match
introduction:
"Smith serving,
Jones receiving, best of 3 games to 21, love‑all."
"Not up, 4‑3."
"Not up, 20-17,
game ball."
"Yes let, 3‑4."
"No let, 5‑7."
"Stroke to Jones,
20‑17, match ball."
End of a game:
"21‑17, game to Smith. Smith leads one game to
love."
Start of 2nd game:
"Smith leads one
game to love. Love‑all."
End of 2nd game:
“21-19. Game to Jones.
One game all."
Start of 3rd
game:
"One game all,
Jones to serve. Love‑all."
End of 3rd
game:
"22-21. Match to Jones. 17-21, 21-19, 22-21."
After award of Conduct penalty:
"Point to Smith, 7‑2".
V ADDRESSING
THE PLAYERS
The use of first
names should be avoided to eliminate any risk of familiarity with either player
which could be interpreted as favouritism.
W EXPLANATION
BY REFEREES
Following an
appeal by a player, the Referee will normally give the decision and play
resumes. However, on some occasions, it may be appropriate to explain the decision
in order to clarify the situation for the players. Where appropriate the
Referee should give the decision followed by a concise and objective statement
of explanation.
It is helpful to
the players if the Referee uses the terminology of the appropriate rule when
explaining a decision.
APPENDIX 2
DEFINITIONS
ADMINISTRATOR
One who is responsible
for the conduct of the players and officials throughout a tournament.
APPEAL
A player’s request to the Referee to consider
an on or off court situation. “Appeal” is used throughout the Rules to convey a
player’s:
1) Request to the Referee to consider
varying a Marker’s decision or under Rule
13.1.5 and 13.1.6 relating to off-court distractions and court conditions.
2) The correct form of “Appeal” by a
player is “Appeal please”.
THE BOX (SERVER’S PARTNER)
Refers to Zone B in
the court diagram at Rule 4; where the server’s partner stands at the commencement of each Rally.
BACKSWING - REASONABLE /
EXCESSIVE
The initial action used by a player in moving
the Racquet away from the body as preparation prior to the Racquet movement
forward toward the ball for contact. A backswing is reasonable if it is not
excessive. An excessive backswing is one in which
the player’s racquet arm is extended toward a straight arm position and/or the Racquet is extended to a straight arm
position and/or the Racquet is extended with the shaft approximately
horizontal. The Referee’s decision on what constitutes a reasonable as distinct
from an excessive backswing is final.
BOARD
The lowest horizontal marking on the front
wall, with the tin beneath it, covering the full width of the court.
CENTRE LINE
A line set on the floor parallel to the side
walls, dividing the back of the court
into two (2) equal parts, meeting the “Service Line” at its midpoint forming
the “T”.
CORRECTLY STRUCK
Occurs when, the ball has been hit no more
than once, nor with prolonged contact, by the Racquet being held in the
striker’s hand.
FOLLOW THROUGH - REASONABLE / EXCESSIVE
The action used by the player in continuing
the movement of the racquet after it has
struck the ball. A “follow - through”
is reasonable if it is not excessive. An excessive “follow - through” is one in
which the players racquet arm is extended towards a straight arm position with
the racquet also extended with the shaft horizontal - particularly when the
extended position is maintained for other than a momentary period of time. An
excessive swing is also one in which the arm extended towards a straight position
takes a wider arc than the continued line of flight of the ball, even though
the Racquet shaft is in the correct vertical position. The Referee’s decision on what constitutes a
reasonable as distinct from an excessive “follow - through” is final.
GAME
Part of a match, commencing with a service by
the server and concluding when one player records 15 points in accordance with
Rule 2 or as determined by the Competition Administrator.
GAME BALL
The state of the score when
one (1) point is required to win the game in progress. (“Game Ball” is also used as the Marker’s call to
announce this situation).
HALF TIME
The mid point of the
warm up (Also a Referees Call to announce this situation).
IMMEDIATE
An appeal is immediate
if, in the opinion of the Referee, the player -
1) Has made no attempt to strike the ball,
and
2) Has appealed to the Referee with the
words “Let Please” or “Appeal Please”
as soon as practicable after the incident has occurred.
LET
Is a decision by the
Referee as a result of an undecided Rally. That Rally shall be replayed.
MARKER
The official appointed
to assist the Referee by announcing the status of the game, calling serves and returns when they
are not good.
MATCH
The completed contest between two (2) players
(Doubles: two (2) pairs of players) commencing with the warm up and concluding
when both players (or both pairs in doubles) have left the court at the end of
the final rally.
NOT UP
The expression used to indicate that the ball
has not been returned in accordance with
the Rules. “Not up” covers all returns which are not good. (“Not up” is also used as a Marker’s call to indicate this
situation).
OUT
The expression used to indicate that a ball
has struck the “Out of court line” or a wall
above such line or the roof, or has passed over any part of the roof, or
fittings connected to the roof, or walls (eg. cross bars; light fittings). (Out
is also used as a Marker’s call to indicate this situation).
OUT OF COURT LINE
A continuous line marking the upper boundaries
of the court, comprising the front wall, both sidewalls and the back wall.
NOTE - When a court
is constructed without provision of such a line, i.e. the wall comprises only
the area used for play, or without the provision of part of such a line (eg.
Glass back wall), and the ball in play strikes part of the horizontal top
surface of such a wall and deflects back into court, such a ball shall be
considered to be “Out”. Because of the difficulty in ascertaining just where
the ball strikes the wall, the decision as to whether such a ball is out should
be made by observing the deflection back into court, an abnormal deflection
indicating that the ball is “Out”. This decision should be made in the normal
manner by the Marker, subject to appeal to the Referee.
POINT
A unit of the scoring system. One point is
added to a player’s score when that player has won the rally.
RALLY
A series of returns of the ball, comprising
one or more such returns. A rally commences with the service and concludes when
the ball ceases to be in play.
REFEREE
The official appointed to control the match,
making decisions where called for by the Rules and deciding on all appeals
including those against the Marker’s calls.
SERVICE
The method by which
the ball is put into play by the server to commence the rally.
SERVICE LINE
A line set out on the floor parallel to and
5.49 metres (18 feet) from the front wall and extending the full width of the
court.
STANDARD
The description given
to the balls, racquets and courts that meet the Australian Racquetball specifications as contained
herein. (See Appendix 5 - Specifications).
STOP PLAY PLEASE
Expression used by the
Referee to stop play.
STRIKER
The player whose turn it is to hit the ball
after it has rebounded from the front wall, or who is in the process of hitting
the ball, or who up to the point of his return reaching the front wall has just
hit the ball.
THREE WALL SERVE / RETURN
Occurs when the ball hits the front wall,
either side wall, then the opposite side wall, before making contact with the
floor.
TIME
The expression used by the Referee to
indicate that a period of time prescribed in the Rules has elapsed.
TIN
The area below the board, covering the full
width of the court, which should be constructed of a material that makes a
distinctive sound when struck by the ball.
TOURNAMENT REFEREE
The “Tournament Referee” is given overall
responsibility for all marking and refereeing matters throughout the
tournament, including the appointment of officials to the matches.
TURNING
“Turning” occurs when a striker follows the
flight of the ball around that player’s own body so that the ball is struck on
the opposite side to that which it would have
been struck, had the player not followed the balls flight. A turn can be either
clockwise or anti-clockwise.
APPENDIX 3
RECOGNISED MARKER’S CALLS
FAULT
The expression used to
indicate that the service is a fault. See Rule 4.4
FOOTFAULT
The expression used to
indicate that the service is a footfault. See Rule 4.4.1
GAME BALL
The expression used to
indicate that one point is required to win the game in progress.
MATCH BALL
The expression used to
indicate that one point is required to win the match.
NOT UP
The expression used to indicate that the ball
has not been returned in accordance with
the Rules.
NO LET
The call made by the Marker after the Referee
has disallowed an appeal for a “Let”. This call results in a point allowed to
the opponent.
OUT
The expression used to indicate that the ball
has struck the “Out line”, or a wall above such a line, or the roof, or has
passed over any part of the roof or fittings connected
to the roof or walls (eg. cross bars, light fittings).
POINT TO ‘A’
The call made by the Marker after the Referee
has allowed a point to player “A” in
accordance with the Rules.
THE SCORE
Is called by the Marker. The server’s score
is always called first, thus in the example (“4 -3”) the server leads by four
(4) points to three (3). If points are equal the wording used is “All” (eg. “4
- All”).
YES LET
The call made by the
Marker after the Referee has allowed an appeal for a “Let”.
APPENDIX 4
RECOGNISED
REFEREE’S CALLS
FIFTEEN SECONDS
The expression used to
indicate when fifteen seconds of the interval permitted between games is left.
HALF TIME
The expression used to
indicate the mid point of the warm up period has passed.
NO LET
The expression used to
disallow an appeal for a “Let”.
POINT TO ‘A’
The expression used
when allowing a point to player “A”.
STOP PLAY PLEASE
The expression used to
stop play.
TIME
The expression used to
indicate that a period of time prescribed in the Rules has elapsed.
YES, LET
The expression used to
allow an appeal for a “Let”.
APPENDIX 5
CODE OF CONDUCT
The following offences may be subject to penalties under Rule 17 and / or disciplinary
action: -
1 A player who verbally
or physically abuses his opponent, the Marker, Referee, Officials, Spectators or Sponsors.
2 A player who shows
dissent to the Marker, Referee or Officials, including foul or profane language and obscene or
offensive gestures.
3 A player who abuses
playing equipment or the court.
4 A player who fails to
comply with the conditions of entry of a Tournament including any Rules with regard to clothing or
advertising.
5 A player who having
entered a Tournament or accepted an invitation to play withdraws from the event or fails to attend without just
cause.
6 A player who fails to
complete a match.
7 A player who defaults
from a Tournament or event.
The disciplinary
committee may require evidence or proof of “Bona Fide” injury, illness or other emergency situation.
8 A player who fails to
be available, to meet reasonable requests for interviews with the media.
9 A player who does not
comply with the Rules or the spirit of the game.
10 A player guilty of any
other unreasonable conduct which brings the game into disrepute.
APPENDIX 6
SPECIFICATIONS
1. THE
COURT
Length. 9750
mm (32’)
Width. 6400
mm (21’)
Height above floor to lower edge of Front
Wall Line. 4.570 mm (15’)
Height above floor to lower edge of Back Wall
Line. 2130 mm (7’)
Distance to nearest edge of
“Service Line”
from Back
Wall. 4260
mm (13’ 10”)
Height above floor to upper edge of Board. 480 mm (1’ 7”)
Width of all lines and the board shall be
50mm (2 inches).
2. THE
RACQUET
A) The Racquet, including the bumper guard
and all solid parts of the handle and frame must not exceed 55.8cm (22 inches)
in length and 29.2cm (11.5 inches) in width.
B) The Racquet shall include a wrist strap
that must be secured around the player’s wrist, so as to prevent the Racquet
escaping the player’s control while striking the ball.
C) The Racquet frame may be made of any
material, as long as it conforms to the above
specifications.
D) The strings of the Racquet shall be
“Gut”, “Mono filament” or “Nylon”. Only two layers of string shall be allowed
and these shall be alternately laced to form a right angle pattern.
3. THE BALL
The specifications for the standard
Australian Racquetball ball are:
A) It shall be a blue rubber ball.
B) It shall be 57 mm (2.25”) in diameter
and weigh 43.3 - 45.7gms.
C) Its rebound is to be 56% - 61%.
D) Its “deflection” is to be 28 - 31 mm
where “deflection” represents a measure conducted to ascertain
compression on impact.