International Racquetball Federation

INTERNATIONAL RACQUETBALL FEDERATION

OFFICIAL RULEBOOK POLICIES & PROCEDURES 2000-2002 2000-2002 official irf racquetball rules

1 — THE GAME OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL RACQUETBALL FEDERATION Rule 1.1 TYPES OF GAMES RULES & REGULATIONS Racquetball is played by two or four players. When played by two, it is called singles 1 — THE GAME and when played by four, doubles. A non-tournament variation of the game that is 1.1 Types of Games ...... 2 played by three players is called cutthroat. 1.2 Description ...... 2 1.3 Objective...... 2 Rule 1.2 DESCRIPTION 1.4 Points and Outs ...... 2 Racquetball is a competitive game in which a strung racquet is used to serve and return 1.5 Match, Game, Tiebreaker ...... 2 the ball. 2 — COURTS AND EQUIPMENT Rule 1.3 OBJECTIVE 2.1 Court Specifications ...... 2 The objective is to win each rally by serving or returning the ball so the opponent is 2.2 Ball Specifications...... 3 unable to keep the ball in play. A rally is over when a player (or team in doubles) is 2.3 Ball Selection ...... 3 unable to hit the ball before it touches the floor twice, is unable to return the ball in 2.4 Racquet Specifications ...... 3 such a manner that it touches the front wall before it touches the floor, or when a hin- 2.5 Uniform...... 3 der is called.

3 — PLAY REGULATIONS Rule 1.4 POINTS AND OUTS 3.1 Serve ...... 3 Points are scored only by the serving side when it serves an irretrievable serve (an ace) 3.2 Start ...... 3 or wins a rally. Losing the serve is called a sideout in singles. In doubles, when the 3.3 Manner ...... 3 first server loses the serve it is called a handout and when the second server loses the 3.4 Readiness...... 3 serve it is a sideout. 3.5 Delays ...... 3 3.6 Drive Service Zones ...... 3 3.7 Defective Serves...... 4 Rule 1.5 MATCH, GAME, TIEBREAKER 3.8 Dead-Ball Serves...... 4 A match is won by the first side winning two games. The first two games of a match 3.9 Fault Serves ...... 4 are played to 15 points. If each side wins one game, a tiebreaker game is played to 3.10 Out Serves...... 4 11 points. 3.11 Return of Serve ...... 4 3.12 Changes of Serve ...... 4 2 — COURTS AND EQUIPMENT 3.13 Rallies ...... 4 3.14 Dead-Ball Hinders...... 5 Rule 2.1 COURT 3.15 Avoidable Hinders ...... 5 SPECIFICATIONS 3.16 Timeouts...... 6 The specifications for the standard 3.17 Technical Fouls and Warnings . . . . . 6 four-wall racquetball court are: (a) Dimensions. The dimensions shall RULE MODIFICATIONS be 20 feet wide, 40 feet long and 20 15’ 4.0 Doubles...... 6 feet high, with a back wall at least 12 5.0 One Serve Game ...... 7 feet high. All surfaces shall be in play, 6.0 Multi-bounce...... 7 with the exception of any gallery 7.0 Wheelchair ...... 7 opening, any back wall surface above the 12-foot out-of-court line, surfaces 2. COMPETITION POLICIES & 5. 4. designated as out-of-play for a valid 3. 5’ PROCEDURES reason (such as being of a very dif- 4. 5. A — TOURNAMENTS ferent material or not in alignment 1. B — OFFICIATING with the backwall), and designated 5’ 7. C — ELIGIBILITY court hinders. D — PROCEDURES 6. Table of Contents...... 8 (b) Markings. Racquetball courts shall be marked with lines 1 1/2 inches ALSO wide as follows: IRF Staff Directory...... 8 1. Short Line. The back edge of 15’ Rulebook Index ...... 11 the short line is midway between, and is parallel with, the front and back walls. 2. Service Line. The front edge of the service line is parallel with, and five feet in front of, the back edge of the short line. 20’ 3. Service Zone. The service zone is the 5' x 20' area bounded by the bottom edges of the side walls and by the outer edges of the short line and the service line. 4. Service Boxes. The service boxes are located at each end of the service zone

2 • irf rules 2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures and are designated by lines parallel (d) The string of the racquet must be gut, until the served ball passes the short line. See with the side walls. The edge of the monofilament, nylon, graphite, plastic, rule 3.9(a) and 3.10(i) for violations. line nearest to the center of the court metal, or a combination thereof, and must shall be 18 inches from the nearest side not mark or deface the ball. Rule 3.3 MANNER wall. A serve is commenced as the ball leaves the 5. Drive Serve Lines. The drive serve (e) Using an illegal racquet will result in server's hand. The ball must bounce on the lines, which form the drive serve zone, forfeiture of the game in progress or, if dis- floor in the service zone and on the first are parallel with the side wall and are covered between games, forfeiture of the bounce be struck by the server's racquet in within the service zone. The edge of preceding game. an obvious attempt to serve the ball. The ball the line nearest to the center of the must strike the front wall first and on the court shall be three feet from the near- Rule 2.5 UNIFORM rebound hit the floor back of the short line, est side wall. (a) The uniform and shoes may be of any either with or without touching one of the 6. Receiving Line. The receiving line is color. The shirt may contain any insignia side walls. a broken line parallel to the short line. or writing considered in good taste by the The back edge of the receiving line is referee (final determination to be made by Rule 3.4 READINESS five feet from the back edge of the the tournament director). Doubles teams Once a rally has ended, the players are given short line. The receiving line begins should wear similar colors to ease the iden- a reasonable amount of time (according to with a line 21 inches long that tification problem. the judgment of the referee) to return to their extends from each side wall. These respective position, and then the score is lines are connected by an alternate (b) All male players in sanctioned IRF com- called. series of six-inch spaces and six-inch petition must wear shirts with sleeves; lines. This will result in a line composed females may wear appropriate sleeveless Rule 3.5 DELAYS of 17 six-inch spaces, 16 six-inch lines, attire. Shirts must bear either the country (a) The 10 second rule applies to the serv- and two 21-inch lines. name, abbreviation or graphic image er and receiver simultaneously. Collectively, 7.Safety Zone. The safety zone is the (country flag, symbol, or map/outline) -- they are allowed up to 10 seconds after the 5' x 20' area bounded by the bottom dominantly displayed on the back, to be score is called to serve or be ready to edges of the side walls and by the back visible by officials and spectators during receive. It is the server's responsibility to look edges of the short line and the receiv- match play. and be certain the receiver is ready. If a ing line. The zone is observed only receiver is not ready, they must signal by during the serve. See Rules 3.10(i) and (c) Each player shall have within easy access raising the racquet above the head or com- 3.11(a). an extra shirt which they may be request- pletely turning the back to the server. (These 8.Out-of-court line. The upper edge of ed to put on, if in the judgment of the ref- are the only two acceptable signals.) When the out-of-court line is on the back wall eree excess perspiration is creating using one-serve rules, delays on the part parallel with and located 12 feet hazardous playing conditions and causing of the server or the receiver shall result in (3.65m) above the floor. unnecessary delays in play. an ‘out’ or point against the offender [See Rule 5.3]. Rule 2.2 BALL SPECIFICATIONS (d) All players competing in an IRF sanc- (a) The standard racquetball shall be 2 1/4 tioned event will be required to wear lensed (b) Serving while the receiving player/team inches in diameter; weigh approximately protective eyewear manufactured for rac- is signalling “not ready” is a fault serve. A 1.4 ounces; have a hardness of 55-60 inch- quet sports, with the exception of pre- warning will be issued with each first-serve es durometer; and bounce 68-72 inches scribed non-breakable protective lenses. The infraction. from a 100-inch drop at a temperature of eyewear must be worn properly and not 70-74 degrees Fahrenheit. be altered in any way. NOTE: National fed- (c) After the score is called, if the server erations are empowered to apply and looks at the receiver and the receiver is not (b) Official ball. Any ball which carries the enforce the published national safety stan- signalling not ready, the server may then endorsement stamp or approval from the dards of their country in the matter of pro- serve. If the receiver attempts to signal "not IRF is an official ball. tective eyewear for their athletes. ready" after that point, the signal shall not be acknowledged and the serve becomes Rule 2.3 BALL SELECTION 3 — PLAY REGULATIONS legal. (a) The ball shall be selected by agreement between the players and at least two Rule 3.6 DRIVE SERVICE ZONES acceptable balls should be agreed upon Rule 3.1 SERVE The server has two opportunities to put the The drive serve lines will be 3 feet from each before the match commences. If the play- side wall in the service zone. Viewed one at ers cannot agree, the referee shall make the ball into play. The player or team winning the coin toss has the option to either serve or a time, the drive serve line divides the ser- selection and this decision shall be bind- vice area into a 3-foot and a 17-foot section ing on the participants. receive at the start of the first game. The second game will begin in reverse order of the that apply only to drive serves. The player may drive serve between the body and the (b) During the course of a match the ref- first game. The player or team scoring the highest total of points in games 1 and 2 will side wall nearest to where the service eree may, at their discretion or at the motion began only if the player starts and request of both players/teams, replace the have the option to serve or receive first at the start of the tiebreaker. In the event that both remains outside of the 3-foot drive service ball. Only an IRF approved ball shall be used zone. In the event that the service motion in all sanctioned tournaments. players or teams score an equal number of points in the first two games, another coin begins in one 3-foot drive service zone and toss will take place and the winner of the toss continues into the other 3-foot drive serve Rule 2.4 RACQUET SPECIFICATIONS will have the option to serve or receive. zone, the player may not hit a drive serve at (a) The racquet, including bumper guard all. and all solid parts of the handle, may not (a) The drive serve zones are not observed exceed 22 inches in length. Rule 3.2 START for cross-court drive serves, the hard-Z, soft- Games are started by the referee's calling the Z, lob or half-lob serves. (b) The racquet frame may be any mate- score ("Zero serves zero"). The server may not rial judged to be safe. initiate the pre-service motion from outside (b) The racquet may not break the plane of the service zone. Stepping on the short line of the 17-foot zone while making contact (c) The racquet frame must include a cord (back), but not over, is permitted. After start- with the ball. that must be securely attached to the playing the service motion, the server may step er’s wrist. over the service (front) line provided that some (c) The drive serve line is not part of the part of both feet remains on or inside the lines 17-foot zone. Dropping the ball on the

2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures irf rules • 3 line or standing on the line while serving (with or without touching a side wall). before the served ball passes the short line, to the same side is an infraction. it shall result in the loss of serve. (f) Bouncing Ball Outside Service Zone. Rule 3.7 DEFECTIVE SERVES Bouncing the ball outside the service zone Rule 3.11 RETURN OF SERVE Defective serves are of three types resulting as a part of the service motion is a fault serve. (a) Receiving Position in penalties as follows: 1. The receiver may not enter the safety (a) Dead-Ball Serve. A dead-ball serve results (g) Illegal Drive Serve. A drive serve in zone until the ball bounces or crosses in no penalty and the server is given anoth- which the player fails to observe the 17-foot the receiving line. er serve (without canceling a prior fault drive service zone outlined in Rule 3.6. 2. On the fly return attempt, the receiv- serve). er may not strike the ball until the ball (h) Screen Serve. A served ball that first breaks the plane of the receiving line. (b) Fault Serve. In the open division, play- hits the front wall and on the rebound pass- However, the receiver’s follow-through ers will be permitted only ONE serve. In the es so closely to the server, or server’s part- may carry the receiver or the racquet open division, a fault serve is a hand out, ner in doubles, that it prevents the receiver past the receiving line. out or sideout. In age and other skill divi- from having a clear view of the ball. (The 3. Neither the receiver nor the racquet sions, players are permitted two serves. Two receiver is obligated to take up good court may break the plane of the short line, (2) fault serves result in a hand out, out or position, near center court, to obtain that except if the ball is struck after sideout. view.) [See Rule 5.3 for one-serve variation] rebounding off the back wall. 4. Any violation by the receiver results in (c) Out Serve. An out serve results in an (i) Serving before the Receiver is Ready. A a point for the server. out (either a sideout or a handout). serve is made while the receiver is not ready as described in Rule 3.5(b). [See Rule 5.3 (b) Legal Return. After a legal serve, a play- Rule 3.8 DEAD-BALL SERVES for one-serve variation.] er receiving the serve must strike the ball Dead-ball serves do not cancel any previous on the fly or after the first bounce, and fault serve. The following are dead-ball serves: Rule 3.10 OUT SERVES before the ball touches the floor the sec- (a) Court Hinders. A serve that takes an Any of the following results in an out: ond time; and return the ball to the front irregular bounce because it hit a wet spot (a) Failure to Serve. Failure of server to put wall, either directly or after touching one or an irregular surface on the court is a the ball into play, according to 3.5. or both side walls, the back wall below the dead-ball serve. Also, any serve that hits any out-of-court line, or the ceiling, or any com- surface designated by local rules as an (b) Missed Serve Attempt. Any attempt bination of those surfaces. A returned ball obstruction rather than being out-of-play. to strike the ball that results in a total miss must touch the front wall before touching or in the ball touching any part of the serv- the floor. (b) Broken Ball. If the ball is determined er’s body. to have broken on the serve, a new ball shall (c) Failure to Return. The failure to return be substituted and the serve shall be (c) Touched Serve. Any served ball that a serve results in a point for the server. replayed (without canceling any prior fault on the rebound from the front wall touch- serve). es the server or server’s racquet before touch- (d) Other Provisions. Except as noted in ing the floor, or any ball intentionally this rule (3.11), the return of serve is sub- (c) Screen serve. In the Open division only stopped or caught by the server or server’s ject to all provisions of Rules 3.13 through (using one-serve modifications), a screen ball partner. 3.15. serve is replayed. (d) Fake or Balk Serve. Such a serve is Rule 3.12 CHANGES OF SERVE Rule 3.9 FAULT SERVES defined as a non-continuous movement of (a) Outs. A server is entitled to continue The following serves are faults. In one-serve the racquet towards the ball as the server serving until one of the following occurs: play, infractions result in an out [See excep- drops the ball for the purpose of serving. 1. Out Serve. See Rule 3.10. tions in Rule 5.3]. In other divisions, any two 2. Two Consecutive Fault Serves. See in succession result in an out: (e) Illegal Hit. An illegal hit includes con- Rule 3.9. [See Rule 5.3 for one-serve (a) Foot Faults. A foot fault results when: tacting the ball twice, carrying the ball, or variation] 1. The server does not begin the service hitting the ball with the handle of the rac- 3. Failure to Return Ball. Player or team motion with both feet in the service quet or part of the body or uniform. fails to keep the ball in play as required zone. by Rule 3.11(b). 2. The server steps completely over the (f) Non-Front Wall Serve. Any served ball 4. Avoidable Hinder. Player or team com- service line (no part of the foot on or that does not strike the front wall first. mits an avoidable hinder which results inside the service zone) before the in an out. See Rule 3.15. served ball crosses the short line. (g) Crotch Serve. Any served ball that hits the crotch of the front wall and floor, front (b) Sideout. Retiring the server in singles (b) Short Service. A short serve is any served wall and side wall, or front wall and ceiling is called a sideout. ball that first hits the front wall and, on the is an out serve (because it did not hit the rebound, hits the floor on or in front of the front wall first). A serve into the crotch of (c) Effect of Sideout. When the server (or short line either with or without touching the back wall and floor is a good serve and serving team) receives a sideout, the serv- a side wall. in play. A served ball that hits the crotch er becomes the receiver and the receiver of the side wall and floor beyond the short becomes the server. (c) Three Wall Serve. A three-wall serve is line is in play. any served ball that first hits the front wall Rule 3.13 RALLIES and, on the rebound, strikes both side walls (h) Out-of-Court Serve. An out-of-court All of the play which occurs after the successful before touching the floor. serve is any served ball that first hits the front return of serve is called the rally. Play shall be wall and, before striking the floor, either goes conducted according to the following rules: (d) Ceiling Serve. A ceiling serve is any out of the court, hits the back wall above (a) Legal Hits. Only the head of the rac- served ball that first hits the front wall and teh out-of-court line, or hits a surface above quet may be used at any time to return the then touches the ceiling (with or without the normal playing area of the court that ball. The racquet may be held in one or touching a side wall). has been declared as out-of-play for a valid both hands. Switching hands to hit a ball, reason [See Rule 2.1(a)]. touching the ball with any part of the body (e) Long Serve. A long serve is a served or uniform, or removing the wrist safety cord ball that first hits the front wall and rebounds (i) Safety Zone Violation. If the server, or during a rally results in a loss of the rally. to the back wall before touching the floor doubles partner, enters into the safety zone

4 • irf rules 2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures (b) One Touch. The player or team try- first serve. A previous fault serve is not con- 4. Screen Ball. Any ball rebounding from ing to return the ball may touch or strike sidered. the front wall so close to the body of the ball only once or else the rally is lost. the defensive player that it prevents the The ball may not be carried. (A carried ball (i) Out of Court Ball offensive player from having a clear is one which rests on the racquet long 1. After return – with a bounce. Any ball view of the ball. (The referee should enough that the effect is more of a sling returned to the front wall which, after be careful not to make the screen call or throw than a hit.) its first bounce on the floor, goes above so quickly that it takes away a good the out-of-court line or through any offensive opportunity.) [Does not (c) Failure to Return. Any of the follow- opening in a side wall shall be apply for the serve. See Rule 4.3(c)]. ing constitutes a failure to make a legal declared dead and the rally replayed. A ball that passes between the legs of return during a rally: 2. After return – without a bounce. Any a player who has just returned the ball 1. The ball bounces on the floor more ball which, on the rebound, does not is not automatically a screen. It than once before being hit. bounce on the floor and goes above depends on whether the other play- 2. The ball does not reach the front wall the out-of-court line shall be an out or er is impaired as a result. Generally, on the fly. point against the offending player. If the call should work to the advantage 3. The ball is hit such that it goes into the ball goes through any opening in of the offensive player. the gallery or wall opening or else hits a side wall, it shall be declared dead 5. Backswing Hinder. Any body or rac- a surface above the normal playing and the rally replayed. quet contact, on the backswing or on area of the court that has been 3. No return. Any ball not returned to the way to or just prior to returning declared as out-of-play [See Rule the front wall, but which caroms off the ball, which impairs the hitter’s abil- 2.1(b)8]. a player's racquet above the out-of- ity to take a reasonable swing. This 4. A ball which obviously does not have court line or into any opening in a side call can be made by the player the velocity or direction to hit the front wall, either with or without touching attempting the return, though the call wall strikes another player. the ceiling, side or back wall shall result must be made immediately and is sub- 5. A ball struck by one player on a team in loss of the rally by the offending play- ject to the referee’s approval. Note the hits that player or that player’s part- er. interference may be considered an ner. avoidable hinder. See Rule 3.15. 6. Committing an avoidable hinder Rule 3.14 DEAD-BALL HINDERS 6. Safety Holdup. Any player about to [See Rule 3.15]. A rally is replayed without penalty and the serv- execute a return who believes that strik- 7. Switching hands during a rally. er resumes play at first serve whenever a dead- ing the opponent with the ball or rac- 8. Failure to use a racquet wrist safety ball hinder occurs. Also, see Rule 3.15 which quet is likely, may immediately stop cord. describes conditions under which a hinder play and request a dead-ball hinder. 9. Touching the ball with the body or uni- might be declared avoidable and result in loss This call must be made immediately form. of the rally. and is subject to acceptance and 10. Carrying or slinging the ball with the (a) Situations approval of the referee. (The referee racquet. 1. Court Hinders. The referee should stop will grant a dead-ball hinder if it is play immediately whenever the ball hits believed the holdup was reasonable (d) Effect of Failure to Return. Violations any part of the court that was desig- and the player would have been able of Rules 3.13 (a) through (c) result in a loss nated in advance as a court hinder to return the shot. The referee may of rally. If the serving player or team loses (such as a vent grate). The referee also call an avoidable hinder if war- the rally, it is an out. If the receiver loses should also stop play (i) when the ball ranted.) the rally, it results in a point for the server. takes an irregular bounce as a result 7. Other Interference. Any other unin- of contacting a rough surface (such as tentional interference which prevents (e) Return Attempts. The ball remains in court light or vent) or after striking a an opponent from having a fair play until it touches the floor a second time, wet spot on the floor or wall and (ii) chance to see or return the ball. regardless of how many walls it makes con- when, in the referee’s opinion, the Example: When a ball from another tact with — including the front wall. If a irregular bounce affected the rally. court enters the court during a rally or player swings at the ball and misses it, the 2. Ball Hits Opponent. When an oppo- when a referee’s call on an adjacent player may continue to attempt to return nent is hit by a return shot in flight, it court obviously distracts a player. the ball until it touches the floor for the sec- is a dead-ball hinder. If the opponent ond time. is struck by a ball which obviously did (b) Effect of Hinders. The referee’s call of not have the velocity or direction to hinder stops play and voids any situation (f) Broken Ball. If there is any suspicion reach the front wall, it is not a hinder, which follows, such as the ball hitting the that a ball has broken during a rally, play and the player who hit the ball will lose player. The only hinders that may be called shall continue until the end of the rally. The the rally. A player who has been hit by a player are described in rules (2), (5), referee or any player may request the ball by the ball can stop play and make the and (6) above, and all of these are subject be examined. If the referee decides the ball call though the call must be made to the approval of the referee. A dead-ball is broken the ball will be replaced and the immediately and acknowledged by the hinder stops play and the rally is replayed. rally replayed. The server resumes play at referee. Note this interference may, The server resumes play at first serve. first serve. The only proper way to check under certain conditions, be declared for a broken ball is to squeeze it by hand. an avoidable hinder. See Rule 3.15. (c) Responsibility. While making an attempt (Checking the ball by striking it with a rac- 3. Body Contact. If body contact occurs to return the ball, a player is entitled to a quet will not be considered a valid check which the referee believes was sufficient fair chance to see and return the ball. It and shall work to the disadvantage of the to stop the rally, either for the purpose is the responsibility of the side that has just player or team which struck the ball after of preventing injury by further contact hit the ball to move so the receiving side the rally.) or because the contact prevented a may go straight to the ball and have an player from being able to make a rea- unobstructed view of and swing at the ball. (g) Play Stoppage. If foreign objects enter sonable return, the referee shall call a However, the receiver is responsible for mak- the court, or any outside interference occurs, hinder. Incidental body contact in ing a reasonable effort to move towards the the referee shall stop the play if such occur- which the offensive player clearly will ball and must have a reasonable chance to rences interfere with ensuing play or play- have the advantage should not be return the ball for any type of hinder to be er’s safety [See Rule 3.14(a)7]. called a hinder, unless the offensive called. player obviously stops play. Contact (h) Replays. Whenever a rally is replayed with the racquet on the follow-through Rule 3.15 AVOIDABLE HINDERS for any reason, the server resumes play at normally is not considered a hinder. An avoidable hinder results in the loss of the

2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures irf rules • 5 rally. An avoidable hinder does not necessarily tional injury to the same player, the tour- have to be an intentional act. Dead-ball hin- nament director or referee, after consider- (b) Coaching. Where coaches are involved, ders are described in Rule 3.14. Any of the ing any available medical opinion, shall coaches or team representatives are bound following results in an avoidable hinder: determine whether the injured player will by the same rules as far as technicals are (a) Failure to Move. A player does not be allowed to continue. concerned and any infractions are charged move sufficiently to allow an opponent a 1. Should any external bleeding occur, against the player. No coaches or repre- shot straight to the front wall as well as a the referee must halt play as soon as sentatives are allowed in the courts at any- cross-court shot which is a shot directly to the rally is over, charge an injury time- time during a match unless granted the front wall at an angle that would cause out to the person who is bleeding, and permission by the referee. Failure to the ball to rebound directly to the rear cor- not allow the match to continue until observe this rule is a technical and will be ner farthest from the player hitting the ball. the bleeding has stopped. charged against the player. Also when a player moves in such a direc- 2. Muscle cramps and pulls, fatigue and tion that it prevents an opponent from tak- other ailments that are not caused by c) Technical Warning. If a player's behav- ing either of these shots. direct contact (such as with the ball, ior is not so severe as to warrant a refer- racquet, wall or floor) will not be con- ee's technical, a technical warning may be (b) Stroke Interference. This occurs when sidered an injury. issued without the deduction of a point. a player moves, or fails to move, so that the opponent returning the ball does not (c) Equipment Timeouts. A time out may d) Effect of Technical or Warning. If a ref- have a free, unimpeded swing. This be called by the referee at the request of eree issues a technical foul, one point shall includes unintentionally moving in a direc- a player and after substantiation by the ref- be removed from the offender's score. No tion which prevents the opponent from eree, because of faulty equipment or uni- point will be deducted if a referee issues a making an open, offensive shot. form. Two (2) minutes are to be allowed technical warning. In either case, a tech- for any uniform adjustment needed and nical foul or warning should be accompa- (c) Blocking. Moves into a position which thirty (30) seconds for any equipment nied by a brief explanation. Issuing a blocks the opponent from getting to, or adjustment. technical foul or warning has no effect on returning, the ball; or in doubles, a player who will be serving when play resumes. If moves in front of an opponent as the play- (d) Between Games. A two (2) minute rest a technical foul occurs when the offender er’s partner is returning the ball. period is allowed between the first and sec- has no points or between games, the result ond game and a five (5) minutes rest peri- will be that the offender's score becomes (d) Moving into the Ball. Moves in the od between the second and third game. minus one (-1). way and is struck by the ball just played by the opponent. (e) Postponed Games. Any games postponed by the referee shall be resumed with (e) Pushing. Deliberately pushes or shoves the same score as when postponed. RULE opponent during a rally. MODIFICATIONS Rule 3.17 TECHNICAL FOULS AND (f) Intentional Distractions. Deliberate The following sections (4.0 through 11.0) WARNINGS detail the additional or modified rules that shouting, stamping of feet, waving of rac- (a) The referee is empowered to deduct one quet, or any other manner of disrupting apply to variations of the singles game point from a player's or team's score when, described in Sections 1 through 3. one’s opponent. in the referee's sole judgment, the player is being overly and deliberately abusive. The (g) View Obstruction. A player moves actual invoking of this penalty is called a 4.0 — DOUBLES across an opponent’s line of vision just "referee's technical." If the player or team The IRF’s rules for singles also apply in dou- before the opponent strikes the ball. against whom the technical was assessed bles with the following additions and modi- does not resume play immediately, the ref- fications: (h) Wetting the Ball. The players, partic- eree is empowered to forfeit the match in ularly the server, should insure that the ball favor of the opponent. Some examples of Rule 4.1 DOUBLES TEAM is dry prior to the serve. Any wet ball that actions which may result in technicals are: (a) A doubles team shall consist of two is not corrected prior to the serve shall result 1. Profanity. players who meet either the age require- in an avoidable hinder against the server. 2. Excessive arguing. ments or player classification requirements 3. Threat of any nature to opponent or to participate in a particular division of play. (i) Equipment Interference. If a player loses referee. A team with different skill levels must play any part of their equipment which inter- 4. Excessive or hard striking of the ball in the division of the player with the high- feres with play. The loss of eye protection between rallies. er level of ability. When playing in an adult is an automatic avoidable hinder. 5. Slamming of the racquet against walls age division, the team must play in the divi- or floor, slamming the door, or any sion of the younger player. When playing Rule 3.16 TIMEOUTS action which might result in damage in a junior age division, the team must play (a) Rest Periods. During a game each play- to the court and/or injury to of other in the division of the older player. er in singles or each side in doubles, either players. while serving or receiving may request a 6.Delay of game. Examples include (i) (b) A change in playing partners may be "time out." Each "time out" shall not exceed taking too much time to dry the court, made so long as the first match of the post- one minute (60 seconds). No more than (ii) excessive questioning of the refer- ed team has not begun. For this purpose three "time outs" in a game shall be grant- ee about the rules, (iii) exceeding the only, the match will be considered started ed each singles player or each team in dou- time allotted for timeouts or between once the teams have been called to the bles. Two time outs are allowed in the games, (iv) calling a timeout when court. The team must notify the tourna- tiebreaker. none remain, or after the service ment director of the change prior to the motion begins. beginning of the match. (b) Injury. No time out shall be charged to 7. Intentional front line foot faults to a player who is injured during a play. An negate a bad lob serve. Rule 4.2 SERVE IN DOUBLES injured player shall not be allowed more 8. Anything considered unsportsmanlike (a) Order of Serve. Each team shall inform than a cumulative total of fifteen (15) min- behavior. the referee of the order of service which shall utes of rest. If the injured player is not able 9. Wearing improper clothing/uniform, be followed throughout that game. The to resume play after a cumulative rest of as specified in Rule 2.5 (b). order of serve may be changed between fifteen (15) minutes, the match shall be 10. Failure to wear proper eyewear, as games, once the referee has been notified. awarded to the opponent(s). On any addi- specified in Rule 2.5 d). At the beginning of each game, when the

6 • irf rules 2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures first server of the first team to serve is out, either one is entitled to a hinder even Rule 6.4 GAMES AND MATCHES the team is out. Thereafter, both players though it naturally would be the partner's All games are played to 11 points and the first on each team shall serve until the team ball and even though the partner may have side to win two games, wins the match. receives a handout and a sideout. attempted to play the ball or may have already missed it. It is not a hinder when 7.0 — WHEELCHAIR (b) Partner’s Position. On each serve, the one player hinders their own partner. server’s partner shall stand erect with back Rule 7.1 ADJUSTMENTS to the side wall and with both feet on the 5.0 — ONE SERVE The participant may wear an appliance that floor within the service box from the is medically prescribed, providing it does not moment the server begins the service The IRF’s standard rules governing racquet- jeopardize the safety of others and the play- motion until the served ball passes the short ball play will be followed except for the fol- er does not use it to any unfair advantage. line. Violations are called foot faults. lowing: The participant may secure any portion of their However, if the server’s partner enters the body to the wheelchair. safety zone before the ball passes the short Rule 5.1 ONE SERVE line, the server loses service. Only one serve is allowed. Therefore, any fault Rule 7.2 EQUIPMENT serve is an out serve, with a few exceptions. In order to protect playing surfaces, the wheel- (c) Changes of Serve. In doubles, the side chair must be equipped with a functional roller is retired when both partners have lost ser- Rule 5.2 SCREEN SERVE bar or similar protection under the foot plat- vice, except that the team which serves first If a serve is called a screen, the server will be form. There should be no sharp edges any- at the beginning of each game loses the allowed one more opportunity to hit a legal where on the outside parts of the chair that serve when the first server is retired. serve. Two consecutive screen serves results could cause injury or damage to the court and in an out. the chair must be equipped with non-mark- Rule 4.3 FAULT SERVE IN DOUBLES ing tires. (a) The server’s partner is not in the ser- Rule 5.3 WARNINGS vice box with both feet on the floor and One warning shall be issued by the referee Rule 7.3 TWO BOUNCE RULE back to the side wall from the time the serv- for the infractions shown below. Subsequent Two bounces of the ball on the floor are per- er begins the service motion until the ball infractions will result in a sideout or loss of rally mitted but not mandatory during all rallies passes the short line. (point to the server). and serves. Rule 3.5(a) – Delay of Game ... taking more (b) A served ball that hits the doubles part- than 10 seconds to serve or be ready to Rule 7.4 WHEEL FAULTS ner while in the doubles box results in a receive serve. All four wheels of the wheelchair are consid- fault serve. ered equal to both feet of the able-bodied Rule 5.4 CONSECUTIVE FAULTS player and subsequent calls are made accord- (c) There will be an automatic screen serve In doubles, a screen serve followed by hitting ingly. The proper call is "Wheel Fault." in doubles matches when the ball goes the non-serving partner results in an out. behind the body of the server's partner. Rule 7.5 AVOIDABLE HINDER/CHAIR 6.0 — MULTI-BOUNCE CONTROL Rule 4.4 OUT SERVE IN DOUBLES In general, the IRF’s standard rules governing Any player who intentionally alters the direc- (a) Out-of-Order Serve. In doubles, when tion or speed of the wheelchair with their either partner serves out of order, the points racquetball play will be followed except for the modifications which follow. lower extremities will be assessed an avoid- scored by that server will be subtracted and able hinder. an out serve will be called: if the second server serves out of order, the out serve will Rule 6.1 BASIC RETURN RULE be applied to the first server and the sec- In general, the ball remains in play as long Rule 7.6 DIVING ond server will resume serving. If the play- as it is bouncing. However, the player may Players may "dive" from their wheelchair to er designated as the first server serves out swing only once at the ball and the ball is con- make a shot: however, every separate attempt of order, a sideout will be called. The ref - sidered dead at the point it stops bouncing at a shot must be initiated from an upright eree should call “no serve” as soon as an and begins to roll. Also, anytime the ball sitting position in the wheelchair. The play- out-of-order serve occurs. If no points are rebounds off the back wall, it must be struck ers buttock must be in contact with the chair scored while the team is out of order, only before it crosses the short line on the way to when the ball is hit. After the ball has been the out penalty will have to assessed. the front wall, except as explained in Rule 6.2. hit the player may then come clear from the However, if points are scored before the out chair. Any infraction of the above will result of order condition is noticed and the ref - Rule 6.2 BLAST RULE in the loss of the rally. Players diving from their eree cannot recall the number, the refer- If the ball caroms from the front wall to the wheelchair, where either they or their wheel- ee may enlist the aid of the line judges (but back wall on the fly, the player may hit the chair impede their opponents shot or move- not the crowd) to recall the number of ball from any place on the court—including ment to a ball which is deemed returnable points to be deducted. past the short line—so long as the ball is still by the referee, will result in an avoidable hin- bouncing. der. (b) Ball Hits Partner. A served ball that hits the doubles partner while outside the dou- Rule 6.3 FRONT WALL LINES Rule 7.7 MAINTENANCE DELAY bles box results in a loss of serve. Two parallel lines (tape may be used) should Each player will be allowed up to two five be placed across the front wall such that the minute maintenance delays per match for any Rule 4.5 RETURN IN DOUBLES bottom edge of one line is 3 feet above the malfunction and repair of a wheelchair, pros- (a) The rally is lost if one player hits that floor and the bottom edge of the other line thesis, or assistance device. These delays are same player’s partner with an attempted is 1 foot above the floor. During the rally, any irrespective of other game timeouts or injury return. ball that hits the front wall (i) below the 3 -foot timeouts. line and (ii) either on or above the 1-foot line (b) If one player swings at the ball and miss- must be returned before it bounces a third Rule 7.8 COACHING es it, both partners may make further time. However, if the ball hits below the 1-foot Only one coach per player may enter the court attempts to return the ball until it touch- line, it must be returned before it bounces during a time-out, to "upright" their player es the floor the second time. Both part- twice. If the ball hits on or above the 3-foot after a rally or between games and only then ners on a side are entitled to return the ball. line, the ball must be returned as described with the permission of the referee. Failure to in the basic return rule. abide by this rule will result in a technical foul (c) Both players on a side are entitled to a assessed against the player of the offending fair and unobstructed chance at the ball and coach.

2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures irf rules • 7 policies & procedures

COMPETITION POLICIES & A — TOURNAMENTS PROCEDURES • CONTENTS A — TOURNAMENTS A.1 ROSTERS A.1 Rosters ...... 8 (a) Tentative singles team line-ups for IRF events must be submitted to the tour- A.2 Seeding ...... 8 nament director and/or technical director 72 hours prior to the first scheduled A.3 Draws ...... 8 match. A.4 Scheduling...... 8 A.5 Notice of Matches ...... 9 (b) Final official singles line-ups for IRF events must be submitted to the tour- A.6 Third Place...... 9 nament director and/or technical director 24 hours prior to the first scheduled A.7 Consolation Matches ...... 9 match. A.8 Court Assignments ...... 9 A.9 Tournament Conduct ...... 9 (c) Line-ups for team competition must be submitted to the technical director A.10 Spectator Conduct ...... 9 prior to the completion of the final singles match. B — OFFICIATING (d) Only those individuals who competed in the first half [singles] competition B.1 Tournament Management ...... 9 will be allowed to compete in the second half [team] competition. B.2 Officials ...... 9 B.3 Referee Removal ...... 9 (e) Substitutions will be allowed for doubles teams if a member of the doubles B.4 Rules Briefing ...... 9 team is injured and the injury is verified by a physician. Substitutes may be select- B.5 Referees ...... 9 ed only from those individuals who competed in the first half. B.6 Line Judges ...... 10 B.7 Appeals ...... 10 (f) Substitutions are not allowed after the first match of the division has been B.8 Outcome of Appeals ...... 10 played. B.9 Rule Interpretations...... 10 A.2 SEEDING C — ELIGIBILITY & EVENTS (a) Seeding for individual competitions will be done by a seeding committee C.1 IRF Membership ...... 10 consisting of the technical director and/or tournament director and other mem- C.2 Professional ...... 10 bers of the technical committee (at least 2). Criteria used for seeding will be: C.3 Return to Amateur Status ...... 10 i) Results from the previous tournament of current competition C.4 Wheelchair Qualification ...... 10 ii) Results of other IRF events within the last 12 months C.5 Age Group Divisions ...... 10 iii) National and professional results of the last 12 months C.6 World Championships...... 11 C.7 World Senior Championships...... 11 (b) Seeding for team competitions will be the average of the best two out of C.8 World Junior Championships...... 11 the three events of current competition, with the exception of the Pan American Games, which are seeded on the basis of finishes established at the designat- D — PROCEDURES ed Pan American qualifying event. D.1 Rule Change Procedures ...... 11 A.3 DRAWS irf office contact information (a) Final draws will be available for coaching staff review and comments 20 hours International Racquetball Federation prior to the first match. Any appeals must be made to the tournament com- 1685 West Uintah mittee at this time. Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2921 Tel: 719/635-5396 • Fax: 719/635-0685 (b) Final draws will be posted 12 hours prior to the first scheduled starting match. Email: [email protected] www.internationalracquetball.com (c) The organization which has the authority to approve the draw and seeding method will vary according to whether it is national, regional or world competition. irf board & usra staff directory i) World competition. IRF IRF...... Title & Extension ii) Regional competition. Regional organizations Keith Calkins...... President iii) National competition. National organization Erik Meyer ...... Executive Vice President Osvaldo Maggi ...... Treasurer A.4 SCHEDULING Mike Mesecke...... VP/Europe (a) Preliminary Matches. If one or more contestants are entered in both singles Enrique Villagran ...VP/Central America, Caribbean and doubles, they may be required to play both singles and doubles on the Manuel Medina...... VP/ South America same day or night with little rest between matches. This is a risk assumed on Usher Barnoff ...... VP/North America entering both singles and doubles events. If possible, the schedule should pro- Rosy Torres...... VP/Women vide at least a one hour rest period between all matches. Angela Grisar...... VP/Women Luke St. Onge ...... Secretary General (131) (b) Final Matches. Where one or more players has reached the finals in both singles and doubles, it is recommended that the doubles match be played on USRA...... Title & Extension the day preceding the singles. This would assure more rest between the final Jim Hiser ...... Executive Director (130) matchups. If both final matches must be played on the same day or night, the Kevin Joyce ...... Membership Director (123) following procedure is recommended. Linda Mojer ...... Assoc. Executive Director (127) i) The singles match be played first. Heather Fender...... Executive Assistant (120) ii) A rest period of not less than one (1) hour be allowed between the finals Ryan John...... Media/PR Manager (126) in singles and doubles.

8 • irf rules 2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures A.5 NOTICE OF MATCHES tor's designated assistant(s) may accept or reject the request. It is the responsibility of each player to check the posted schedules to determine the time and place of each match. If any change is made B.4 RULES BRIEFING in the schedule after posting, it shall be the duty of the committee Before all tournaments, all officials and players shall be briefed on rules or chairperson to notify the players of the change. as well as local court hinders, regulations, and modifications the tournament director wishes to impose. The briefing should be reduced A.6 THIRD PLACE to writing. The current IRF rules will apply and be made available. Players are not required to play off for 3rd place and 4th place. Both Any modifications the tournament director wishes to impose must semi-finalists will be designated as bronze medal winners. be stated on the entry form and be available to all players at regis- tration. A.7 CONSOLATION MATCHES (a) This rule may be waived at the discretion of the Tournament B.5 REFEREES Director, but this waiver must be in writing on the application. (a) Pre-Match Duties. Before each match begins, it shall be the duty of the referee to: (b) If a player draws a bye or wins their first match by forfeit and 1. Check on adequacy of preparation of court with respect to then loses the second round match, they shall be deemed to have cleanliness, lighting and temperature. played just one match and therefore shall be entitled to be entered 2. Check on availability and suitability of materials to include balls, into the consolation bracket of that division. towels, scorecards, pencils and timepiece necessary for the match. (c) Consolation matches for all rounds through the quarter finals 3. Check the readiness and qualifications of the line judges and shall be played without a referee with the participants keeping their scorekeeper. Review appeal procedures and instruct them of own score. their duties, rules and local regulations. 4. Go onto the court to make introductions; brief the players (d) Semi-finals and finals in all consolation matches shall be offici- on court hinders (both designated and undesignated); iden- ated in the same manner as a regular tournament match. tify any out-of-play areas (see rule 2.1(a); discuss local regulations and rule modifications for this tournament; and explain A.8 COURT ASSIGNMENTS often misinterpreted rules. In all IRF sanctioned tournaments the tournament director may decide 5. Inspect players’ equipment; identify the line judges; verify selec- on a change of courts after the completion of any tournament game tion of a primary and alternate ball. if such a change will accommodate better spectator conditions. 6. Toss coin and offer the winner the choice of serving or receiving. A.9 TOURNAMENT CONDUCT In all IRF sanctioned tournaments the referee is empowered to default (b) Decisions. During the match, the referee shall make all deci- a match if an individual player or team conducts itself to the detri- sions with regard to the rules. Where line judges are used, the ment of the tournament and the game. The tournament director retains referee shall announce all final judgments. If both players in sin- the option to forfeit a match at any time due to unsportsmanlike con- gles and three out of four in a doubles match disagree with a call duct. made by the referee, the referee is overruled, with the exception of technical fouls and forfeitures. The tournament director may over- A.10 SPECTATOR CONDUCT rule a referees decision or rule interpretation at any time. In the event of disruptive or threatening behavior on the part of any spectator, relative, parent, guardian or coach at any IRF sanctioned (c) Protests. Any decision of the referee will, on protest, be accord- event, the referree is empowered to address a "first offense" by enforc- ed due process as set forth in the constitution of the IRF. For the ing sanction #1 detailed below. For additional infractions, the tour- purposes of rendering a prompt decision regarding protests filed nament director or IRF official in attendance, either of their own accord during the course of an ongoing tournament, the stages of due or at the request of the referee, is empowered to enforce sanctions process will be: first to the tournament desk, then to the tourna- #2 and #3 as warranted. ment director, and finally to the tournament rules committee. In 1. For the first offense: violator may watch, but not speak, while those instances when time permits, the protest may be elevated the athlete's match is being played. to a higher level as called for in the IRF constitution. 2. For the second offense: violator may not watch the athlete's (d) Forfeitures. A match may be forfeited by the referee when: match, but may remain within the building. 1. Any player refuses to abide by the referee’s decision or engages 3. For the third offense: violator will be removed from the club in unsportsmanlike conduct. for the duration of the tournament, and pertinent authorities advised 2. Any player or team who fails to report to play 10 minutes of the restriction. If a given situation so warrants, the tournament after the match has been scheduled to play. (The tournament director or IRF official may invoke this sanction immediately and director may permit a longer delay if circumstances warrant without previous offenses - in the interest of safety. such a decision.) 3. A game will be forfeited by the referee for using an illegal rac- B — OFFICIATING quet as specified in Rule 2.4(e). 4. After warning, any player leaves the court without permission B.1 TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT of the referee during a game. All recognized IRF tournaments shall be managed by a tournament 5. A third technical foul is assessed to any one player or dou- director, who shall designate the officials. bles team during the course of a match. See Rule 3.17.

B.2 OFFICIALS (e) Defaults. A player or team may be forfeited by the tournament The official shall be a referee designated by the tournament director director or official for failure to comply with the tournament or host or the floor manager or one agreed to by both participants (teams facility’s rules while on the premises between matches, or for abuse in doubles). Officials may also include, at the discretion of the tour- of hospitality, locker room, or other rules and procedures. nament director, a score-keeper and two linespeople. (f) Spectators. The referee shall have jurisdiction over the spectators, as well as the players, while the match is in progress. B.3 REFEREE REMOVAL A referee may be removed upon the agreement of both participants (g) Other Rulings. The referee may rule on all matters not cov- (teams in doubles) or at the discretion of the tournament director. ered in the IRF Official Rules. However, the referee’s ruling is sub- In the event that the referee's removal is requested by one player (team) ject to protest as described in B.5(c). and not agreed to by the other, the tournament director or that direc-

2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures irf rules • 9 B.6 LINE JUDGES declared the loser of the rally. In any IRF sanctioned tournament, linespeople may be designated in order to decide appealed rulings. Two linespeople will be des- (e) Receiving Line Violation/Encroachment. If the referee makes a ignated by the tournament director and shall, at the referee's signal, call of encroachment, but the call is overturned, the serve shall be either agree or disagree with the referee ruling. The signal to show replayed unless the return was deemed irretrievable in which case disagreement is "thumbs down". The signal for no opinion is an a sideout (or possibly a handout in doubles) should be called. When "open palm down". Both linespeople must disagree with the ref- an appeal is made because the referee made no call, and the appeal eree in order to reverse the ruling. If both linespeople disagree with is successful, the server is awarded a point. the referee's call, it shall be overruled, and the call reversed. If either linesperson agrees with the referee, the call shall stand. In the event (f) Court Hinder. If the referee makes a call of court hinder dur- that one linesperson disagrees, and the other signals that they did ing a rally or return of serve, the rally is replayed. If the referee not see the call in question, the rally shall be replayed. If both lines- makes no call and a player feels that a court hinder occurred, that people indicate they did not see the appealed call in question, the player may appeal. If the appeal is successful, the rally will be referee call will stand. replayed. A court hinder on a second serve results in only that serve being replayed. B.7 APPEALS In any match using linespeople, all calls are appealable except tech- B.9 RULE INTERPRETATIONS nicals and game/match forfeitures. If a player feels the referee has interpreted the rules incorrectly, the (a) Limit on Appeals. Each player will be allowed to make a max- player may require the referee or tournament director to cite the applic- imum of five "not accepted" appeals per 15 point game, and three able rule in the rulebook. Having discovered a misapplication or mis- "not accepted" appeals in the 11 point tiebreaker. If one linesper- interpretation, the official must correct the error by replaying the rally, son has no opinion and the other disagrees with the referee's call, awarding the point, calling sideout, or taking other corrective mea- the appeal will not count against the five appeal limit. If the ref- sures. eree's call stands, one appeal is charged. C — ELIGIBILITY (b) Loss of Appeal. The referee shall recognize an appeal only if it is made before the appealing player leaves the court, or if the play- C.1 IRF MEMBERSHIP ers do not leave the court, only before the next serve begins. A Any member of a recognized IRF national federation in good stand- player or team will forfeit the right of appeal if such appeal is made ing (dues paid and current), who has not been classified a profes- directly to the line judges, or follows an excessive demonstration sional, may compete in any IRF sanctioned tournament or complaint. C.2 PROFESSIONALS B.8 OUTCOME OF APPEALS To be eligible to compete in any IRF sanctioned event, a player may Everything except technical fouls and forfeitures can be appealed. The not have earned in excess of $50,000 in cumulative, total prize monies following outcomes cover several of the most common types of appeal, per season [as of August 1, annually], as a direct result of compet- but not all possible appeals could be addressed. Therefore, referee’s ing in any professional tournament(s) so deemed by the IRF Board discretion and common sense should govern the outcomes of those of Directors. appeals that are not covered herein: (a) Skip Ball. If the referee makes a call of “skip ball,” and the call (a) Merchandise or travel expenses shall not be considered prize money, is reversed, the referee then must decide if the shot in question nor will their acceptance affect a player's eligibility. could have been returned had play continued. If, in the opinion of the referee, the shot could have been returned, the rally shall (b) Any IRF member, regardless of eligibility, may compete in any be replayed. However, if the shot was not retrievable, the side which division that offers prize money or merchandise at a IRF sanctioned hit the shot in question is declared the winner of the rally. If the tournament. referee makes no call on a shot (thereby indicating that the shot did not skip), an appeal may be made that the shot skipped. If C.3 RE-ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY the “no call” is reversed, the side which hit the shot in question A player may re-establish their eligibility to compete in any IRF sanc- loses the rally. tioned event by tendering a request in writing to the Executive Director of the IRF or a designated representative, citing professional season- (b) Fault Serve. If the referee makes a call of fault serve and the end earnings [as of August 1] below the $50,000 level. Once earn- call is reversed, the serve is replayed, unless if the referee consid- ings are verified, eligibility may be re-established, effective immediately. ered the serve to be not retrievable, in which case a point is awarded to the server. If an appeal is made because the referee makes C.4 WHEELCHAIR QUALIFICATION no call on a serve—thereby indicating that the serve was good— Any individual with permanent disability, who will benefit through and the “no call” is reversed, it will result in second serve if the their participation in sports and who would be denied the opportu- infraction occurred on the first serve or loss of serve if the infrac- nity to compete were it not for the wheelchair adaptation is eligible. tion occurred on the second serve, or utilizing one-serve rules. Furthermore, players must be medically diagnosed as having a mobil- ity related disability. In other words, they must have substantial or (c) Out Serve. If the referee calls an “out serve”, and the call is total loss of function in one or more extremities of the body or the reversed, the serve will be replayed, unless the serve was obviously complete or partial loss of one or more extremities. If there is reason a fault too, in which case the call becomes fault serve. However, to doubt an individual's eligibility to participate, the IRF Committee if the call is reversed and the serve was considered an ace, a point for Athletes with Disabilities reserves the right to screen any player will be awarded. Also, if the referee makes no call on a serve— being considered for competition. thereby indicating that the serve was good—but the “no call” is reversed, it results in an immediate loss of serve. C.5 AGE GROUP DIVISIONS (a) Men’s and Women’s Open Adult Age Divisions. Eligibility is (d) Double Bounce Pickup. If the referee makes a call of two determined by the player’s age on the first day of the tournament. bounces, and the call is reversed, the rally is replayed, except if Divisions are: the player against whom the call was made hit a shot that could Open - All players other than pro not have been retrieved, then that player wins the rally. (Before 35+ - Seniors awarding a rally in this situation, the referee must be certain that 40+ - Veteran Seniors the shot would not have been retrieved even if play had not been 45+ - Masters halted.) If an appeal is made because the referee makes no call 50+ - Veteran Masters thereby indicating that the get was not two bounces, and the “no 55+ - Golden Masters call” is reversed, the player who made the two bounce pickup is 60+ - Veteran Golden Masters

10 • irf rules 2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures 65+ - Senior Golden Masters 70+ - Advanced Golden Masters 75+ - Super Golden Masters 80+ - Grand Masters index 85+ - Super Grand Masters Apparel ...... 2.5 (b) Other Divisions Appeals Wheelchair Appeal Limit, Loss ...... B.7 Novice Outcome of Appeals ...... B.8 Intermediate What May be Appealed ...... B.7 Open Blocking ...... 3.15(c) Multi-Bounce Body Contact ...... 3.14(a)3 & 5 Junior Broken Ball – On the Serve ...... 3.11(d) On Return of Serve ...... 3.11(e) and 3.13(f) (c) Junior Age Divisions. Player eligibility is determined by the player’s age During the Rally ...... 3.13(f) on January 1st of the current calendar year. Divisions are: Carries – On the Serve ...... 3.10(e) 18 & Under During the Rally ...... 3.13(b) 16 & Under Delays ...... 3.5 and 3.17(a)6 14 & Under Doubles – Generally ...... 4.0 12 & Under Blocking ...... 3.15(c) 10 & Under Change in Partners ...... 4.1(b) 8 & Under (regular rules) Order of Serve ...... 4.2(a) 8 & Under (multi-bounce rules) Out-of-Order Serve ...... 4.4(a) 6 & Under (regular rules) Partner’s Position 6 & Under (multi-bounce rules) During Serve ...... 4.2(b) and 4.3(a) Return Attempts ...... 4.5(b) and 4.5(c) C.6 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Team Classification ...... 4.1(a) The World Championships are held bi-annually [est. 1980], and are limited to Drive Serve Rule ...... 3.6 qualified national team members of IRF member countries. One serve rule mod- Due Process (Player’s Rights) ...... B.5(c) ifications [See Rule 5.0] apply in all individual and team division playoffs. Eyeguards ...... 2.5(d) and 3.17(a)10 Five-Foot Rule ...... 3.11(a) Foot Faults ...... 3.9(a) and 4.2(b) C.7 WORLD SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Forfeits ...... B.5(d) The World Senior Championships are held annually [est. 1989] and are open Hinders—Avoidable ...... 3.15 to players age 35 and over. Competition is held in a round-robin format. Both Hinders—Dead-ball singles and doubles tournaments are available. Generally ...... 3.14 Court Hinders ...... 3.14(a)1 C.8 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Safety Holdup ...... 3.14(a)6 The World Junior Championships are held annually [est. 1989] and are open Screen ...... 3.14(a)4 to qualified junior competitors age 18 and under. Competition is held in an Issues Not Covered by the Rulebook ...... B.5(g) Olympic format, which guarantees at least three matches to singles entrants, Legal/Illegal Hits . . . . 3.10(e); 3.13(a); and 3.13(b) with awards in Gold, Blue, Red and White divisions. Line Judges ...... B.6 Loss of Apparel/Equipment ...... 3.15(i) D — PROCEDURES Multi-Bounce Modifications ...... 6.0 D.1 RULE CHANGE PROCEDURES Out-Of-Court Ball . . . 3.10(h); 3.13(c)3 and 3.13(8) (a) Any participating country may propose a rule change to the International Postponed Games ...... 3.16(e) Racquetball Federation Rules Committee. The rule changes must be submit- Profanity ...... 3.17(a)1 ted in writing to the IRF Office, Colorado Springs, Colorado, before January Protests ...... B.5(c) 15th of the year in which the World Championships are held. Racquet Specifications ...... 2.4 Return of Serve ...... 3.11 (b) The proposed rule changes will be submitted to the IRF Rules Committee Referees – Appointment and Removal ...... B.3 for review and evaluation. The committee will then submit its recommen- Duties and Responsibilities ...... B.5 dation to the IRF Executive Board by June 1st of the year in which the World Overturning the Referee’s Call ...... B.5(b) Championships are held. Return of Serve ...... 3.11 Rule Interpretations ...... B.9 (c) The Executive Board will present its recommendation and the recom- Safety Holdup ...... 3.14(a)6 mendations of the Rules Committee to the particicpating countries during Safety Zone Violation, by Server ...... 3.10(i) the World Congress meeting at the World Championships. Serves – Changes of Serve ...... 3.12 and 4.2(c) Dead-Ball Serves...... 3.8 (d) The participating countries at the World Congress will then vote on the Drive Serves ...... 3.6 proposed rule changes. Doubles ...... 4.2 Fault Serves ...... 3.9 (e) Rule changes which receive the majority of yes votes will go into effect Order (Who Serves First) ...... 3.1 on September 1st of the year in which they are passed. Out Serves ...... 3.10 Screen Serves ...... 3.9(h) Spectators, Control of ...... B.5(f) Technical Fouls and Warnings ...... 3.17 COPYRIGHT NOTICE Ten-Second Rule ...... 3.4 and 3.5 The 2000- 2002 IRF Official Rules of Racquetball are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Timeouts, Regular ...... 3.16(a) These rules may not be reproduced, electronically scanned or downloaded, either Injuries ...... 3.16(b) in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. Copyright © 2000 Equipment ...... 3.16(c) IRF. For information about reprint rights and fees, please contact: The International Tournaments ...... A Racquetball Federation, 1685 West Uintah, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2921. Tel: 719/635-5396 • Fax: 719/635-0685 • E-mail: [email protected]• www.internationalracquetball.com.

2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures irf rules • 11 QUICK REFERENCE: IRF VS. USRA RULES Following is a quick rundown of the differences between International Racquetball Federation [IRF] rules and the United States Racquetball Association [USRA] rules. One Serve: Open, world-class players (World Championship international racquetball federation National Teams, PARC contingents, and USRA Open divi- 1685 west uintah sion athletes) are allowed only one (1) serve. [USRA Rule colorado springs, co 80904-2906 5.0 & IRF Rule 5.0 = One Serve Modifications] www.internationalracquetball.com IRF 4.3(b): In doubles, hitting the non-serving partner while standing in the service box is a charged service fault which results in a sideout using one-serve rules [IRF 5.0]. USRA Rule 5.0 allows a "second serve" in this instance. Appeals: IRF B.7(a) allows each player/team a maximum of five (5) appeals per 15-point game, and three (3) per tiebreaker, with no game-ending appeal. An appeal is charged if one linesperson agrees with the referee. USRA B.7(d) states that each player/team will have three (3) appeals per game, with a game-ending appeal allowed. An appeal is charged only if both linespeople agree with the referee. Out of Court: The ball is "out-of-court" if it hits above the 12- foot line on the backwall. [IRF Rule 2.l(b)8] -- If the ball hits above (not on) the 12-foot line without first bouncing on the floor, the person who hit it automatically loses the rally. [IRF Rule 3.13(i)2]. If the ball (after touching the front wall) goes through an opening in the side wall, the rally is replayed. [IRF Rule 3.l3(i)1] Timeouts: IRF Rule 3.16(c) allows the player to request a "referee time out" to correct uniform or equipment problems without using a regulation time out. USRA Rule 3.16(c) allows the referee to grant an equipment time out only when the player/team has no regulation timeouts remain- ing. IRF timeouts are 1-minute in length. USRA timeouts are 30-seconds. Forfeitures: IRF B.5(c)4 allows a forfeiture if, after a warning has been issued, a player leaves the court without permission of the referee during a game. IRF B.5(c)5 allows a forfeiture once a third technical is assessed to any one player or doubles team during the course of the match. Technicals: IRF B.17(b) allows a technical foul to be called on a coach who exhibits unsportsmanlike behavior -- with the technical charged to that coach's player. Also, coaches may not go on the court at any time unless the referee has first granted permission. Doing so is a technical foul. Having one foot on the actual court surface (20'x40') doesn't con- QUICK REFERENCE: CHANGES WITH THIS EDITION stitute being "on the court." Generally, referees will allow a 3.5 Delays — Serving while the receiving player/team is signalling “not ready” is still a fault, but referee warnings will be issued each and coach to go on court only in rare circumstances, such as every time a first-serve infraction occurs. injury. 3.16 Timeouts — were extended to one-minute in length. Avoidables: IRF Rule 3.14(i) stipulates that if a player loses 5.3 Warnings — Stipulated maximum number of warnings (1) for a equipment, play doesn't stop until it that equipment actu- “not ready” infraction was removed [see above, 3.5]. ally interferes with play. If it does interfere, then it's an A.6 Third Place — Both semifinalists in any international event will be "avoidable" hinder. Losing one's eyeguards is an immediate named “bronze medalists”; no playoff for third is required. "avoidable." [IRF Rule 3.15(g)] C.2 Professional & Eligibility rulings revised.

12 • irf rules 2000-2002 Official International Racquetball Federation Rules, Policies & Procedures