Shuffleboard Rules

The following rules for Shuffleboard are taken from the Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA).

RULE SOURCE:

The current rules of shuffleboard as outlined by the USA Shuffleboard Association with the exceptions listed under “Tournament Set-Up” and “Floor Shuffleboard Rules Summary.”

Websites

www.national-shuffleboard-association.us (see Rules on menu) or select the following)

http://www.national-shuffleboard-association.us/rules.htm

OSGA EVENT REQUIREMENTS:

Equipment

12-16 regulation size courts.

The court shall measure fifty-two (52’) feet (15.85 metres) in length and six (6) feet (1.83 metres) in width. The playing surface shall be concrete. (or suitable artificial material)

The playing area shall be thirty-nine (39’) feet (11.89 metres) in length or that area of the court from the baseline to baseline.

A set of standard discs in 2 colours for each.

Scorecards, Pens, Results Board.

Facilities

An air-conditioned, well illuminated room, large enough to accommodate 12-16 regulation size courts

OFFICIALS:

The Ontario Senior Games Association requires at minimum the following officials for Ontario Senior Games - Actifest.

For District Games, the following are only a suggestion. Participation numbers and availablity of volunteers may result in fewer officials being required. Districts are encouraged to try to have the necessary officials to run the event successfully.

One (1) Activity Convenor

One (1) Assistant Activity Convenor

Divisional Referees, Scorekeepers, depending on the number of courts

The host committee will ensure that all major officials have the required qualifications as specified by the Ontario Senior Games Association at least one (1) year prior to Ontario Senior Games - Actifest. The host committee is also responsible for any other officials required to run this event.

Note: (Rodney Shufflers self-regulate, as all games are for fun and recreation)

SHUFFLEBOARD RULES SUMMARY:

Participants are allowed to socialize during games in a manner that is not disturbing to participants in the games. The social aspect of the games is an important aspect of the philosophy of the OSGA. However, all players must remain seated when play is to their end of the court until all discs are shot and the score announced.

Hand signals can be used to indicate if the shot is good or not good, the number of good discs and the number in the kitchen.

Players may use their own cues.

Player or team with the lowest line number will play the first game with Yellow discs, change colour and play the second game with the Black discs.

Before the round begins, each player may shoot (2) discs only, to check the speed of the court.

To start a game, the yellow disc is shot first; play alternates, yellow, black, yellow, black until all discs are shot. Yellow shall always be played from right side of head of court and left side of the court. In doubles, after all discs are played at the head of the court, play starts at the foot or opposite end – yellow leading, black following. Colour lead does not change until both ends have played ( a round)

Discs must be played from the clear, from within the respective half or the Ten-Off (10-Off) area. It is common practice with players to jockey or slide the playing disc backward and forward to see if there is sand which might interfere with the disc sliding evenly. NO penalty is to be called on this practice, if lines are touched while jockeying.

Any disc or discs returning or remaining on the playing area of the court after having struck any object outside the playing area shall be removed before further play. It is a dead disc.

• Any disc that clearly leaves the court beyond the farthest baseline or goes off the sides of the court is a dead disc.

• A disc that stops less than eight (8”) beyond the farthest baseline shall be removed.

• A disc that is leaning over the edge of court and touching the alley shall be immediately removed.

SCORING: One (1) ten(10) point area, Two (2) eight(8) point areas, Two (2) seven (7) point areas, One (1) ten (10) off area

After both players have shot their four (4 discs, score all discs on diagram within and not touching lines; separation triangle in (10 off) area not considered. Judging disc: When judging a disc in relations to lines, the official shall sight directly down. A mounted disc or disc resting on top of a disc sometimes happens when players use excessive force in shooting. Each disc shall be judged separately according to scoring rules.

The winner of a match must sign the scorecard, thus approving the record entered thereon. If an error occurs in the scoring on the scoreboard at the end of a half round and it is discovered before the next half round is completed, the error must be corrected. Otherwise, the score as scored must stand unless both agree on the correction.

APPEALS: Players at the end of the court to which the discs are played, may: Request permission from the referee to examine any close disc as to good or no count or ask the referee if a disc is close and if the referee responds “yes”, this is automatic approval for the player to examine it without additional approval. If a player wishes to make an appeal on any close disc as to whether it is good or no count, it must be made before another disc is shot by either player and the decision will be final and cannot be again appealed at the end of the half round, unless such disc or discs have been touched or moved by another disc after the decision was made.