We are happy to have you as a participant in the 2007 NHPA World Tournament. There are a total of 984 entrants. As a participant, you should know the "Official Rules of Play" and the special requirements of this tournament.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING

Most class play will be fifteen 40-shoe games over three days. A few classes may pitch a game or two less or more. Tie games in any class shall not be played off but remain 1/2 win, 1/2 loss for each. Win-Loss records shall determine final standings. Percentage will break ties. Cash prizes will be paid to the top 4, 5 or 6 positions in adult divisions, depending upon class size. The highest percentages out of all combined classes within a Division shall determine who moves to fill open spots in the Championship Finals. All adults advancing to the Championship of their Division will pay an additional $50.00 Finals Fee. Juniors do not pay. All Championship Finals shall be 40-point games. Scorekeepers will receive a $2.00 voucher for each game scored. These can be redeemed for cash. Judges will receive $10 cash after the completion of their shift and the return of the judging equipment.

You will be given a semi-permanent plastic name paddle, which you are to retain and use each day. It is yours to keep. All competition will be played indoors at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum. 50 portable courts will be set up in the coliseum. Practice courts will be available. Come early and familiarize yourself with the facility and area so you will know where to go for shoe check, sign-in, photos, pitching, playoffs, awards and practice.

Each player at shoe check-in is to present their 2007 NHPA or Canadian membership card. If you cannot, you will have to post a deposit ($20 adults, $5 juniors) that will be refunded if you provide proof of purchase prior to the tournament end. Otherwise, the deposit shall be forfeited. All pitching shoes shall be checked for weight & measure. Pick-up devices cannot exceed 36" nor can the hook be sharp or extend more than 2" out from the shaft. Pitchers must wear at check-in and during play, a clean shirt with name and state/province professionally lettered at least 1 inch high on the back. Please dress to look sharp. No sleeveless shirts, cut-offs, open toe shoes. No alcohol or tobacco of any kind shall be permitted within the confine of the courts.

All pitchers are required to turn and water as necessary, one end of the court on which they are about to play. It is mandatory that each player provide pre-game maintenance to the court. When both contestants are on the court ready to pitch, only four warm-up shoes, down & back, are permitted. Observe the foul line and the 30-second time limit to deliver both shoes. Judges will be watching. Be courteous, stand at least 2 feet behind your opponent on the opposite side when he/she is pitching. A short distance player on a court next to a full distance group is required to move all the way to the rear of the 40' platform while your opponent pitches. When you pitch first, do not step to the outside of the platform. Cross over in front so as to not distract pitchers on the adjacent courts. Have a straightedge available and measure your own shoes. Call a judge only if you and your opponent cannot decide the count.

If for some reason you must drop out prior to July 18th, please notify the NHPA Secretary by phoning 262-835-9108. After that date, call the World Tournament Office at 580-223-9205. You cannot expect a refund of your entry fee but we appreciate having advance notice and being able to anticipate the need for a pacer. Pacers always pitch last and cannot win the game regardless of the score. Pacers do not require a name on their shirt.

Check the computer printouts of standings and final results immediately after posting each day. It is your responsibility, if you believe an error has been made, to bring it to the attention of the on duty Tournament Director and/or the Computer Room Director within 15 minutes of posting. The directors will evaluate your claim, check the original scoresheet and advise you of their decision, which will be final. Game-by-game printouts can be ordered for $1.00 each on your final day of pitching and will be available at the award ceremony for your class.

Plan to attend the NHPA Hall of Fame Awards Banquet on the evening of July 29th. Ticket cost will be $20. Purchase tickets at the tournament up to 72 hours (By July25^th) prior or contact the NHPA office to reserve tickets for later pick-up. All tickets reserved are considered sold and must be paid for whether you attend or not.

Dick Hansen, NHPA Secretary - Treasurer