GUIDELINES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS For Sanctioned League and/or Sanctioned
Tournament Play – The Guidelines text is divided
into two (2) parts.
PART I provides suggestions/recommendations that may apply for league
and/or tournament play, including suggested formats for Doubles Play. This
section also includes guidelines for calling the score, keeping score, judging,
and for the use of pacers. PART II includes requirements (aside
from the Playing Rules) that apply for Tournament/League Officials, local
Sanctioned Tournaments/Leagues, Charter/State Information, the World
Tournament, Special Tournaments, and additional information for Cadet and
Junior Pitchers. Violations of these additional requirements may carry
penalties, to be assessed and enforced by the Charter Officers and/or
Tournament/League Officials.
PART I – SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
LEAGUE AND/OR TOURNAMENT PLAY
GUIDELINE 1 – DOUBLES PLAY
In doubles
play, two contestants are partners against another team of two contestants. One
contestant from each team will be at each end of the court and the tournament
officials should match the contestants so that the highest rated contestant (by
percentage) from each team will be pitching from the same end of the court. The
Tournament Committee will determine the length of the game and method of play.
When contestants are pitching their shoes, the contestants at the other end
should be well behind and to the side of the pitcher's box (for their own
safety) and in a stationary position so as not to distract the contestants on
their own or adjacent courts. Otherwise, all the Playing Rules for singles play
shall apply.
Section A – Regular Doubles
In regular
doubles, both team members use the same pair of shoes and all contestants stay
at the same end of the court for the entire game. To begin the game, the
highest-rated contestants will decide on the first pitch and pitch their shoes,
just as in singles competition. Their partners, at the opposite end, will
decide on and call the score, retrieve the shoes, and pitch them back following
the same procedure. The decision on who pitches first in each inning depends
upon the scoring system being used, following the rules of singles play. A
single score sheet should be used that clearly shows the ringers and shoes
pitched by all contestants.
Section B – Walking Doubles
In walking
doubles, all contestants will pitch their own shoes. A single score sheet
should be used that clearly shows the ringers and shoes pitched by all
contestants.
When calling the score, ringers (if made) shall be
reported first, and then points (see Playing RULE 6, Section B, 1-b).
Section
A – Recommended Calls
Here are the recommended calls for points allowed, in the following situations:
Ø
No ringers with the closest
shoe in count – call “one point”.
Ø
No ringers with the two (2)
closest shoes in count – call “two points”.
Ø
One (1) ringer with either no
shoe in count or the other contestant having the closest shoe in count – call
“one ringer, three points”.
Ø
One (1) ringer with the closest
shoe in count – call “one ringer, four points”.
Ø
Two (2) cancelled ringers with
the closest shoe in count – call “two dead, one point”.
Ø
Two (2) cancelled ringers with
one (1) un-cancelled ringer – call “two dead, three points”.
Ø
Two (2) un-cancelled ringers –
call “two ringers, six points”.
Note:
No points shall be awarded in the following situations.
Ø
All four (4) shoes out of count
– call “no score”.
Ø
Two (2) cancelled ringers with no other shoes in count – call
“two dead, no score”.
Ø
Four (4) cancelled ringers –
call “four dead”.
Section B
– Alternative Calls – As different
phrases may be used in different regions of the country, here is a list of some
of the more common alternative calls
to become familiar with. Note: The recommended call (in
bold type) is listed first, followed by most of the
alternative calls that are used.
Ø
one point – (usually the same)
Ø
two points –
(usually the same)
Ø
one ringer, three points – “one ringer
three”, “ringer three”, “three points”
Ø
one ringer, four points – “one ringer
four”, “ringer four”, “four points”
Ø
two dead, one point –
“one ringer each, one point”, “ringer each,
one”, “ringers alike, one”
Ø
two dead, three points – “three ringers, three points”,
“three on three”, “three on a double”, “three, three”, “ringers alike, three”
Ø
two ringers, six points
– “two ringers, six”, “six points”. “six”
Ø
no score – (usually the same),
“nobody”, “nobody home”
Ø
two dead, no score – “one ringer each, no score”, “ringer each, no score”, “ringer each, nobody”
Ø
four dead – (usually the same), “
two ringers each, no score”, “four ringers, no score”
Scorekeeping is a very essential part of the sport of
horseshoe pitching. Individuals recording the score during competition must be
familiar with the type of game being played, called scores (see Section F
below), the score sheets, round robin cards, the scoreboards and/or electronic
score keeping devices; to ensure that recorded scoring errors do not occur.
Section A
– Before the Game
Individuals interested in supporting the game by
keeping score should inform the Tournament/League Officials of their intent.
Usually, a sign-up sheet for scorekeepers is available, listing the time and
date for classes of play. Once signed up, individuals are expected to be
available on a timely basis. If for some reason they are unable to keep the
scheduled signup, the Tournament/League Officials should be notified
accordingly.
1. Proper
Dress – Scorekeepers should be comfortably dressed, and handle
personal matters before entering the court area.
2. Score
Sheets – It is the responsibility of the Tournament/League Officials
to provide the required score sheets at all designated courts. The score sheets
should be examined to determine that they were properly distributed, and then
make sure (by reviewing their round robin cards) that the correct contestants
are ready to compete. Scorekeepers must sign all score sheets in case there may
be questions later.
All personnel within or near the court complex must be
attentive at all times. Scorekeepers must keep their movement to a minimum, and
be especially alert for contestants that are in the process of practice or
competition, so as not to disturb the contestants and to avoid getting hit by
pitched shoes.
a. Symbols
are used on score sheets to indicate ringers. "Live" ringers are
shown with a circle "O" and “canceled” ringers are shown with an "X". This makes it convenient
to summarize, if necessary, for proofing the score sheet for errors.
b. It is very
important that scorekeepers record all ringers to assure that both pitchers
receive credit for ringers they pitched, whether live or canceled. "POINTS" column entries
should show the number of points called out to the scorekeeper for each inning
while the "SCORE"
column entry should show each pitcher's accumulated score subtotal.
During and at the end of each game, the scorekeeper must
make certain the scores are properly tallied, and then fill in the round robin
cards, if used. When the game has concluded, the contestants must remain at the
end of the courts until the score sheet and round robin cards have been completed.
Properly completed and signed score sheets will be collected as directed by the
Tournament/League Officials. Note:
The score sheet (not the scoreboard) shall be the official record of the game.
Section D
– Scoreboards
For the
benefit of spectators and contestants, scoreboards may be positioned at the
courts. If so, once the score is recorded on the scoreboard, the correct score
must then be marked on the score sheet, being cautious at all times not to
disturb the contestants.
Section E
– Electronic Scoring Devices
Various
programs can be made available for electronic scoring; consequently the
scorekeeper should be familiar with the program being used.
Section F
– Hand Signals
Certain contestants regularly use hand signals to indicate
their score. If this creates a score keeping problem, the contestant(s) should
be informed accordingly and asked to use the common score calls in GUIDELINE #2
above.
Section A – Responsibilities, Expectations and Duties (also see Judging
Guidelines booklet)
Judges are to be appointed by the Tournament/League Officials.
a. To enforce the
rules and issue the proper penalties if and when violations occur.
b. To measuring for
ringers, the closest shoe to the stake, or for shoes in count.
c.
To resolve scoring questions or discrepancies, and to answer
or resolve any rules questions, when called upon by the contestants.
d.
To help make the correct decision in situations involving
broken shoes, broken stakes, shoes and/or stakes that may be moved by
contestants during measurements, shoes pitched out of turn, a contestant's
shoes mistakenly pitched by the opponent, and other questions which may arise.
e. To act as a liaison between the contestants and the Tournament/League
Officials for all possible questions or situations.
2. Expectations and Duties
a. During competition, judges should always be available and remain visible
to the pitchers. Wearing an orange vest is recommended.
b. Judges should be very familiar with the Playing Rules and should have a
copy of the current rules with them for reference, if needed.
c. Judges should be reasonably healthy, with good hearing and eyesight.
d. In addition to their duties, judges should also help out on the courts,
where needed. They may be asked to assist with items like keeping watering
containers filled, spray paint available, or with picking up score sheets.
GUIDELINE 5 – PACERS
Section A – Use of Pacers All contestants,
including pacers and/or league substitutes, must be current NHPA members (see Bylaws for additional information on
membership). Pacers are commonly
used in place of contestants who have entered a tournament but, for various
reasons, do not show up. They may also be used when contestants have to drop
out of a tournament due to illness or for other reasons. The use of pacers, if
available, is often considered a better alternative than to have contestants
“sit out” during a “bye” round.
Section B – Qualified Pacers
Pacers should pitch from the same distance as the others contestants in the
Class, unless the Class is “mixed”. They should also be close to or within the
same percentage “spread” as the Class and, if possible, wear a shirt with their
name and State on the back.
Section C – Awards and Statistics
Since pacers are not “official” contestants
in the Class competition, their games will always appear in the “loss” column,
they are not eligible for prizes or awards, and their statistics are not to be
reported to NATSTATS. Also, they may or may not be asked to pay
the scorekeeper for the games they pitch.
Section A – Duties and Responsibilities
All NHPA sanctioned tournaments and leagues shall have a designated
director or committee to administer the activities of the event. The director
or committee shall:
a. Publicize the event
well in advance by using the Charter tournament schedule, by
posting/distributing “flyers”, and/or by using all other available media. The
information provided should include available Divisions, the date(s) and
location of the event, amount of the entry fee, a prize list, the registration
deadline, and any other special/pertinent information.
b. If the tournament
requires pre-registration, the Classes for each Division should be made up in
advance and the contestants are to be seeded based on current NATSTATS averages
(see RULE 11, Section D).
c. Contestants should be notified of their
pitching dates and times in a timely manner.
a. During registration, verify that all entrants are current NHPA members.
b. Arrange for scorekeeping
for each court.
c. Appoint an official judge(s) and provide them with judging tools, and a
copy of the current RGS book.
d. Before Class play begins:
1. Announce the method of play (cancellation or count-all), the length of
the games (how many shoes or points) and information about alternate pitch, if
it will be used.
2. Announce how winners will be determined, and how ties will to be broken
3. Announce the amount and method for paying scorekeepers (if used).
4. If scoring devices are used, provide the contestants with a name
placard.
5. Provide a schedule and/or round-robin card of games to be played,
including court assignments.
e. Have statisticians available for the checking and recording of game
scores and for the compilation of class results, as the tournament proceeds.
f.
Make the final decisions on any
protests, and answer any questions that may arise.
g. When necessary, make the decision to halt play due to inclement weather
or other emergencies and decide when play shall resume, if or when conditions
improve.
h. Present the awards at the end of play.
3. After
the Event
Tournament and League results must be
submitted to NATSTATS upon completion of any tournament or
league. See REQUIREMENT #2, Section I, below, for details and
additional information.
Section C – Fees
All registration (entry) and any other fees shall be determined by the
Tournament/League Officials.
Section D – Division Size
Any division not receiving at least four
(4) entries can be canceled, but the entrants shall be given an opportunity to
pitch in a Class of another Division.
Section G – Count-All Scoring
The Count-All System of scoring is to be optional throughout any
sanctioned event. The exception to this shall be the World and State
Championship Tournaments where only the preliminary qualifying rounds may use
the count-all method of total points to determine the Championship Classes.
Section H – Total Ringers/Shoes
All ringers and shoes pitched under one sanction number, including
additional shoes for breaking of ties and play-off games, shall be included
when figuring the totals for that event.
Section I – Reporting Results
1. Tournaments – The Tournament Director or
statistician must send Tournament results to the Charter statistician
(recommended) and/or to NATSTATS as soon as possible, upon
completion of the tournament. A period of not more than two (2) weeks is
recommended.
2. Leagues – League results must be sent to the NHPA Sanctioned
Club/League Director as soon as possible, upon the completion of the league
season. A period of not more than two (2) weeks is recommended. The Sanctioned
Club/League Director will forward these results to NATSTATS.
REQUIREMENT 3 – CHARTER/STATE INFORMATION
Section A – Championship Play
Each Charter must hold an NHPA sanctioned
State Championship event annually unless there is more than one Charter in the
State, in which case the State Tournament will be rotated unless otherwise
agreed upon by the involved Charters.
The State Championship Tournament must advertise and
provide an entry form stating the intent to crown champions in at least Men,
Women, Junior and Elder Divisions. Other Divisions are an option left to the
discretion of the tournament officials. All age limitations for Divisions shall
be in accord with RULE 1, Sections A-E.
2.
Mixed Play
The Championship Class of the Men and Women's Division in a State
Championship Tournament cannot be mixed play. All classes below the Men's and
Women's Championship class, as well as all classes in any other Division, may
be mixed at the discretion of the Tournament Officials. When other Divisions
are mixed in these Championship classes, the champion of each Division will be
the highest finishing player in their respective Division. Handicap systems may
be used in State Championship play, but any Division Title must be determined
by a non-handicap system of play.
3.
Residency
State Championship Tournaments are open
only to those NHPA members who legally reside in that State and meet the
regular eligibility requirements imposed for the event. An exception to this
shall be active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their immediate
family (if married) who may pitch in the State Championship event of any State
in which they are stationed/reside, provided they meet the other eligibility
requirements of that Charter. No one will be allowed to pitch in more than one
State Championship Tournament per year.
4.
Full and Short Distance Pitchers
All sanctioned tournaments shall
provide a playing opportunity for all eligible Full and Short distance
pitchers. The NHPA Executive Council, in accord with REQUIREMENT #5 (below), can authorize exceptions for
special tournaments such as Invitationals, Juniors only, etc.
Section B – Newsline Magazine
All Charter officers must be members
of the NHPA and subscribe to the official NHPA magazine, currently Horseshoe
Pitching Newsline. Two Charter officers housed in a common residence require
only a single subscription between them.
Section C – Delegates
Only NHPA members in possession of a
current combined State/National card are eligible to vote on any matter
pertaining to the election of Charter officers, the sanctioned tournament
schedule, or anything else that may directly or indirectly involve NHPA
business, Bylaws, or official Playing Rules.
Section D – Compliance
Each Charter must comply in all ways
with THE OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES, GUIDELINES, AND SPECIFICATIONS, and the
By-Laws of the NHPA. Deliberate violation of same will be cause for possible NHPA
suspension of Charter Officers, the revocation of the Charter, or both.
Section A – Committee and Director
The World Tournament Committee shall
consist of all members of the NHPA Executive Council present at the
World Tournament. The NHPA President shall designate the World Tournament
Director who will confer with the President on the format and schedule.
Section B – Divisions
A World Tournament shall include
separate Championship Divisions for Juniors, Open Men, Open Women, Seniors, and
Elders. If Class, pitching performance is used as a "qualifier" for
determining who will advance to Championship Division play, the Championship
rounds shall be assigned a separate sanction number and both Class and
Championship play shall each count as a separate tournament.
Section C – World Title
The title of
Champion Horseshoe Pitcher of the World can be contended for only in
tournaments authorized by the NHPA Executive Council.
Section D – Division Winners
The winner of each Division of the
authorized World Tournament shall be declared the Champion Horseshoe Pitcher of
the World for their respective Division, and shall hold the title until the
next authorized World Tournament.
Section E – Playoffs
In a World Tournament, games won and
lost shall determine the order in which the winners are placed. Pitchers tying
for first place of a Division shall decide the winner as follows: if two tie, a
one-game playoff to forty (40) points; if more than two tie, the first place
shall be decided by a ladder-type playoff based upon ringer percentages; in all
others ties (second and below), trophies and prize money shall be awarded based
upon ringer percentage. First place ties at the "class" level will be
determined by forty (40) shoe playoff games.
Section F – Records
Any record set in any Sanctioned Tournament shall be
called a World Record. Any record set in a World Tournament shall be called a
World Tournament Record. These statistics will be different sets of records and
recorded as such. The NHPA Executive
Council will decide on the authenticity of any disputed record.
Section G – Eligibility
All entrants shall have their eligibility and entering percentage
verified by NATSTATS.
1.
Qualifying Events – All adult entrants to the World Tournament who reside in the United
States must have completed at least four (4) NHPA sanctioned events at their
Division pitching distance during the twelve (12) months preceding the cut-off
date listed on the current World Tournament entry form. Note: Only
one event is required for Juniors.
2.
Exemptions – An exception to the requirement of four (4) sanctioned events shall be
active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their immediate family (if married),
provided they meet the other eligibility requirements. Entering averages for
foreign entrants and active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their
immediate family, not in the NATSTATS database, will be verified by other
means. (See RULE 11, Section D.1)
Section H – Awards
The Prize and
Trophy list will be developed by members of the NHPA Executive Council and
approved by a majority of that Council.
a.
The Championship Division cash prize
list, including the Junior Trusts, will be paid from the NHPA funds collected
based upon the $3.00 set-aside for each adult member reported in the previous
year.
b.
The Men's Open Championship cash
prize for first place shall be a minimum of $2,500 and the Women's Open Championship
cash prize for first place shall be a minimum of $2,000.
c.
The Executive Council shall
determine an amount of money, not to be less than $3,000, to be added to the
World Tournament cash prizes. This money may come from any source available to
the NHPA Executive Council.
Section A – Events
The Charter Executive Council may authorize
or conduct, at its discretion, special tournaments, matches, exhibitions, open,
invitational, or celebrity pitching events anywhere that it deems suitable.
Section B – Waiver
Any Special tournament or event, including
the World Tournament, will be conducted in accord with THE OFFICIAL PLAYING
RULES, GUIDELINES, AND SPECIFICATIONS except that the Charter Executive Council
may approve a waiver if it will aid in the promotion of the sport and/or
success of the event. The Charter Executive Council may authorize a limit to
the number of entries to any Special Tournament or Special Event if it feels
time, available courts, or any other conditions make it impossible to
reasonably schedule an unlimited number of entrants. In such cases, limits may
be set by any manner deemed suitable.
REQUIREMENT 6 – CADET AND JUNIOR PITCHERS – Additional Information (See also Playing Rule 1, Section A)
Junior pitchers may compete in an Adult Division of a mixed tournament
without harm to their Junior standing provided no separate Junior Division is
offered in the same tournament. When a Junior Division is offered, in any non-handicapped tournament, a Junior may pitch
with the adults without harm to their Junior standing, but only when their
average is at least ten (10) percent higher than the next Junior. Note:
These same requirements will apply to Junior Cadets; for their movement into
the Junior Division.
Section B – Eligibility
Junior pitchers who request
admittance and are accepted into an adult class outside the conditions set
forth in Section A above, will forever forfeit their Junior eligibility. A
Junior Boy who forfeits his Junior status must pitch from the full distance. Note:
The same above requirements will apply to Junior Cadets; for their movement
into the Junior Division.
Section C – Awards
All Junior Cadet and Junior play
(mixed class or otherwise) will be conducted on an amateur basis. Awards
presented to these Divisions by the Tournament/League Officials should have no
immediate monetary value. The awarding of trophies, medals, or ribbons is
recommended. Any award with monetary value, including trust funds from the
Charter, State, World Tournament or the Junior Scholar Pitcher Awards Program,
shall not be issued before the successful completion of high school.
Section D – Responsibility
It shall be the responsibility of all Junior Cadet
and Junior pitchers (or their parents/guardians) to make sure that their
amateur standing is not jeopardized by any violation of the above guidelines.