Rules and Regulations for the Sport of Bucketball
Written and Certified by the 35 Club
The Rules, Regulations, and Information are for use for all sanctioned Bucketball play.
Official Rules of
Bucketball
1. The Playing Surface And Equipment
1.1.
A standard ping-pong table and net at reasonable
height. No color specifications. (Figure A)
1.1.1. Center and side lines are not needed, but are
preferred.
1.1.1.1.
Exception: for all majors, lines are mandatory.
1.1.2. Fluctuations in table size are allowed per
location as long a reasonable playing surface is present.
1.1.2.1.
Sides of the net must be equal in size so that
each player has an equal share of the playing surface.
1.1.2.1.1.
Should there be a table with unequal sides, it
must be approved by Club 35 before ANY sanctioned play may begin. However, it may not host qualifying, major,
or championship play. If unequal, it
must be in length only, not width. The
bucket would remain on one side, the larger side, and the players would switch
sides per bucket. Server always serves
towards smaller side as he/she has advantage of having the bucket.
1.1.2.2.
The net should be a constant size. No more than 4 inches high, no fewer than 3
inches high.
1.1.3. On the side of the table (which side varies on
location), is the Exchange Zone. The Exchange
Zone is for non-game actions and ceremonies.
1.1.3.1.
The Exchange Zone is used for pre-game
service decisions (if needed, varies by location), post-game ceremonies, etc.
1.1.3.2.
The Exchange Zone starts at the halfway
point between the end of the table and the net on both sides and extends 4 feet
away from the table.
1.1.3.3.
If there is a Bucket Changer
in use, he/she sits behind here or on opposite side.
Figure A
1.2.
Paddles
1.2.1. Standard Ping Pong paddles are preferred.
1.2.1.1.
Any paddle in question of being illegal, should
be assessed by Club 35 representatives on site or by equivalent authority for
location.
1.2.1.2.
A player
may not switch paddles during a game unless they can show that there is
significant damage to their paddle and it needs to be switched out for good
play.
1.2.1.3.
A paddle
may NOT have any distributable substances on it which may enhance player grip,
paddle surface grip, or any like cause that could affect paddle control and/or
control of the ball.
1.2.1.3.1.
Any substances found on the paddle during a
game, will amount to immediate forfeiture of the game. This is not tolerated and is a serious
offense. A player may however appeal the
ruling for Club 35 review.
1.2.1.4.
The hand
that is holding the paddle is considered to be a part of the paddle and counts
as a paddle contact. See rule 6.1.4.1.2.
1.2.2. Only one paddle may be used by a player.
2. The Bucket
2.1.
Dimensions
(Figure B)
2.1.1. Top diameter=9 inches
2.1.2. Bottom diameter=6.5 inches (Desired, but can
be worked with reasonable replacement)
2.1.3. Height=7 inches
2.2.
Surface
2.2.1. Metal
2.2.1.1.
Exceptions can be made by the Bucketball
governing committee.
2.2.2. Must be solid.
May not have holes or grates in or as the side walls.
2.3.
Placement
2.3.1. The bucket is placed on the long center
dividing line of the table, touching the net (although not disturbing the net),
on the side of the net with the service.
2.3.2. The bucket is not considered as the playing
surface and therefore does not count as a contact on the table on a given side
of the net.
2.3.2.1.
The bucket acts similar to the net, in that it
is considered “neutral” to either side of the net.
2.3.2.2.
A ball
that hits the bucket and immediately leaves the playing surface without
touching a paddle or part of the table is ruled as if it had hit the net. The last contact prior to the contact with
the bucket will determine the point. See
rule “5.1.1.”
2.4.
Must be able to stand without
issue. Unbalanced buckets may not be
used.
Figure B
3.1.
Standard ping-pong ball. No color specifications.
3.1.1. 40mm in
diameter
3.1.2. A ball rotation system may be used in a game.
3.1.2.1.
The ball
color, texture, and type should remain the same throughout the game.
3.2.
The ball should not be played with if it is
cracked or broken
3.2.1. If it is broken during a play, the play should
continue until finished. The ball should
be discarded immediately after the play is over.
3.2.2. Should a player break a ball out of anger or
frustration not during a play, a conduct warning and one point penalty may be
assessed as per the discretion of the opponent and/or scorekeeper if asked for
an opinion.
4. Service
4.1.
The service is initiated by one player onto the
opposing player’s side. The server must
toss the ball, hit one time on their side and onto the opponent’s side. The serving side is the same side as the
bucket.
4.1.1. The
serve may not hit the net or bucket.
4.1.1.1.
Should
the ball continue onto the opponent’s side after hitting the net or bucket, it
will be considered a “let” or “non-serve” and the point shall be replayed.
4.1.1.1.1.
There is
no penalty for multiple “let” serves.
4.1.1.2.
Should
the ball hit the net or the bucket and go out of bounds, as in rule “5.1.1,”
the point is awarded to the opponent.
4.1.1.2.1.
Should
the ball be traveling out of bounds, but the opponent touches it with their paddle
before landing, it is considered “in-bounds” and will be counted as a “let”
serve. The serve will be replayed.
4.1.2. The serve may not hit the ceiling or
wall. A serve that hits the ceiling or
wall is out regardless where it lands.
4.1.2.1.
If the
ball bounces off the ceiling or wall after hitting the net or bucket and
continues onto the playing surface, it is a serve out and a point is awarded to
the opponent. It is NOT a let serve.
4.2.
First Service of the game
4.2.1. Determined by “House Rules.” (Rock Paper Scissors, Toss and hit the
paddle, etc.)
4.3.
An Ace is
win the server earns a point on a serve without a return from the opponent, who
made contact with the ball one or fewer times.
An ace is also a single point.
5. Scoring
5.1.
Points are awarded or deducted every play.
5.1.1. Exception(s)
5.1.1.1.
Rule “4.1.1.1.”
5.1.2. One point is awarded if
5.1.2.1.
The ball falls to the floor or comes to rest on Ball
Rule)
5.1.2.1.1.1.
And the
ball bounced in an open zone, not in immediate proximity to the bucket (Bucket
Attack Zone), the play is dead, and the opposing player is awarded a point.
5.1.2.1.1.2.
And the
ball is around the net and bucket (Bucket Attack Zone), and is in a difficult
“nook and/or cranny” of the cylindrical bucket and net, the play shall
continue.
5.1.2.1.1.3.
The player may not let the ball come to a rest
or roll unless there are extenuating circumstances like described in rule
“5.1.2.1.1.”
5.1.2.2.
The opposing player hits the ball with their
paddle out of bounds.
5.1.2.3.
The ball bounces off the opposing player’s side
of the table and then out of play.
5.1.3. Three points are awarded if
5.1.3.1.
The ball
comes to rest at the bottom of the bucket
5.1.3.1.1.
The ball is considered dead after touching the
bottom of the bucket and comes to rest at a point where it will not re-enter
the play on its own.
5.1.3.1.2.
After a “bucket” occurs as in rule “5.1.3.1,”
the bucket shall switch sides of the net and service switches players
continuing rule “4.1.”
5.1.3.1.3.
The
points are awarded to the player whose paddle makes contact with the ball last,
regardless as to which side of the table the ball hits last.
5.1.3.1.4.
Any instances explained in rules
“5.1.4” or “5.3” are considered “Alternate
Buckets.”
5.1.4. Two points are awarded if
5.1.4.1.
The ball
bounces in the bucket, hitting the bottom, and back out of the bucket into
play.
5.1.4.1.1.
There is no limit to how many times this can
happen in one play.
5.1.4.1.2.
The bucket and service should NOT switch sides
as in rule “5.1.3.1.2.”
5.2.
Negative
points
5.2.1. A player loses five points if
5.2.1.1.
A player
knocks over the bucket
5.2.1.1.1.
During
the play
5.2.1.1.2.
In “anger
or frustration” before or after the play
5.2.1.1.3.
NOT if it occurs during a “Bucket Change”
5.2.1.2.
Once the
bucket is knocked over, the play is dead.
5.2.1.2.1.
However, if a player scores a Bucket, forcing a
bucket change, and his/her opponent out of anger, frustration, and/or spite, or
accidentally while defending the bucket, hits the bucket over and the ball was
in the bucket, negative 5 points is awarded to the opponent and the bucket will
still count. It should be an 8 point
swing.
5.2.1.2.1.1.
It does not matter if the ball hit the bottom
of the bucket, as it would be considered goaltending anyway.
5.2.1.2.2.
If a
player knocks the bucket over, they may not use their paddle, or any part of
their body, to restore the bucket before it falls. (The Hohenberger Rule)
5.2.1.2.2.1.
If the
bucket is knocked, but remains standing, the play continues on and the bucket
is restored at the end of the play. The
player who disturbed it can still be assessed penalties or warnings as in rule
“6.1.3.4.”
5.2.2. A player cannot have a score below zero.
(Perkins Rule)
5.3.
Double Points are awarded if
5.3.1. The ball is hit and makes contact with the
ceiling and immediately does either rule “5.1.3” or “5.1.4.”
5.4.
A player
wins the game when
5.4.1. The player reaches 35 or more points with a
lead of 3 or more points.
5.4.1.1.
Should
the score be within 3 points, the game will continue until a player has a lead
of 3 points or greater.
5.4.1.2.
There is
no score cap of any game.
5.5.
Scoring
is determined by the players themselves.
Bucketball was created as a gentlemen’s game and the players will
determine the issue themselves.
5.5.1. If there is a disagreement, the official
scorekeeper can make the final decision if asked.
5.5.1.1.
The
scorekeeper can invite the Bucket changer to assist ruling on the play, but the
bucket changer cannot make the decision.
All decisions in question must be officially decided by the scorekeeper.
6. Contacts
6.1.
A contact
is considered any touch of the ball by the paddle either intentional or
unintentional.
6.1.1. The
player can only use two “in-air” or “volley” contacts in a row.
6.1.1.1.
The
second contact in rule “6.1.1” must either land on that player’s own side of
the table before going over or must be sent over with an upward trajectory over
to the opposing player’s side of the Playing Surface so that the opponent has a
good attempt at making a play on the ball (A Gentleman’s Shot).
6.1.1.1.1.
Once the ball goes over the net and makes
contact with either the players paddle or table, the contacts will reset, and
the player may attack the table or bucket.
6.1.1.1.2.
Should
the ball bounce on the opponents side, and bounce back without the opponent
touching it, the contacts reset and the player may go for the bucket or slam
downward if he/she chooses.
6.1.1.1.3.
A ball
that does not follow rule “6.1.1.1” or its subsets will be considered a fault
and a point will be awarded to the opposing player.
6.1.1.1.4.
Although
a ball may not be slammed down or attempted at a bucket, it is legal to go for
a “chip” or “corner” shot where the player attempts to put the ball slowly onto
their opponents table, but at an angle or location on the table that is
difficult for the opponent.
6.1.1.1.4.1.
If a
player uses several hits, contacts, etc. to set up a hard or soft shot to the
point of extreme difficulty to the opponent, it will be considered as violating
rule 6.1.1. and a point will be awarded to the opponent.
6.1.1.1.4.2.
A player
may not do this to get a chance at a bucket bounce.
6.1.1.2.
Using the
table as the second “in-air” or “volley” contact and slamming the ball down
with force leaving the opponent with no play or hitting it in the bucket will
be considered a fault and the point will be awarded to the opponent.
6.1.1.2.1.
If the
player sets up this play, and must reach forward on the table to put forth such
a swing, the point will be awarded to the opponent.
6.1.1.2.1.1.
Although
this play is discretionary, it is typically straight forward. It is treated as a “dirty” play and will not
be tolerated in the great sport of Bucketball.
6.1.1.3.
Except on
an athletic play or a play saving attempt.
Should this occur, the contact over should be a gentleman’s shot as in
rule “6.1.1.1.”
6.1.1.4.
The
player can only make one intentional OR unintentional attempt at the
bucket. Any additional contacts must be
for the purpose of aiming at the opponents Playing Surface.
6.1.1.5.
There are
4 lines extending from the midpoint of the full table at the net to the edges
of the table one foot from the net creating the “Tape Zone.”
6.1.1.5.1.
No kills
are allowed in the tape zone on the second or greater contacts.
6.1.1.5.2.
The line
is considered part of the zone.
6.1.1.5.3.
The
lines must be there for all major championship play.
6.1.1.5.4.
A player
may not contact the ball while in the opponents tape zone if the opponent is
actively attempting to make a play on the ball.
6.1.2. Blocking
6.1.2.1.
The
player may choose to defend the bucket with their paddle.
6.1.2.1.1.
The
contact rules remain the same, regardless if it was a “block contact” or not.
6.1.2.2.
During
the process of the block, the blocker may have the opportunity to take the “tap
in.”
6.1.2.2.1.
A “tap
in” is when the ball, attempted at the bucket by the opposing player contacts
the player’s paddle, intentional or unintentional, and goes into the bucket as
in rules “5.1.3” and/or “5.1.4”
6.1.2.3.
If the
block is successful, the play continues as normal. The block contact counts as a normal contact.
6.1.2.4.
If the ball touches the inside of the bucket and
is spinning around, the blocker may attempt to dig it out before it touches the
bottom.
6.1.2.4.1.
However,
if the blocker touches it after it touches the inside of the bucket, but fails
to dig it out and it lands in the bucket the opponent is still awarded the
bucket. Once the opponent’s attempt has
hit the inside of the bucket, only he/she may earn the bucket. The player may still try to defend it.
6.1.2.4.1.1.
However,
if a player commits an unsuccessful block and the attacker hits the ball into
the bucket, where it rebounds off the bottom and back up above the brim of the
bucket where it meets the blocker’s paddle and falls back in, it shall still be
a bucket for the attacker.
6.1.2.4.1.1.1.
If there
is a separate motion and advancement of the play, then it would be a bucket
bounce for the attacker and a bucket for the blocker.
6.1.2.5.
During the blocking process, the blocker should
not touch the bucket during the play.
6.1.2.5.1.
If the
blocker touches the bucket, he/she should be issued a “warning after completion
of the play.
6.1.2.5.1.1.
Should a
player touch the bucket not during a blocking situation, there is no warning
assessed. However, if the touch that
occurs outside of a block is violent, reckless, malicious, or is meant to
sabotage the other player in any way, warnings/penalties can and should be
assessed.
6.1.2.5.2.
If the
blocker has already received a warning and again touches the bucket, their
opponent will be awarded a point.
6.1.2.5.2.1.
Any
additional touches of the bucket will also result in a penalty point for the
opponent. Only one warning is issued per
player per game.
6.1.2.5.3.
If the blocker is touching the bucket during
completion of a block and inhibits the ball from entering the bucket, three
points will be awarded to the attacker for goaltending.
6.1.2.5.3.1.
Goaltending is awarded whether or not there
has been a warning issued. A warning
will not be issued for goaltending, since the blocker committed a penalty. It does not count as a warning or penalty
other than goaltending.
6.1.2.6.
While
blocking, the paddle must remain above the plane of the brim of the
bucket. The paddle may not break the
plane unless the ball, attempted upon by an opponent, has broken the plane of
the brim of the bucket.
6.1.2.6.1.
Should
the paddle break the plane of the brim of the bucket and a successful defensive
block is committed, goaltending is called and the bucket is awarded to the attacking
player.
6.1.3. Body Contact
6.1.3.3.
The hand
holding the paddle is ruled to be part of the paddle.
6.1.3.4.
Body
contact is hereby banned.
6.1.4. Bank Shots
6.1.4.1.
A player
cannot bank the ball off of the wall directly.
6.1.4.1.1.
If the
ball bounces off of the table first and then the wall, and then played up by
any player, the play shall continue.
6.1.4.1.2.
If it is incidental, the play shall continue.
6.1.4.1.2.1.
There may
not be intent to hit the ball to the opponent’s side to gain an advantage of an
angle.
6.1.4.1.2.1.1.
The ceiling, or any acceptable ceiling nooks or
crannies is acceptable to use.
6.1.5. Offsides
6.1.5.1.
A ball
may not be attacked from the side of the table with the attacking player’s feet
more than halfway to the net.
6.1.5.1.1.
This line
is the same imaginary line that penetrates across the table, representing the
edge of the exchange zone. A ball
attacked in front of this line will be deemed a penalty and a point will be
given to the opponent.
7. Conduct And Sanctions
7.1.
A player
may not throw their paddle in play
7.1.1. Should a player intentionally throw his/her
paddle to make an attempt to play the ball, a conduct warning will be
assessed. A second conduct warning and
any additional warnings will result in a point for the opponent.
7.2.
A player
may not intentionally break a ball outside of play
7.2.1. Should a player break a ball intentionally as
in rule “3.2.2,” a conduct warning and one point penalty may be assessed.
7.3.
A delay
of game penalty is equal to a conduct penalty and may be assessed for
7.3.1. A player who breaks their paddle or something
with their paddle.
7.3.2. Causes a disruption not welcomed by their
opponent
7.4.
If asked
by a player, the scorekeeper may assess a conduct penalty to any player. Penalties will be assessed as such:
7.4.1. Point Penalty
7.4.1.1.
If the
scorekeeper decide that a player’s conduct as inappropriate but only demanding
a non-severe penalty, the scorekeeper may assess a one to five point penalty.
7.4.2. Ejection
7.4.2.1.
If a
player has a major infraction, the scorekeeper may sentence a player to
immediate expulsion from the match.
7.4.2.1.1.
If an
action is deemed absolutely and without doubt to be detrimental to the game and
grossly inappropriate for the sport, the scorekeeper may eject a player without
being asked for a ruling.
7.5.
A penalty
point awarded for an in-play sanction is a single point for the opponent. A penalty point assessed for an off-play
sanction is a penalty point, NOT a single point.
7.6.
Game Stoppages
7.6.1. One timeout per player per game
7.6.2. Player taking the timeout is guaranteed a
minimum of 60 seconds for the timeout.
7.6.2.1.
They may
choose to waive this and resume sooner than 60 seconds.
7.6.3. No maximum time
7.6.3.1.
If player
or opponent wants to resume, timeouts must be ended.
7.6.3.1.1.
For every
60 seconds after the player wants to resume play (after initial 60 seconds has
passed) an off –play penalty point will be assessed to the player who is
delaying the game.
7.6.4. Injuries do not count as a timeout.
7.6.5. Rule challenges.
7.6.5.1.
A player
who thinks a rule has been misapplied may challenge the ruling with a rule
check.
7.6.5.1.1.
If the
player is correct, no timeout is used.
7.6.5.1.2.
If the
player is wrong, the player sacrifices a timeout.
7.6.5.1.3.
If both
players request the rule check, no timeout is used.
7.6.5.1.4.
If a
player challenges but has no timeouts left and is correct, no timeouts used.
7.6.5.1.5.
If a
player challenges but has no timeouts left and is wrong, an off-play penalty
point is awarded to the opponent for delay of game.
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