![[LOGO]](images/petlogo.gif)
Pétanque USA: The Rules
Pétanque USA: The RulesAlthough pétanque at tournament level is normally played on a flat, specially-prepared surface, the tradition of the game allows a wide variety of surfaces to be pressed into service. Walkways in public parks are often very suitable, as are many school playgrounds and other hard-packed dirt areas. Here in the USA, a baseball diamond can be a very apt choice. The game can be played (albeit less effectively) on grass lawns or even on ashphalt with a light dusting of sand. Just about the only surface that is definitley not suitable is a sandy beach, however -- special light plastic "beach pétanque" balls can be obtained to make beach play possible.
DIMENSIONS: A competition playing surface is 15m x 4m, but for friendly games a smaller surface will do. Given that the maximum distance to the cochonnet is 10m, the length of the pitch cannot realistically be less than 12m, and the width should be at least 2m.
TEAMS: The game must be played between two competing teams. However, the size of each team can vary from one (mano a mano style) to four or even more at a pinch. Thus any group of people numbering between two and perhaps ten can enjoy a game. By far the most usual team make-ups are two against two (doublettes), and three against three (triplettes). In doublettes each player plays three boules, and in triplettes two; so the total number of boules in the game is almost always twelve.
PROCEDURE:So, you've selected your location, got some friends together with some regulation boules and hopefully a regulation cochonnet. What now? Well, you need one final item of equipment -- a coin to toss to see which team goes first.
A player of the team winning the toss selects a starting place and scratches a circle in the ground approximately 1-1/2 foot in diameter (officially 35 to 50 centimeters). He or she then tosses the cochonnet a distance of from six to ten meters (6-1/2 to 11 yards) in any direction; however, it is technically invalid if it ends up less than half a meter (1 1/2 feet) from any wall, tree or other obstacle. As a guide, a meter is a good full pace taken by a fairly tall man.
The game proper starts when a player of the first team, standing with both feet together within the circle, throws a boule and attempts to place it as near as possible to the cochonnet, preferably between him and the cochonnet. The second team must then play until at least one of its boules is closer to the cochonnet than the first team's boule. This can be accomplished either by more accurate placing of a boule, or by violently shooting the adversary boule out of the game by impact.
Assuming the second team achieves this before running out of boules, the first team then plays until successful or out of boules, and so on alternately until all the boules of both teams have been played.
If the cochonnet is displaced, the game continues unless the cochonnet either goes outside an agreed perimeter, or cannot be seen from the circle. In that case the round is annulled and re-started; however, if the cochonnet is knocked away when one team has thrown all its boules and the other team still has boules in hand, the team with the boules earns one point for each one that it has not played.
When both teams have thrown all their boules, the round is complete and the points are determined. The winning team receives one point for each boule closer than any boule of the opposing team (Thus the maximum possible score in any one round is normally six). A player of the team winning the round again throws the cochonnet and another round begins. The game usually ends when one team has accumulated 13 points.
HYPERLINKED TABLE OF CONTENTS
=============================
-------------------------GENERAL RULES----------------------------
ARTICLE 1 - Game setting
ARTICLE 2 - Boules diameter, weight and characteristics
ARTICLE 3 - License
ARTICLE 4 - Changing boules and breakage of boules or cochonnet
------------------------------PLAY--------------------------------
ARTICLE 5 - Terrain and dimensions
ARTICLE 6 - Starting of the game & playing circle
ARTICLE 7 - Throwing distance & requirements
ARTICLE 8 - Deflection of cochonnet
ARTICLE 9 - Annulment of cochonnet
ARTICLE 10 - Removal of obstacles
ARTICLE 11 - Displacement of cochonnet by Nature, Persons or Animals
ARTICLE 12 - Displacement of cochonnet into another Terrain
ARTICLE 13 - Scoring when cochonnet is out of play
ARTICLE 14 - Placement of cochonnet after interference
ARTICLE 15 - Starting of Round after cochonnet goes out of bounds
---------------------------BOULES---------------------------------
ARTICLE 16 - Throwing of the first boule
ARTICLE 17 - Players, spectators' conduct during play
ARTICLE 18 - Boules stopped, deflected or out of bounds
ARTICLE 19 - Invalid BOULES
ARTICLE 20 - Boules interfered with
ARTICLE 21 - Playing time allowed
ARTICLE 22 - Displacement of Boules by Nature or Person
ARTICLE 23 - Playing Wrong Boules
ARTICLE 24 - Invalid Placement of Boules
-----------------------POINTS AND MEASUREMENT---------------------
ARTICLE 25 - Movement of Boules for Measuring
ARTICLE 26 - Measuring
ARTICLE 27 - Removing Boules after Play
ARTICLE 28 - Movement of Boules or cochonnet while measuring
ARTICLE 29 - Equidistant Boules
ARTICLE 30 - Removal of Debris on Boule for Measuring
ARTICLE 31 - Game Disputes and Claims
----------------------------DISCIPLINE-----------------------------
ARTICLE 32 - Penalties for Absent Teams or Players
ARTICLE 33 - Arrival of Absent Player
ARTICLE 34 - Replacement of Players
ARTICLE 35 - Inclement Weather, Unfinished Games, Loss of Player
ARTICLE 36 - Illegal Prize Sharing and Misconduct
ARTICLE 37 - Player Misconduct
ARTICLE 38 - Umpires' Duties and Spectator's conduct
ARTICLE 39 - Composition of Competition's JURY, and Duties
Player's Dress Code
FPUSA CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR PLAYERS
========================================================
THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL RULES OF THE GAME OF PETANQUE
========================================================
As adopted by The Federation of Pétanque U.S.A, Inc. on March 1,
1998 and by The Fédération Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu
Provençal in Brussels, 21 September 1995.
-------------------------GENERAL RULES----------------------------
ARTICLE 1 - Game setting
Pétanque is a sport in which
- 3 players play against 3 players (triples), or
- 2 players play against 2 players (doubles), or
- 1 player plays against 1 player (singles)
In triples, each player uses 2 boules.
In doubles and singles, each player uses 3 boules.
No other version of the game is allowed.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 2 - Boules diameter, weight and characteristics
ARTICLE 2A
Pétanque is played with boules which are approved by the F.I.P.J.P, and
a) The boules must be made of metal.
b) Their diameter must be between 7.05 cm. (minimum) and 8 cm. (maximum).
c) They must weigh between 650 grams (minimum) and 800 grams
(maximum). The trade mark of the manufacturer and the weight
must be imprinted on the boules and must be always legible.
d) They must not be weighted nor sanded down. As a general rule the
boules must not be tampered with in any way, nor altered or modified
after manufacture by the maker approved by the F.I.P.J.P. It is
particularly forbidden to re-temper [re-heat] the boules in order to
modify the hardness provided by the manufacturer. However the player's
name or initials may be engraved on them, as well as various logos,
initials and acronyms, applied during manufacture.
ARTICLE 2B
A player guilty of breaking the above condition (d) is immediately
disqualified from the competition together with his or her team mate(s).
The following two cases can arise:
1) For boules said to be "tampered with": the player is rendered liable
to withdrawal of his or her license [FPUSA membership card in the USA]
for a period as defined in the Code of Discipline, together
with any other penalties imposed by the Federation's Disciplinary
Committee.
2) For boules said to be "re-tempered" [re-heated]: the player is rendered
liable to withdrawal of his or her license [FPUSA membership card in the USA]
for a period of 2 years and a 3-5 year ban on playing in qualifying heats
for the National and International Championships.
In either one of the above cases, if the boules have been borrowed and the
owner is known, the latter will be suspended for 2 years.
If a boule is worn or defective in manufacture (as opposed to
being tampered with) and is not passed by the controlling body or does
not comply with (a), (b) or (c) above, the player must change it. He or she
may also change the complete set.
Complaints relating to (a), (b) or (c) made by either team must be made
before the first end of the game begins. All players should therefore ensure
that their boules and those of their opponents comply with the above
conditions.
Complaints relating to (d) may be made between two ends at any time during
the game. However, from the third end onwards, if a complaint made about the
boules of an opponent is proved to be unfounded, the team or the player
complaining will be penalized 3 points which will be added to the opponents'
score.
In the case where a boule has had to be opened, the complainant is then
responsible for the boule, so that if it is found to be legal, the
complainant has to reimburse the owner to replace the set of boules.
But under no circumstances can he or she be asked to pay damages.
The umpire and the jury may, at any time, check the boules of any player.
ARTICLE 2C
Cochonnets [jacks or buts] are made entirely of wood. Their diameter
must be between 25 mm (minimum) and 35 mm (maximum). Cochonnets may be
painted any color.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 3 - License
Before the start of a competition, each player must produce his or her
license [or FPUSA membership card in the US]. He or she must also produce
it upon request by the umpire, or by an opponent but only before the start
of a game.
A license must comply with the administrative rules of the F.I.P.J.P.
and in particular it must bear an embossed photograph and the signature of
the owner.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 4 - Changing boules and breakage of boules or cochonnet
It is forbidden for any player to change boules or cochonnet during a
game, except in the following cases:
(a) A boule or the cochonnet cannot be found after a search time limited
to 5 minutes.
(b) A boule or the cochonnet breaks, in which case only the largest piece
counts to mark the position. It is immediately replaced, after
measuring if necessary, by a boule or cochonnet of diameter identical
or similar to the broken one. From the following end, the player
concerned may use a complete new set.
Back to top of regulations
------------------------------PLAY--------------------------------
ARTICLE 5 - Terrain and dimensions
The game of Pétanque is played on any terrain. However, by a decision
of the organizing committee or the umpire, the teams may be asked to
play on a marked terrain, whose minimum dimensions must be as follows:
For National Championships and International Competitions, it is 15m long
and 4m wide. For other competitions: the F.I.P.J.P. [and FPUSA]
may allow variations down to 12m X 3m.
The game is played up to 13 points, though league and qualifying heats may be played
to 11 points.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 6 - Starting of the game & playing circle
The players must toss up to decide which team will choose the terrain, if it
has not been designated by the organizers, and will throw the cochonnet first.
Any member of the team winning the toss chooses the starting point and
traces a circle large enough for any player to stand with both feet fully
inside it. However, it may not measure less than 35 cm. or more than 50 cm.
in diameter. The circle must be drawn at least 1 m. from all obstacles and
at least 1 m. inside the boundary of the playing area [normally the dead boule
line] and, for competitions on open terrains, at least 2 m. from another
circle in use.
The feet must be inside the circle without touching it, and must not leave
the circle or be lifted completely off the ground until the thrown boule has
touched the ground. No other part of the body may touch the ground outside
the circle. A player who has lost a lower limb need place only one foot
inside the circle.
A player throwing from a wheelchair must place it so that the circle is in
the middle of the wheels with the footrest above the edge of the circle.
The throwing of the cochonnet by one member of the team does not imply
that he or she must play the first boule.
If a terrain has been designated, the teams concerned may not play on a
different terrain without the umpire's permission.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 7 - Throwing distance & requirements
For the thrown cochonnet to be legal, the following conditions apply:
1) The distance from it to the nearest edge of the circle, must be
between:
4 m. minimum and 8 m. maximum for MINIMES.
5 m. minimum and 9 m. maximum for CADETS.
6 m. minimum and 10 m. maximum for JUNIORS and SENIORS.
2) The [nearest edge of the] circle must be 1 m. from all obstacles and at
least 1 m. inside the boundary of the playing area.
3) The cochonnet must be at least 1 m. minimum from all obstacles and from
the boundary of the playing area.
4) The cochonnet must be visible to the player whose feet are entirely
inside the circle and who is standing upright. In cases of dispute, the
umpire will decide if the cochonnet is visible, and there can be no appeal.
At the following end, the cochonnet is thrown from a circle drawn around
the point where it finished at the previous end, except in the following
cases:
(a) The circle would be less than 1 m. from an obstacle or from the
boundary of the playing area. In this case, the player will trace a
circle in the nearest valid position from the obstacle and the
boundary.
(b) The cochonnet could not be thrown out to all valid distances. In this
case, the player may step back, in line with the previous end's line
of play, until he or she is able to throw the cochonnet any valid
distance up to the maximum distance allowed and not beyond.
This may only be done if the cochonnet cannot be thrown in any other
direction to the maximum distance.
If after three consecutive throws by the same team, the cochonnet has
not been thrown correctly, it is then passed to the opposing team
who also has three tries and who may move back the circle as descr-
ibed above. After this, the circle cannot be moved again even
if this team has not succeeded with its three throws.
In any case, the team who lost the cochonnet after the first three tries
plays the first boule.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 8 - Deflection of cochonnet
If the cochonnet thrown, is stopped by the umpire, a player, a spectator,
an animal or any moving object, it is not valid and must be re-thrown without
being included in the three throws to which the player or the team is
entitled.
After the throwing of the cochonnet and the first boule, an opponent still
has the right to contest the validity of the cochonnet's position. If the
objection is valid, both the cochonnet and the boule are re-thrown.
If the opponent has also played a boule, the cochonnet is deemed valid
and no objection can be accepted.
For the cochonnet to be thrown anew both teams must have accepted the throw
as being illegal or the umpire must have declared it so. In either case the
cochonnet must be re-thrown. Any team continuing otherwise would lose the
throw of the cochonnet.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 9 - Annulment of cochonnet
The cochonnet is dead in the following 6 cases:
(1) When, after having been thrown, the cochonnet is not within the lim-
its as defined in article 7.
(2) When, during an end, it is moved outside the boundary of the playing
area [normally the dead boule line], even if it comes back onto the
playing area. A cochonnet on the line of the boundary is still in play.
It only becomes dead after having completely crossed the boundary.
Where a cochonnet floats freely in water the area of the puddle is
out of play.
(3) When, still on the terrain, the moved cochonnet is not visible from the
circle, as defined in Article 7. However, a cochonnet hidden by a boule
is not dead. The umpire may temporarily remove a boule to ascertain
whether the cochonnet is visible or not.
(4) When the cochonnet is displaced to more than 20 m. or less than 3 m.
from the throwing circle.
(5) When the moved cochonnet cannot be found after a 5 minute maximum search
time.
(6) When there is dead ground between the cochonnet and the throwing
circle.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 10 - Removal of obstacles
It is strictly forbidden for any player to remove, move or flatten any
obstacle on the terrain within the boundaries of the playing area.
However, the player about to throw the cochonnet is allowed to test the
ground by tapping it no more than 3 times with one of his or her boules.
Furthermore, the player who is about to play or one of his partners may
fill in the hole that was made by the last boule thrown.
For not observing the above rules, the players will incur the following
penalties:
1) Warning.
2) Disqualification of the ball thrown or about to be thrown.
3) Disqualification of the guilty team.
4) Disqualification of both teams in the case of complicity.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 11 - Displacement of cochonnet by Nature, Persons or Animals
If, during an end, the cochonnet is completely obscured by a leaf, piece of
paper etc., remove these objects.
If the wind or slope of the terrain moves the stationary cochonnet, it is
put back in its place providing its position had been marked.
The same applies if the cochonnet is moved accidentally by the umpire, a
player, a spectator, a boule or cochonnet from another game, an animal or
any moving object.
To avoid any argument, the players should mark the Cochonnets position. No
claim can be accepted regarding a boule or cochonnet whose position has not
been marked.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 12 - Displacement of cochonnet into another Terrain
If, during an end, the cochonnet is moved onto an area where another game
is in progress, either on a marked or unmarked terrain, the cochonnet is
valid subject to Article 9.
The players using this cochonnet will wait for the players in the other
game to finish their end before completing their own.
The players concerned are asked to show patience and courtesy.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 13 - Scoring when cochonnet is out of play
If, during an end, the cochonnet becomes dead, one of three cases can apply:
(a) If both teams have boules to play, the end is void.
(b) If only one team has boules left to play, then this team scores as many
points as it has boules to play.
(c) If neither team has boules to play, the end is void.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 14 - Placement of cochonnet after interference
1) If the cochonnet, having been hit, is stopped by a spectator or by the
umpire, it remains where it stops.
2) If the cochonnet, having been hit, is stopped by a player, his opponent
has the choice of :
a) Leaving the cochonnet in its new position.
b) Putting it back in its original position.
c) Placing it anywhere on the extension of a line from its original
position to the point where it is found, but only within the playing
area, and so that the end can be continued.
Paragraphs (b) and (c) can only be applied if the position of the cochonnet
was previously marked. If it was not marked, the cochonnet will remain where
it lies.
If the cochonnet, having been knocked on, crosses a boundary of the playing
area [the dead boule line] but comes to rest on a permitted area, it is
deemed dead and the rules defined in Article 13 apply.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 15 - Starting of Round after cochonnet goes out of bounds
If, during an end, the cochonnet is moved outside the boundary of the
playing area, the next end is started at the point from which it was
displaced providing (see Article 7):
(a) The circle can be traced at 1 m from any obstacle and from the
boundary of the playing area.
(b) The cochonnet can be thrown at all valid distances.
Back to top of regulations
---------------------------BOULES---------------------------------
ARTICLE 16 - Throwing of the first boule
A player belonging to the team that has won the toss or the last scoring
end throws the first boule of an end.
The player must not use any object to give aid in playing a boule or draw a
line on the ground to indicate or mark the point of landing.
Whilst playing his or her last boule, he or she must not carry another
boule in the other hand.
It is forbidden to wet the boules or the cochonnet.
If the first boule played goes out of play, the opponent plays and so on
alternately while there are no boules in play.
If after shooting or pointing no boules are left in play, the rules defined
in Article 29 apply.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 17 - Players, spectators' conduct during play
During the time allowed for a player to throw a boule the spectators and the
other players must observe total silence.
The opponents must not walk, gesticulate or do anything that could disturb
the player about to play. Only his or her team-mate/s may stand between the
circle and the cochonnet.
The opponents must remain beyond the cochonnet or behind the player and, in
both cases. to the side of the end's line of play and at a distance of at
least 2 meters from the one or the other.
The players who do not observe these rules will be banned from the
competition if, after a warning from the umpire, they persist in their
conduct.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 18 - Boules stopped, deflected or out of bounds
Once thrown a boule may not be replayed. Except that it must be replayed if
it has been stopped or deviated accidentally from its course between the
circle and the cochonnet by a boule or cochonnet coming from another game.
Or by an animal or any other moving object (football, etc.), and also in the
case defined in Article 8, second paragraph.
No one is allowed a practice throw during a game.
If the terrains have been marked out by the organizers [into separate pistes],
the cochonnet must be thrown within the terrain [piste] allotted to each
team.
During an end, boules and Cochonnets going outside the marked terrain are
valid (except as in Articles 9 and 19). The following end is nevertheless
played on the original marked terrain.
If solid barriers surround the terrains, these must be a minimum of 30cm
outside the dead ball line, which will surround the terrain at a maximum
distance of 4m.
These rules apply also to the "Carré d'Honneur" [terrains used for finals,
etc.].
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 19 - Invalid BOULES
Any boule that goes entirely outside the boundary of the playing area,
[normally the dead boule line], is out of play. A boule straddling the
boundary is valid. It only becomes dead after having completely crossed the
boundary.
If the boule subsequently comes back into the playing area, either because
of the slope of the ground or by having rebounded from any object, moving
or stationary, it is immediately taken out of the game. Anything that it
has moved after re-entering the playing area is put back in place [if it
has been previously marked].
Any boule out of play must immediately be removed from the playing area, if
it is not, it will be deemed live as soon as the next boule has been played.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 20 - Boules interfered with
Any boule played that is stopped by a spectator or the umpire will remain
where it comes to rest.
Any boule played that is stopped by a player to whose team it belongs is
deemed out of play.
Any boule pointed that is stopped by an opponent can, on the decision of the
player, be replayed or left where it comes to rest.
If a boule shot or hit, is stopped by a player, the opponent has a choice to:
(a) Leave it where it stopped, or
(b) Place it on the extension line from the original position where it
(boule or cochonnet) was hit from to where it is found, but only within
the boundary of the playing area and if its position was previously
marked.
Any player purposely stopping a moving boule is immediately disqualified,
along with his or her team, for the game in progress.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 21 - Playing time allowed
Once the cochonnet is thrown, each player has 1 minute at most to play his
or her boule. This time starts from the moment when the previous boule or
cochonnet has stopped or, if a point has to be measured, from the moment the
outcome has been decided.
This rule also applies to the throwing of the cochonnet after each end.
Players not respecting this rule will incur penalties as stated in Article 10.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 22 - Displacement of Boules by Nature or Person
If the wind or slope of the ground etc. moves a stationary boule, it is put
back in its place. The same applies to any boule accidentally moved by a
player, the umpire, a spectator, an animal or any other moving object.
To avoid any disagreement, the players should mark the positions of the
boules and the cochonnet. No claim will be accepted for a boule or cochonnet
that has not had its position marked, and the umpire will only give a
decision only according to the position of the boules and the cochonnet on
the terrain.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 23 - Playing Wrong Boules
A player who plays a boule other than his own receives a warning.
The boule played is nevertheless valid but it must immediately be replaced,
after measuring, if necessary.
In the event of it occurring again during the game, the player's boule is
disqualified and everything it has moved is put back in place.
Before throwing a boule, the player must remove from it all traces of mud or
any other substance. Penalties for this rule are as stated in Article 10.
Players must not pick up the played boules before the completion of the end.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 24 - Invalid Placement of Boules
All boules thrown contrary to the rules are dead and everything they have
moved is put back in place. The same applies to a boule played from a circle
other than that from which the cochonnet was thrown.
However, the opponent may play the advantage rule and count the erroneously
played boule as valid. In this case, the boule pointed or shot, and every-
thing it may have displaced, is left in its new position.
The team about to throw the cochonnet must erase any previous throwing
circles located near the new one.
Back to top of regulations
-----------------------POINTS AND MEASUREMENT---------------------
ARTICLE 25 - Movement of Boules for Measuring
To measure a point, it is permitted to move temporarily, after having marked
their positions, the boules and any object situated between the cochonnet
and the boule to be measured. After measuring, the boules and the objects
moved are put back in place. If the object cannot be moved, the measuring is
done with the aid of calipers.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 26 - Measuring
The measuring of a point is done by the player who played the last boule or
by one of his or her teammates. The opponents still have the right to re-
measure the point. Whatever positions the boule may hold, and at whatever
stage the end may be, the umpire maybe called to adjudicate and his or her
decision is final.
Measuring must be done with appropriate equipment, which each team must
possess. It is, for instance, forbidden to measure with one's feet. The
players who do not observe these rules will be banned from the competition
if, after a warning from the umpire they persist in their conduct.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 27 - Removing Boules after Play
At the finish of an end, all boules picked up before the agreement of points
are void if their positions were not marked. No claims can be made on this
subject.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 28 - Movement of Boules or cochonnet while measuring
If, whilst measuring, one of the players moves the cochonnet or a boule
being measured, his or her team loses the point.
If, during a measure, the umpire disturbs or moves the cochonnet or one of
the boules and if, after re-measuring, the point is held by the boule which
[the umpire] had originally judged to be on, then, in all fairness, he or
she may declare it so. Even if the point is no longer held by that boule,
the umpire may, in all fairness, still declare that it wins the point.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 29 - Equidistant Boules
If two boules belonging to opposing teams are equidistant from, or touching
the cochonnet, the end is declared void if there are no more boules to be
played, and the cochonnet is thrown by the team winning the previous end or
toss.
If only one team has boules left to play, it plays them and scores as many
points as it has boules closer to the cochonnet than the nearest opponent's
boule.
If both teams have boules to play, the team that played the last boule plays
again, then the other team, and so on alternately until a boule is holding
the point. When only one team has boules left, they play them as in the
above paragraph.
If, after completion of the end, no boules remain within the boundary of the
playing area [normally the dead ball line], the end is declared void.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 30 - Removal of Debris on Boule for Measuring
Any foreign bodies adhering to the boules or the cochonnet must be removed
before measuring a point.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 31 - Game Disputes and Claims
To be accepted all claims must be made to the umpire. Claims made after the
result of the game has been agreed cannot be considered.
Each team is responsible for checking their opposing team (licenses [or
FPUSA membership cards], classification, terrain, boules, etc.).
Back to top of regulations
----------------------------DISCIPLINE-----------------------------
ARTICLE 32 - Penalties for Absent Teams or Players
During the draw and the announcement of its result, the players must be
present at the control table. A quarter of an hour after the result of the
draw has been announced, any team which is absent from the terrain will be
penalized one point which is awarded to their opponents.
After this quarter of an hour, it will forfeit one point for every five
minutes continued absence.
The same penalties will apply during the competition, after each draw and in
the case of a re-start of play after a break for any reason (e.g. Lunch).
Any team not arriving on the terrain in the hour following the announcement
of the draw will lose and forfeit the game.
Any incomplete team may start without its partner/s, but may not use their
boules.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 33 - Arrival of Absent Player
If, after an end has started, any missing player arrives, he or she may not
take part in that end, but may join in at the start of the following end.
If a missing player arrives more than one hour after the game has started,
he or she loses all rights to participate in that game.
The player arriving late may take part in the following games provided he or
she was registered with that team originally.
If the competition is played in leagues, he or she may take part in the
following game whatever the result of the first game.
An end is considered to have started when the cochonnet has been validly
thrown in accordance with the rules.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 34 - Replacement of Players
The replacement of a player in doubles, or of one or two players in triples
is only permitted up to the official announcement of the commencement of the
competition (whether vocally or by whistle, gun, etc.), and provided that
the replacements were not previously registered with another team in the
same competition.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 35 - Inclement Weather, Unfinished Games, Loss of Player
In the case of rain, all ends started must be completed, unless the umpire
who, along with the jury, can decide to stop or call off play because of
"force majeure" makes a contrary decision.
If, after the announcement of a new phase of the competition, (2nd round,
3rd round, etc.), certain games have not finished, the umpire may, having
been advised of the situation by the organizing committee, make any decisions
deemed necessary for the smooth running of the competition.
No player may leave a game or the terrain whilst a game is in progress
without the permission of the umpire. If this is not given, Articles 32 and
33 apply.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 36 - Illegal Prize Sharing and Misconduct
Any collusion or sharing of prizes is strictly forbidden.
Any teams taking part in the final stages, or any other stages of the compet-
ition, who show a lack of sporting spirit or respect towards the public,
officials or umpires, will be disqualified from the competition. This may
affect the relative positions obtained in the final results as well as
invoke penalties as in Article 37.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 37 - Player Misconduct
The player who is guilty of breaking a rule or showing violence towards an
official, an umpire, another player or a spectator is liable to one or more
of the following penalties, depending on the seriousness of the fault:
(1) Exclusion from the competition.
(2) Withdrawal of license [or FPUSA membership card ].
(3) Confiscation or restitution of rewards and prizes.
The penalty imposed on the offending player can also be imposed on his or
her teammates.
The umpire imposes the first and second penalties.
The third penalty is imposed by the Organizing Committee, which, within 48
hours, sends a report with the rewards and prizes retained to the Organizing
Committee [Office of the FPUSA Council] who will decide their destination.
As a last resort, The Managing Committee of the Federation [The FPUSA
National Officers] will make a decision.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 38 - Umpires' Duties and Spectator's conduct
The umpires designated to control the competitions are charged with ensuring
that the rules of the game and the administration rules are strictly adhered
to. They are allowed to disqualify any player or team who refuses to obey
their decision.
Any spectators who hold a valid or suspended license and who, due to their
behavior, cause an incident on the terrain, will be reported by the umpire
to the Federal Organization [FPUSA. Council]. The Federal Organization will
convene a Disciplinary Committee that would then summon the accused person/s
and decide any penalties to be imposed.
Back to top of regulations
ARTICLE 39 - Composition of Competition's JURY, and Duties
All cases not provided for in the rules are put to the umpire who may refer
them to the competition's jury. This jury comprises at least 3 people and at
the most 5 people. The decisions taken by the jury are without appeal. In
the case of a split vote, the decision of the President of the Jury is final.
A reasonable dress is expected of all players (bare torsos and bare feet are
not acceptable). All players who do not observe these rules will be disqual-
ified from the competition after a warning from the umpire.
Back to top of regulations
-----------------------Player's Dress Code---------------------------
A reasonable dress is expected of all players (bare torsos and bare
feet are not accepted). All players who do not observe these rules
will be excluded from the competition after a warning from the umpire.
NB The present rules may be modified slightly in phraseology to
improve their meaning, full significance and application.
CODE OF BEHAVIOR of the Federation of Pétanque U.S.A.
FPUSA members participating in competitions sponsored by FPUSA clubs shall
behave in a manner honoring to the sport of Pétanque and to the clubs of
which they are members.
Respect, humility, integrity and courtesy should characterize one's behavior
toward teammates, opposing teams, the umpire, the organizing committee and
spectators. More specifically the following are violations of the Code of
Behavior.
1. Foul or abusive language and/or actions directed toward another person
be it Player, Umpire, Organizing Committeeman or Spectator.
2. Smoking or drinking of alcoholic beverages during plays.
3. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
4. Ridiculing the play of another person.
5. Failure to stand quietly without movement to the side of play when it is
the other person's turn to play.
6. Improper attire.
7. Disobeying rules established by the Organizing Committee for the compet-
ition.
8. Not adhering to the direction of the Umpire.
Complaints may be made in writing (English) by the Umpire, the Organizing
Committee or any two FPUSA members to the Chairman of the Discipline
Committee. Complaints shall identify those filing the complaint that is the
subject of the complaint of what the complaint consists and the evidence
supporting the complaint including names of witnesses. The Chairman shall
cause an investigation to take place and present the results to the Commit-
tee for a decision. In the event the decision of the Discipline Committee
is to withdraw the license of the person who is the subject of the complaint
that person may appeal the decision to the Board of Directors of the FPUSA
who shall make the final decision.
For members of FPUSA delegations to Championnats du Monde and those FPUSA
members participating in international competitions there are additional
conditions required by the Code of Behavior. We must remember first and
foremost that we, as members of the FPUSA delegation, represent the United
States of America. Actions of each member of a delegation reflect upon our
nation and its people. We have a responsibility that is not to be treated
lightly. FPUSA's Code of Behavior during the days of the Championnats du
Monde and other international competitions applies not only while one is on
the court but also off -from the day one arrives to the day one departs. The
Chef de Delegation has the responsibility for monitoring the behavior of
delegation members. Should he determine that any member of the delegation
has violated the FPUSA Code of Behavior, he shall refer the matter to the
Disciplinary Committee. Or in the absence of such a committee, to FPUSA's
Board of Directors for consideration of the violation and decision regarding
the penalties to be imposed.
Back to top of regulations