INTERNATIONAL SEPAKTAKRAW FEDERATION

RULES OF SEPAKTAKRAW GAME

1. THE COURT     1.1.  Area of 13.4 m x 6.1 m free from all obstacles up to the height of 8 m measured from the floor surface (Sand and grass court not advisable).     1.2.  The width of the lines bounding the court should not be more than 0.04 m measured and drawn inwards from the edge of the court measurements. All the lines should be drawn at least 3.0 m away from all obstacles.     1.3.  The Centre Line The Centre line of 0.02 m should be drawn equally dividing the right and left court.     1.4.  The Quarter Circle At the corner of each at the centre line, the quarter circle shall be drawn from the side line to the centre line with a radius of 0.9 m measured and drawn outwards from the edge of the 0.9 m radius.     1.5.  The Service Circle The service circle of 0.3 m radius shall be drawn on the left and on the right court, the centre of which is 2.45 m from the back line of the court and 3.05 m from the side lines, the 0.04 m line shall be measured and drawn outward from the edge of the 0.3 m radius.     2. THE POSTS     2.1.  The posts shall be 1.55 m (1.45 m for women) in height from the floor and shall be sufficiently firm to maintain high net tension. It should be made from very strong materials and shall not be more 0.04 m in radius.     2.2.  Position of Posts The posts shall be erected or placed firmly 0.3 m away from the side line and in line with the center line.     3. THE NET     3.1.  The net shall be made of fine ordinary cord or nylon with 0.06 m to 0.08 m mesh. The net shall be 0.7m in width and not shorter than 6.10 m in length and taped at 0.05 m from tape double at the top and side line, called boundary tape.     3.2.  The net shall be edged with 0.05 m tape double at the top and the bottom of the net supported by a fine ordinary cord or nylon cord that runs through the tape and strain over and flush with the top of the posts. The top of the net shall be 1.52 m (1.42 m for women) in height from the centre and 1.55 m (1.45 m for women's) at the posts.     4. THE SEPAKTAKRAW BALL       The Sepaktakraw ball shall be spherical of one woven layer having 12 holes, 20 intersections. It shall be made of synthetic fibre or natural rattan. If it is made of rattan, it shall consist of 9-11 strains. The circumference shall not be less than 0.42 m and not more than 0.44m (0.43 m to 0.45m for women). The weight before play shall not be less than 170 gm and not more than 180 gm (150 gm to 160 gm for women).     5. THE PLAYERS     5.1.  The game is played between two "Regu's" consisting of three players on each side.     5.2.  One of the three players shall be at the back and he is called "Back".     5.3.  The other two players shall be in front, one on the left and the other on the right. The player on the left is called "Left Inside" and the player on the right is called "Right Inside".     6. PLAYER'S ATTIRE     6.1.  The male players must wear jerseys/T-shirts, and sports shoes (women round neck T-shirts with sleeves, shorts length at least at knee level for woman players); and sports shoes with rubber soles. It is forbidden for players to wear anything that endangers the opponents during the game. In case of cold weather, the players are permitted to use track suits.     6.2.  The entire apparel of a player is regarded as part of his body. All jerseys/T-shirts should be tucked in.     6.3.  Anything that helps to speed the ball or that helps the movement of a player is not allowed.     6.4.  The Captain of each Regu shall wear an arm band on the left arm.     6.5.  All jerseys/T-shirts are to be numbered at the back. A player must be assigned with one permanent number throughout the tournament. Only number 1-15 are allowed to be used by each participating team. The size of the number shall not be less than 19 cm in height.     7. SUBSTITUTION     7.1.  Substitution of a player is allowed at any time on request made by the Team Manager to the Official Referee when the ball is not in play.     7.2.  Each "Regu" is allowed to make one substitution only.     7.3.  A Player who is sent off by umpire during the game, may be allowed to be substituted, provided the substitution has not already been made.     7.4.  Any player having played for any "Regu", whether in the starting line-up or as a substitute, will not be allowed to play on another "Regu" for the team in the current game.     7.5.  Any "Regu" having less than 3 players will not be allowed to continue the game and will be considered as having lost.     8. OFFICIALS       The game shall be managed by the following officials: i) 1 Official referee ii) 2 Umpires iii) 6 Linesmen (4 Side Line and 2 Base Line)     9. THE COIN TOSS AND WARM UP       Before commencing the game, the umpire will toss a coin or disc and the side winning the toss shall have the option of "First Serving" or of "Choosing Side". The "First Serving" shall "warm-up" first for 2 minutes followed by the other "Regu". Only 5 persons are allowed to move freely in the court with the official ball.     10. POSITION OF PLAYERS DURING SERVICE     10.1.  At the start of play, the players of both "Regu's" must be in their respective courts in a ready position.     10.2.  The Serving "Back" player shall have one of his feet inside the serving circle. The other foot, must be set outside the circle to kick the service ball.     10.3.  Both of the "Inside" players of the serving side, must be in their respective quarter circles.     10.4.  The opponent or receiving Regu is free to be anywhere within its court.     11. THE START OF PLAY AND SERVICE     11.1.  The side that chooses "First Serving" shall start the first set. The winner of the first set shall change court sides and start the second set .     11.2.  The throw must be executed as soon as the umpire calls the score. If either of the "Inside" players throws the ball before the umpire calls the score, it must be a rethrown and a warning will be given to the thrower.     11.3.  During the service, as soon as the ball is kicked by the server, all the players are allowed to move move about freely in their respective courts.     11.4.  The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, whether it touches the net or not and inside the boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponents court .     11.5.  The execution of the Serve by the "Back" player can be kicked in any manner, provided one of his feet must be always touching the ground in the service circle.     12. FAULTS     12.1.  The Serving Side During Service 12.1.1. The "Inside" player who is making service throws, plays about with the ball, (throwing up the ball, bumping, giving to other "Inside" player, etc.) after the call of score has been made by the umpire. 12.1.2. The "Inside" player lifts his feet or steps on the line or crosses over or touches the net while throwing the ball. 12.1.3. The "Back" player, while kicking the service ball, the other foot does not touch the ground or steps on the service circle line. 12.1.4. The "Back" player does not kick the ball on the service throw. 12.1.5. The ball touches his/her own player before crossing over the opponent court. 12.1.6. The ball goes over the net but falls outside the court. 12.1.7. The ball does not cross to the opponent side.     12.2.  Receiving Side During Service To create distracting manner or noise or shouts at the his opponent.     12.3.  For Both Sides During The Game 12.3.1. Stepping on the centre line. 12.3.2. Any player who touches the ball on the opponent side. 12.3.3. Any part of player's body crosses over into opponent's court whether above or under the net except during the follow-through of the ball. 12.3.4. Playing the ball more than 3 times in succession. 12.3.5. The ball touches the arm. 12.3.6. The ball rolls over the body. 12.3.7. Stopping or holding the ball under the arm, between the legs or body. 12.3.8. Any part of the body or player's outfits e.g. shoes, jersey, head band etc., touches the net or the post or the umpire's chairs or falls into the opponent's side. 12.3.9. The ball touches the ceiling, roof or the wall (any objects). 12.3.10. Any player who delays the game unnecessarily.     13. CHANGE OF SERVICE (SERVICE OVER)       Change of service is given when any fault is made by the serving side or the receiving side kills the return.     14. TIME OUT       Each "Regu" can request for one time out lasting of one minute's rest by team manager or official coach per set when the ball is not in play. Only 5 persons are allowed at the base line.     15. SCORING OF POINTS       A point is given to the serving "Regu" when its opponent's has made any fault according to rule (12).     16. SCORING SYSTEM     16.1.  The winning point for a set is a maximum of 15 points.     16.2.  To allow for 2 minutes rest at the end of the first and second set respectively.     16.3.  If each "Regu" wins one set, the game shall be decided in the third set called "Tie Break".     16.4.  Before the tie-break set takes place, the umpire shall toss a disc or coin, and the side winning the toss shall serve first.     16.5.  The changes of side will occur when one "Regu' reaches 3 points.     17. TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PLAY     17.1.  The umpire can suspend play temporarily in the event of obstructions, disturbances or any injury to a player who needs immediate treatment, for not more than 5 minutes.     17.2.  An injured player is allowed up to 5 minutes injury time-out. If after 5 minutes, the player is unable to continue, a substitution must be made. If the injured player's team has already made a substitution, the match will be declared a forfeit in favour of the opposing team.     17.3.  In the course of such suspension, all players are not allowed to leave the court to receive drinks or any form of assistance.     18. DISCIPLINE     18.1.  Every player must abide by the rules of the game.     18.2.  Only the Captain of the "Regu" is allowed to approach the umpire during the game.     19. PENALTY   The following offences will be penalised:     19.1.  Showing dissent by words or action towards any officials, with regards to any decision and to any players or spectators.     19.2.  Using foul or abusive language to any officials, players or spectators.     19.3.  To take any improper steps or actions in order to influence any decision made by the officials.     19.4.  To leave the court without the permission of the umpire (except between the second and the third set).     19.5.  To give the ball to his/her opponent with by kicking the ball with the feet.     19.6.  To commit ungentlemanly conduct.     19.7.  To disobey orders and rules of play.   Players disobeying rules (19) will be penalised by the umpire. The umpire will use one of the following cards. Yellow Card - Caution Red Card - Expulsion Red Card should be given to the following offences committed "INTENTIONALLY" i) Persist in misconduct after receiving a caution. ii) Violent conduct (e.g., striking, kicking, spitting, etc.) iii) Using foul or abusive language. Note: Any player who is shown a red card will be sent off the court and disciplinary action will be taken against him. The player concerned will not be allowed to play in any game until sanction has been made.     20. MISCONDUCT OF TEAM OFFICIALS       Disciplinary action will be taken against Team Officials or his/her team for any misconduct or disturbances committed by the official or team during a tournament whether in or outside the court.     21. GENERAL       In the event of any question or any matter arising out of any point which is not expressly provided for in any of the rules of the game, the decision of the Official referee shall be final.