SECTION 1.  INTERNATIONAL SHUFFLEBOARD EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS

A.   General

1.    There may be at least one ISA event each year. In even years, the ISA may organize a smaller Championship event to be determined by the voting members of the Board of Directors. In odd years, the ISA shall organize a World Singles Championship.

2.    All ISA events and competitions must be hosted by an established shuffleboard club/organization or a national shuffleboard association. Individuals may not host an ISA event or competition unless it is through their national shuffleboard association.

3.    In ISA World Singles Championships there shall be a separate men’s and women’s division.

4.    Requests to host an ISA World Championship can only come from the president of a national shuffleboard association and shall be submitted to the ISA President by email.

5.    A vote shall be taken by the voting members of the Board of Directors to determine the host venue. If there is more than one request to host an ISA World Championship, the venue that receives the greatest number of votes shall be selected. If two or more requests receive the same number of votes, the ISA President shall break the tie.

6.    To qualify to host an ISA World Championship, the host venue must have a number of courts equal to or greater to the number of ISA Full Member associations.

7.    The maximum number of participants is limited to four times the number of courts per division available at the host venue.

8.    Any player must be a member of a national shuffleboard association. In cases where nations do not have individual memberships, players nominated by the respective national president are viewed/treated as members of that national shuffleboard association.

9.    Nominations and approval for any player come from the presidents of the respective national shuffleboard associations.

10. Any national shuffleboard association that does not have a minimum of 50% of their participating players residing in the nation they represent must have ISA Board approval.

11.  To be eligible to represent a nation, the player shall meet one of the following criteria:

b.    Produce a valid passport or ID of said nation

c.    Produce a birth certificate of said nation

d.    Live in said nation at least one year from the date of their application

12. Once a player has chosen the nation they wish to represent, they cannot then switch to another nation unless their chosen national shuffleboard association ceases to be an ISA member or if the national shuffleboard association did not exist at the time the player represented a different nation.

13. A Tournament Director shall be appointed by the host(s) of the tournament in consultation with the ISA President.

14. If an agreement on the Tournament Director cannot be reached, the voting members of the Board of Directors will make the decision by vote with a simple majority.

15. The Tournament Director has the authority to appoint Assistant Tournament Directors, as required.

16. The tournament schedule is set up by the Tournament Director, the ISA President and the host(s).

17. In ISA World Championships, each participating national shuffleboard association shall supply up to two gifts, not exceeding the amount of $25 USD each, from their own country.  On request, the costs for these gifts will be reimbursed by the ISA Treasurer upon delivery of the gifts along with a required purchase receipt. The ISA President, the Tournament Director and a host representative will select volunteers who have contributed to a successful event, to be the recipients of these gifts.

18. Infringements of the playing rules or the “Code of Conduct” will result in the formation of a general forum, consisting of the Tournament Director and the voting members of the Board of Directors present at the tournament, to deal expeditiously with the alleged violation.

19. The forum has the authority to take appropriate disciplinary action and to make decisions regarding previous or outstanding games related to the violation.

20. There shall be no coaching during the games.

21. Once the official tournament practice session has ended, no additional practice may take place.

22. The use of a mobile device is not permitted during play. If a player has an emergency necessitating a mobile device, the Tournament Director must be made aware of this emergency, and they may grant permission to have a cell phone accordingly. This player’s opponent(s) shall be made aware of this allowance

B.   ISA Appointments

Any player wishing to be appointed under this category must qualify according to the following criteria:

1.    Be active in current or upcoming events, projects or the promotion of international shuffleboard.

2.    Any player wishing to be appointed under this category must apply in writing or by electronic transmission to the ISA President, stating their qualification(s).

3.    Players under this category shall be appointed by the ISA President, the Tournament Director and a member of the Steering Committee

C.   Player Fees

1.    According to Bylaws Article XI every player wishing to compete in an ISA sanctioned event is required to pay a player fee.

2.    The player fee at World Singles Championships is set at $75 USD. The player fee at other World Championships is set at $25.

3.    The fee will be collected by the national shuffleboard association whose players wish to compete in an ISA sanctioned event and forwarded by them, as a single payment, in US Dollars, directly to the ISA Treasurer by the established registration date of the event. 

4.    Failure to pay the player fee will result in the player’s disqualification to compete in this event.

5.    Upon receipt of the player fees, the ISA Treasurer will provide notice to both the Tournament Director and the ISA President, identifying all eligible players and/or teams for this event.

6.    The collected player fees are to be used strictly for approved ISA expenses in support of the Association.

D.   Singles World Championship

1.    Number of Participants

The number of participants per division should be a multiple of eight (8).

2.    Rules of Play

a.    Players in World Championships shall, whenever possible, be required to be divided into groups of 8 players each.

b.    There will always be a championship round(s), the form of which will vary depending upon the number of players in the division.

c.    Where there are insufficient courts for all players to play simultaneously, divisions shall play on alternate rounds, allowing the elimination of the stoppage of play for lunch break.

d.    Games are to be 16-frame non-walking singles with eight frames to be played on each colour.

e.    In the first Round Robin, individual game ties at the end of 16 frames will remain as unbroken ties.

f.     No-Touch Zone Rule:

i.      To enhance the game of shuffleboard and make it more interesting for players and spectators, the “No-Touch” rule shall be used.

ii.    The lag line and the area between the lag line and the scoring triangle is designated as the no-touch zone. The first disc of a frame that comes to rest in the no-touch zone must not be touched by the opponent’s first disc. Subsequent discs may clear the first disc as well as any other disc.

iii.   Discs within the scoring triangle, or touching its outer edge, are allowed to be touched under this rule.

iv.   When the first disc is intentionally or accidentally hit, the referees (located at the opposite end of the shooters) remove the hitting disc and return the first disc to its original position based on their best judgement, Players have the right to question the referees’ decisions. If both players reach an agreement, the referees’ decision is overruled. However, if the players disagree, the referees’ ruling stands. If the referees themselves cannot agree on the initial position of the first disc, the frame must be replayed. To signal that the first disc is in the no-touch zone, it is recommended to use a “stop” motion to let the opposite side know that the disc must not be touched.

Motion made with hand:

g.    

Charting/Coaching

After the game has started, no player may refer to drawings or any similar device designed to assist in executing a shot, coaching in any form is prohibited.

3.    Practice Shots

a.    At the beginning of each game, two discs may be shot by each player to check speed. Four setup discs are allowed for each player. The shooter may ask the player at the other end to place their cue in the desired location for the first shot and thereafter; the player may position the shooter’s discs as targets. When the opponent’s discs are available, they may be used as a target.

b.    After changing colour, four setup discs may be shot by each player on their new colour.

4.    Judging Discs

When there is uncertainty about whether a disc counts, the player at the opposite end of the court (playing black) makes the initial call. If either the shooter or their opponent questions the call, the person shooting the yellow disc provides the second call. If disagreement persists, the Tournament Director or their designee makes the final decision.

5.    Moved Discs

If a disc is moved by the players at the other end during play, it will be placed back in its former position, as close as possible. If multiple discs have been moved and there is no consensus on the former positions, then the frame will be replayed.

6.    Beading the Courts (when courts require beads)

Courts that require beads shall be beaded before play begins for the day. Courts may be re-beaded during the day if the situation at the host club permits it. The decision to re-bead a court during the day should be made judiciously, considering both personnel availability and material resources at the host club. Re-beading on request of the players is allowed only after all four players have completed their two speed shots, and it requires unanimous agreement from all players. If unanimous agreement among players is not reached, the Tournament Director or their designee may be asked to shoot a disc of each colour from both ends of the court to assess whether the court is playable without additional beading. After that, no alterations to the court are permitted.

7.    Recording Scores

No scores shall be recorded, and the round/game is not over until the absolute last disc has been shot and comes to a complete stop. No discs shall be moved until the score is recorded on the scoreboard.

8.    Penalties

No penalties will be assessed. Any dispute between players should be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director or their designee to resolve the situation. The Tournament Director or their designee has the final say in all disputes regarding play on the courts for the duration of the tournament.

9.    Code of Conduct

A player shall not interfere in any way with the shot of their opponent. A player shall demonstrate good sportsmanship on and off the courts.

10. Points

One point will be awarded for an individual win, a half point will be awarded for a tie and zero points will be awarded for a loss.

11. Ties

Ties at the conclusion of the first Round Robin will be broken in the following order:

a.    Results of prior head-to-head play for the involved players

b.    SpeedShuffleboard between the players involved

12. Rules for SpeedShuffleboard

a.    Each player will be assigned a court by the Tournament Director or their designee. Each player will be provided with eight discs.

b.    Upon command, each player will shoot one disc for practice. The practice disc will be removed from the court before any other discs are played. Upon command, each of the remaining discs will be played one at a time.

c.    A minus 10 (kitchen) will count as +10 points; all others will count as normal.

d.    All discs will remain on the board.

e.    Discs may be played from anywhere in the shooting area.

f.     Each player must shoot their disc before their opponent’s disc comes to a stop. Any disc not shot in the allotted time shall be forfeited and removed from the board.

g.    After each of the remaining discs is played, the scorekeeper shall announce the value of all good disc(s) and write that value and the total score on the scoreboard.

h.    The number of rounds will be equal to the number of players tied for the position in question and all players will play one round on each of the assigned courts.

i.      After all discs have been shot, the Tournament Director or their designee shall announce the total score for each player and the order of finish for all involved players.

j.      In the SpeedShuffleboard process, when two or more players are tied at the end, only those tied players participate in an additional round on their last court played. This continues until the tie is resolved.

13. Knockout Rounds

If there is a tie at the end of a game, four additional frames are played. These extra frames consist of two frames on each colour, with a change of colour after the first two frames. Players begin the extra frames using the same colour they played when the tie occurred. If another tie occurs, the process repeats until the tie is broken. The scores from these extra frames are added to the previous tied scores. 

14. Player Categories

a.    Returning Champions: male and female winners of their respective divisions of the previous World Singles Championship have the right to defend their titles. Players from this category count towards the national quota for the respective national shuffleboard association.

b.    Players from “Full Member” associations

c.    Players from other national shuffleboard associations

d.    “ISA Appointments” as defined in ISA Appointments, Section 2.B.

15. Substitutions

Substitutions are permissible only until the Tournament Director concludes the official Opening Ceremony. The substitute player must be eligible to represent the nation for which they are playing. If a player concedes a game, fails to complete a game, or does not appear within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the game will be recorded as a loss for that player and a win for their opponents. If a player or team misses one or more games during the Any-Doubles Championship, they can rejoin and continue playing according to the schedule.

16. Medals

a.    The winner of each division is rewarded with the “Golden Cue” trophy as well as a World Championship pin. The winner holds the title of “World Champion” until the next World Singles Championship.

b.    The winner of each division gets the gold medal, second gets the silver medal and third gets the bronze medal.

c.    The top eight participants of each division are rewarded with medals with their finishing rank engraved on the medal.

d.    The participants, in finishing order, shall be published on the ISA website.

E.   Any Doubles World Championship

1.    Number of Participants

Each member country of the ISA can provide up to two teams consisting of two players each.

2.    Format

The tournament is played as “Any Doubles”, where two teams of two people compete against each other, with one member from team A and B are on each end of the court.

3.    Rules of Play

a.    Games consist of either 8, 12 or 16 frames with equal number of frames to be played on each colour. The total number of frames will depend on factors such as the number of teams, available courts, and match days.

b.    No-Touch Zone Rule:

i)        To enhance the game of shuffleboard and make it more interesting for players and spectators, the “No-Touch” rule shall be used.

ii)    The lag line and the area between the lag line and the scoring triangle is designated as the no-touch zone. The first disc of a frame that comes to rest in the no-touch zone must not be touched by the opponent’s first disc. Subsequent discs may clear the first disc as well as any other disc.

iii)   Discs within the scoring triangle, or touching its outer edge, are allowed to be touched under this rule.

iv)   When the first disc is intentionally or accidentally hit, the referees (located at the opposite end of the shooters) remove the hitting disc and return the first disc to its original position based on their best judgement, Players have the right to question the referees’ decisions. If both players reach an agreement, the referees’ decision is overruled. However, if the players disagree, the referees’ ruling stands. If the referees themselves cannot agree on the initial position of the first disc, the frame must be replayed. To signal that the first disc is in the no-touch zone, it is recommended to use a “stop” motion to let the opposite side know that the disc must not be touched.

Motion made with hand:

c.    Charting/Coaching

After the game has started, no player may refer to drawings or any similar device designed to assist in executing a shot. Coaching in any form is prohibited.

d.    Points

If a team’s score at the end of the game is higher than their opponent’s, they win. One point will be awarded for a team’s win, a half point will be awarded for a tie and zero points will be awarded for a loss.

e.    Round Robin Tie

If there is a tie at the end of a game in the Round Robin stage, it remains unbroken.

f.     Knockout Round Tie

If there’s a tie at the end of a game, four additional frames are played. These extra frames consist of two frames on each colour, with a change of colour after the first two frames. Players begin the extra frames using the same colour they played when the tie occurred. If another tie occurs, the process repeats until the tie is broken.  The scores from these extra frames are added to the previous tied scores.

g.    Practice Shots

At the beginning of each game, four setup disks are allowed for each player. The shooter may ask the player at the other end to place their cue in the desired location for the first shot and thereafter; the player may position the shooter’s discs as targets. When the opponent’s discs are available, they may be used as a target. After changing colour, four setup discs may be shot by each player on their new colour.

h.    Judging Discs

When there is uncertainty about whether a disc counts, the player at the opposite end of the court (playing black) makes the initial call. If either the shooter or their opponent questions the call, the person shooting the yellow disc provides the second call. If disagreement persists, the Tournament Director or their designee makes the final decision.

i.      Moved Discs

If a disc is moved by the players at the other end during play, it will be placed back in its former position, as close as possible.  If multiple discs have been moved and there is no consensus on the former positions, then the frame will be replayed.

j.      Beading the Courts (when courts require beads)

Courts that require beads shall be beaded before play begins for the day. Courts may be re-beaded during the day if the situation at the host club permits it. The decision to re-bead a court during the day should be made judiciously, considering both personnel availability and material resources at the host club. Re-beading on request of the players is allowed only after all four players have completed their two speed shots, and it requires unanimous agreement from all players. If unanimous agreement among players is not reached, the Tournament Director or their designee may be asked to shoot a disc of each colour from both ends of the court to assess whether the court is playable without additional beading. After that, no alterations to the court are permitted.

k.    Recording Scores

No scores shall be recorded, and the round/game is not over until the absolute last disc has been shot and comes to a complete stop. No discs shall be moved until the score is recorded on the scoreboard.

l.      Penalties

No penalties will be assessed. Any dispute between players should be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director or their designee to resolve the situation. The Tournament Director or their designee has the final say in all disputes regarding play on the courts for the duration of the tournament.

m.  Code of Conduct

A player shall not interfere in any way with the shot of their opponent. A player shall demonstrate good sportsmanship on and off the courts.

n.    Returning Champions

Returning champions, who secured victory in the previous Championship, have the privilege to defend their titles. The president of their respective national shuffleboard association must prioritize selecting the returning champion before considering any other candidates.

Returning champions are also entitled to having their Player Fee (paid to the ISA) waived only for the year following their first-place win.

o.    Substitutions

Substitutions are permissible only until the Tournament Director concludes the official Opening Ceremony. The substitute player must be eligible to represent the nation for which they are playing. If a player concedes a game, fails to complete a game, or does not appear within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the game will be recorded as a loss for that player/team and a win for their opponents. If a player or team misses one or more games during the Any- Doubles Championship, they can rejoin and continue playing according to the schedule.

4.    Medals

a.    Winning Team: Each member of the winning team receives a gold medal and a plaque. They hold the prestigious title of the “World Doubles Champion” until the next Any Doubles World Championship.

b.    Runner-Up and Third Place: The runner-up team receives a silver medal, and the third-place team receives a bronze medal.

c.    Participant Listing: The finishing order of all participants will be published on the ISA website.  

F.    Formal Protest Procedure

In the interest of fairness, transparency, and sportsmanship, the following procedure shall apply to any formal protest concerning the outcome of a match during ISA-sanctioned tournaments.

      1.   Time Frame for Filing a Protest

a.    A protest must be submitted before the start of the next tournament section.

b.    A tournament section is defined as: Preliminary Round, Intermediate Round, Speed Shuffleboard or Knockout Round.

2.   Authorized Protest Initiators

a.    Direct submission by players: If both players agree and the protest timeframe has not expired, they may submit the protest directly to the Tournament Director.

b.    If the players disagree, a protest may only be initiated by the President of the respective national shuffleboard association.

c.    If the President is not present at the tournament venue, the protest may be submitted by: 

i.      The official Vice President of that national association, or

ii.     A designated representative of that nation, or

iii.    Another national President acting in agreement with the affected nation

d.    If none of the above are available, an ISA Officer may act on behalf of the nation concerned.

3. Participants in the Protest Review

      The following individuals shall be involved in the review process:

a.    The players directly involved in the disputed match

b.    The Tournament Director and, if applicable, their designated deputy

c.    The ISA President, or—if absent—the ISA Vice President or another ISA Officer

d.    The national Presidents of the involved associations, or their Vice Presidents or their designated representatives

4. Resolution Process

a.    The group shall strive to reach a resolution that reflects the principles of sportsmanship and is acceptable to both players and their respective nations.

b.    If no mutual agreement can be reached and the official rules have been clearly followed, the Tournament Director shall render the final decision.

c.    If the situation is not clearly addressed by the existing rules, the ISA President or—if absent—the ISA Vice President or another ISA Officer shall make the final decision.

5. Retroactive Evaluation Clause

a.    In exceptional cases—particularly those involving serious violations that extend beyond the scope of the tournament, a final and retroactive evaluation of the situation may be made after the event.

b.    Such decisions may be rendered by the ISA Board of Directors, or in less severe cases, by the individuals outlined above in 3.