Racquetball tournaments must follow certain rules and procedures. The United States Racquetball Association, or USRA, serves as the governing organization for racquetball in America. The USRA rulebook provides specific rules regarding tournament organization and procedures.
The Draw
The tournament director takes responsibility for creating the draw, or tournament bracket, for an event. The director should determine and post the draw at least two days in advance of the event. The draw should follow USRA approved seeding methods to prevent top-ranked players from meeting in the early rounds of the tournament.
Consolation Matches
USRA rules dictate that tournaments must allow each competitor to play at least two matches. Tournaments must allow players who lose their first matches to compete in a second consolation bracket. If a tournament director elects to waive the entrants’ rights to consolation matches, she must clearly state this decision on all tournament application forms.
Scheduling
The tournament director must post schedules indicating the starting time and court assignments of all matches. Players must take responsibility for learning the time and place of each match they must play in the tournament. The tournament director must notify players of any scheduling changes.
Warm-Up
Singles players can warm up on the court for five minutes before the start of a match. Both players must warm up at the same time. Doubles teams also can warm up for five minutes on the court before a match, but the teams take turns. Both teams should warm up within a 10-minute period.
Rules Officials
The tournament director appoints all rules officials for the event. Tournaments must have a rules committee consisting of an odd number of members. Every match must have a principal referee. Other rules officials, including two line judges and a scorekeeper, should assist the referee. The referee can eject any players or spectators for unsportsmanlike conduct or threatening behavior.
Eligibility
To play in an official USAR tournament, you must be a current member of USA Racquetball. You must sign a waiver and release of liability form indicating that you understand the risks associated with competitive racquetball.
Member Comments